The Royal Barges in the Royal Barge Procession: Thailand's Exquisite Art of Pride

On October 27, 2024, the Royal Barge Procession will take place in celebration of His Majesty the King’s 72nd birthday. This grand procession, in which His Majesty will travel by boat to present the Royal Kathin Robe at Wat Arun Ratchawararam Ratchaworamahawihan, will feature a total of 52 royal barges arranged in five rows, stretching approximately 1,200 meters in length and 90 meters in width. The procession will be manned by 2,200 crew members.

The key royal barges include:

• Four Royal Barges:
  
  • Suphannahong Royal Barge
    This is the principal royal barge, with a long history dating back to the Ayutthaya period. It was rebuilt during the reign of King Rama V and completed during the reign of King Rama VI. The prow features a golden swan head adorned with lacquer and glass mosaics. The barge measures 44.40 meters in length, 3.17 meters in width, and 0.94 meters in depth. In 1992, it was recognized as a World Heritage Barge by the World Ship Trust of the United Kingdom.
  • Anantanakkharat Royal Barge
    This barge is used to carry the Royal Kathin Robe, enshrined on the royal pavilion. The prow depicts Phaya Anantanakkharat, a mythical multi-headed serpent, in green and red hues. The barge is 42.95 meters long, 2.95 meters wide, and 0.31 meters deep.
  • Anekkachatphuchong Royal Barge
    This barge is reserved for members of the royal family. The prow is intricately carved and gilded with images of many mythical serpents. It measures 45.50 meters in length and 3.15 meters in width.
  • Narai Song Suban Royal Barge
    This reserve royal barge was built during the reign of King Rama IX to commemorate the Golden Jubilee. Constructed from golden teak, the barge is 44.3 meters long and 3.2 meters wide, with a prow depicting the god Narai standing on the back of Garuda.

Animal and Other Barges In addition to the royal barges, there are 8 animal-shaped barges and 52 other types of barges that play significant roles in the Royal Barge Procession. These include the leading barges, escort barges, and battle barges, each with its own symbolic importance in Thai tradition.

This year’s Royal Barge Procession not only celebrates an important royal ceremony but also helps to preserve and continue the beautiful Thai cultural tradition for future generations.

For More Information : Royal Thai Navy
Link : https://www.navy.mi.th/