Krabi Prab Mueang Mara and Krabi Ranronrap Barges

Krabi Prab Mueang Mara and Krabi Ranronrap Barges were both built during the reign of King Rama I. They are animal-shaped barges belonging to the military vessel category. During World War II, air raids on Bangkok caused severe damage to both royal barges.

In 1948, the Fine Arts Department removed the figureheads and sterns of both barges for preservation in a museum. In 1967, major restoration was carried out, with the barges rebuilt using the original figureheads, which were repaired.
The distinctive feature of both barges are their figureheads, which depict Hanuman, the white monkey warrior and chief of Rama’s army in the Ramakien epic. Krabi Prab Mueang Mara has a white body, while the Krabi Ranronrap has a black body. Neither wears a headdress. 

Their bodies are painted with swirling patterns representing hair in four colors: brown, red, pink, and gold leaf. They wear a neck ornament, upper-arm bracelets, decorative plates on both sides of the chest, wrist and ankle bracelets, a belt, and a beautifully gilded garment adorned with glass inlays. The monkey warriors hold three-pronged flags in both hands, symbolizing their bravery.

The royal barge measures 26.80 meters in length, 2.10 meters in width, and 0.51 meters in depth. It requires a total crew of 53 personnel, including one shipmaster, two helmsmen, 36 oarsmen, one stern flag bearer, one signalman, two rhythm callers, two rowing-rhythm coordinators, and ten victory drum players.

Credit: พระลาน / NBT World