BANGKOK, Thailand – Suphannahong Royal Barge has a history dating back to the Ayutthaya period, during the early reign of King Maha Chakkraphat. The present barge was constructed in the late reign of King Rama V to replace the previous barge, which had been built during the reign of King Rama I. Its construction was completed during the reign of King Rama VI, and it was ceremonially launched on November 13, 1911, as part of the Royal Coronation Ceremony of King Rama VI. It is classified as a Royal Barge (Ruea Phra Thinang King).
The carved prow is shaped like a swan and decorated with gold lacquer and glass mosaics. The exterior is painted black, while the inside of the hull is painted red. The outer hull is gilded with glass mosaics and intricate kanok patterns on a blue background, symbolizing its status as a royal barge. When the King embarks on the royal barge, seven-tiered and five-tiered umbrellas, a royal parasol, a sunshade, and ceremonial fans are displayed.
At the center of the barge is a Busabok throne, also known as the Kan-ya Throne, serving as the royal seat. It is accompanied by royal curtains and a three-tailed flag at the stern. The swan’s beak is decorated with a yak-hair tassel topped with a crystal ornament, while a large floral garland hangs around its neck.
The royal barge measures 44.9 meters in length, 3.17 meters in width, and 0.94 meters in depth. It requires a total crew of 71 personnel, comprising 64 crew members, including two shipmasters, two helmsmen, 50 oarsmen, one stern flag bearer, one signalman, one rhythm caller, and seven umbrella bearers, as well as seven officials from the Bureau of the Royal Household. The beauty of the Suphannahong Royal Barge led the UK-based World Ship Trust to present it with the World Ship Award. The World Ship Trust committee was granted an audience with His Late Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great (King Rama IX). (NNT)
