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Royal Barge Procession of Thailand

Tha Khunnang Rd, Khwaeng Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Khet Phra Nakhon, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10200, Thailand

"The Thai Royal Boat Procession is a ceremony of great historical significance that has been going on for nearly 700 years. The procession took place on the Chao Phraya River with a group of more than 50 boats, each of which was a masterpiece and Royal boat procession rarely happens, it has only been held 16 times in the past 65 years when it comes to the most important cultural and religious events."

For Thais in all historical eras, boats are the main means of transportation. The boats used by the King and members of the royal family are called the royal fleet (ruea luang). During wartime, the royal fleet was used for military operations. When peace prevailed, ships in the royal fleet would carry the King and members of the royal family on religious or ceremonial occasions.

The Royal Boat Procession is one of the most epic events in the world. The event usually starts around 3pm from near Rama VIII Bridge and ends at Wat Arun at 4pm. In 2003, the event was specially staged to celebrate the APEC Summit in Bangkok. It has also been reported live to millions of viewers around the world.

The royal fleet of boats will have more than 50 boats participating in the procession, each a masterpiece of traditional craftsmanship. All boats are meticulously decorated by the Fine Arts Department and maintained by the Royal Thai Navy. Each ship will have 54 sailors rowing to the rhythmic rhythm of the drummer.

During the ceremony, six temples on either side of the Chao Phraya River will hold a Buddhist chanting ceremony in honor of the King. Wat Rachathiwat Ratchaworawihan, Wat Thewarat Kunchorn Worawiharn, Wat Sam Phraya, Wat Bowon Mongkhon, Wat Karuhabodee, and Wat Rakhang Khositaram, each of which begins a chanting ceremony when the royal boat approaches the temple's riverbank and ends with a procession pass.

The procession will take place in about 45 minutes with a distance of about 3.5 km. Among more than 50 boats participating in the procession, there are 4 royal boats: Suphannahong, Anantanagaraj, Anekajatbhujonga and Narayana Song Suban

1. Boat Suphannahong

Built in 1911, Suphannahong is the most majestic of all the boats participating in the procession. The name Suphannahong refers to the mystical swan-like steed of the Hindu god Brahma and is traditionally reserved for the king's use.

The prototype Suphannahong, still in use today, was built during the reign of King Rama I. The boat was used continuously until it became too old and was repaired during the reign of King Rama V.

The head of Suphannahong is carved with gilded lacquer, decorated with mirrored glass and a crystal ball. At the center of the ship there is a throne for the king.

The boat has participated in many famous events including the coronation of King Rama VI and King Rama VIII as well as the 150th anniversary of the founding of Bangkok held during the reign of King Rama VII.

2. Boat Anantanagaraj

The boat was originally built in the reign of King Rama III and was named Banlang Anantanagaraj, which translates to Throne of Ananta - king of snakes. But the current Anantanagaraj was closed during the reign of King Rama VI and debuted in April 1914.

The most prominent feature of Anantanagaraj is the bow carved with the seven-headed Naga snake, gilded lacquer and decorated with reflective glass. The hull is painted green outside and red inside.

Anantanagaraj ranks second after Suphannahong and is a testament to the exquisite craftsmanship of shipbuilders. In addition to the head of the boat which is carved with a Naga snake, the body is equally beautiful with countless small snakes that are densely woven into vines that look like flowers.

3. Anekajatbhujonga

Built during the reign of King Rama V, the Anekajatbhujonga appears simple especially when compared to the other three royal boats. Anekajatbhujonga has no head, but is most appreciated in close-up. This simple boat is covered with numerous exquisite Naga snakes. The hull is painted pink outside and red inside.

4. Narayana Song Suban

The construction of Narayana Song Suban during the reign of King Bhumibol Adulyadej was commissioned by the Royal Thai Navy and the Department of Fine Arts to pay tribute to the King on the 50th anniversary of his enthronement.

The name was given by King Rama IX himself, from an earlier royal barge built during the reign of King Rama III named Mongkol Suban.

This boat has a small wooden statue of the Hindu god Narayana which is intricately carved and mounted on the top of the garuda. This is based on the ancient Brahmin legend that says that the garuda serves as the vehicle of Narayana.

Construction of Narayana Song Suban began in 1994. King Bhumibol presided over the groundbreaking ceremony at the Royal Thai Navy shipyard in September of that year.

In addition to the 4 royal boats, the procession also has many smaller escort boats arranged in 5 groups to follow.

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