Types of Royal Barges the Hindu legacy By Eric Lim The types of royal barges, their designs and characteristics, reflect the influence of Hindu folklore on Thai culture and traditions. From the King's personal barge, Suphannahongsa to the royal escort barges, these barges have unique features related to Hindu deities. The types of royal barges in the Royal Barge Procession consist of royal barges for the King and the royal escort barges. Royal Barges used as vessels for the King, Holy Scriptures and Buddha images during Royal Ceremonies are: The Suphannahongsa or golden swan, the personal barge of the King is by far the most majestic. This royal barge, which was carved out of a single teak tree trunk, was completed in 1911. Suphannahongsa the golden swan The golden swan or hamsa, the mythical steed of Hindu God Brahma, protrudes from the bow. Length: 49 m. Crew: 2 officers, 54 oarsmen, 2 steersmen, 1 standard bearer, 1 signalman, 1 chanter and 7 royal insignia bearers.
The Narai Song Suban H.M. King Rama IX is the latest addition to the types of royal barges. This royal barge was launched on 09 May 1996 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej's accession to the throne. Narai Song Suban H M King Rama IX Vishnu astride Garuda The Hindu God Vishnu astride his garuda graces the bow of this barge. Length: 44 m. Crew: 2 officers, 50 oarsmen, 2 steersmen, 1 standard bearer, 1 signalman, 1 chanter and 7 royal insignia bearers. The Anekchatphuchong was first constructed during the reign of King Rama IV. The current version on display at the museum was launched in 1914. Anekchatphuchong
The fourth type of royal barge is the Anantanakharat with a seven-headed serpent, Naga sprouting from the bow. Anantanakharat the 7-headed Naga The following types of royal barges are escort barges accompanying the King's personal barge. The Krut or garuda class barge with the garuda, Vishnu's steed, in flight on the bow. Krut or Garuda Armament: bow cannon. Length: 28 m. Crew: 1 officer, 34 oarsmen, 2 steersmen, 1 standard bearer, 1 signalman and 2 timekeepers.
The Ekachai class barge with the horn of a mythical horned dragon or hera on the bow. The dragon's head and body are painted on the hull of the barge. Ekachai Hera the horned dragon Length: 29 m. Crew: 2 officers, 38 oarsmen, 2 steersmen, 1standard bearer and 1 signalman. The Ekachai class is the only type of royal escort barge that does not have a cannon on the bow. The Krabi class barge with Hanuman the Monkey God astride the bow. Hanuman is the Monkey God in the Ramakien, the Thai version of the Hindu Ramayana epic. Krabi Hanuman the monkey god Armament: bow cannon. Length: 29 m. Crew: 1 officer, 36 oarsmen, 2 steersmen, 1 standard bearer, 1 signalman and 2 timekeepers.
The Asura Vayupak class barge with a half bird and half ogre on the bow. The fearsome Asura Vayupak Armament: bow cannon. Length: 31 m. Crew: 1 officer, 38 oarsmen, 2 steersmen, 1 standard bearer, 10 drummers and 2 timekeepers. The Suea or tiger barge with a ferocious tiger's head painted on the bow and tiger stripes on the hull. Armament: bow cannon. Length: 22 m. Crew: 26 oarsmen, 2 steersmen, 1 officer, 1 signalman, and 2 palace officers. The designs of the various types of Royal Barges give each barge a unique character indicating its function and the influence of the Hindu legacy.