Four Principal Royal Barges in the Royal Barge Procession (4/10/2019)

Ceremonial barges in the Royal Barge Procession are considered part of the national heritage, kept in in a special dockyard on the premises of the . Among them are four principal royal barges, which are considered works of art of a very high order.

The Royal Barge Suphannahong has taken the central place in the Royal Barge Procession. Built in the reign of King Rama V and completed in the reign of King Rama VI, it is 44.90 meters in length, 3.14 meters at the beam, and 0.90 meters in depth. The name is derived from the Royal Barge Si Suphannahong built in the reign of King . The bow of the barge is built in the shape of a swans head and is richly adorned with golden lacquer and glass ornaments.

The Royal Barge Suphannahong has become an outstanding symbol of Thailands cultural heritage. In 1992, the World Ship Trust Maritime Heritage Award \"Suphannahong Royal Barge was bestowed upon this barge by the World Ship Trust, under the patronage of H.R.H. Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, \"owing to her beauty and superb craftsmanship.

The Royal Barge Anantanakkharat, second in rank to the Suphannahong, was built in the reign of King Rama VI. It has an intricate figurehead in the form of a seven-headed naga adorned with golden lacquer and glass ornaments. It is 42.95 meters in length, 2.95 meters at the beam, and 0.76 meters in depth. The hull has a green exterior.

The Royal Barge Anekkachatphutchong was built in the reign of King Rama V. It is 45.50 meters in length, 3.15 meters at the beam, and 1.11 meters in depth. The bow consists of many small naga- head figurines and the hull has a pink exterior.

The Royal Barge Song Suban, King Rama IX, features the Hindu god riding his on the bow. It was built as part of the auspicious occasion of the 50th Anniversary of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadejs Accession to the Throne in 1996. The hull has a bright red exterior. The length of the barge is 44.30 meters and the width at the beam 3.20 meters. The depth of the hull is 1.10 meters.

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