The Thai Royal Barges, History Well-Preserved

The history of the Royal Barges, used today on ceremonial occasions, began during the reign of King Rama I, Somdej Phra Buddha Yodfa Chulaloke, after the original barges, from Sri Ayutthaya days, were completely destroyed by the Burmese during wartime.

For many years there were no Royal Barges because King Tak Sin, who ruled between the Ayutthaya and Rattanakosin periods, built only a navy.

Royal Barges built during the reign of Kind Rama I included, amongothers, the Sri Subanahongsa, the Ekachai Hernhow and the Ekachai Laothong. King Rama II graciously commanded the building of two more barges, while King Rama III required twenty-four more to be built.
Seven more barges were constructed under the royal command of King Rama IV, or King Mongkut. One of these barges was the Royal Anantanagaraj. King Rama VI, or King Chulachomklao, directed construction of the Royal Barge Anekjatibhujonga and last, but not least, the final two barges are the Royal Subanahongsa, rebuilt by command of Kind Rama VI, and the Royal Naraisongsuban, built recently for His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej.

All ceremonial Royal Barges lay at anchor at the royal harbor on the Bangkok Noi Canal. Traditionally, the Roayl Barges support royal ceremonies, such as the Royal Katin Ceremony. During this ceremony, His Majesty the King commands the Royal Barges Procession to row along the Chao Phraya River to a temple on the riverbank where His Majesty offers clothes to the monks.