The Royal Thai Navy and the Department of Fine Arts commissioned the construction of the Narayana Song Suban Barge - the first to be built during the current reign - to pay homage to His Majesty the King on the 50th Anniversary of his Accession to the Throne.
Subanahongsa Royal Barge:
The name Subanahongsa, or golden hamsa, refers to the swan-like mythical steed of the Hindu God Brahma which appeared in Thai lore during the Ayutthaya Period.King Rama I ordered the Subanahongsa Barge to be built soon after his accession to the throne in 1782. The vessel was in constant use as the principal royal barge until it became too old to be repaired.
Anantanagaraj Royal Barge:
Second in rank to the Subanahongsa is the Anantanagaraj Barge, which is characterised by a seven-headed naga, the mythical serpent that is a symbol of water.Like the other principal barges, the Anantanagaraj had a predecessor, in this case built in the reign of King Rama IV. The present barge was built by King Rama VI and launched on April 15, 1914.
Anekajatbhujonga Royal Barge:
The oldest of the principle royal barges is the Anekajatbhujonga Barge, built for King Rama V.In state processions, the Anekajatbhujonga stands out as appearing quite plain in outline, as it does not have a figurehead, but a simple yet graceful prow.Closer inspection, however, dispels this impression of simplicity. The barge is in fact covered with an intricate pattern of innumerable naga figures.
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