Uniquely Thai and spectacular, eight of the Royal barges are on display. These magnificent boats are hand carved from huge pieces of teak with prows carved into mythical creatures, gilded in gold and intricately decorated with tiny shimmering pieces of glass. Used for ceremonial and state occasions and rowed by up to 50 specially trained oarsmen, the boats leave their their dry dock annually at festival times, for a procession along the Chao Phraya River. The boats are also brought out on important state occasions. Royal Barge Procession
The Royal Barge Procession is a regal tradition historians believe has existed since the Sukhothai period seven centuries ago. It consists of 52 beautifully carved and gilded barges with figureheads representing mythical beasts. The formation of the flotilla of ancient frigates is about 1,200 meters long and 90 meters wide; a rare happening that, understandably, enjoys legendary status. During the reign of the present King, only 15 Royal Barge Processions have been held – the last one in June 2006 to mark H.M. The King\’s Diamond Jubilee, and the highlight of joyous celebrations throughout the Kingdom. Of the 52 barges that were used in the procession, four were royal barges, namely the Subanahongsa (Golden Swan), the Anatanagaraj (Multiple-headed Naga), the Anekajatibhujonga (Innumerable Naga figures), and the Narai Song Suban King Rama IX. About 2,082 personnel from various naval units participated as oarsmen in the procession. Prior to the procession, several rehearsals were conducted by the Royal Thai Navy and open for public viewing, drawing many thousands of people who came to catch a first glimpse of what would undoubtedly be one of the grandest spectacles seen in Thailand in many years. (Also see Diamond Jubilee Celebrations) The day finally arrived. June 12. The Chao Praya River was flanked by hundreds of thousands of yellow-cladded Thais crowding every available spot on the riverbanks. The Thai royal family, visiting royalty from 25 countries, together with other royal and VIP dignitaries were hosted at the Royal Thai Navy Institute. The flotilla, with the principle barge positioned at the Rama VIII Bridge section of the Chao Praya River, glided gracefully downriver to the rhythmic beat of drummers, manned by more than 2,000 brilliantly clad oarsmen in ancient costumes. The entire section of the river that the procession followed was closed for other boat traffic, and the unusual peacefulness was almost ominous as the dramatic sounds of the specially-composed boat songs filled the air. As the barges arrived in front of the Royal Thai Navy Institute, a spectacular hour-long light-and-sound show followed. The chanting of boat songs date back to the Ayutthaya period, and originally served the purpose of providing a rhythm for rowing and on long journeys helped relieve the monotony of the travel. The boat songs used in this historic occasion had been composed by Thailand\’s most celebrated royal barge poet. They consisted of three parts; the first praising His Majesty the King for his arduous works during his reign with righteousness for the benefit and happiness of Thai people, the second portraying the exquisite features of each ceremonial barge in the procession, and the final part depicting the beauty of Thailand. During the procession, the chant seemed to have cast a magic spell on the crowded banks of the Chao Praya River and time suddenly stood still.
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