Names of 4 Royal Barges in the 2026 Royal Barge Procession: Priceless Heritage of Thailand - Thairath English

The 2026 Royal Barge Procession One of Thailand's significant royal traditions reflecting the exquisite craftsmanship and wisdom in building royal barges. This year, the procession includes a total of 52 royal barges arranged in five rows, with four important royal barges positioned in the central row. Each barge has a distinctive appearance and specific role.

The Royal Barge Procession Is scheduled for Friday, 6 November 2026, on the occasion of the auspicious celebration of Her Majesty the Queen's 84th birthday. His Majesty the King and Her Majesty the Queen will attend to offer the royal Kathin robes at Wat Arun Ratchawararam Ratchawaramahawihan.

The royal barge procession route will commence from Wasukri Pier at 3:00 p.m., proceeding towards Wat Arun.The public can watch the procession from 16 designated points along both banks of the Chao Phraya River.

The 2026 Royal Barge Procession consists of 52 royal barges arranged in five rows, measuring approximately 1,200 meters long and 90 meters wide, with 2,200 personnel involved. It is divided into three main sections:

What are the royal barges in the 2026 procession? Let's get to know the four important royal barges and admire the beauty of these royal barges, which are valuable cultural heritage of Thailand.

Royal Barge Anantanakkharat Originally built during King Rama IV’s reign, the current vessel was rebuilt under King Rama VI and completed on 15 April 1914. It is distinguished by a carved figurehead of the seven-headed Naga, Anantanakkharat, adorned exquisitely in traditional Thai art.

The barge measures 42.95 meters long and 2.95 meters wide. The exterior is painted green, with the hull interior painted red. It is rowed by 54 oarsmen and generally serves as a secondary royal barge or for carrying the royal Kathin robes, as well as housing a pavilion for important Buddha images during the procession. The 2026 Royal Barge Procession

Royal Barge Suphannahong Dating back to the Ayutthaya period, the current barge was constructed during King Rama V’s reign and completed under King Rama VI, launched on 13 November 1911. It features a swan-shaped figurehead, gilded with gold lacquer and glass mosaic, with white tassels hanging at the bow.

The barge is 44.9 meters long, 3.14 meters wide, and weighs 15.1 tons. It is painted black on the exterior with a red hull interior. It uses golden oars and has a throne pavilion amidships for the monarch. This is a key royal barge exemplifying exquisite Thai craftsmanship.

Royal Barge Anekchatphuchong Built during King Rama V’s reign, it was originally a royal leisure barge before being used as a secondary royal barge in the procession. It is notable for its slender, elevated figurehead—not depicting a mythical animal but decorated with many small gilded naga motifs intricately carved.

The name “ Anekchatphuchong ” means 'many nagas.' The barge is 45.50 meters long and 3.15 meters wide, painted pink outside with a red hull interior. It is rowed by 61 oarsmen and stands out as uniquely different from other royal barges in the procession.

Royal Barge Narai Song Suban Commissioned by King Rama IX to celebrate the Golden Jubilee in 1996, this barge was modeled on earlier royal barges from King Rama III and IV’s periods. Construction began in 1994 and the barge was launched on 5 April 1996. It currently serves as a secondary royal barge in the procession.

Its figurehead is intricately carved depicting the four-armed Narayana (Vishnu) holding a trident, mace, discus, and conch shell, standing on the back of a Garuda. The barge is made of teak wood, decorated with gold lacquer and glass mosaics, with a bright red hull interior and a throne pavilion amidships.

The arrangement of the royal barge procession following ancient royal traditions not only displays the ceremony's grandeur but also reflects the meticulous skill of Thai artisans and the preservation of valuable arts, culture, and royal customs from the past to the present.