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The Pali Rang Thawip is one of four Krabi Class barges with Vali, the king of Kishkindha at the prow. Vali was a charsacter from the Hindu epic, the <i>Ramayana</i>.<br/><br/> Thailand's royal barges have been used in ceremonies on Bangkok's Chao Phraya River since the 18th century, but were also used prior to this period in the Ayutthayan era.<br/><br/> The exquisitely crafted Royal Barges are a blend of craftsmanship and traditional Thai art. The Royal Barge Procession takes place rarely, typically coinciding with only the most significant cultural and religious events. During the reign of King Bhumibol Adulyadej spanning over 60 years the Procession has only occurred 16 times.<br/><br/> The Royal Barge Procession, in the present, consists of 52 barges (51 historical Barges, and the Royal Barge the Narai Song Suban King Rama IX, built in 1994 and the only Barge built during King Bhumibol's reign) and is manned by 2,082 oarsmen. The Procession proceeds down the Chao Phraya River, from the Wasukri Royal Landing Place in Khet Dusit, Bangkok, passes the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, The Grand Palace, Wat Po and finally arrives at Wat Arun (Temple of the Dawn).
The Krut Hern Het is one of two Krut Class barges with garuda figureheads.<br/><br/> Thailand's royal barges have been used in ceremonies on Bangkok's Chao Phraya River since the 18th century, but were also used prior to this period in the Ayutthayan era.<br/><br/> The exquisitely crafted Royal Barges are a blend of craftsmanship and traditional Thai art. The Royal Barge Procession takes place rarely, typically coinciding with only the most significant cultural and religious events. During the reign of King Bhumibol Adulyadej spanning over 60 years the Procession has only occurred 16 times.<br/><br/> The Royal Barge Procession, in the present, consists of 52 barges (51 historical Barges, and the Royal Barge the Narai Song Suban King Rama IX, built in 1994 and the only Barge built during King Bhumibol's reign) and is manned by 2,082 oarsmen. The Procession proceeds down the Chao Phraya River, from the Wasukri Royal Landing Place in Khet Dusit, Bangkok, passes the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, The Grand Palace, Wat Po and finally arrives at Wat Arun (Temple of the Dawn).
Suphannahongse (Suphannahong), the King's personal barge, was carved out of one teak tree and completed in 1911.<br/><br/> Thailand's royal barges have been used in ceremonies on Bangkok's Chao Phraya River since the 18th century, but were also used prior to this period in the Ayutthayan era.<br/><br/> The exquisitely crafted Royal Barges are a blend of craftsmanship and traditional Thai art. The Royal Barge Procession takes place rarely, typically coinciding with only the most significant cultural and religious events. During the reign of King Bhumibol Adulyadej spanning over 60 years the Procession has only occurred 16 times.<br/><br/> The Royal Barge Procession, in the present, consists of 52 barges (51 historical Barges, and the Royal Barge the Narai Song Suban King Rama IX, built in 1994 and the only Barge built during King Bhumibol's reign) and is manned by 2,082 oarsmen. The Procession proceeds down the Chao Phraya River, from the Wasukri Royal Landing Place in Khet Dusit, Bangkok, passes the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, The Grand Palace, Wat Po and finally arrives at Wat Arun (Temple of the Dawn).
Constance Phaulkon (born Κωσταντής Γεράκης - Costantin Gerachi) or Constantinos Gerakis (γεράκι - geraki is the Greek word for falcon). Known by the French as Monsieur Constance, the Thai เจ้าพระยา วิชาเยนทร์ - Chao Phraya Vichayen and the Portuguese Constantino Falcão (1647 - June 5, 1688) was a Greek adventurer, who became first counsellor to King Narai of Ayutthaya.<br/><br/> The old town of Lopburi dates back to the Dvaravati era (6th - 13th century). It was originally known as Lavo or Lavapura. After the foundation of the Ayutthaya Kingdom in the fifteenth century, Lopburi was a stronghold of Ayutthaya's rulers. It later became a new royal capital during the reign of King Narai the Great of the Ayutthaya kingdom in the middle of the 17th century. The king stayed here for about eight months a year. Today, Lopburi is renowned for its Crab-Eating Macaques that live amid the Khmer temple ruins of the city.
Constance Phaulkon (born Κωσταντής Γεράκης - Costantin Gerachi) or Constantinos Gerakis (γεράκι - geraki is the Greek word for falcon). Known by the French as Monsieur Constance, the Thai เจ้าพระยา วิชาเยนทร์ - Chao Phraya Vichayen and the Portuguese Constantino Falcão (1647 - June 5, 1688) was a Greek adventurer, who became first counsellor to King Narai of Ayutthaya.<br/><br/> The old town of Lopburi dates back to the Dvaravati era (6th - 13th century). It was originally known as Lavo or Lavapura. After the foundation of the Ayutthaya Kingdom in the fifteenth century, Lopburi was a stronghold of Ayutthaya's rulers. It later became a new royal capital during the reign of King Narai the Great of the Ayutthaya kingdom in the middle of the 17th century. The king stayed here for about eight months a year. Today, Lopburi is renowned for its Crab-Eating Macaques that live amid the Khmer temple ruins of the city.
Constance Phaulkon (born Κωσταντής Γεράκης - Costantin Gerachi) or Constantinos Gerakis (γεράκι - geraki is the Greek word for falcon). Known by the French as Monsieur Constance, the Thai เจ้าพระยา วิชาเยนทร์ - Chao Phraya Vichayen and the Portuguese Constantino Falcão (1647 - June 5, 1688) was a Greek adventurer, who became first counsellor to King Narai of Ayutthaya.<br/><br/> The old town of Lopburi dates back to the Dvaravati era (6th - 13th century). It was originally known as Lavo or Lavapura. After the foundation of the Ayutthaya Kingdom in the fifteenth century, Lopburi was a stronghold of Ayutthaya's rulers. It later became a new royal capital during the reign of King Narai the Great of the Ayutthaya kingdom in the middle of the 17th century. The king stayed here for about eight months a year. Today, Lopburi is renowned for its Crab-Eating Macaques that live amid the Khmer temple ruins of the city.
Somdet Chao Phraya Borom Maha Prayurawongse or Dis Bunnag (1788–1855) was a prominent political figure in Siam during the mid-19th century. He acted as regent for King Mongkut (Rama IV) kingdom-wide. He led Siamese fleets in the Siamese-Vietnamese Wars and became a Somdet Chao Phraya - the highest title the nobility could attain with equal honor to that of royalty.<br/><br/> Dis Bunnag was born in 1788 to Bunnag and Lady Nuan (who was Queen Amarindra's sister). His father, Bunnag, or Chao Phraya Akka Mahasena, was the Samuha Kalahom and Buddha Yodfa Chulaloke's (Rama I) trusted general.<br/><br/> Dis entered the palace as a royal page - the traditional way to enter Siamese bureaucracy. Dis swiftly rose through the ranks and became the Minister of Krom Tha and emerged as a powerful noble under the government of Buddha Loetla Nabhalai (Rama II).<br/><br/> As Dis had played a great role in the ascension of Mongkut, he was bestowed the title of Somdet Chao Phraya Borom Maha Prayurawongse and became Mongkut's regent kingdom-wide along with his brother Tat Bunnag who became Somdet Chao Phraya Borom Maha Pichaiyat and Mongkut's regent in Bangkok.<br/><br/> The Bowring Treaty (an agreement signed between the United Kingdom and Siam to liberalize trade) was negotiated by Prayurawongse.
Dr Paul Neis undertook a scientific mission to Cochinchina and Laos on behalf of the French Minister of Public Education. He returned to Bangkok by way of Chiang Mai and north Thailand. His mission lasted for 19 months between 1882 and 1884.
At the turn of the 20th century, the vast majority of Siamese were rice farmers who lived and worked along waterways. Every household had a boat, an estimated 600,000 of which navigated the canals and rivers of Bangkok. Rowing was done from the back of the boat. Most houses were made from wood and bamboo, and were built on stilts with a ladder running to the water.
At the turn of the 20th century, the vast majority of Siamese were rice farmers who lived and worked along waterways. Fishermen, too, lived close to or on the rivers and canals. Every household had a boat, an estimated 600,000 of which navigated the canals and rivers of Bangkok. During the reign of King Chulalongkorn (1868—1910), many irrigation projects were ordered, the first of which was the Rangsit Canal in 1890.
Wat Chai Wattanaram (Watthanaram) wad built in the 17th century during the reign of King Prasat Thong (reign: 1629 - 1656), who was the first king of the Prasat Thong Dynasty. It is built very much in the Angkor / Khmer style.<br/><br/> Ayutthaya (Ayudhya) was a Siamese kingdom that existed from 1351 to 1767. Ayutthaya was friendly towards foreign traders, including the Chinese, Vietnamese (Annamese), Indians, Japanese and Persians, and later the Portuguese, Spanish, Dutch and French, permitting them to set up villages outside the city walls. In the sixteenth century, it was described by foreign traders as one of the biggest and wealthiest cities in the East. The court of King Narai (1656–1688) had strong links with that of King Louis XIV of France, whose ambassadors compared the city in size and wealth to Paris.
Wat Chai Wattanaram (Watthanaram) wad built in the 17th century during the reign of King Prasat Thong (reign: 1629 - 1656), who was the first king of the Prasat Thong Dynasty. It is built very much in the Angkor / Khmer style.<br/><br/> Ayutthaya (Ayudhya) was a Siamese kingdom that existed from 1351 to 1767. Ayutthaya was friendly towards foreign traders, including the Chinese, Vietnamese (Annamese), Indians, Japanese and Persians, and later the Portuguese, Spanish, Dutch and French, permitting them to set up villages outside the city walls. In the sixteenth century, it was described by foreign traders as one of the biggest and wealthiest cities in the East. The court of King Narai (1656–1688) had strong links with that of King Louis XIV of France, whose ambassadors compared the city in size and wealth to Paris.
Thot Kathin is an important annual ceremony for Buddhists in Thailand and neighbouring countries. It takes place at the end of the monsoon season when monks are free to leave their monasteries and wander or go on pilgrimage. At this time, local devotees offer new robes and other essentials to the monks. Sponsoring a Kathin ceremony is considered a noble way of making merit in Thai society. Traditionally, the King of Thailand makes a donation to the monks at the temple of Wat Arun in Bangkok and travels down the Chao Phraya River in his royal barge to attend the ceremony.
Thot Kathin is an important annual ceremony for Buddhists in Thailand and neighbouring countries. It takes place at the end of the monsoon season when monks are free to leave their monasteries and wander or go on pilgrimage. At this time, local devotees offer new robes and other essentials to the monks. Sponsoring a Kathin ceremony is considered a noble way of making merit in Thai society. Traditionally, the King of Thailand makes a donation to the monks at the temple of Wat Arun in Bangkok and travels down the Chao Phraya River in his royal barge to attend the ceremony.
At the turn of the 20th century, the vast majority of Siamese were rice farmers who lived and worked along waterways. Fishermen, too, lived close to or on the rivers and canals. Every household had a boat, an estimated 600,000 of which navigated the canals and rivers of Bangkok. During the reign of King Chulalongkorn (1868—1910), many irrigation projects were ordered, the first of which was the Rangsit Canal in 1890.
At the turn of the 20th century, the vast majority of Siamese were rice farmers who lived and worked along waterways. Every household had a boat, an estimated 600,000 of which navigated the canals and rivers of Bangkok. Rowing was done from the back of the boat. Most houses were made from wood and bamboo, and were built on stilts with a ladder running to the water.
At the turn of the 20th century, the vast majority of Siamese were rice farmers who lived and worked along waterways. Every household had a boat, an estimated 600,000 of which navigated the canals and rivers of Bangkok. Rowing was done from the back of the boat. Most houses were made from wood and bamboo, and were built on stilts with a ladder running to the water.
At the turn of the 20th century, the vast majority of Siamese were rice farmers who lived and worked along waterways. Every household had a boat, an estimated 600,000 of which navigated the canals and rivers of Bangkok. Rowing was done from the back of the boat. Most houses were made from wood and bamboo, and were built on stilts with a ladder running to the water.
At the turn of the 20th century, the vast majority of Siamese were rice farmers who lived and worked along waterways. Every household had a boat, an estimated 600,000 of which navigated the canals and rivers of Bangkok. Rowing was done from the back of the boat. Most houses were made from wood and bamboo, and were built on stilts with a ladder running to the water.
Although an important town for hundreds of years, Bangkok sat on the sidelines, located beside the Chao Phraya River between the ancient capital of Ayutthaya to the north and the sea to the south. It was only following a sequence of kingdoms and invasions in the regions to the north that Bangkok evolved into what it is today.<br/><br/> The story of Bangkok begins in the far north of Thailand. The soil from which tall buildings now sprout once provided sustenance for rice. At that time, as little as 1,500 years ago, the site of the future capital city lay beneath the ocean’s waters. Each monsoon season, the powerful currents of the Chao Phraya River swept southwards, carrying the soil from eroded farmland into the sea, gradually nudging the shoreline a little further into what is known today as the Gulf of Thailand.
The Krabi Prap Mueang Man is one of four Krabi Class barges with the monkey god, Hanuman at the prow.<br/><br/> Thailand's royal barges have been used in ceremonies on Bangkok's Chao Phraya River since the 18th century, but were also used prior to this period in the Ayutthayan era.<br/><br/> The exquisitely crafted Royal Barges are a blend of craftsmanship and traditional Thai art. The Royal Barge Procession takes place rarely, typically coinciding with only the most significant cultural and religious events. During the reign of King Bhumibol Adulyadej spanning over 60 years the Procession has only occurred 16 times.<br/><br/> The Royal Barge Procession, in the present, consists of 52 barges (51 historical Barges, and the Royal Barge the Narai Song Suban King Rama IX, built in 1994 and the only Barge built during King Bhumibol's reign) and is manned by 2,082 oarsmen. The Procession proceeds down the Chao Phraya River, from the Wasukri Royal Landing Place in Khet Dusit, Bangkok, passes the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, The Grand Palace, Wat Po and finally arrives at Wat Arun (Temple of the Dawn).
The Krabi Prap Mueang Man is one of four Krabi Class barges with the monkey god, Hanuman at the prow.<br/><br/> Thailand's royal barges have been used in ceremonies on Bangkok's Chao Phraya River since the 18th century, but were also used prior to this period in the Ayutthayan era.<br/><br/> The exquisitely crafted Royal Barges are a blend of craftsmanship and traditional Thai art. The Royal Barge Procession takes place rarely, typically coinciding with only the most significant cultural and religious events. During the reign of King Bhumibol Adulyadej spanning over 60 years the Procession has only occurred 16 times.<br/><br/> The Royal Barge Procession, in the present, consists of 52 barges (51 historical Barges, and the Royal Barge the Narai Song Suban King Rama IX, built in 1994 and the only Barge built during King Bhumibol's reign) and is manned by 2,082 oarsmen. The Procession proceeds down the Chao Phraya River, from the Wasukri Royal Landing Place in Khet Dusit, Bangkok, passes the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, The Grand Palace, Wat Po and finally arrives at Wat Arun (Temple of the Dawn).
The Narai Song Suban H. M. King Rama IX was added to the barge collection in 1996 to commemorate King Bhumibol Adulyadej's 50th year on the throne of Thailand.<br/><br/> Thailand's royal barges have been used in ceremonies on Bangkok's Chao Phraya River since the 18th century, but were also used prior to this period in the Ayutthayan era.<br/><br/> The exquisitely crafted Royal Barges are a blend of craftsmanship and traditional Thai art. The Royal Barge Procession takes place rarely, typically coinciding with only the most significant cultural and religious events. During the reign of King Bhumibol Adulyadej spanning over 60 years the Procession has only occurred 16 times.<br/><br/> The Royal Barge Procession, in the present, consists of 52 barges (51 historical Barges, and the Royal Barge the Narai Song Suban King Rama IX, built in 1994 and the only Barge built during King Bhumibol's reign) and is manned by 2,082 oarsmen. The Procession proceeds down the Chao Phraya River, from the Wasukri Royal Landing Place in Khet Dusit, Bangkok, passes the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, The Grand Palace, Wat Po and finally arrives at Wat Arun (Temple of the Dawn).
The Asura Paksi barge is an Asura class barge. The figurehead straddling the cannon is a Demon King, half ogre, half bird.<br/><br/> Thailand's royal barges have been used in ceremonies on Bangkok's Chao Phraya River since the 18th century, but were also used prior to this period in the Ayutthayan era. The exquisitely crafted Royal Barges are a blend of craftsmanship and traditional Thai art.<br/><br/> The Royal Barge Procession takes place rarely, typically coinciding with only the most significant cultural and religious events. During the reign of King Bhumibol Adulyadej spanning over 60 years the Procession has only occurred 16 times.<br/><br/> The Royal Barge Procession, in the present, consists of 52 barges (51 historical Barges, and the Royal Barge the Narai Song Suban King Rama IX, built in 1994 and the only Barge built during King Bhumibol's reign) and is manned by 2,082 oarsmen. The Procession proceeds down the Chao Phraya River, from the Wasukri Royal Landing Place in Khet Dusit, Bangkok, passes the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, The Grand Palace, Wat Po and finally arrives at Wat Arun (Temple of the Dawn).
The Anantanakharat (Anantanakaraj) barge was built during the reign of King Vajiravudh (Rama VI), and launched in 1914.<br/><br/> Thailand's royal barges have been used in ceremonies on Bangkok's Chao Phraya River since the 18th century, but were also used prior to this period in the Ayutthayan era.<br/><br/> The exquisitely crafted Royal Barges are a blend of craftsmanship and traditional Thai art. The Royal Barge Procession takes place rarely, typically coinciding with only the most significant cultural and religious events. During the reign of King Bhumibol Adulyadej spanning over 60 years the Procession has only occurred 16 times.<br/><br/> The Royal Barge Procession, in the present, consists of 52 barges (51 historical Barges, and the Royal Barge the Narai Song Suban King Rama IX, built in 1994 and the only Barge built during King Bhumibol's reign) and is manned by 2,082 oarsmen. The Procession proceeds down the Chao Phraya River, from the Wasukri Royal Landing Place in Khet Dusit, Bangkok, passes the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, The Grand Palace, Wat Po and finally arrives at Wat Arun (Temple of the Dawn).
The Anekchatphuchong barge is the oldest of the four main barges and was used during the reign of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V).<br/><br/> Thailand's royal barges have been used in ceremonies on Bangkok's Chao Phraya River since the 18th century, but were also used prior to this period in the Ayutthayan era.<br/><br/> The exquisitely crafted Royal Barges are a blend of craftsmanship and traditional Thai art. The Royal Barge Procession takes place rarely, typically coinciding with only the most significant cultural and religious events. During the reign of King Bhumibol Adulyadej spanning over 60 years the Procession has only occurred 16 times.<br/><br/> The Royal Barge Procession, in the present, consists of 52 barges (51 historical Barges, and the Royal Barge the Narai Song Suban King Rama IX, built in 1994 and the only Barge built during King Bhumibol's reign) and is manned by 2,082 oarsmen. The Procession proceeds down the Chao Phraya River, from the Wasukri Royal Landing Place in Khet Dusit, Bangkok, passes the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, The Grand Palace, Wat Po and finally arrives at Wat Arun (Temple of the Dawn).
Thailand's royal barges have been used in ceremonies on Bangkok's Chao Phraya River since the 18th century, but were also used prior to this period in the Ayutthayan era.<br/><br/> The exquisitely crafted Royal Barges are a blend of craftsmanship and traditional Thai art. The Royal Barge Procession takes place rarely, typically coinciding with only the most significant cultural and religious events. During the reign of King Bhumibol Adulyadej spanning over 60 years the Procession has only occurred 16 times.<br/><br/> The Royal Barge Procession, in the present, consists of 52 barges (51 historical Barges, and the Royal Barge the Narai Song Suban King Rama IX, built in 1994 and the only Barge built during King Bhumibol's reign) and is manned by 2,082 oarsmen. The Procession proceeds down the Chao Phraya River, from the Wasukri Royal Landing Place in Khet Dusit, Bangkok, passes the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, The Grand Palace, Wat Po and finally arrives at Wat Arun (Temple of the Dawn).
The Asura Paksi barge is an Asura class barge. The figurehead straddling the cannon is a Demon King, half ogre, half bird.<br/><br/> Thailand's royal barges have been used in ceremonies on Bangkok's Chao Phraya River since the 18th century, but were also used prior to this period in the Ayutthayan era.<br/><br/> The exquisitely crafted Royal Barges are a blend of craftsmanship and traditional Thai art. The Royal Barge Procession takes place rarely, typically coinciding with only the most significant cultural and religious events. During the reign of King Bhumibol Adulyadej spanning over 60 years the Procession has only occurred 16 times.<br/><br/> The Royal Barge Procession, in the present, consists of 52 barges (51 historical Barges, and the Royal Barge the Narai Song Suban King Rama IX, built in 1994 and the only Barge built during King Bhumibol's reign) and is manned by 2,082 oarsmen. The Procession proceeds down the Chao Phraya River, from the Wasukri Royal Landing Place in Khet Dusit, Bangkok, passes the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, The Grand Palace, Wat Po and finally arrives at Wat Arun (Temple of the Dawn).
The Anantanakharat (Anantanakaraj) barge was built during the reign of King Vajiravudh (Rama VI), and launched in 1914.<br/><br/> Thailand's royal barges have been used in ceremonies on Bangkok's Chao Phraya River since the 18th century, but were also used prior to this period in the Ayutthayan era.<br/><br/> The exquisitely crafted Royal Barges are a blend of craftsmanship and traditional Thai art. The Royal Barge Procession takes place rarely, typically coinciding with only the most significant cultural and religious events. During the reign of King Bhumibol Adulyadej spanning over 60 years the Procession has only occurred 16 times.<br/><br/> The Royal Barge Procession, in the present, consists of 52 barges (51 historical Barges, and the Royal Barge the Narai Song Suban King Rama IX, built in 1994 and the only Barge built during King Bhumibol's reign) and is manned by 2,082 oarsmen. The Procession proceeds down the Chao Phraya River, from the Wasukri Royal Landing Place in Khet Dusit, Bangkok, passes the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, The Grand Palace, Wat Po and finally arrives at Wat Arun (Temple of the Dawn).
Thailand's royal barges have been used in ceremonies on Bangkok's Chao Phraya River since the 18th century, but were also used prior to this period in the Ayutthayan era.<br/><br/> The exquisitely crafted Royal Barges are a blend of craftsmanship and traditional Thai art. The Royal Barge Procession takes place rarely, typically coinciding with only the most significant cultural and religious events. During the reign of King Bhumibol Adulyadej spanning over 60 years the Procession has only occurred 16 times.<br/><br/> The Royal Barge Procession, in the present, consists of 52 barges (51 historical Barges, and the Royal Barge the Narai Song Suban King Rama IX, built in 1994 and the only Barge built during King Bhumibol's reign) and is manned by 2,082 oarsmen. The Procession proceeds down the Chao Phraya River, from the Wasukri Royal Landing Place in Khet Dusit, Bangkok, passes the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, The Grand Palace, Wat Po and finally arrives at Wat Arun (Temple of the Dawn).
The Krut Hern Het is one of two Krut Class barges with garuda figureheads.<br/><br/> Thailand's royal barges have been used in ceremonies on Bangkok's Chao Phraya River since the 18th century, but were also used prior to this period in the Ayutthayan era.<br/><br/> The exquisitely crafted Royal Barges are a blend of craftsmanship and traditional Thai art. The Royal Barge Procession takes place rarely, typically coinciding with only the most significant cultural and religious events. During the reign of King Bhumibol Adulyadej spanning over 60 years the Procession has only occurred 16 times.<br/><br/> The Royal Barge Procession, in the present, consists of 52 barges (51 historical Barges, and the Royal Barge the Narai Song Suban King Rama IX, built in 1994 and the only Barge built during King Bhumibol's reign) and is manned by 2,082 oarsmen. The Procession proceeds down the Chao Phraya River, from the Wasukri Royal Landing Place in Khet Dusit, Bangkok, passes the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, The Grand Palace, Wat Po and finally arrives at Wat Arun (Temple of the Dawn).
Suphannahongse (Suphannahong), the King's personal barge, was carved out of one teak tree and completed in 1911.<br/><br/> Thailand's royal barges have been used in ceremonies on Bangkok's Chao Phraya River since the 18th century, but were also used prior to this period in the Ayutthayan era.<br/><br/> The exquisitely crafted Royal Barges are a blend of craftsmanship and traditional Thai art. The Royal Barge Procession takes place rarely, typically coinciding with only the most significant cultural and religious events. During the reign of King Bhumibol Adulyadej spanning over 60 years the Procession has only occurred 16 times.<br/><br/> The Royal Barge Procession, in the present, consists of 52 barges (51 historical Barges, and the Royal Barge the Narai Song Suban King Rama IX, built in 1994 and the only Barge built during King Bhumibol's reign) and is manned by 2,082 oarsmen. The Procession proceeds down the Chao Phraya River, from the Wasukri Royal Landing Place in Khet Dusit, Bangkok, passes the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, The Grand Palace, Wat Po and finally arrives at Wat Arun (Temple of the Dawn).
The Narai Song Suban H. M. King Rama IX was added to the barge collection in 1996 to commemorate King Bhumibol Adulyadej's 50th year on the throne of Thailand.<br/><br/> Thailand's royal barges have been used in ceremonies on Bangkok's Chao Phraya River since the 18th century, but were also used prior to this period in the Ayutthayan era.<br/><br/> The exquisitely crafted Royal Barges are a blend of craftsmanship and traditional Thai art. The Royal Barge Procession takes place rarely, typically coinciding with only the most significant cultural and religious events. During the reign of King Bhumibol Adulyadej spanning over 60 years the Procession has only occurred 16 times.<br/><br/> The Royal Barge Procession, in the present, consists of 52 barges (51 historical Barges, and the Royal Barge the Narai Song Suban King Rama IX, built in 1994 and the only Barge built during King Bhumibol's reign) and is manned by 2,082 oarsmen. The Procession proceeds down the Chao Phraya River, from the Wasukri Royal Landing Place in Khet Dusit, Bangkok, passes the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, The Grand Palace, Wat Po and finally arrives at Wat Arun (Temple of the Dawn).
The Krabi Prap Mueang Man is one of four Krabi Class barges with the monkey god, Hanuman at the prow.<br/><br/> Thailand's royal barges have been used in ceremonies on Bangkok's Chao Phraya River since the 18th century, but were also used prior to this period in the Ayutthayan era.<br/><br/> The exquisitely crafted Royal Barges are a blend of craftsmanship and traditional Thai art. The Royal Barge Procession takes place rarely, typically coinciding with only the most significant cultural and religious events. During the reign of King Bhumibol Adulyadej spanning over 60 years the Procession has only occurred 16 times.<br/><br/> The Royal Barge Procession, in the present, consists of 52 barges (51 historical Barges, and the Royal Barge the Narai Song Suban King Rama IX, built in 1994 and the only Barge built during King Bhumibol's reign) and is manned by 2,082 oarsmen. The Procession proceeds down the Chao Phraya River, from the Wasukri Royal Landing Place in Khet Dusit, Bangkok, passes the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, The Grand Palace, Wat Po and finally arrives at Wat Arun (Temple of the Dawn).
Thailand's royal barges have been used in ceremonies on Bangkok's Chao Phraya River since the 18th century, but were also used prior to this period in the Ayutthayan era.<br/><br/> The exquisitely crafted Royal Barges are a blend of craftsmanship and traditional Thai art. The Royal Barge Procession takes place rarely, typically coinciding with only the most significant cultural and religious events. During the reign of King Bhumibol Adulyadej spanning over 60 years the Procession has only occurred 16 times.<br/><br/> The Royal Barge Procession, in the present, consists of 52 barges (51 historical Barges, and the Royal Barge the Narai Song Suban King Rama IX, built in 1994 and the only Barge built during King Bhumibol's reign) and is manned by 2,082 oarsmen. The Procession proceeds down the Chao Phraya River, from the Wasukri Royal Landing Place in Khet Dusit, Bangkok, passes the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, The Grand Palace, Wat Po and finally arrives at Wat Arun (Temple of the Dawn).
Thailand's royal barges have been used in ceremonies on Bangkok's Chao Phraya River since the 18th century, but were also used prior to this period in the Ayutthayan era.<br/><br/> The exquisitely crafted Royal Barges are a blend of craftsmanship and traditional Thai art. The Royal Barge Procession takes place rarely, typically coinciding with only the most significant cultural and religious events. During the reign of King Bhumibol Adulyadej spanning over 60 years the Procession has only occurred 16 times.<br/><br/> The Royal Barge Procession, in the present, consists of 52 barges (51 historical Barges, and the Royal Barge the Narai Song Suban King Rama IX, built in 1994 and the only Barge built during King Bhumibol's reign) and is manned by 2,082 oarsmen. The Procession proceeds down the Chao Phraya River, from the Wasukri Royal Landing Place in Khet Dusit, Bangkok, passes the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, The Grand Palace, Wat Po and finally arrives at Wat Arun (Temple of the Dawn).
Thailand's royal barges have been used in ceremonies on Bangkok's Chao Phraya River since the 18th century, but were also used prior to this period in the Ayutthayan era.<br/><br/> The exquisitely crafted Royal Barges are a blend of craftsmanship and traditional Thai art. The Royal Barge Procession takes place rarely, typically coinciding with only the most significant cultural and religious events. During the reign of King Bhumibol Adulyadej spanning over 60 years the Procession has only occurred 16 times.<br/><br/> The Royal Barge Procession, in the present, consists of 52 barges (51 historical Barges, and the Royal Barge the Narai Song Suban King Rama IX, built in 1994 and the only Barge built during King Bhumibol's reign) and is manned by 2,082 oarsmen. The Procession proceeds down the Chao Phraya River, from the Wasukri Royal Landing Place in Khet Dusit, Bangkok, passes the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, The Grand Palace, Wat Po and finally arrives at Wat Arun (Temple of the Dawn).
The Krut Hern Het is one of two Krut Class barges with garuda figureheads.<br/><br/> Thailand's royal barges have been used in ceremonies on Bangkok's Chao Phraya River since the 18th century, but were also used prior to this period in the Ayutthayan era.<br/><br/> The exquisitely crafted Royal Barges are a blend of craftsmanship and traditional Thai art. The Royal Barge Procession takes place rarely, typically coinciding with only the most significant cultural and religious events. During the reign of King Bhumibol Adulyadej spanning over 60 years the Procession has only occurred 16 times.<br/><br/> The Royal Barge Procession, in the present, consists of 52 barges (51 historical Barges, and the Royal Barge the Narai Song Suban King Rama IX, built in 1994 and the only Barge built during King Bhumibol's reign) and is manned by 2,082 oarsmen. The Procession proceeds down the Chao Phraya River, from the Wasukri Royal Landing Place in Khet Dusit, Bangkok, passes the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, The Grand Palace, Wat Po and finally arrives at Wat Arun (Temple of the Dawn).
Thailand's royal barges have been used in ceremonies on Bangkok's Chao Phraya River since the 18th century, but were also used prior to this period in the Ayutthayan era. The exquisitely crafted Royal Barges are a blend of craftsmanship and traditional Thai art. The Royal Barge Procession takes place rarely, typically coinciding with only the most significant cultural and religious events. During the reign of King Bhumibol Adulyadej spanning over 60 years the Procession has only occurred 16 times.<br/><br/> The Royal Barge Procession, in the present, consists of 52 barges (51 historical Barges, and the Royal Barge the Narai Song Suban King Rama IX, built in 1994 and the only Barge built during King Bhumibol's reign) and is manned by 2,082 oarsmen. The Procession proceeds down the Chao Phraya River, from the Wasukri Royal Landing Place in Khet Dusit, Bangkok, passes the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, The Grand Palace, Wat Po and finally arrives at Wat Arun (Temple of the Dawn).
Although an important town for hundreds of years, Bangkok sat on the sidelines, located beside the Chao Phraya River between the ancient capital of Ayutthaya to the north and the sea to the south. It was only following a sequence of kingdoms and invasions in the regions to the north that Bangkok evolved into what it is today.<br/><br/> The story of Bangkok begins in the far north of Thailand. The soil from which tall buildings now sprout once provided sustenance for rice. At that time, as little as 1,500 years ago, the site of the future capital city lay beneath the ocean’s waters. Each monsoon season, the powerful currents of the Chao Phraya River swept southwards, carrying the soil from eroded farmland into the sea, gradually nudging the shoreline a little further into what is known today as the Gulf of Thailand.
Although an important town for hundreds of years, Bangkok sat on the sidelines, located beside the Chao Phraya River between the ancient capital of Ayutthaya to the north and the sea to the south. It was only following a sequence of kingdoms and invasions in the regions to the north that Bangkok evolved into what it is today.<br/><br/> The story of Bangkok begins in the far north of Thailand. The soil from which tall buildings now sprout once provided sustenance for rice. At that time, as little as 1,500 years ago, the site of the future capital city lay beneath the ocean’s waters. Each monsoon season, the powerful currents of the Chao Phraya River swept southwards, carrying the soil from eroded farmland into the sea, gradually nudging the shoreline a little further into what is known today as the Gulf of Thailand.
By the 19th century, with the introduction of cheap steamship travel and declining conditions in China itself, a steady trickle of Chinese migrants to Thailand became a flood. Chinese coolies (from the Chinese ku-li, or 'bitter labour') sought new lives and a higher standard of living throughout Southeast Asia and beyond - even in distant California, Southern Africa and South America. It is from this time that the term 'Overseas Chinese' becomes common, though in the case of Thailand, Burma, Laos and Vietnam it is misleading. Here there are many 'Overland Chinese' as well.<br/><br/> As a result of this great influx of Han migrants, Bangkok - like Ho Chi Minh City, Yangon, Jakarta and of course Singapore - became increasingly Chinese cities. During the 19th century the best estimates indicate that the Chinese minority in Thailand grew from about 200,000 to nearly 800,000, or from less than 5% to almost 10% of the total. The contribution which these Chinese migrants made to the development of modern Thailand was tremendous. In a society where ambitious young Siamese might set their sights on a career in the bureaucracy or on becoming Buddhist monks, the Han were unashamedly and wholeheartedly devoted to commerce. In consequence, the Chinese acted as the driving force in building the modern sector of Thailand's economy - and of course they became very rich and influential in so doing.
Wat Arun Rajwararam (Temple of the Dawn), full name Wat Arunratchawararam Ratchaworamahawihan, is a Thai Buddhist temple on the Thonburi west bank side of the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok. It is named after Aruna, the Indian God of Dawn. A monastery has stood here since the Ayutthayan period (1351 - 1767), but the temple's outstanding feature, the Khmer-style central prang, was not begun until 1809, during the reign of King Buddha Loetla Nabhalai (Rama II).
Wat Arun Rajwararam (Temple of the Dawn), full name Wat Arunratchawararam Ratchaworamahawihan, is a Thai Buddhist temple on the Thonburi west bank side of the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok. It is named after Aruna, the Indian God of Dawn. A monastery has stood here since the Ayutthayan period (1351 - 1767), but the temple's outstanding feature, the Khmer-style central prang, was not begun until 1809, during the reign of King Buddha Loetla Nabhalai (Rama II).
Wat Arun Rajwararam (Temple of the Dawn), full name Wat Arunratchawararam Ratchaworamahawihan, is a Thai Buddhist temple on the Thonburi west bank side of the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok. It is named after Aruna, the Indian God of Dawn. A monastery has stood here since the Ayutthayan period (1351 - 1767), but the temple's outstanding feature, the Khmer-style central prang, was not begun until 1809, during the reign of King Buddha Loetla Nabhalai (Rama II).
Wat Arun Rajwararam (Temple of the Dawn), full name Wat Arunratchawararam Ratchaworamahawihan, is a Thai Buddhist temple on the Thonburi west bank side of the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok. It is named after Aruna, the Indian God of Dawn. A monastery has stood here since the Ayutthayan period (1351 - 1767), but the temple's outstanding feature, the Khmer-style central prang, was not begun until 1809, during the reign of King Buddha Loetla Nabhalai (Rama II).
Wat Arun Rajwararam (Temple of the Dawn), full name Wat Arunratchawararam Ratchaworamahawihan, is a Thai Buddhist temple on the Thonburi west bank side of the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok. It is named after Aruna, the Indian God of Dawn. A monastery has stood here since the Ayutthayan period (1351 - 1767), but the temple's outstanding feature, the Khmer-style central prang, was not begun until 1809, during the reign of King Buddha Loetla Nabhalai (Rama II).
Although an important town for hundreds of years, Bangkok sat on the sidelines, located beside the Chao Phraya River between the ancient capital of Ayutthaya to the north and the sea to the south. It was only following a sequence of kingdoms and invasions in the regions to the north that Bangkok evolved into what it is today.<br/><br/> The story of Bangkok begins in the far north of Thailand. The soil from which tall buildings now sprout once provided sustenance for rice. At that time, as little as 1,500 years ago, the site of the future capital city lay beneath the ocean’s waters. Each monsoon season, the powerful currents of the Chao Phraya River swept southwards, carrying the soil from eroded farmland into the sea, gradually nudging the shoreline a little further into what is known today as the Gulf of Thailand.
Thailand's Royal Barge Procession (Thai: Krabuan Phayuhayattra Chonlamak) is a ceremony of both religious and royal significance which has been taking place in Siam for nearly 700 years. The exquisitely crafted Royal Barges are a blend of craftsmanship and traditional Thai art.<br/><br/> The Royal Barge Procession takes place rarely, typically coinciding with only the most significant cultural and religious events. During the reign of King Bhumibol Adulyadej—spanning over 60 years—the Procession has only occurred 16 times. The Royal Barge Procession, at the present time, consists of 52 barges (51 historical Barges, and the Royal Barge—the Narai Song Suban King Rama IX, built in 1994 and the only Barge built during King Bhumibol's reign) and is manned by 2,082 oarsmen. The procession proceeds down the Chao Phraya River, from the Wasukri Royal Landing Place in Khet Dusit, Bangkok, passes the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, The Grand Palace, Wat Po, and finally arrives at Wat Arun (The Temple of the Dawn).