NARAI SONG SUBAN
The Narai Song Suban Rama IX Royal Barge with Garuda figurehead is the first Royal Barge to be built during the present reign of the Chakri Dynasty, but the second Royal Barge to carry this name. The Narai Song Suban Royal Barge was built and presented to His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej during the grand celebrations marking the Fiftieth Anniversary (Golden Jubilee) of His Majesty’s Accession to the Throne in 1996.


The bow of the Narai Song Suban is decorated with a figure of Vishnu mounted on Garuda. One of the gods in the Hindu trinity — Brahma, Siva and Vishnu, Vishnu is known as Phra Narai in Thai.





Brahma (Phra Phrom) is the Creator, Siva (Isuan) is God of Destruction and Rebirth, and Vishnu (Phra Narai), the Preserver and Protector.

According to ancient folk belief, Vishnu manifests himself on earth in a variety of incarnations, or avatars. Rama is one of the earthly incarnations of Vishnu (Narai).



One of the many roles assumed by Siamese kings through the centuries is that of ‘Devaraja’ — the ‘Divine King’. This ancient tradition continues to this very day. His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej is King Rama IX. Garuda — the mythical bird-man is Vishnu’s vehicle.

Labels: THE ROYAL BARGES