KRUT CLASS ESCORTS

The Krut, or garuda, steed of Vishnu, is the figurehead of this pair. The garuda is depicted in flight, with protruding eyes and bared fangs. Its arms and legs are spread, with feathers fluttering in the wind, and it holds a naga in each hand and foot. The figurehead straddles a bowchaser cannon port. The hulls are decorated with gilded lacquer in traditional floral motifs. Krut Hern Het was built in the reign of King Rama I and was destroyed during World War II. Its successor was launched on April 21, 1962. Length: 28.58m, beam 2.10m and hull 56cm deep. Krut Tret Traichak was damaged by bombing during World War II. The figurehead and the stern were conserved by the Fine Arts Department. The present barge was commissioned in June 22, 1968. Length 28.72m, beam 2.08m, hull 55cm deep. Each boat is crewed by 34 oarsmen, 2 steersmen, 1 officer, 1 standard bearer and 1 signalman.

EKACHAI CLASS ESCORTS

The Ekachai class has a tapered cylindrical figurehead. This represents the horn of the mythical hera, or horned dragon. The head and body of the dragon is depicted on the hull in a pattern of gold leaf over black lacquer. It is depicted as a fierce beast with open mouth breathing fire, protruding fangs and long tongue supporting a crystal orb. The two former barges of this type were built during the reign of King Rama I (1782-1809), but were destroyed during World War II. The two present boats were built in 1965. Ekachai Hernhow: Length 29.76m, beam 2.06m and hull 60cm deep. Ekachai Laothong: Length 29.64m, beam 1.96m and hull 60cm deep. Each boat is manned by 38 oarsmen, 2 steersmen, 2 officers, 1 standard bearer and 1 signalman.

KRABI CLASS ESCORTS

These four barges have crowned monkey figureheads representing the simian warriors from the Ramakian — the Thai literary epic based on the Ramayana — where they serve Rama, an incarnation of Vishnu; hence their appearance on the Royal Barges of Kings. The figureheads of Hanuman on the Krabi Prab Muang Marn and the Nilaphat on the Krabi Ran Ron Rap are presented as being at attention, with gilded robes flowing in the wind. The origin of these two barges is unknown. The Krabi Prab Muang Marn was damaged by bombing during World War II. The stern and stem were preserved by the Fine Arts Department. A new hull was built in 1967, with a major repair in 1981. Length: 28.85m, beam 2.10m and hull 56cm deep. The body and stem of Krabi Ran Ron Rap were rebuilt in 1966, with a major repair in 1981. Each boat has 36 oarsmen, 2 steersmen, 1 officer, 1 standard bearer and 1 signalman. The dates of construction of Pali Rang Thaveep and Sukhreep Krong Muang are unknown. They were restored in 1981. The two escort barges have crowned figureheads at the prow. Pali Rang Thaveep: Length 29.03m, beam 2m and hull 63cm deep. Sukhreep Krong Muang: Length: 29.10m, beam 1.98m and hull 60cm deep. Each is crewed by 36 oarsmen, 1 officer, 2 steersmen, 1 standard bearer, 1 signalman, 10 drummers.

ASURA CLASS ESCORTS

This pair of second-ranking escort barges have asura — half-bird, half-ogre —guardian figureheads. The top half of the figurehead is fierce and exudes strength, while the bird-like bottom half is delicate in design. As with the other escort barges, the figurehead straddles a bowchaser cannon port over a floral hull. The date of their construction is unknown. It is only recorded that they were restored in 1971. Asura Vayuphak: Length 31m, beam 2.03m and hull 62cm deep. Asura Paksi: Length 31.16m, beam 2.03m and hull 61cm deep. Each boat is crewed by 40 oarsmen, 2 steersmen, 1 officer, 1 standard bearer and 1 signalman.

SUEA CLASS ESCORTS

Among the most easily recognisable of the escort barges are the two Suea, or tiger, barges. The bow of each barge is painted with a ferocious looking tiger head, and the hull is decorated with tiger stripes. These barges are further distinguished in that their cannons stick out prominently over their bows, and their hulls are brightly coloured. Suea Thayan Chon: Length 22.20m, beam 1.75m and hull 70cm deep. Suea Kamron Sindh: Length 22.23m, beam 1.75m and hull 70cm deep. Each boat carries 26 oarsmen, 2 steersmen, 1 officer, 1 signalman, 2 palace officers.

SUEA CLASS ESCORTS

Among the most easily recognisable of the escort barges are the two Suea, or tiger, barges. The bow of each barge is painted with a ferocious looking tiger head, and the hull is decorated with tiger stripes. These barges are further distinguished in that their cannons stick out prominently over their bows, and their hulls are brightly coloured. Suea Thayan Chon: Length 22.20m, beam 1.75m and hull 70cm deep. Suea Kamron Sindh: Length 22.23m, beam 1.75m and hull 70cm deep. Each boat carries 26 oarsmen, 2 steersmen, 1 officer, 1 signalman, 2 palace officers.