The royal barge procession

The royal barges are a national pride for their traditional associations and their superb craftsmanship. The exquisitely detailed work represents the artistic endeavour of artists of different periods.

The earliest historical evidence of royal barges dates from the Sukhothai period (1238-1438) where the royal vessels were used in waterborne state ceremonies around the city of Sukhothai.

During the Ayutthaya period (1351-1776) magnificent processions with a large fleet of barges assembled on the rivers and canals around the island capital. Most important royal barge processions were organised for the annual kathin ceremony when the Ayutthaya kings travelled to royal monasteries to offer robes to the monks.

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