The Anantanagaraj Royal Barge
Second in rank to the Subanahongsa , the Anantanagaraj has an intricate figurehead in the form of a seven-headed naga, a mythical serpent that is a symbol of water.The first royal barge of this name was built during the reign of King Rama IV (1851-1868).
The present Anantanagaraj was launched on April 15, 1914, in the reign of King Rama VI. She is 44.85m long, her beam 3.17m and hull 94cm deep.
These 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.
