The Royal Barge Narai Song Suban - H.M. King Rama IX ,  A major decorated royal barge of the animal-figure headed type. Royal vessels animal figureheads came into being during the reign of King Maha Chakraphat of Ayutthaya, who commanded that these swift and sleek vessels be used as victory barges with the animal figureheads affixed to support artillery. The animals used signify the rank-indicating crests of noblemen or take the form of mythological beats like elephant-lion hybirds, nagas, and others. The Barge of State carrying the king bears a royal crest depicting the garuda.

     During the Bangkok period, King Rama III commanded that a royal barge be built according to the ancient royal tradition of the Ayutthaya Period. It was named Mongkolsuban Royal Barge, and was meant to be emblematic of the glory of the land.

     Its interior was painted red, and it was maneuvered by 65 oarsmen. The original bow was carved in the shape of the King of Garudas with a naga in his beak.

    There is a porthole for artillery at the bow under the garuda. A description of the barge by Prince Phra Krom Phra Paramanuchitchinoros mentions that the barge had a cannon manned by 3 westerners who had attained official positions in Thailand and accquired titles: Phraya Piset songkram, Luang Chanathukthit, and Luang Ritthiwari. Also in attendance on the barge were the King's close aides, Chamuen Sanpetchphakdi, Chamuen Si Saowarak, Samoe Jairaj, and Chamuen Waiworanart. The King was seated on a throne set in a roofed pavillion, with royal weapons and utensils provided.

     During the reign of King Mongkut, Rama IV, the figure of the god Narai was added, riding on the garuda in accordance with Hindu mythology. This god is describes in the Thai version of the Ramayana, written during the First Reign, as a god who is green in color, has four arms, and bears a discus, a conch shell, a trident and a scepter. The name of the barge therefore became the Narai Song Suban Royal Barge.  

     Existing records indicate that the Narai Song Suban Royal Barge was included in 2 royal barge processions. The first was held for the Coronation Ceremony of King Rama Mongkut on May 21, 1851, at which time it was known as the " Monkolsuban Royal Barge". The second occasion was the investiture of Crown Prince Mahavajirunhis on January 19, 1886, during the reign of King Rama V. The attire of the personnel aboard the vessel as it appeared at the king's Coronation Ceremony is described in the annals of the Rattanakosin or Bangkok Period of the Forth Reign.

     It is assumed that the Royal Barge Narai Song Suban deteriorated to the point where only the figurehead remained, kept in the custody of the Ministry of the Navy until 1953, when it was turned over to the Fine Arts Department to be displayed in the National Museum.

     The bow of the King Narai Song Suban Royal barge is one of the artistic masterpieces of forth reign, when Thai sculpture and ornamental art reached a peak. It represents the significance and centrality of the monarchy in the life of the nation, and reflects profound faith in religious symbols, both Buddhist and Hindu. Such symbols can be found in patterns and decorations at palaces and temples all over the country.

     The newly-built royal barge for the Ninth Reign was christened by His majesty the King was the Royal Barge Narai Song Suban - H.M. King Rama IX.