Bangkok – 16th August 2019, Thai Airways has revealed a new Royal Barge aircraft livery on its B777-300, registration HS-TKF.
The Suphannahong Royal Barge, originally called “Si Suphannahong” or “Chai Suphannahong Royal Barge,” has been the King’s royal barge since the Ayutthaya era. The current Suphannahong Royal Barge was constructed by the royal command of King Rama V and was completed in the reign of King Rama VI. At the front, or bow, of the barge is a golden swan figurehead, the body or hull is the body of the swan etched in wood and decorated with gold leaf, mirrors, tassels, and engraved glass. The exterior of the barge was painted black while the interior was painted red, with a throne in the middle of the barge for the monarch or royalty. The Royal Barge was 46.15m long, 3.17m wide, and 15 tons in weight.
Thai Airways B777-300 Royal Barge aircraft carries royally bestowed name “Lahan Sai”.
Mr. Sumeth Damrongchaitham, President of Thai Airways International Public Company Limited, presided over a sacred ceremony that was conducted by Phra Maha Raja Guru Bidhi Sri Visudhigun; this was to bless the Suphannahong Royal Barge aircraft livery, that commemorates the Royal Coronation Ceremony 2019.
In 1999 THAI first painted the Suphannahong Royal Barge aircraft livery on its Boeing 747-400 aircraft, royally bestowed the name “Haripunchai” on the auspicious occasion of the Sixth Cycle (72nd) Birthday of King Rama IX. The new Royal Barge livery differs from the previous one as there is a rowing team with oars raised, symbolic of birds in flight. A sticker (decal) has been used in place of aircraft paint spray for a more realistic appearance.
The new B777-300 Royal Barge aircraft carries the royally bestowed name “Lahan Sai”. It is equipped with a total of 364 seats, 34 seats in Royal Silk Business Class and 330 seats in Economy Class. The Royal Coronation Emblem will appear on THAI’s aircraft throughout the Coronation Year. This aircraft will be operated on round-trip flights from Bangkok-Seoul, Taipei, Beijing, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, and Sapporo. The livery will appear on the aircraft from August 2019 until 31st December 2022.
I knew I saw this livery before after I watched a video of Thai’s 747 HS-TGO landing in LAX (it was an old compilations video circa. 2001 by JustPlanes on YouTube). Good to see this on the 777 and I might be as lucky to spot it as I live in Kuala Lumpur. I usually go to the airport to send my mom off to work so I might get lucky and spot this beauty soon. Good post!
I love this livery! I live in Thailand and this is very exciting as Thai Airways rarely makes new special liveries. I am glad to know that you have visited. Also, I loved the livery on the 744!
Long live the Royal Barge!