MODEL SUPHANNAHONG ROYAL BARGE MAKING CENTRE
Suphannahong Royal barges have been a from of Royal transport since the Sukhothai period. These barges are for the reigning monarch only. The were traditionally used in Royal processions aloe the waterways during festivals such as Loy kratong, or when the king presented monk robes to monks in temples on the river bank during the Thod  Krathin Festival. This was last celebrated on the occasion of HM the King's 6th cycle birthday in 1999.
Mr. Paisal Nettasut has been making models of t use Royal barges for more than 20 years. It is deli to work requiring much patience, concentration  and fine craftsmanship. He carves the hull from a solid block of wood which he hollows out. The outside is painted black and decorated with lacquer and gold leaf, while the inside is painted
red, he benches for the oarsmen are of bamboo, and  the rowers themselves are small, lead figures.Not  surprisingly, Mr. Paisal can make an average of only five of these model barges in a month. Models made by Mr.Paisal were presented to Queen Elizabeth II and US President Clinton as souvenirs by the Governor of Bangkok during their respective visits in 1994.