“Maharaj Boat” – The Last Vessel of Transport Co., Ltd.’s River Transport Legacy

Transport Co., Ltd. was established on July 13, 1930, under the name Thai Airways Company, Ltd., as the first pioneer of commercial aviation in Thailand. The company initially operated passenger buses on routes such as Bangkok–Lopburi and Bangkok–Prachinburi. During World War II, the company transitioned into a state enterprise and was renamed Transport Co., Ltd. in 1938.

In 1948, the company launched its river transport services with a fleet of 48 vessels. By 1957, it operated 18 routes through four branches: Tha Tian, Pak Nam Pho–Nakhon Sawan, Phra Pradaeng, and Ayutthaya. However, the construction of the Chao Phraya Dam caused parts of the river to shallow, severely impacting navigation. Concurrently, the introduction of private operators, who were legally allowed to invest in modern boats, led to a decline in competitiveness for the company’s aging fleet. These challenges forced Transport Co., Ltd. to cease its river transport services on August 1, 1958, leaving only the Maharaj Boat as a symbol of its river transport legacy.

Maharaj Boat Specifications and History

The Maharaj Boat is a two-deck passenger vessel designed for river travel:

• Length: 76 feet
• Width: 16 feet 7 inches
• Draft: 4 feet
• Passenger Capacity:
  • Upper deck: 120 passengers
  • Lower deck: 60 passengers
• Construction: Built by Sahaisant Co., designed by Phra Banchuwathee.
• Launched: January 28, 1955
• Engine and Fuel: Diesel-powered with separate systems for propulsion and electricity generation. Fuel capacity of 400 liters, allowing 12 hours of operation with a consumption rate of 30 liters per hour.

Even after the discontinuation of river transport operations, the Maharaj Boat was retained as a historical artifact. For a period, it was used for sightseeing and special tours during festivals.

Donation of the Maharaj Boat as a Floating Library

In celebration of the auspicious occasion of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s 72nd birthday (sixth cycle) on December 5, 1999, the Maharaj Boat was donated to the Ministry of Education. This initiative aligned with the King’s vision to provide equitable access to education for all citizens.

Transport Co., Ltd. collaborated with the Non-Formal Education Department of the Ministry of Education to establish the “Royal Floating Library Project”. The project aimed to promote literacy, lifelong learning, and a love for reading among the public. The official handover ceremony took place on Wednesday, December 22, 1999, at the Captain Dockyard near Pin Klao Bridge, Bangkok Noi District, Bangkok.

The Maharaj Boat remains a symbol of both the company’s historic contribution to transportation in Thailand and its commitment to societal development through education and innovation. Let me know if you need further clarification or additional details!