First Royal Vehicle
The Royal Coach

The Royal Coach, or the horse-drawn carriage, is a ceremonial carriage used by the King in various royal ceremonies in an era before automobiles. During the reign of King Rama V, the royal coach was a carriage with four large wheels, with a sedan-style body, and options of convertible top and unconvertable top. Each royal coach may be drawn by two horses, four horses or eight horses, and eight horses is the maximum. While royal coach was already known and used to some extent, the vehicle reached its peak during the reign of King Rama VI.

His Majesty King Chulalongkorn, the Great King of Thailand who demonstrated profound benevolence towards the nation and the Thai people, showed great interest in automotive matters and graciously initiated road expansions within Bangkok, including several outer city roads. This was aimed at enhancing the convenience of travel for the public. Subsequently, during the reign of His Majesty King Vajiravudh, there was clear evidence pointing towards this matter.

Regarding the horse-drawn carriages sent as a tribute by England to His Majesty King Chulalongkorn, there is no definitive information on whether they were fully assembled in England before being sent or if they arrived in Thailand as separate parts to be assembled later. However, it is believed that other carriages were likely assembled locally in Thailand, following the design of English-style carriages. This particular carriage was then used during the reigns of King Vajiravudh (King Rama VI) and King Prajadhipok (King Rama VII).

Furthermore, it is the same carriage that His Majesty King Vajiravudh (King Rama VI) used as the royal carriage in the coronation ceremony. Additionally, it is also the same carriage that His Majesty King Prajadhipok (King Rama VII) of the Chakri dynasty, used as the royal carriage in the inaugural ceremony of the first House of Representatives Assembly.