The Hua Thong boat, also known as the longtail boat, is a traditional vessel built with local wisdom.
It is commonly used along the southern seas of Thailand, particularly along the Andaman coast in areas such as Phuket, Phang Nga, Krabi, Ranong, Trang, and Satun provinces.
Traditional Use and Modern Adaptation
Historically, locals used this boat for fishing and catching marine life. Today, however, the Hua Thong boat has evolved and is now a popular vessel for tourism in Krabi, becoming a key feature for visitors exploring the Krabi sea.
The Taling Chan Boat Building Group
The Taling Chan Subdistrict Hua Thong Boat Building Group is a collective of local boat builders from Taling Chan Subdistrict, Nuea Khlong District in Krabi. These artisans have chosen to carry on a profession that has been passed down through generations. They believe that Krabi was the first province on the Andaman coast to build these distinctive boats. Each builder blends both science and art in the boat-building process.
Hua Thong Boats: A Symbol of Krabi's Maritime Culture and Tourism
Video by Khaosod English
The History of Hua Thong Boats
According to Mr. Sunthorn Khlongrua, one of the boat builders, the Hua Thong boat has a rich history. In the past, ancestors would construct their own boats using palm wood tied together to create a hull. Over time, with the introduction of new tools, the boat design evolved, leading to the boats we see today.
Over 30 Years of Tradition
The group of boat builders in Taling Chan has been working together for over 30 years. Many of the villagers who take part in building the boats are local fishermen, who spend their days catching and fish. When the weather is too stormy to go out to sea, they spend their time repairing or building new boats, ensuring the survival of this inherited craft.
Boat Orders from Across the Region
Today, villagers receive continuous orders from customers along the Andaman coast. The Hua Thong boats built here are recognized for their unique characteristics and are highly sought after.
Unique Features of Hua Thong Boats
One of the key features of these boats is the use of wood that is resistant to sun and rain, making the boats durable and long-lasting. Customers can place custom orders, specifying the boat's size and features. The price of a boat depends on its size, measured by the number of “ribs” – the curved wood used in the boat's frame.
Pricing of Hua Thong Boats
For example, a boat with 19 ribs costs around 130,000 baht ($3,920), a boat with 21 ribs costs 170,000 baht ($5,230), and a boat with 23 ribs costs 250,000 baht ($7,540). The profit made by the villagers from each boat ranges between 10,000 to 40,000 baht ($300-1,200), depending on the boat's size.
The Growing Success of the Boat Builders
Currently, the Taling Chan Subdistrict Hua Thong Boat Building Group is working hard to keep up with the growing demand for boats. The group has become the largest boat building collective on the Andaman coast, providing sustainable income for its members and locals. The tradition of boat building is not only thriving but also becoming a vital part of the local economy.
