Revealing the story of royal vehicles symbolizing bonds of love and the grand royal chariot used in the final farewell of three royals during a profoundly sorrowful time held in the hearts of the Thai people. The images of the funeral procession moving the royal remains from the hospital to the Grand Palace are historic scenes reflecting the royal conduct and the deep ties within the Chakri dynasty. Delving into the royal vehicles that played vital roles in these historic moments for all three royals reveals remarkable stories hidden behind the steering wheel of the Volkswagen Caravelle T4 van (2001 model) and the gilded carved wooden royal chariot.
1. "James Bond" (1ด-0929)
The working van serving the majesty of King Rama IX, His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great. Vehicle: Volkswagen Caravelle T4 (2001 model), gray with a blue stripe, call sign "James Bond," historic license plate 1ด-0929.
The royal vehicle that carried the royal remains of King Rama IX on 14 October 2016 was this Volkswagen T4, an ordinary-looking van that faithfully served His Majesty King Rama IX for many years. The reason the King used this van is that it is an MPV preferred by the King. He once remarked on the special nature of this Volkswagen Caravelle T4, nicknamed "James Bond," saying its uniqueness was its simplicity. The MPV interior lacked expensive leather seats or advanced conveniences, containing only the original radio, a working desk, and plain factory fabric seats. This vehicle stands as a true testament to King Rama IX's philosophy of sufficiency. When tasked with carrying the royal remains from Siriraj Hospital, the van moved slowly, carrying the love and grief of all Thai people in a deeply moving manner.
The royal conveyance that strengthens bonds of love in the final farewell of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother. Vehicle: Volkswagen Caravelle T4 (the same van with license 1ด-0929). In the royal funeral procession transferring Her Majesty Queen Sirikit's remains from King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Thai Red Cross Society, to the Grand Palace, the same "James Bond" Volkswagen van was once again entrusted with this important role. This was no coincidence but a deliberate choice filled with profound symbolic meaning. Using the same royal working vehicle is akin to King Rama IX personally accompanying his beloved queen consort in her final journey. The procession was simple yet dignified, filled with deep sorrow and love. This was the feeling experienced by the people watching the live broadcast.
On 13 June 2026, the royal vehicle that accompanied the final farewell of Princess Bajrakitiyabha, beloved of the Thai people, Her Royal Highness Princess Bajrakitiyabha Narendiradebyavati, Krom Luang Rajsarin Siriphatcharavajjra, was again the Volkswagen Caravelle T4 "James Bond" (1ด-0929). This historic van continues to serve as a bridge linking the royal family’s bonds. It was used to carry Princess Bajrakitiyabha’s remains from King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital to the Grand Palace. The princess was a royal granddaughter deeply loved and cherished by King Rama IX since her youth. The image of "James Bond," the vehicle of "Thulkhamaom Taa" (a respectful term for King Rama IX), serving in her final journey was a powerful and tear-evoking symbol for all Thais, showing that even in her last moments, she was embraced by the love of her grandfather through this royal working vehicle.
The sacred dynamics of the "Grand Royal Chariot". The main royal chariot in the royal funeral procession (second procession) beyond the initial royal state vehicles. When the procession reaches the cremation ceremony at the Sanam Luang ceremonial ground, the royal vehicle used to convey the royal remains to heaven transforms into the "Grand Royal Chariot," an ancient carved wooden chariot without an engine. Vehicle dimensions: width 4.85 meters / length 18.00 meters / height 11.20 meters; weight 13.70 tons (six times heavier than a large SUV). Propulsion system: manually pulled by 216 soldiers from the Army Ordnance Department.
The Grand Royal Chariot is a marvel of Thai architectural engineering, built since 1795 (the reign of King Rama I). The vehicle is crafted from carved wood lacquered and gilded with glass decorations. Its upper structure is a "busabok" (a traditional pavilion) with a five-tiered roof, symbolizing Mount Meru according to cosmology, representing a mythical mountain and returning the "deity" to heaven. Regarding movement, weighing over 13.7 tons and lacking hydraulic or engine mechanisms, the direction and speed control of this massive chariot rely entirely on human power. The 216 soldiers (172 in front, 44 behind) must train rigorously to step in unison, ensuring the chariot moves smoothly, steadily, and with utmost dignity.
Whether it is the German Volkswagen T4 "James Bond" van reflecting the Chakri dynasty’s humble simplicity or the grand royal chariot embodying the majestic ancient royal traditions from the flourishing Ayutthaya era, both types of vehicles perform their roles perfectly. They are not merely mechanical machines but stand as royal vehicles of memory, embodying the unwavering loyalty and enduring bonds of the Thai people.
We humbly offer our deepest condolences and eternal gratitude for the boundless royal grace.
Respectfully, Arkom Ruamsuwan, Automotive Columnist, Thairath Online.