Brother Matt Atkin has been on his travels again, this time to Thailand, and sent back this small collection of elegant long-tailed working boats on the island of Phuket.
Reua hang yao, as they are properly called, are powered by a road vehicle engine balanced over the stern; I’m curious that they appear to be overpowered with those big engines married to efficient displacement hulls. Still, those Thais will know what they are doing after using these craft for generations.
The bows of the boats are decorated with coloured scarves and other items that are believed to provide good luck and protection.
Thanks for the shots Matt! For more photos from my brother Matt, click here and follow the link to ‘older posts’.