Grand Palace

The Grand Palace (Thai: พระบรมมหาราชวัง, Phra Borom Maha Ratcha Wang) is a complex of buildings in Bangkok, Thailand. It served as the official residence of the Kings of Thailand from the 18th century onwards. Construction of the Palace began in 1782, during the reign of King Rama I, when he moved the capital across the river from Thonburi to Bangkok. The Palace has been constantly expanded and many additional structures were added over time.

The present King of Thailand, King Bhumibol Adulyadej, however, resides at the Chitralada Palace.

History

When King Buddha Yodfa Chulaloke (Rama I) decided to move the capital of Siam from Thonburi on the west to Bangkok on the east of the Chao Phraya River he decided to build a magnificent new palace as a place of residence as well as a centre of government. The area chosen was however occupied by Chinese merchants, who he promptly asked to relocate (to the present day Yaowarat area).

The tower of gold began construction on 6 May 1782. At first the palace consisted of several wooden buildings surrounded on four sides with a high defensive wall of 1,900 metres in length, which encloses an area of 218,400 square metres. Soon the King ordered the building of the Temple of the Emerald Buddha; as the Monarch’s personal place of worship and royal temple. Once the palace was complete the King decided to under go a coronation ceremony to celebrate in 1785.

The plan of the Grand Palace followed closely that of the old palace in Ayutthaya. The Palace is rectangular shaped, with the western side next to a river and the royal temple situated to the east side, with all structures facing north. The palace itself is divided into three quarters: the outer quarters, the middle quarters and the inner quarters.

The palace became the centre of the Rattanakosin government and royal court for most of the early Chakri Dynasty until the reign of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) who preferred to stay at the Dusit Palace, but still used the Grand Palace as an office and primary place of residence. This practice was followed by his sons (Rama VI and Rama VII) who preferred their own palaces. King Ananda Mahidol (Rama VIII) moved into the palace full time after his return from abroad in 1945. However after his mysterious death a year later in one of the palaces inside the complex, his brother King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX) who succeeded him decided to move permanently to the Chitralada Palace.

The Palace is however still very much in use; as many royal rituals are performed here by the King every year. Other royal ceremonies celebrated here are coronations; royal funerals, marriages and state banquets. The Palace grounds also contain the offices and buildings of the Bureau of the Royal Household, the Office of the Private Secretary to the King and Royal Institute of Thailand.

Prominent parts of the Grand Palace

  • Wat Phra Kaew, the temple containing the Emerald Buddha
  • Dusit Phra
  • Chakri Mahaprasad Hall, a building in a style influenced by the Italian Renaissance

Further reading

  • Naengnoi Suksri, The Grand Palace, Bangkok. River Books, Bangkok 1999, ISBN 0-500-97479-9
  • K.I. Matics: A History of Wat Phra Chetupon and its Buddha Images. The Siam Society, Bangkok 1979 (w/o ISBN)

External links

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Jay
21 December 2017
Stunning! Come early, the place gets too crowded around 12pm. They offer free tours at 10am, 10:30, 1pm, 1:30pm after you enter the palace. Would definitely try that if I had known that they’re free!
Andrew BC 翁 Òng
15 August 2014
A very old historic tourist spot must visit when you're in Krung Thep ( Bangkok). For your information, Very strict on dressing. So must dress properly & neat, NO short pant, slipper, T-shirt etc etc
Liz Sherman
2 March 2019
This place is amazing but full with tour groups. Get there as early as possible. Be on the lookout for people outside who say “the palace is closed” or “the palace doesn’t open until 10” —scammers!
Sander Zuurhout
11 February 2020
You can no longer rent a pair of long trousers but you have to buy them for 200 baht, before entering. Great souvenir to take home and it wairs very comfortable.
Pornrapee Abhakorn
30 October 2017
Most beutifull Royal Palace of Thailand and showing the unique Rattanakosin Architect and building Art Works. A must place to visit and with Temple of the Emerald Buddha with in the same Compound.
Chris Brown
7 April 2018
Get there early and make sure both males and females are covered up or they won’t let you in. 500 THB entry. Use river boat to get there as cheap (15THB). Impressive and definitely worth the visit.
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