Thailand state palace tourism
The King's Palace (Thai: พระบรมมหาราชวัง, Phra Borom Maha Ratcha Wang) is a palace building complex in Bangkok, Thailand. This palace served as the official residence of Thai Kings from the 18th century onwards. The palace began construction in 1782, during the reign of King Rama I, when he moved the royal capital across the river from Thonburi to Bangkok. The palace has been expanded several times and additional buildings have been built over time. Even though it still has the title of King's Palace.
History
When King Buddha Yodfa Chulaloke (Rama I) decided to move the capital of Siam from Thonburi in the western part of Bangkok to the East bank of the Chao Phraya river, he wanted a large and magnificent palace as the king's residence and the center of government. However, the area chosen by the king at that time was inhabited by Chinese traders, so the king immediately ordered the land to be cleared and the Chinese traders moved to the Yaowarat area.
Construction of the golden tower (golden tower) began on April 6 1782. Initially the palace only consisted of several wooden buildings protected by high fortress fences on all four sides. This fort measures 1,500 meters long with a covered area of 218,400 square meters. Immediately the king ordered the construction of the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew), as a private temple for the king's family as well as a royal temple. After the palace was completed, the king held a coronation ceremony in 1785. Thailand state palace tourism
The design of the King's Palace closely follows the pattern of palaces in Ayutthaya. The plan of the palace complex is rectangular with the west side facing the river, while the royal temple is located on the east side. All buildings face north. The palace itself is divided into three parts: the outer area, the middle area and the inner area.
This palace was used as the center of the Rattanakosin government and the royal palace from the beginning of the Chakri dynasty era until the reign of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) who preferred to live in the Dusit palace, but still made the King's Palace the main palace and center of government. This habit was followed by his sons, (Rama VI and Rama VII) who preferred to live in their own palaces. King Ananda Mahidol (Rama VIII) moved into this palace completely upon his return from abroad in 1945. However, since his mysterious death in one of the buildings in this palace, his successor and younger brother, King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX), decided to move to this palace. Chitralada Palace.
Even though it is no longer inhabited by the king, every year this palace is still used as a place to hold royal ceremonies and rituals. Ceremonies held at this palace include; coronations, funerals, weddings, and royal banquets. Inside this palace complex there are also government offices, such as the King's Private Secretary's Office and the Royal Thai Institute. Thailand state palace tourism
Important Parts of the King's Palace
Wat Phra Kaew, the temple where the statue of the Emerald Buddha resides
Dusit Phra
Chakri Mahaprasad Hall, a building influenced by the Italian
Renaissance style
Forts
North wall
- Inthorn Rangsan (ป้อมอินทรรังสรรค์; RTGS: In Rangsan)
- Khan Kuenphet (ป้อมขันธ์เขื่อนเพชร; RTGS: Khan Khuean Phet)
- Padej Dusakorn (ป้อมเผด็จดัสกร; RTGS: Phadet Datsakon) (corner fort)
East wall
- Sanchorn Jaiwing (ป้อมสัญจรใจวิง; RTGS: Sanchon Chai Wing)
- Sing Kornkan (ป้อมสิงขรขันฑ์; RTGS: Singkhon Khan)
- Kayan Yingyut (ป้อมขยันยิงยุทธ; RTGS: Khayan Ying Yut)
- Rithi Rukromrun (ป้อมฤทธิรุดโรมรัน; RTGS: Ritthi Rut Rom Ran)
- Ananda Kiri (ป้อมอนันตคีรี; RTGS: Ananta Khiri)
- Manee Prakarn (ป้อมมณีปราการ; RTGS: Mani Prakan) (corner fort)
South wall
- Pisarn Sima (ป้อมพิศาลสีมา; RTGS: Phisan Sima)
- Pupha Suthat (ป้อมภูผาสุทัศน์; RTGS: Phu Pha Suthat) (corner fort)
West wall
- Suntha Banpot (ป้อมสัตตบรรพต; RTGS: Satta Banphot)
- Solos Sila (ป้อมโสฬสศิลา; RTGS: Solot Sila)
- Maha Santha Loha (ป้อมมหาสัตตโลหะ; RTGS: Maha Satta Loha)
- Thasana Nikorn (ป้อมทัศนนิกร; RTGS: Thatsana Nikon)
