| When King Mongkut in 1855 signed a treaty with the British
Empire to open the country to Western trade and influence, the new
seat of government in Bangkok received with open arms not only
Western trade and culture but its architecture and arts as well.
The Grand Palace in Bangkok became the heart of the King Rama 1 and
his predecessors. The complex of buildings was built in the late
18th century to serve as the official residence of the King of
Thailand when the capital of Siam (Thailand) was moved from Thonburi
to Bangkok. The Grand Palace became the home of Thailand’s Royal
family for 150 years up until the 20th century. The present King of
Thailand, King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Queen Sirikit now reside in
Chitralada Palace.
The Grand Palace is a must-see when in Bangkok. The architecture
is reminiscent of European Renaissance except for the roof which is
in traditional Khemr and Thai style. The Grand Palace, in spite of
its age, is still a magnificent and awe-inspiring piece of
Architecture.
In its glory days, the palace was the seat of government as it
housed the war ministry and other state departments. The complex was
built inside a massive enclosure of crenellated walls for protection
against possible enemy invasion.
The Grand Palace has four major areas: Temple of the Emerald
Buddha, the outer court, the inner court and central court. As the
different departments of the old Thai government were figuratively
headed by the King, it was in the outer court where these different
departments were housed. The central court was served as the
residential home of the King. It was also here where the different
function halls were as venues for affairs of the state. The inner
court was where the King’s Royal family lives. The court was off
limits to adult males as only the King’s wives, daughters and sons
below 12 years old and female servants were allowed in the inner
court. Though the Royal family no longer lives in the Grand Palace,
the inner court is still sectioned off from the public.
The Temple of the Emerald Buddha or Wat Phra Kaew is on the other
side of the Grand Palace. It houses the Emerald Buddha or the Phra
Kaew Morakot which is the most sacred sculpture of Buddha carved in
the 14th century from a block of pure jade.
Other noteworthy halls to visit within the complex are the
Boromabiman Hall, built by King Rama VI as Royal residence. The
Amarinda Hall which was the residence of King Rama I. Today it is
used for state affairs and other ceremonial occasions.
The Grand Palace Hall or the Chakri Maha Prasat serves as a
reception area open to the public. The impressive Renaissance style
hall has not been used as a Royal residence since the unsolved death
of King Rama VIII who was the older brother of the current King.
This subject is taboo.
The Dusit Hall is where the remains of King Rama I lie. The
combination of European and Thai architecture is very impressive.
The Grand Palace complex is open from 8:30 A.M. to 3:30 P.M daily
as long as there is no state function scheduled. A strict dress code
is implemented. Shorts and sleeveless shirts and blouses are not
allowed. You have to be in shoes. If you are wearing flip flops or
Birks, make sure you wear socks. In case you came unprepared, you
can always “borrow” a sarong from a booth near the entrance. |
