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Grand Palace, Bangkok

The Grand Palace is a complex of buildings at the heart of Bangkok, Thailand.

The palace has been the official residence of the Kings of Siam (and later Thailand) since 1782. The king, his court, and his royal government were based on the grounds of the palace until 1925.

Rather than being a single structure, the Grand Palace is made up of numerous buildings, halls, pavilions set around open lawns, gardens and courtyards. Its asymmetry and eclectic styles are due to its organic development, with additions and rebuilding being made by successive reigning kings over 200 years of history.

It is divided into several quarters: the Temple of the Emerald Buddha; the Outer Court, with many public buildings; the Middle Court, including the Phra Maha Monthien Buildings, the Phra Maha Prasat Buildings and the Chakri Maha Prasat Buildings; the Inner Court and the Siwalai Gardens quarter.

The Grand Palace is currently partially open to the public as a museum, but it remains a working palace, with several royal offices still situated inside.

Grand Palace Plan.
Plan Legend:

  1. Temple of the Emerald Buddha
  2. Bureau of the Royal Household
  3. Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles
  4. Sala Luk Khun Nai
  5. Sala Sahathai Samakhom
  6. Museum of the Emerald Buddha Temple
  7. Pavilion of Regalia, Royal Decorations and Coins
  8. Phra Thinang Amarin Winichai
  9. Phra Thinang Phaisan Thaksin
  10. Phra Thinang Chakraphat Phiman
  11. Phra Thinang Dusidaphirom
  12. Phra Thinang Racharuedee
  13. Phra Thinang Sanam Chan
  14. Ho Sastrakhom
  15. Ho Sulalai Phiman
  16. Ho Phra That Montien
  17. Phra Thinang Chakri Maha Prasat
  18. Phra Thinang Moon Satharn Borom Ard
  19. Phra Thinang Sommuthi Thevaraj Uppabat
  20. Phra Thinang Borom Ratchasathit Mahoran
  21. Phra Thinang Dusit Maha Prasat
  22. Phra Thinang Phiman Rattaya
  23. Phra Thinang Aphorn Phimok Prasat
  24. Phra Thinang Rachakaranya Sapha
  25. Ho Plueng Krueng
  26. Mount Kailasa
  27. Siwalai Garden
  28. Phra Thinang Boromphiman
  29. Phra Thinang Mahisorn Prasat
  30. Phra Thinang Siwalai Maha Prasat
  31. Phra Thinang Sitalaphirom
  32. Phra Phuttha Rattanasathan
  33. Phra Thinang Chai Chumpol
  34. Phra Thinang Suthaisawan Prasat
  35. The Inner Court
  • Photograph by Sodacan, distributed under a CC-BY 3.0 license.

Phra Maha Monthien group

Amarindra Winitchai Throne Hall.
The Amarindra Winitchai Throne Hall (Phra Thinang Amarin Winitchai) (Plan No. 8) is the northernmost and forward building of the Maha Monthien buildings. It is also perhaps the most important.

  • The throne hall was constructed in Thai style as a royal audience chamber, for receiving foreign ambassadors and for conducting important state businesses and ceremonies.

Phra Thinang Chakri Maha Prasat group

Chakri Maha Prasat Throne Hall.
The Chakri Maha Prasat Throne Hall (Phra Thinang Chakri Maha Prasat) (Plan No. 17) is situated on the northernmost part of the Phra Thinang Chakri group.

  • The throne hall forms the front or the façade of the entire building group.
  • In front of the throne hall is the Rathakit Field; on either side of the throne hall are the Phrom Sopha Gates.
  • The throne hall is constructed in an eclectic style, a blend of Thai and European (more specifically Renaissance or Italianate) styles.
  • The lower part of the structure is European, while the upper part is in Thai-styled green and orange tiled roofs and gilded spires or prasats.

Change of Guards parade in front of the Chakri Maha Prasat Throne Hall.

Phra Maha Prasat group

Between Phra Thinang Chakri Maha Prasat group and Phra Maha Prasat group.
In this photo we can see part of the Phra Thinang Chakri Maha Prasat group on the left side of the photo and part of the Phra Maha Prasat group on the right side of the photo.

  • On the left of the photo is the Chakri Maha Prasat Throne Hall (Plan No. 17).
  • Immediately following is the Rajakranya Sabha Throne Hall (Plan No. 24).
  • In the center of the photo is the Dusit Maha Prasat Throne Hall (Plan No. 21).
  • Further below the latter is the Phra Thinang Aphorn Phimok Prasat (Plan No. 23).
  • In the lower right corner of the photo is the gateway from Phra Thinang Chakri Maha Prasat group to Phra Maha Prasat group.

Crossing the gate from Phra Thinang Chakri Maha Prasat group to Phra Maha Prasat group.
On the left of the photo is the Dusit Maha Prasat Throne Hall (Plan No. 21).


Phra Thinang Aphorn Phimok Prasat.
On the left of the photo is the Rajakranya Sabha Throne Hall (Plan No. 24). In the center of the photo is the Phra Thinang Aphorn Phimok Prasat (Plan No. 23). On the right of the photo is the Dusit Maha Prasat Throne Hall (Plan No. 21).

  • The Rajakranya Sabha Throne Hall (Plan No. 24) is located at the southern end of the eastern wall. A closed rectangular building, it was designed as a council chamber for use by the king and his ministers. The building is still used occasionally by the king for private audiences. Its projecting pediments over the roof line, common during the Ayutthaya period, are a notable feature.
  • The Phra Thinang Aphorn Phimok Prasat (Plan No. 23) is an open pavilion, built on a platform at the east wall of the Maha Prasat group by King Rama IV; it was used both as a robing place for the king to change his regalia when entering the Maha Prasat, and also as the royal palanquin mounting platform. The pavilion is considered the epitome of the finest qualities of Thai traditional architecture in proportion, style and detail.

Dusit Maha Prasat Throne Hall.
The Dusit Maha Prasat Throne Hall (Plan No. 21) dominates the Maha Prasat group.

  • It was built on a symmetrical cruciform plan and the roof is topped with a tall gilded spire.
  • The hall is considered an ideal example of traditional Thai architecture.
  • Every aspect of its exterior decoration is imbued with symbolism. The hall is built in the shape of a tall mountain to represent Mount Meru, the mythological centre of the universe.
  • The throne hall stands on a high base with convex and concave mouldings. The bottom layer, according to Thai beliefs, resembles a lion's paw; the lion is a symbol of the Buddha's family and alludes to the Buddha's own royal heritage.

The spire.
The spire is divided into three sections.

  • The base is formed of seven superimposed layers, each representing a level of heaven in accordance with the Traiphum Buddhist cosmology.
  • The middle section is in the shape of a bell, flattened to create a four-sided shape. This represents the stupa in which the Buddha's ashes are interred.
  • The top section is similar to the top of chedis, depicting a tapered lotus bud or crystal dew drop which signifies the escape from the Samsara or cycle of rebirths.
  • The spire is supported by garudas on each of its four sides; as well as being a symbol of kingship, the garuda represents the mythical creatures of the Himavanta forest surrounding Mount Meru.

The pediments.
The pediments are decorated with the figure of Narayana, a Hindu deity, riding a garuda. This associates the king with Narayana and further signifies his authority.

  • According to legend, Narayana descended from heaven in human form to alleviate the suffering of mankind.
  • He represents all the qualities of an ideal king.
  • See more at Narayana: Buddhism - Wikipedia.

The porch.
The most unusual feature of this throne hall is the small porch projecting from the front of the building.

  • Under this porch stands the Busabok Mala Throne, whose spire echoes that of the hall itself.
  • The high base of this throne is surrounded by figures of praying deities.
  • During the reign of King Rama I, it was used when the king appeared before the representatives of his vassal states; later, it was used for certain ceremonies.
  • The two doors to the hall are situated on each side of the throne.

Leaving the Phra Maha Prasat group.

Phra Maha Prasat group seen from the northwest.
The Dusit Maha Prasat Throne Hall (Plan No. 21) in on the right of the photo.


Lamp in the shape of a Hongsa bird.
Although there are many appearances of Hongsa in Thai architecture, little is known about its origin.

  • According to ancient murals, pictures and sculptures, Hongsa (Hamsa) shares the same characteristics as a swan.
  • The Hamsa is deemed sacred in Buddhism, as a symbol of wisdom.
  • See more at Hamsa (bird): Buddhism - Wikipedia.

Phra Thinang Chakri Maha Prasat group seen from the northwest.
The Chakri Maha Prasat Throne Hall (Plan No. 17) is in the center of the photo.


Leaving the Grand Palace.

See also

Source

Location

Location: The Grand Palace, Khwaeng Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Khet Phra Nakhon, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10200, Thailand