Grand Palace facts for kids
Quick facts for kids The Grand Palace |
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พระบรมมหาราชวัง
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Seen from across the Chao Phraya River in 2017
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| General information | |
| Status | The King's private property |
| Location | Phra Nakhon, Bangkok, Thailand |
| Coordinates | 13°45′00″N 100°29′31″E / 13.7501°N 100.4920°E |
| Construction started | 6 May 1782 |
| Completed | 1925 |
| Owner | Vajiralongkorn |
| Technical details | |
| Size | 218.415,047 m2 (2,351,000 sq ft) |
The Grand Palace (Thai: พระบรมมหาราชวัง, RTGS: Phra Borom Maha Ratcha Wang) is a beautiful group of buildings in the center of Bangkok, Thailand. It has been the official home for the Kings of Thailand since 1782. For a long time, the king, his family, and the government worked from here. Even though kings now live in other palaces, the Grand Palace is still used for many important royal events and celebrations every year. It is also a very popular place for visitors, with millions of people coming to see it each year.
Contents
- The Grand Palace: A Royal History
- Exploring the Outer Court
- The Temple of the Emerald Buddha
- Discovering the Middle Court
- The Inner Court: A Private World
- Defensive Walls and Forts
- Museum of the Emerald Buddha Temple
- See also
The Grand Palace: A Royal History
The building of the Grand Palace started on May 6, 1782. King Phutthayotfa Chulalok (Rama I) ordered it when he moved the capital city to Bangkok. He was the first king of the Chakri dynasty. Over many years, different kings added new buildings and made changes. King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) added many new structures.
By 1925, the royal family and government offices began moving to other places. After a big change in government in 1932, all government offices moved out.
The palace complex is shaped like a rectangle. It covers a large area and is surrounded by strong walls. It sits by the Chao Phraya River in the heart of Bangkok. The Grand Palace is not just one building. It is a collection of many buildings, halls, and gardens. Each part has its own style, showing how it grew over 200 years.
The palace has different sections. These include the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, the Outer Court, the Middle Court, and the Inner Court. There are also the beautiful Siwalai Gardens. Today, parts of the Grand Palace are open to visitors as a museum. It is still a working palace, with some royal offices inside.
Building the Royal Palace
King Rama I wanted to build a new capital city for his Chakri dynasty. He moved the main city from Thonburi to Bangkok. The new capital was on an island called 'Rattanakosin'. The old palace in Thonburi was too small.
The new palace was built on the west side of the island. It was near Wat Pho and Wat Mahathat. A Chinese community lived there before, and King Rama I asked them to move.
At first, the palace was built mostly from wood. It was surrounded by a simple log fence. On June 10, 1782, the king moved into the new palace. A few days later, he had a special ceremony to become king.
Over the next few years, wooden buildings were replaced with stone. Walls, gates, and royal homes were rebuilt. This included the royal chapel, which would hold the famous Emerald Buddha.
Materials from Ayutthaya
To get building materials, King Rama I sent people to Ayutthaya. Ayutthaya was an old capital city that was destroyed in 1767. Workers carefully took bricks from old forts and walls. They did not take anything from temples. These bricks were brought by boat to Bangkok. They were used for the Grand Palace and the city walls. Many people helped build the palace. In 1785, the king held a full coronation ceremony.
Palace Layout and Design
The Grand Palace was designed like the old Royal Palace in Ayutthaya. It was close to the river, just like the old one. There was a special place for royal boats to land. North of the palace is a large field called Sanam Luang. This field is used for royal ceremonies and parades.
The Grand Palace has four main areas. These are the Outer Court, the Middle Court, the Inner Court, and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. Each area had its own rules and uses. The Outer Court held royal offices. The Temple of the Emerald Buddha is the royal chapel. The Middle Court had the king's important rooms and halls. The Inner Court was a private area for the royal family's women and children.
Expanding the Palace Walls
During the time of King Phutthaloetla Naphalai (Rama II), the palace grew bigger. It expanded southwards towards Wat Pho. New walls, forts, and gates were built. Since then, the palace has stayed within these walls. New buildings and changes have only happened inside.
The Name 'Grand Palace'
At first, the palace was simply called the 'Royal Palace'. King Mongkut (Rama IV) started using the name 'Grand Palace' in official papers. This was to show it was the main royal palace. It also helped tell it apart from the palace of the Second King.
A City Within a City
From 1782 to 1932, the Grand Palace was the center of government and religion. It was the king's home and where the government worked. Thousands of people lived there, including guards, servants, and royal family members. The palace walls were like the city walls. It was like a small city inside a bigger city. Special rules were made for everyone living there.
Moving to New Homes
By the 1920s, new palaces were built for the king. These included the Dusit Palace and Phaya Thai Palace. Kings started living in these newer, more modern homes. By 1925, the royal family had mostly moved out. Government offices also moved to their own buildings. However, the Grand Palace remained important for official ceremonies.
In 1932, there was a big change in government. The country moved from kings having all power to a system where people had more say. Today, the Grand Palace is still a place for royal ceremonies. It is also a popular museum and tourist spot.
| Map of the Grand Palace | ||
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Exploring the Outer Court
The Outer Court is in the northwest part of the Grand Palace. When you enter through the main Visetchaisri Gate, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha is to your left. Many public buildings are to your right.
These buildings include the main office and information center for the Grand Palace. The Sala Sahathai Samakhom is used for important meetings. The Sala Luk Khun Nai is an office building for royal household departments. There is also a small museum here called the Pavilion of Regalia, Royal Decorations and Coins. The Phimanchaisri Gate leads from the Outer Court into the Middle Court.
In the past, this court was where the government worked. It had offices, stables for elephants, and barracks for guards. By 1925, all government workers had moved out. The buildings are now used by the Royal Household.
The Temple of the Emerald Buddha
The Temple of the Emerald Buddha, also known as Wat Phra Kaew, is a royal chapel. It is inside the palace walls. It has everything a temple needs, except for places for monks to live. It was built in 1783, following old traditions. The famous Emerald Buddha statue is kept here.
The temple is surrounded by walls with seven gates. Like ancient royal temples, it is separate from where the kings lived. Inside are many buildings with different styles. They show how architecture changed over time. Most buildings follow traditional Thai architecture. This temple was built when the Grand Palace and Bangkok were founded.
Discovering the Middle Court
The Middle Court is the largest and most important part of the Grand Palace. It is in the center and holds the most important royal and state buildings. This court is divided into three groups of 'Throne Halls' and the Siwalai Garden.
Phra Maha Monthien Group
The Phra Maha Monthien buildings are at the very heart of the Grand Palace. These traditional Thai buildings were once where kings lived and slept. They are considered the most important throne halls. All buildings face north and are connected. The public reception hall is at the front, ceremonial halls in the middle, and residential halls at the back.
All royal coronations since King Rama II have happened here. King Rama I started building them in 1785. Later kings added more parts and made changes. King Nangklao (Rama III) renamed them 'Maha Monthien', meaning 'Great Royal Residence'. He lived here for most of his reign. Except for the Amarin Winitchai Throne Hall, this area is closed to the public.
Phra Thinang Amarin Winitchai
The Phra Thinang Amarin Winitchai is the front building of the Maha Monthien group. It is a very important throne hall. It was built in Thai style for kings to meet foreign visitors. Important state events and ceremonies also take place here.
This large hall stands on a raised base. Its roof has green and orange tiles. The front is decorated with a painting of the god Indra. The main door is only for the king. Inside, there are rows of columns with Thai flower designs. The ceiling has glass mosaic stars.
At the back is the Bussabok Mala Maha Chakraphat Phiman Throne. It looks like a boat with a tall, spired pavilion. This pavilion represents Mount Meru, a sacred mountain in Buddhist and Hindu stories. The throne is decorated with colorful stones and figures of gods.
In front of this is the Phuttan Kanchanasinghat Throne. It has a huge Royal Nine-Tiered Umbrella above it. This umbrella is a very important symbol of Thai kingship. It shows the king's power. This throne is used for a king's first royal meeting and for birthday celebrations.
Phra Thinang Phaisan Thaksin
Behind the Amarin Winitchai is the Phra Thinang Phaisan Thaksin. This hall is used for important religious and state ceremonies. It is where royal coronations happen at the start of each king's reign. The last coronation was for King Rama X on May 4, 2019. This hall was once King Rama I's private living space. Its walls have beautiful paintings from Buddhist and Hindu stories.
The hall has two thrones. The Atthit Utumbhorn Raja Aarn Throne, or Octagonal Throne, is on the east side. It is used during the first part of the coronation ceremony. Here, the king is blessed with holy water.
On the west side is the Phatharabit Throne. This throne is like a chair with a footstool. It also has a Royal Nine-Tiered Umbrella. This throne is used for the main part of the coronation. The king receives the Royal Regalia here, like the Great Crown of Victory.
This hall also holds the Phra Siam Devadhiraj figure. This golden statue represents the Kingdom of Siam. It is believed to protect the nation. Religious ceremonies are held here during important times.
Phra Thinang Chakraphat Phiman
The Phra Thinang Chakraphat Phiman is behind the Phaisan Thaksin Hall. It was built by King Rama I as his main home and sleeping area. It is the most private part of the Grand Palace. This hall has three connected buildings. The middle part is a reception room. The east and west parts are the king's private rooms. The east section has a special canopied bed that belonged to King Rama I.
There is a tradition that new kings must sleep here for a few nights after their coronation. King Rama VI, King Prajadhipok (Rama VII), and King Rama IX followed this tradition. The Royal Regalia is kept here.
Other Halls in the Phra Maha Monthien Group
- Phra Thinang Dusidaphirom: This hall was used by the king to change clothes when arriving or leaving by palanquin or elephant. It has beautiful golden decorations.
- Phra Thinang Racharuedee: This Thai-style pavilion was built for outdoor royal meetings, especially during the king's birthday.
- Phra Thinang Sanam Chan: King Rama II used this traditional Thai pavilion for relaxing and watching construction. It is small and could be moved.
- Ho Sastrakhom: This hall was used by monks to make holy water. This water was sprinkled around the palace for protection.
- Ho Suralai Phiman and Ho Phra That Monthien: These halls on either side of Phaisan Thaksin Hall hold important Buddha images and the ashes of royal ancestors.
Phra Thinang Chakri Maha Prasat Group
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The Phra Thinang Chakri Maha Prasat buildings are a group of halls. They look very different from the Maha Monthien Halls. King Rama V and foreign architects built this group in the 19th century. This area was once a large garden. King Rama V lived here until 1910.
Today, only three main halls remain, though they have been rebuilt. These are the Chakri Maha Prasat Throne Hall, the Moon Satharn Borom Ard Hall, and the Sommuthi Thevaraj Uppabat Hall. These rooms are not open to the public. Important state events still happen here. You can see the changing of the guards in the front courtyard.
Phra Thinang Chakri Maha Prasat
The Phra Thinang Chakri Maha Prasat is the main building of this group. It has a unique style, mixing Thai and European designs. The lower part looks European, while the upper part has Thai-style green and orange roofs and golden spires.
King Rama V hired English architects to design it in 1876. He first wanted a fully European building. But his chief minister suggested adding Thai spires and roofs. This blend of styles shows the mix of old and new ideas during that time. The hall was finished in 1882. Its name, Phra Thinang Chakri, means 'the seat of the Chakris'.
The outside of the hall has symbols of the Chakri dynasty. Inside, the upper floors have reception rooms and throne rooms. There are royal portraits of past kings and queens. This hall was the first building in Thailand to have electricity. The ground floor is for royal guards and a museum of old weapons.
The main throne room has the Bhudthan Thom Throne. It is a chair on a raised platform with a Royal Nine-Tiered Umbrella. Kings use this throne for important state events. Many world leaders have been welcomed here.
Other Halls in the Chakri Maha Prasat Group
- Phra Thinang Moon Satharn Borom Ard: This hall is behind the Chakri Maha Prasat. It was built in 1869. It is now used for small banquets and receptions.
- Phra Thinang Sommuthi Thevaraj Uppabat: Built in 1868, this hall has reception and council rooms. King Rama V announced his plan to end slavery here in 1874.
- Phra Thinang Borom Ratchasathit Mahoran: This large banquet hall is at the back of the group. It was rebuilt and is used for important state functions. In 2006, it hosted royal representatives from 25 countries.
Phra Maha Prasat Group
The Phra Maha Prasat buildings are in the western part of the Middle Court. These are some of the oldest buildings in the Grand Palace. They were built and changed by many kings. The public throne hall is at the front, and residential halls are behind it.
King Rama I ordered a copy of an old throne hall from Ayutthaya to be built here. It was called Phra Thinang Amarinthara Pisek Maha Prasat. It was finished in 1784. However, it burned down in 1789 after being struck by lightning. King Rama I then ordered new halls to be built.
Since then, no coronations have been held here. When kings or queens pass away, their remains are often placed here for a period of mourning. Only the Dusit Maha Prasat Throne Hall is open to the public.
Phra Thinang Dusit Maha Prasat
The Phra Thinang Dusit Maha Prasat is a beautiful example of traditional Thai architecture. It is shaped like a cross and has a tall, gilded spire. The hall represents Mount Meru, a mythical mountain in Buddhist stories.
The spire has three parts. The base has seven layers, like levels of heaven. The middle looks like a bell, representing a stupa for Buddha's ashes. The top signifies freedom from the cycle of rebirth. Garuda figures support the spire, symbolizing kingship.
The front decorations show the god Narayana riding a garuda. This connects the king to Narayana, showing his authority. The hall stands on a high base, which looks like a lion's paw. The lion is a symbol of the Buddha's family.
A small porch at the front holds the Busabok Mala Throne. It was used when the king met representatives from other states. The inside walls have lotus bud designs. The ceiling has glass mosaic stars, making it feel like a heavenly place.
Inside, the Mother-of-Pearl Throne is at the center. It is covered in mother-of-pearl and has a Royal Nine-tiered Umbrella. This throne was saved from the fire in 1789. There is also a Mother-of-Pearl Bed, once the king's personal bed. These are now used as altars for Buddha images during ceremonies.
Phra Thinang Phiman Rattaya
The Phra Thinang Phiman Rattaya is behind the Dusit Maha Prasat. It was built as King Rama I's main home. Now, it is used for ceremonies. It is a traditional rectangular Thai building. It is surrounded by two gardens. Today, it is mainly used for state funerals with the Dusit Maha Prasat.
Phra Thinang Aphorn Phimok Prasat
The Phra Thinang Aphorn Phimok Prasat is an open pavilion. King Rama IV built it for the king to change his royal clothes. It was also a platform for the royal palanquin. This pavilion is a beautiful example of Thai architecture. A smaller copy was shown at the Brussels World Fair in 1958.
Phra Thinang Rachakaranya Sapha
The Phra Thinang Rachakaranya Sapha is a closed building. It was designed as a meeting room for the king and his ministers. Queen Saovabha Phongsri led council meetings here when King Rama V traveled to Europe. Queen Sirikit also led meetings here when King Rama IX became a monk. The king still uses it for private meetings.
Ho Plueang Khrueang
The Ho Plueang Khrueang is a closed pavilion on the western wall. King Rama VI built it as a changing room. It is a two-story Thai-style hall. A walkway connects it to the Dusit Maha Prasat Throne Hall.
Mount Kailasa Model
A small model of Mount Kailasa was built by King Rama IV. Mount Kailasa is a mythical home of the god Shiva. This model was used for an important royal ceremony for young princes and princesses. This ceremony involved a special bath and haircut. Statues of mythical animals surround the mountain. This area is part of the Inner Court and is not open to the public.
Siwalai Garden: A Royal Retreat
The Siwalai Garden is in the eastern part of the Middle Court. It is a beautiful garden with royal homes and religious buildings. King Rama I first created it as a private garden. King Rama II later made it a pleasure garden for the royal women.
King Rama IV turned the garden into a new residential palace. It had many buildings in Thai and Western styles. King Rama V later turned it back into a private garden. It is still used by the royal family.
Phra Thinang Boromphiman
The Phra Thinang Boromphiman is the largest building in the Siwalai Garden. This two-story palace was built by King Rama V between 1897 and 1903. It was meant as a gift for the Crown Prince. Sadly, the prince passed away before it was finished. It was then given to the next Crown Prince, who became King Rama VI.
This palace was the most modern building in the Grand Palace. It was designed for carriages and cars. The outside looks European, but the inside is decorated in Thai style. The central hall has paintings of gods like Indra and Varuna.
King Ananda Mahidol (Rama VIII) lived here when he returned to Thailand in 1945. Sadly, King Ananda Mahidol passed away here in 1946. Today, this palace is not open to the public. It serves as a guest house for visiting world leaders.
Other Buildings in Siwalai Garden
- Phra Thinang Mahisorn Prasat: This small pavilion was built by King Rama IV to honor his father, King Rama II. It now holds several Buddha images.
- Phra Thinang Siwalai Maha Prasat: Built by King Rama V in 1878, this hall once housed statues of past kings. It was meant as a royal pantheon. The statues were later moved to another temple.
- Phra Thinang Sitalaphirom: This small wooden pavilion was built by King Rama VI. He used it for rest and garden parties.
- Phra Buddha Rattanasathan: This is a religious building in the center of the garden. It houses a special Buddha image brought from Laos.
The Inner Court: A Private World
The Inner Court is the southernmost part of the Grand Palace. This area was a private space for the king's family, especially the royal women and children. It was sometimes called 'The Inside'. Other people living here included ladies-in-waiting and servants.
Historically, the Inner Court was like a small town. It had its own shops, schools, and rules. Only women managed everything for the royal women. Men were allowed in only for special work, and always with female guards watching. The king's sons lived here until they were teenagers. After a special ceremony, they moved outside for more education. Today, no one lives in the Inner Court, and it is closed to the public.
The number of people in the Inner Court was very large. Each queen had her own household of hundreds of women. Other royal ladies also had their own servants. The total population could be nearly 3,000 people.
Life and Rules in the Inner Court
The Inner Court had many small buildings and gardens. Later, during King Rama V's reign, new homes were built. Most of these were in a Western style. The homes varied in size, depending on the rank of the royal lady. The court was separated from the rest of the palace by inner walls and gates. These gates were carefully watched.
The Inner Court had special rules called Palace Laws. These laws set out the status and behavior of the women. A group of all-female guards, called Krom Klone, made sure the rules were followed. These guards were strong and disciplined. They patrolled at night and cleared the way for important people.
Only the king's children could be born inside the Inner Court. Every detail of a royal birth was recorded. Special ceremonies for the child's birth and growth happened here. The birth of a prince was announced with loud gongs. Children lived with their mothers and went to schools within the court.
Life inside the Inner Court was often comfortable. Most needs were provided for. Women usually entered the palace as girls and stayed for life. They had duties as pages, and later managed their own households. During King Rama IV's time, women were allowed to leave the palace for the first time. They needed permission and were always accompanied.
Defensive Walls and Forts
The strong, castellated walls of the Grand Palace were built by King Rama I in 1782. King Rama II later extended the walls to the south. Guard houses replaced cannon spots. The walls are very long, totaling about 1,910 meters. There are 12 gates in the outer walls and 17 small forts.
Pavilions on the Walls
Phra Thinang Chai Chumpol
The Phra Thinang Chai Chumpol is a small pavilion on the northern part of the eastern wall. It sits on top of the palace wall. King Rama IV built it as a viewing platform. From here, he could watch royal parades on Sanamchai Road.
Phra Thinang Suthaisawan Prasat
The Phra Thinang Suthaisawan Prasat is on the southeastern wall. King Rama I first built it as an open wooden pavilion. King Rama III rebuilt it with brick and mortar. This hall is used by the king to meet the public and watch military parades. It has a wooden balcony for the king and royal family.
Grand Palace Gates
The Grand Palace has twelve large gates. There are three on each of the four walls. These gates are made of brick and mortar and have spires. They are painted white with big red doors. Each gate has a special rhyming name.
- North wall: Phiman Deves, Wiset Chaisri, Manee Noparat
- East wall: Svasti Sopha, Deva Phitak, Sakdi Chaisit
- South wall: Vichit Banjong, Anongka Raksa, Phitak Bovorn
- West wall: Suthorn Thisa, Deva Phirom, Udom Sudarak
Palace Forts
Along the palace walls are seventeen small forts. These forts are battlements with cannon placements and watchtowers. They also have rhyming names.
- North wall: Inthorn Rangsan, Khan Kuenphet, Padej Dusakorn (corner fort)
- East wall: Sanchorn Jaiwing, Sing Kornkan, Kayan Yingyut, Rithi Rukromrun, Ananda Kiri, Manee Prakarn (corner fort)
- South wall: Pisarn Sima, Pupha Suthat (corner fort)
- West wall: Suntha Banpot, Solos Sila, Maha Santha Loha, Thasana Nikorn
Museum of the Emerald Buddha Temple
The Museum of the Emerald Buddha Temple holds many old items from the Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. It is located between the Outer and Middle Courts. The building was once the Royal Mint, where coins were made. King Rama IV built it in 1857.
In 1982, for Bangkok's 200th anniversary, the building became a museum. Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn helped create it. It displays architectural pieces, statues, and Buddha images.
The ground floor shows architectural parts removed during renovations. It also has stone Buddha images and Chinese statues. You can see figures from Thai stories like Ramakien. There are also bones of special white elephants. White elephants were important symbols of kingship.
The upper floor has more artistic and valuable objects. You can see models of the Grand Palace from different times. There are many Buddha images and old coins. A special mother-of-pearl seating platform is also displayed. The Phra Thaen Manangsila Throne, believed to be from the Sukhothai Kingdom, is here. The museum also shows the different robes worn by the Emerald Buddha during the seasons.
See also
- Associated
- Wat Phra Kaew
- Emerald Buddha
- Other royal palaces in Bangkok
- Dusit Palace – Main royal residence from around 1899 to 1950
- Abhisek Dusit Throne Hall
- Amphorn Sathan Residential Hall – Main residence of the current monarch since 2016
- Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall
- Chitralada Royal Villa – Main residence of the monarch from around 1950 to 2016
- Vimanmek Palace
- Phaya Thai Palace – Main residence of the monarch from around 1909 to 1910
- Related subjects
- Architecture of Thailand
- Chakri dynasty
- Coronation of the Thai monarch
- List of Thai royal residences
- Monarchy of Thailand
- Rattanakosin Kingdom
- Thai art
