Every visitor
to Bangkok should see the magnificent buildings within the Grand Palace
compound to get a feeling of the grandeur architectural style.Since the
founding of Bangkok as the Nations capital by King Rama I, The grand palace has
been the major architectural symbol of The Thai Royal Family. In the present
time, The Royal Family resides at Chitralada Palace while The Grand Palace is
used for ceremonial purposes.
Located at the
heart of Bangkok, Thailand, the Grand Palace was a former residence for King
Rama I to King Rama V of the Rattanakosin Kingdom. Today, the place is used for
hosting royal ceremonies and welcoming the king's guests, State guests, and
other foreign dignitaries. It is also a place where remains of kings and
high-ranked members of the royal family were situated before cremation. The
grand palace is divided into two main zones, which are the Temple of the
Emerald Buddha and the royal residence. The latter is divided into three major
areas: the Outer Court, the Middle Court, and the Inner Court. The Outer Court
starts from Wiset Chai Si Gate to Phiman Chai Si Gate and includes the inner
walls of the Grand Palace. It is now the location of several state offices such
as the Bureau of the Royal Household, Office of His Majesty's Principal Private
Secretary, and the Office of the Royal Institute. The Middle Court starts from
Phiman Chai Si Gate to Sanam Ratchakit Gate. The area is where significant
royal ceremonies are held such as the Royal Coronation and the Royal Ceremony
of Coronation Day. Situated in the Middle Court area are the Phra Maha Monthien
Buildings, the Chakri Maha Prasat Buildings, the Phra Maha Prasat Buildings,
and the Siwalai Gardens quarter. The Inner Court starts from Sanam Ratchakit
Gate to Thaew Teng, the row houses which were formerly palace walls during the
reign of King Rama I. The southern area of the Inner Court was then a
female-only zone; no man except for the king was allowed to get into the area,
where the queens, consorts, consort mothers, and daughters of the king lived
together with many ladies-in-waiting and servants. The area no longer served as
a residence nowadays. Tips Please dress properly
in black or white to show condolence to the late King Rama IX. Stood inside the
Grand Palace area is another Bangkok attraction called the Pavilion of Regalia, Royal
Decorations and Coins, where Thai coins and regalia are on display.