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The Former Palace (affectionately nicknamed Wang
Doem) is situated on the banks of the Chao Phraya River at the mouth of
Bangkok Yai Canal, next to Wat Arun (The Temple of The Dawn). Sitting
on the opposite bank from Bangkok’s Grand Palace, Wang Doem represents
a crucial period in the history of the Kingdom of Siam.
It was the ruling palace of the City of
Thonburi, which was established by King Taksin the Great in 1768, after
he recaptured Siam’s independence from Burma. Since Ayutthaya (the
previous Siamese capital) had been totally razed by the Burmese
invaders, King Taksin established Thonburi as his capital city
instead.
Though the reign of King Taksin the Great lasted
just 12 years (1770-1782), he set the Kingdom firmly back on the path
to independence and national pride, having restored both the country
itself and the spirit of the people. Thonburi remained the capital of
Siam for 15 years, until it was decided to move across the river for
reasons of strategic defense. The location of the old city of Bangkok
is nestled by the Chao Phraya on three sides, making it easier to
defend.
Even after the move, the Former Palace retained
its crucial importance because of its ‘Wichai Prasit’ Fort. Also
called ‘Wichai Yen’, this fort was built during the reign of King Narai
the Great of Ayutthaya Kingdom. Wichai Prasit Fort was an essential
line of defense to protect Bangkok from invaders.
Besides its administrative and military glories,
the Former Palace was the place where Kings Rama III and IV of the
Chakri Dynasty were born. In 1910, King Rama V donated the palace to
the Royal Thai Navy School. It still serves as the headquarters of the
Royal Thai Navy.
Buildings of the Former Palace:
The Principal Audience Hall is a Thai-style building, its roof adorned
with magnificent Naga and swan stuccos. Formerly, this was the
audience hall in which visiting officials were received in state. In
front of the hall is an open pillared verandah covered by a saddle roof
containing a throne from which the king would grant audiences.
The Royal Residence contained the Royal Bedchamber and living quarters.
The twin buildings were built in a blend of
Chinese and Thai architectural styles. At present, the big building
exhibits King Taksin’s great works for the Nation, as well as
paintings, utensils and maps, while the small building displays
information concerning warfare, exhibited through maps and paintings.
Phrabat Somdej Phra Pinklao’s Royal Residence
was built according to Western-style architecture. The upper floor was
formerly the residence of King Rama IV’s younger brother, the beloved
Phrabat Somdej Phra Pinklao. In fact he was so well loved that he was
considered to be the 2nd King of Siam. The ground floor served as the
dwellings of royal servants and court officers.
At present, the building’s upstairs exhibits
Phrabat Somdej Phra Pinklao’s work, as well as serving as a library,
while the downstairs displays coin and currency exhibits, exquisite
nielloware, and ancient Thai pottery.
King Taksin’s Shrine and Wichai Prasit Fort are
two other amazing buildings located on the palace grounds. They have
both been renovated and are well-maintained.
For further information
The Foundation for Conserving the
Former Palace (Phra Ratchawang Doem), Royal Thai Navy Headquarters, Tel. 0 2475 4117.
Admission is 60 baht for the public and 20 baht for
students.
Open from 8.30am – 4pm everyday, except public
holidays.
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