Bangkok Grand Palace complex

The Grand Palace complex was established in 1782. It houses not only the royal residence and throne halls, but also a number of government offices, as well as the renowned Temple of the Emerald Buddha. It covers an area of 218.000 square meters and is surrounded by four walls, with a total length of 1900 m.

The palace was built after the ascension to the throne of King Rama 1 in 1782. Prior to this, the royal palace and center of administration had been located in Thonburi, on the west side of the Chao Phraya River. For various reasons, the new king considered the former capital to be unsuitable. He decided to establish a new capital on the other side of the river. By his royal command, a new palace was built not only as his residence but also to accommodate a number of administrative offices. Ever since, the royal compound has been known as the Grand Palace. The two earliest structures erected within the complex were the Dusit Maha Prasat Throne Hall and the Phra Maha Monthian.

Map of the Grand Palace

To Bangkok Grand Palace and Phra Kaew  pictures