曼谷Bangkok－ The Grand Palace.27th-31st August2007

(Source from the brochure)

The Grand Palace complex was established in 1782. It cover an area of 218,000 square meters and is surrounded by 4 walls, 1900 meters in length.

After King Rama I's ascension to the throne in 1782 the palace was built. Prior to this, the royal palace and centre of administration had been located in Thonburi, on the west side of the Chao Phraya River. The king decided to establish a new capital due to various reasons. The royal compound has been known since then as the Grand Palace. The 2 earliest structures erected within the complex were the Dusit Maha Prasat Throne Hall, and the Phra Maha Monthian.

The Temple of the Emerald Buddha is the most sacred structure in the Kingdom and the repository of the spirit for all the Thai people. The history of the Emerald Buddha itself dates back more than 600 years and also represents the struggle of the Thai people to maintain their independence from foreign aggressors.

When King Rama I established Bangkok, or Rattanakosin, as his capital in 1782 he added the Temple of the Emerald Buddha in the eastern section of the Royal Grand Palace in order to install the Emerald Buddha. During its two hundred year history the Chapel had undergone several renovations, restorations, and additions. The Royal Chapel thus incorporates no less than two centuries of Rattanakosin craftsmanship which is an expression of the essential entity of the Thai people.

Hor Phra Rajphongsanusorn

The Gaurdian

Phra Mondop

The Royal Monastery Of the Emerald Buddha

The Worrior

The Phra Maha Monthian Group

Chakri Maha Prasat Hall

Dusit Maha Prasat Hall

Guild to the Grand Palace

(Source from the brochure)

Pictures by Tiko