History:
The construction of the Grand Palace began on May 6, 1782, by King Phutthayotfa Chulalok (Rama I). After seizing the crown from King Taksin of Thonburi, King Rama I intended to build a capital for his new Chakri dynasty. He moved the seat of power from the city of Thonburi on the west side of the Chao Phraya River to the east side of Bangkok. The new capital became an artificial island when canals were dug along the east side. The island was named ‘Rattanakosin.’
The former royal residence was Derm Palace, built for King Taksin in 1768. The former royal palace at Thonburi was small and sandwiched between two temples, Wat Arun and WatTai Talat, prohibiting further expansion.
As the oldest part of the Grand Palace, the Dusit Maha Prasat Throne Hall is the front of the Phra Maha Prasat group of buildings, with residential buildings behind. Only Throne Hall is open to visitors and must be seen. All Bangkok holidays, along with the rest of the Grand Palace complex. The hall’s high ceiling, topped by the tall tower, represents traditional Thai architecture. From the death of King Rama I until today, the hall has been used as a state tomb for members of the royal family during an official mourning period.
Highlights:
- The Dusit Maha Prasat Throne Hall took two decades to build and was ordered by King Phutthayotfa Chulalok, commonly known as Rama I, on May 6, 1782.
- The pillar that helps support the roof in the center of the throne room is being rebuilt, as the original was destroyed during the reign of King Rama VI.
- Another world-famous site worth seeing, Wat Phra Kaew or the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, is located on the other side of the throne room.
- If you need a break, there is a cafeteria near Dusit Maha Prasat Throne Hall where you can buy refreshments and refreshments.
- Once the king’s bed, the mother of pearl bed is located in the throne room of Dusit Maha Prasat as it was moved after the king no longer used it.
The Throne Room is open to the public Monday through Friday only. Inside, you can see a large mother-of-pearl throne in the center. To your left, facing the throne is a large mother-of-pearl bed used for relaxation between audiences. On the throne room’s west side is a small garden depicting Mount Kailas. The first time. This was also usually when children had to leave the inner palace, as nobody but the king was allowed to live there.
More about Dusit Maha Prasat
To reach the Phra Maha Prasat group in the Grand Palace, you must go through one of the three northern gates decorated with Chinese porcelain floral designs. Dusit Maha Prasat, representing traditional Thai architecture, is built like a high mountain, symbolizing traditional Thai architecture called Mount Meru. Not only is the hall’s shape symbolic, but also the entire exterior decoration. The tower at the top of the high ceiling consists of three sections, each with religious significance. Four mythical beings called Garudas are located around the building as a symbol of the Himavanta forest surrounding Mount Meru.
The interior of the throne room won’t blow your mind either, with geometric designs of lotus flowers on the wall and glass mosaics on the ceiling. The center of the building is reserved for the mother-of-pearl throne.
