Tourist Guide to Thailand

         Thailand officially the kingdom, land of the free, was known as Siam until May 11, 1949. The word Thai means “freedom” in Thai language and is also the name of the majority Thai ethnic group. It is the only Southeast Asian Country never to have been colonized by western power.
        
         In the past, Thai society was very simple: the people were kind and always smiled. We were called “Siam Muang Yim”. Thai people shared thing with each other. But today everthing has changed because people think only about work and work to make more money. They are too busy to help other people and only their family and themseles.
        
         The official calendar in Thailand is based on the Buddhist Era, wihch is 543 years ahead of the Gregorian calendar.
        
         Thailand is a constitutional monarchy and the king is extremely respected. The Thai King recently celebrated 60 years on the throne and Thai citizen commemorated the events and showed their reverence by wearing yellow-T-shirts, the official royal colour.
        
         Thais believe the head is the most sacred part of the body. The feet are considered as the basest part of the body; don’t rest your feet or put your shoes on the table.
        
         Thais feel strongly about their religion, so don’t wear your short clothes to a temple, don’t climb over the Buddha images and take off your shoes before enterring a temple.
        
         The traditional Thai greeting is the “Wai” the hands are brought together in front of the chin.
         Sanuk is a Thai word describing everything that is fun. This combines with the phrase “Mai Pen Pai” or nver minded.

         Thailand’s origin is traditionally tied to the short lived kingdom of Sukhothai founded in 1238, after which larger kingdom of Ayutthaya was established in the mid 14th century.
        
         Siam is the name, which the country was known all over the world unit 1949. On 11 may, 1949, an official proclamation changed the name of the country to “Prathet Thai”, or Thailand.
        
         Contact with vaious European powers became in the 16th century. Thailand was never colonized by a European power. There are two main reasons for this.
         First, it is left as a buffer state between parts of Asia that were colonized by the French and British. Second, Thailand has been a number of very able rulers in the 1800s. However western influence including the threat of force, led to many changes in the 19th in century and major concessions to British mercantile interest.
         This included the lost of the 3 Southern Provinces which later became Malasia’s 3 northern states.
       
         The geographical Thailand local in the Southeas Asian on the gulf of Thailand, the Andaman Sea and covering an area of 513,115 sq.km. and shares boundaries with Myanmar on the west and Northwest, Laos on the east and Northeast Cambodia on the Southeast and Malasia on the South.
        
         Topographic Thailand is divided into four natural regions:
         The North is a mountainous region comprising natural forest.
         Central Thailand is the basin of the Chamo Phraya River It is the richest and most extensive rice producing area in the country and has often been called the “Rice Bowl of Asia”.
         The Northeast region is known as “Isan”. The Northeast is a huge region with over 20 millions inhabitants; the most of them are engaged in agriculture.
         The Southern region is hilly to mountainous with the forest and rich deposits of mineral and ores, This region is the centre for the production of rubber. The South’s wealth has been based for centuries on its rubber and tin industries.
         The attraction region places are Phuket Island, Koh Samui, Krabi, Hatyai and Songkhla Playing supporting roles.
        
         Climate in Thailand is warm and rather humid tropical country and with long hours of sunshine. There are three seasons: summer season from March to May, rainy season fromJune to October, winter season from November to February.
        
         The population of Thailand is approximately 64,233,001 million (2005). The population includes 75 % Thai, 11 % Chinese, 3.5 % Malays and also Mon, Khmer, Lao, Karen minorities Vietnames, Indian and others.
         
        Buddhism, the national religion is the professed faith of 94.6 percent of the population. Theravada Buddhism is the state life time to study the teachings of Lord Buddha.

The rest of the population embraces Islam, Christianity, Hinduism and other. There is absolute religious freedom. The King of Thailand under the constitution and in practice is patron of all major religions.
        
         The official national language spoken by almost 100 percent of the Thai population is thai. The Thai language has its own alphabet. It is a tonal language. The most polysyllabic words in the vocabulary have been borrowed mainly from Khmer, Pali, Sanskrit. The other languages are Chiness and Malays. English is also well understood in most cities for visitors to communicate or bargain. The English language as subject is widely used in public school Universities.
        
         Thailnd is governed by a constitutional monarchy with the bicameral Thai parliament into the National Assembly, which consists of a House of Representatives of 500 seats anda senate of 200 seats (Constitutional B.E.2540). The head of government is the Prime Minister who is appointed by the king from among the members of the Lower House of parliament usually the leader of the party that can organize a majority coalition government.
        
         Thailand is divided into 77 provinces, which are gathered into 5 groups of province by location and districts, sub-districts and villages. An appointed governor administers each province
         There are also 2 special governed districts: the capital Bangkok and pattaya, which Bangkok is at a provincial level while Pattaya is a part of Chonburi province.
        
         Thais are tolerant of most kinds of behavior. Theravada Buddhism is central to modern Thai identity and belief. However, in the Southern most parts of Thailand, Islam is prevalent. Several different ethnic groups are: Burmesr, Laos, Cambodia, Malaysia and Mon maintained distinctly traditional way of life despite strong Thai cultre influence.
        
         Ethnic Chinese also are from a significant part of Thai society. Bangkok’s Chinatown is localted on a Yaowarat road.
        
         Worship of ancestors is large part of Thai spiritual practice as well as charity towards Buddhist moks.
         Seniority is a very important concept in Thai culture. Thais respect the elderly so much. They give honour to the eldest first.
        
         Thai food blends five fudamental tastes: sweet, spicy, sour, bitter and salty. Some common ingredients used in Thai cook include gralic, chilies, limejuice, fish sauce, coriander and basil etc.
        
         The national anthem is played on all ceremonial occasions of national importance and while the national flag is being raised each morning at 08.00 and lowered each evening at 06.00 p.m.
        
         Thailand’s national flag ceremoniously raised each morning at 08.00 and lowered each evening at 06.00 p.m. in every town. Three colours of Thai flag are red band meaning of nation, white band meaning of religions and blue band meaning of monarchy.
        
         Basicallly Thailand is an agricultural country with about 80 percant of population engaged in farming or related occupations of agriculture. Rice is the major export item.
       
         Most National holiday and festivals are of religious nature and serve to monarchy such as December 5th the birthday of His Majesty King Bumibol Adulyades is the Thai national day and Public Holiday.
         There is much transportation in Thailand. Thailand has a very effective rail system linking Bangkok to provinces around the country.
         You can travel to any point outside Bangkok by air through Thai international airway, Angel air and Bangkok by air through Thai international airway, Angle air and Bangkok airways.
         The bus network within the metropolis is every efficient and economical. There are also air-conditioned buses regularly plying these routes. Provincial buses have various terminals and depending on destination.
         Taxi meters starts at 35 baht for 2 kms. You'll have to insist for them to switch on the meter.
         Chao Phraya Boat expresses are most enjoyable and cheap Baht. 5, Baht. 15 from near Meanam hotel, north to lovely Nonthaburi ride, stops all along the way, namely Chinatown, grand palace and Sathorn etc.
         Another taxi-style mode of transport is the local Tuk-Tuk an open air, three-wheeled to Thailand. Tuk-Tuk drives charge Baht. 20 for every short trip.

         Bangkok, the official name of Krung Thep Maha Nakhorn, is one of Asia's most cosmopolitan cities.
        
         Bangkok, the capital of thailand is located on the banks of the Chao Phraya river. It is the political, commercial, cultural, spiritual, education and diplomatic a Centre of the country.
        
         In 1767, when the Thai capital of Ayutthaya fell to the Burmese, the Royal family established a new capital in Thonburi, on the ewst bank of the Chao Phraya river. In 1782 King Rama I east bank of the Chao Phraya and named the new capital "Krunk Thep" (City of Angels).
        
         Bangkok is one of the fastest growing, most economically dynamic and social progressive cities in the East Asia and the capital with population estimated at around 9-10 milion.
        
        Nowaday,s Bangkok can be divided into main geographic areas of follows:
        The riverside to the city,s east is Silom, Siam and Sukhumvit, young Thais and Keen Shoppers head to the area around Siam Square, Siam Centerpoint, Ma Bunkhrong and World Trade Center etc. Heading east along Ploenchit road and Sukhumvit road, there is plenty of shopping which spring up around the beginning of Sukhumvit and stretch Soi Asoke, Centre Chidlom and Emporium. The Ekamai, the Eastern bus terminal is of located on Soi Ekamai very close to the Science centre of Education.
       
         Central Bangkok is the Siam Square district of the city. This is Bangkok,s most western feeling shopping district. Pratunam next to Silom is also great for shopping. Sukhunvit road is night time heart of Bangkok.
        
         Dusit District also offers plenty of tourist attractions: Vimanmek Palace, Wat Benchamabophit and Dusit Zoo found here.
        
         Northern Bangkok,s highlife for tourists is Chatuchak weekend market, best reached by catching the Sky-Train. Mor Chit bus terminal is located at the same stop. Don Muang, Bangkok's international airport 15 km. future north. The Don Muang has been being moved to Suwannaphum airport. It has just experienced of Its latest Suwannaphum airport to the opening of the new airport in 2006.
        
         Sathorn, Silom area is a financial district. The area has a number of Embassies and hotels such as Sukhothai hotel, dusit Thani hotel, if you reach west along Sathorn or Silom, you'll come to Charoen Krung road and the Chao Phraya riverside agin. This riverside is popular hotel area, the city's beast hotels including the Oriental hotel, the best hotel in the world, the Shangrila and the Royal Orchid Sheraton.
        
         North along the river's way is Chinatown, Pahurat and Indian district. Here you'll find Wat Trimit, the Gloden Buddha is head over to Chinatown where you can gaze upon a nine feet tall the Buddha statue, weighing more than five tons. This attraction is believed to be the world,s largest solid gold Buddha statue.

         Ratanakosin Island is the most heavily visited area, Bangkok's old city lying on the eastern bank of the Chao Phraya irver. Here you'll find historical architecture such as the Grand palace, Wat Phra Kaew, Wat Pho, Wat Maha That, The Glolde Mount, Wat Suthat and Wat Ratchanaddaram etc. The city's founding pillar is found in this distric including the National Museum, National theatre and the Sanam Luang area is the Political capital of Thailand.

         Backpackers head to the banglamphu and The wat areas, behind the Democracy Monument, with guesthouses and cheap restaurants.

         You may want to visit to Bangkok. You may choose to attend a Thai Kick-boxing Match where you may lose youself with all of the available displays.

         Bangkok Attractions: There are many attractions for you to experience while traveling about Bangkok. Sometimes, you may want to book a tour, so that you can catch all of the sites This is anadvance as you can go and see in more details those sights that particularly appealed to you.

         There are lots of tours: You can take in Bangkok, Maybe you would like to experience a boat tour, you could take along tail water taxi for about 300-500 bath per an hour. To start Tha Chang Ferry Pier near the Grand palace to enjoy khlong Bamgkok Noi and Bangkok Yai and the Royal Barges etc.

         The Grand Palace is attraction for you to explore. You could easily spend the whole day touring the ground including the Emerald Buddha and the Throne rooms etc.

         Wat Pho is located next the Grand Palace and houses a gold plasted reclining Buddha which is measured as being over 120 feet long.

         Bangkok Nightlife is plenty of choices to choos in the entertainment deparment when you visit Bangkok. You can experience the city's Jazz bars, Cabaret, theatre and dance. You may choose to enjoiy a nice evning cocktail which can be found at many lobby bars etc.

         Bangkok Transport: Public buses are plentiful and cheap with minimum fares of 6-8 bath to most destinations within metropolitan Bangkok. Air conditioned buses have minimum and maximum fares 10-20 bath respectively.

         Taxi-Mater has become very convenient for visitors to welcome them and goto destination. The Taxi charges a minimum of 35 bath for the first 2 kilometres and approximately 5 bath per kilometre after there.

         Sky-Trains are designed to high intrenational standards. Doors open and close automatically. BTS sky-trains connect Bangkok's leading hotels and major shopping areas such as Ratchaprasong, Silom and Ploenchit etc. Please be aware that the sky-train may approach the platform anytime and from any direction.

         Tuk-Tuk are three-wheeled automobiles best used for covering short distances. The Tuk-Tuks are considered as a faster mode transport. Minimun fares for journeys are of up to approximately 25-40 bath.

         Ferry Services are traveling by ferry. A fun way to cross the Chao Phraya river operates a regular boat service up and down Chao Phraya river.

         Chao Phraya express boat operates a regular boat  service up and down river. Fares are very cheap. The new Chao phraya Tourist boat uses more comfortable boats serving just those piers of interest to the tourists.

         Bangkok Travel Guide: When visiting Bangkok, keep in your mind that the National language is Thai atone language with its own alphabet. You may find many Thais who speak enough English for you to communicate with.

         When visiting the grand Palace and most Buddhist temples, one must be dressed respectfully: No shorts, no open shoulder shirts and sandals are permitted.

         The most Bangkok Citizens are quite formal, especially in regard to the manner of dress. One must be dressed appropriately to get into most indoor venues.

         Thais are almost always Buddhist, reflecting the strong cultural influence from Buddhism. Bangkok is full of small reminders of strong infuence of Thai Buddhism caross all societal lavel.

         Most Bangkok residents are Thai, though many are immigrants from China. The Chinese must chang their name to a Thai name, usually incoporating their original family name.

         Bangkok Jam Traffic (Rot-Tid) is Legendary and new transport development like extend freeway, sky-train serving centeal Bangkok and underground is near completion.

1. Wat Phra Sri Ratana Sasadaram (Wat Phra kaew)
INTROCUCTION
         King Rama I, Phra Bat Somdej Phra Phuttha Yod Fa Chula Lok Maha Raja, founder of the Chakri Dynasty, had buit the grand palace in 1782 (2325B.E.) at the same time as Bangkok (Ratanakosin) and as the capital of Thailand. When Kimg Rama I succeeded the throne. The construction work took place for three years, and Royal chapel, Wat Phra Sri Ratana Sasadaram is located within beside the Royal residences.
         The architectural plan of the grand palace is similarly to Ayutthaya period. This Grand Palace has an area of 218,444 square metres (218,400) Tarang Mastres or about 60 acres (152 Rai 2 Nang) and is surrounded by four walls, 1,900 metres in length.
        
Wat Phra Sri Ratana Sasadaram
         Wat Phra Sri Ratana Sasadaram, generally called the temple of the emerald Buddha, is a temple particularly built to house a Buddha image, Chaophraya Chakri who became king Rama I brought the Buddha image from Vientiane when he captured the city.
He built the temple and enshrined the Emerald Buddha there. The Emerald Buddha temple does not house any monks. It can be concluded that the temple of the Emerald Buddha, the most sacred temple of Thailand.

I.Plan of Wat Phra Sri Ratana Sasadaram 
1. A Patron Rup Rushi
         A Patron is hermit doctor statue of the fatther of Thai herbal medicine. The Patron regarded as protecting a particular person or place is the patron saint of travelers. The figure is a seated hermit patron of Thai Medicine. The patron is behind the ordination hall (Phra Ubosoth) which enshrined the Emerald Buddha. It was made in the time of King Rama III.

2. Cloisters with Mural Paintings (Phra Rabiang)
         Cloisters cane compared to the temple walls. These Paintings were the first done in the reign of the King Rama I. The Mural Paintings consist of 178 sections. This is a poem describing scenes from the Ramakien epic in each section. Here is a very brief statment of the story. The Enclosure gallery with mural painting surrounding the Phra Ubosoth shows the Ramakien story, the Indian Ramayana:
         Tosakanth, the King of Demons kidnaps Sita, queen of Phra Rama to Lonka city, where he thinks that she may fall in love with him.
         Tosakanth asks his many relatives and friends to participate with him in the battles, in the same way, King Rama has a monkey army and great monkey warriors under his command. In the last, the King Rama wins a victory over Tosakanth and takes Sita to Ayodhaya, the capital of King Rama. The word “Ayodhaya” is the former capital of Ayodtthaya in the reign of King Rama.
         The Ramakien is very popular in Thailand and other Southeast Asian Nations. Thai arts are filled with the Ramakien or Ramayana. The word “Rama” in the English language for titles of the Kings in the present chakri dynasty.

3. The Guardian Giants (Gate-Keeping Giants)
         There are six pairs of demon guardian statutes at the entrance gates to temple in the gallery. These are the main  Giants of the Ramayana. They stand facing the o dination hall (Phra Ubosoth) meaning that they are guarding the Emerald Buddha in side from all evil spirits.
         These demon guardians were built in the reign of king Rama III, each one describing an important character in the Ramakien story. The green one describes Tosakanth, the demon King and red one represents Sahassadeja, one of Tosakanth’s warriors.

4. The Golden Stupa (Phra Sri Ratana Chedi)
         The golden stupa is Phra Sri Ratana Chedi, The Cheji is one worthy of veneration as if the Buddha. The King Rama IV, Phra MOngkut has built the golden Chedi and thansferred the merit resulting from the construction to his parents.
         The golden Stupa is a modal one of three large stupas at Phra Sri Ssnphet temple in Ayutthaya, the former capital city of Thailand. Inside is a small Chedi. Relics of the Buddha have been enshrined in it. The Chedi has a bell shape, which is the Ceylonese style. In the reign of King Rama V, Phra Chula Chom Klao Chao Ya Hua had applied the golden tile mosaics to the stupa.

5. The library (Phra mondop)(Ho Tri)
         The Buddhist library was built in the reign of King Rama I, containing the Tipitaka, (The Buddhist scriptures) revised at Wat Mahathat, and after the revision was completed, transferred a new copy of it to house in this beautiful spired library. There are statues of the giants and human-faced Naga guarding all of four doors. Four stone Buddha images of Javanese style in the 14th or 15th century are placed at the four corners of the external walls.
These models of the original ones which are now kept in the museum of the royal temple. The original Buddha images were made of volcanic stone and were presented to King Rama V by governor of Java during the Royal visits to Indonesia.
         Around the library, there are four small pillars Royal Pavilions on the Pillars contain the Royal symbols of all the King of the present dynasty. The mondop has been used by the King to enshrine objects of veneration. Phra Mondop is never open to the public.

6. Phra Vihara Yod (The spired Hall)
         This building is the spired hall. The Vihara Yod was built in the reign of King Rama III. The door of this hall ornamented with the mother pearl is in the late Ayutthaya period. The spired Hall was made to contain a large standing Buddha image named “Phra Naga” This image had been moved down from Ayutthaya. It now serves as a chapel for the Phra Naka image.

7. Model of Angor Wat (Nakhon Wat Chamlong)
         This is a model of Angor Wat. Sandstone model of the famed Cambodian temple. The King Rama IV, Phra Mongkut had duilt this by Phra Samphopphai under Simese control.
         The model of Angor Wat is an impressive example of Khmer architecture of the 12th century.
During that period, Cambodia was still kingdom of Thailand or under Thai rule. After that the model of Angor Wat was recreated at the behest of King Rama V to celebrate the first centenary of the royal city.

8. The Royal Pantheon. (Prasat Phra Thep Bidon)
         Prasat Phra Thep Bidon originally called Buddha Prang Prasat was built in the reign of King Rama IV. This building originally intended for enshrining the Emerald Buddha and now it serves as the Royal Pantheon. This Royal Pantheon is a pavilion with four-square Prangs. Now it is inside used for keeping statues of deceased eight King of Chakri Dynasty.
         The Royal Pantheon is open to the Public in once a year on the 6th of April which the public pay their respects on Chakri Day.
         The gilt image of mythical beings standing in front of the Royal Pantheon reside the Himavavant forest of thai cosmology, such a bronze images of living beings half-giant and half-bird, half-human and half-bird.
         This image is “Absornsi” half-angel and half-lion standing with hands in giving everyone a warm welcome. There are two gilded stupas in front of the Royal Pantheon. They were built in the reign of King Rama I in dedication to his parents.

9. Phra Atsada Maha Chedi (Phra Prang)
         This group of eight Prangs stands in front of the temple. The form of a Thai Prang derives from the Khmer Prasat. It was built in the reign of King Rama I, the eight Prangs are of different colours and each one is dedicated to a certain Buddhist concept or a specific element of Buddhism.
We will start with the north Prangs and move the south.
         1. White for the Buddha.
         2. Purplish Blue for the Dhamma.
         3. Pink for the community of Buddhist monks.
         4. Green for Buddhist Nuns who existed in the old period.
         5. Purple for the Pacceka Buddha who has attained enlightenment but not able to teach the knowledge to human beings.
         6. Dark Blue for the Universal Monarchs. (Borommachakkrawatti Raja)
         7. Red for the Bodhisattvas who practice great vitues and will be Enlightened and became the Buddha in the next life.
         8. Yellow for the Buddha Ariyamaittrai, Mahayana Buddhism calls him Maitreya, the future Buddha.

10. Convocation Hall (Phra Ubosoth)
         This is Phra Ubosoth or convocation hall for the Buddhist clergy. This Ubosoth was built in 1782-1785 (2325-2328 B.E.) by King Rama I for enshring the Emerald Buddha, the external walls of Ubosoth are covered with gold stucco and coloured mosaics. These figures of lions are standing as door guardians and sample of Thai Chinese – culture mix while on the internal wall are describing the life of the Buddha and other subjects. Entry to the chapel is on the east side. Inside the Convocation Hall containing the Emerald Buddha, there also are other interesting items:
         The gole-covered wooden thone, The mother-of-pearl door-panels, The large standing crowen Buddha images dedicated king Rama I and Rama II, A amall bronze Buddha image called Phra Sambuddhapanni created cy king Rama IV, The crowned Buddha images in bronze in the attitude of calming the ocean, Mural painting inside Ubosoth and bronze lion door-guardians.

11. The Emerald Buddha (Phra Kaew Morakot)
         The Emerald Buddha is carved from a large piece of green jade. The size of the Emerald Buddha is 66 centime tres high and 48.3 centimetres wide at the knees. It is in a seated position in the attitude of meditation, right leg folded over the left and both hahds placed in the lap. It was the style of the Chiang San School of the north Thailand. It was first discovered in chiang Rai in the reign of King Tiloknatha (1441-1487) who brought it to Chiang Mai in 1481.
         In 1551 Chaichettha was the king of Laos took the Buddha image to Luang Phra Bang and then to Vientiane which became the capital of Laos. The Buddha image remained there till 1778.
         When 1778 King Rama I Phra Phuttha Yod Fa Chula Lok was a campaign over Laos. He had brought it back at Wat Arun in Thon Buri, the capital at the time.
         When King Rama I constructed Wat Phra Sri Ratana Sasadaram within the Grand Palace at Ratanakosin.
         So on the 5th March, 1785, the Emerald Buddha was transferred from Wat Arun and brought it to Wat Phra Kaew and then enshrined in the Phra Ubosoth to the present site.
         The Buddha image was placed high on a golden throne made of gilt carved wood. The Emerald Buddha has three customs, one for each season, one for summer, one for winter and one for the rainy season, all made of gold asd Jewelry. The ceremony of changing the customs of the Emerald Buddha takes place three times a year with the King performing the ceremony.

12. The lined Pavilions (Sala Rai)
         Open pavilions surround the Royal Chapel of the Emerrald Buddha. There are 12 lined pavilions, like this one surrounding the Emerald Buddha used as a resting place for people who came to make merit at the temple. The people have also used the pavilions as place to read religious texts ans on certain Buddhast holiday.

13. Ho Phra Khanthara rat
         Small pavilion houses the Buddha image used in the Royal ploughing Ceremny or the ceremony of the first rice planting. This chaple of a Buddha image called Phra Khanthara Rat is used for invoking rain or rain-making ceremony according to ancient Thai belief of the first rice planting. The Phra Buddha Khanthara Rat image is enshrined here.

14. The Belfry (Ho Rahhang)
         Delightful bell tower, of which the bell is rung on special occasions. This present bell tower was constructed in the reign of King Rama IV, a replacement for the one building in the reign of King Rama I. This bell was moved from Wat Rakhang Kositaram. This sound of bell is now only on certain occasions such as on New Year’s Day.

15. Ho Phra Ratchaphongsanuson
         The Phra Ratchaphongsanuson was built in the reign of King Rama IV. This is the location of the Buddha image of the memorial chapel in reign of the King of the Chakri dynasty.

II. Plan of the Grand Palace
1. Phra Thianng Borom Phiman Hall
         Phra Thianng Borom Phiman Hall is in area of the middle palace. That Borom Phiman Hall was built in the western style in 1909 by King Rama V for His Heir apparent. This mansion was used as a former Royal residence by the King VII and King Rama VIII. At present it serves as the Royal Guest House for visiting heads of state guests of Thai Majesties.

2. The Audience Hall of Amrindra Winithchai (Phra Thinang Amrindra Winitchai)
         This Audience Hall of Amrindra Winithchai was built during the reign of King Rama I in 1785 (2328 B.E.). Originally, the principal audience Hall once used to receive the dignitaries and foreign ambassadors in the audience. Today it is used for many state ceremonies or on importance state occasions such as that commemorating the King’s birthday. The Audience Hall contains two thrones:

         2.1 Phra Thinang Busabok Mala is the boat-shaped throne in which the original throne was constructed by King Rama I. It is in the form of Busabok and was reserved for King and object of veneration. Today this throne is used to enshrine images of Buddha during ceremonies.

         2.2 Phra Thaen Rachabanlang Sawetachtra. This throne is sheltered by the nine-tired great white umbrella of state. It was constructed by King Rama I. This throne is used as ceremonies of consecration investitures and the annual birthday audience for the King.

         In the old days, this throne was audience hall in which the two british ambassadors, John Crowford during the reign of King Rama II and Sir John Bowring during the reign of King Rama IV were both received here.

3. Phra Thinang Phaisan Taksin
         This Hall was originally used as a private audience Hall by King Rama I, who died here in 1909. When King Rama II succeeded his father and he used this hall as the ceremony for holding his consecration of King. Within Phaisan Taksin, it is placed a high altar where three image of the guardian deity of the nation (The Phra Siam Thevathiraja) is installed. The most important part of the coronation ceremony takes place in Phaisan Taksin Hall.

4. Throne Hall (Chakri Maha Prasat)
         Chakri Throne Hall is a royal residence built by King V in 1877. The original design by the British architect, Mr.John Clunish called for three domes over the building in the European style but at the request of the former regent,
         Somdej Chao Phraya Borom Maha Sri Suriya Wong, the King Rama V changed it to “Prasat spired” a Thai style roof. Chakrimaha Prasat is Hybrid Thai European architecture.
         Construction lasted for six years 1876-1882. The main audience hall on the second floor below the central Prasat is now used for diplomatic receptions and for state banquets.
         Underground floor is a museum housing a large collection of ancient Thai weapons.

5. Racha Karanya Sapha Hall
         This Ratcha Katcha Sapha hall was built by King Rama V as a meeting hall for councils of state.

6. Dusit Maha Prasat Throne Hall
         This Dusit Maha Prasat Throne hall was built in the regin of King Rama I. It is an example of pure early Ratanakosin style Thai architecture. Inside a throne has two important objects :
         1) Phra Ratcha Banlang Pradap Muk in the reign of King Rama I. A wooden throne decorated with mother of pearl inlay.
         2) Phra Thaen Ratcha Banchathon Pradap Muk. A wooden bed decorated with mother of pearl inlay was built in the regn of King Rama I. The Principal function of Dusit Maha Prasat has been dan still is a hall for the lying in-state of Kings, Queens and honoured members of the royal family, kept in a golden urn prior to cremation. This hall is also used for the annual consecration day ceremony.