The complex of the Grand Royal Palace, the residence of the rulers of Thailand, is built on an area of 218 thousand square metres near the Chaopraya River in the centre of Bangkok. It was erected by order of King Rama I in 1782-1785. Just at that time the capital of Siam became Bangkok, where there was no palace worthy of the king. It had to be built.
At first, the palace and several adjoining buildings were made of wood. They all burned brightly during a fire set by the Burmese who attacked Siam. Subsequently, the Grand Palace was rebuilt, expanded and improved. Now the architectural complex, which still belongs to the king, consists of a residential palace, about a hundred temples, several museums, a pavilion of royal regalia and other buildings. All these buildings are walled.
The most interesting of the palace buildings are the Supreme Residence, which consists of three mansions, and the Emerald Buddha Temple, built as the king's personal chapel. The Grand Chakri Palace, a beautiful building whose architecture intricately combines elements typical of European Renaissance palaces and Thai houses, houses the Arms Museum. Next door is an exhibition of artillery pieces and the Queen Sikirith Textile Museum, which is geared more towards women and tells the history of Thai fashion.
The royal family does not reside in the Grand Palace. It is used for various state ceremonies. It also houses the offices of some institutions. The complex is open to tourists.
