Bang Pa-In Palace, Ayutthaya Historical Park, Ayutthaya

Bang Pa-In Palace, Ayutthaya Historical Park, Ayutthaya There is a small island in the Chao Phraya River on which are settled some households at Bang Pa-In. it was the birthplace of King of Ayutthaya named King Prasatthong the 24th reign of Ayutthaya. When he come to the throne, he dedicated his old home to be a temple named Wat Chumpol Nikayaram and built a palace and a lake on the island in 1632 A.D. given name of “Isawan Thipaya-At” Hall. Isawan Thipaya-At Hall In the reign of King Rama IV of Bangkok paid several visits to Ayutthaya, He had restored the Isawan Thipaya-At Hall. In the reign of King Rama V of Bangkok was built several new halls and entertained his royal visitors. The building seen today all date back to his reign. Isawan-Thipaya-At Hall was built by King Rama V of Bangkok in 1876 A.D. to replace one built by King Rama IV of Bangkok and King Prasatthong. This building had four-gabled Thai style wooden building set in the middle of the lake. Varophat Phiman Hall was built by King Rama V of Bangkok in 1876 A.D. The hall is in European architecture, Corinthian style. The portico leads to the audience hall and then to the king’s residence. This hall was used to accommodate royal visitors. The hall contains an ancient weapons, fine stone figures and oil paintings of historical subjects. In the audience hall there is a throne under a royal tiered umbrella. The walls are hung with oil paintings, one of which is a portrait of King Rama V in full ceremonial dress. Rare pieces are large vases of Japanese and Korean craftsmanship that were sent to the king a spresents. There are paintings, vases and crystal sets of European origin in the next room. Vehat Chamroon Hall was built in the Chinese tradition under supervision of titled Chinese traders in 1889 A.D. It was used for king’s residence and audience hall. The hall was used to entertain royal visitors. Interesting pieces are Chinese dragon designs supposed to protect all evil spirits. Entrance to the lower hall is by three doors, each door having a carved wood screen painted red placed just inside. The floor is covered with ceramic tiles imported from China with designs of Chinese mythical birds, trees, animals and fish. South of the hall are found seventeen plaques bearing nine Chinese verses that were made at the order of King Rama VI in 1919 A.D. All pillars, beams and rafters are decorated with carved and gilded figures. The top beam displays the name of the hall in Thai lettering made to resemble Chinese characters. North of the hall is a marble slab with the Taoist black and white sign. Over this is a throne in the Chinese style. Tables are placed at the sides for officials. At the back is the section reserved for the women of the court. A narrow staircase leads to the upper floor. The top floor is in three sections. The middle section has three royal seats placed close to one another. One the west seat is a plaque with the initials of King Rama IV and his queen, on the middle seat is placed a Buddha image and the east seat bears a plaque with the initials of King Rama V and his queen. These plaque were made and put here by order of King Rama VII, and a religious ceremony is held for them at every Chinese New year. The south section contains the royal study. Bookcases and book cabinets here are in Chinese style with carved wood and gold designs. The north section has three rooms. The east room is the queen’s room, middle one is the king’s room and the west one is the bathroom. Hor hemmonthian Thevarat It is a shrine built in the reign of King Rama V in 1880 A.D. and dedicated to King Prasatthong, who first founded the Bang Pa-In Palace. Utthayan Phumisathian Hall The hall was unfortunately destroyed by fire in 1938, leaving only the ruin of the praying tower. It used to be King Rama V’s favorite and was prepared for the king‘s royal visitors, among whom were the Grand Duke and Grand Duchess Johan Albert of Germany and Nicolas II of Russia. In 1989 the hall was rebuilt into the original shape in the style of Swiss chalets. Hor Vithun Thasana was built by King Rama V in 1881 A.D. used for the observation tower. The Memorials Memorial to Queen Sunantha Kumarirat and other royal family.