This palace has an area of 218,400 sq. metres and is surrounded by walls built in 1783. The length of the

four walls totals 1900 metres. Within these walls are situated government offices and the Chapel Royal of

the Emerald Buddha besides the royal residences. When Siam restored law and order after the fall of

Ayutthaya the monarch lived in Thonburi on the other side of the river. Rama I, immediately on ascending

the throne, moved the centre of administration to this side of the Chao Phraya; and, after erecting public

monuments such as fortifications and monasteries, built a palace to serve not only as his residence but also

his offices - the various ministries, only one of which remains in the palace walls.This palace came to be

known as the Grand Palace, in which the earliest edifices contemporary with the foundation of Bangkok

were the two groups of residences named the Dusit-Mahaprasard and the Mahamontien.

Chakri Maha Prasat Hall was built by king Chulalongkorn (RAMA V). It is used for the reception of foreign ambassadors. It is a beautiful blend of European and Thai architecture. front balcony Phimanchaisri gate royal thai style roof ROYAL GRAND PALACE When King Rama I took the throne as the first monarch of the Chakri Dynasty in 1781, he moved his capital from Thonburi to the other bank. He then ordered the construction of the Royal Grand Palace as the centre of the new city. Inside the Royal Grand Palace are the Maha Monthien group of buildings, the Throne Halls, and other palaces and buildings. These have been renovated, refurbished, repaired, extended and added to continually as appropriate to every reign since then. Chakri Throne Hall: Hybrid Thai-European architecture built in the reign of King Rama V with the throne hall itself in European style and the roof in a Thai throne hall style. Chakrapatpiman Throne Hall: The chief throne hall of the Monthien group, and the early Chakri kings mostly stayed in this throne hall. Dusit Throne Hall: Cruciform style built in the reign of King Rama I. Inside is a Throne decorated in pearl and Phratanratchabanjathorn, a couch of King Rama I. Royal Decorations & Coins Division: Ranks and coinage has 13 exhibition rooms: Rooms 1-3, royal ranks; Room 6, the apparel of the Emerald Buddha which is changed according to season; Room 7, royal regalia and Room 12, historical money etc. Address: The Royal Decorations & Cions Division: On the right side of the main entrance of Wat Phra Kaeo Tel:(662) 224-3328 226-0255 Fax:(662) 225-9158 Opening Hours: Daily 9 am-4 pm Admission Fee: Thai 10 Bht Guide: Must be in group of 10 or more, with written request one week in advance to the Director of Currency Management Bureau Prohibited: Taking photo inside Bldg. Shopping:1 st fl.