The palace has an area of 218,400 sq metres and is surrounded by walls built in 1783. There are monastery buildings, government offices and the Chapel Royal of the Emerald Buddha as well as the royal residence. Monks do not live in the monastery in this compound. There are galleries of murals throughout, depicting the story of the Ramakien, the Thai version of the Indian Ramayana, a mythical battle between good and evil, written in verse.

The Grand Palace

The current King does not live here. This palace is used for ceremonial purposes.

Wat Phra Keow

One of the many temple buildings in the compound.

On the peak of each roof is a spirit called a naga.

Ornate golden doors of one of the buildings. Above and around the doors the decorations are mosaic, using tiny tiles.

People queuing up at the entrance to the Chapel Royal where the Emerald Buddha is housed. Only a few at a time go in, and there are guardians to protect the most holy place for Thai Buddhists.

The Emerald Buddha statue is seated high in the air on a golden altar designed to represent an airborne chariot of Hindu gods.

The Kings of Thailand are crowned in Paisal Hall, seated on the boat-shaped throne at the back. In front is the octagonal seat where the monarch receives the people's invitation to rule. The canopy with nine tiers of white cloth is the symbol of a crowned king.

In between the seats is an altar to the spirit of Siam.

One of the guardian spirits in the temple compound.

Acknowledge this source in your bibliography like this:
A Trip toThailand (2001). [Online], Available: www.kidcyber.com.au

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updated March 2001