SW visits a unique palace
By Wasita Cespedes
Photos by Varuth Hirunyatheb
Situated in Ratchathewi district of Bangkok, the Phya Thai Palace was formerly a rice farm where King Vjiravudh conducted agricultural experiments. His Majesty later turned it into his royal residence.
Now a museum open to the public, SW went along to explore this beautiful historical site.
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Most of the buildings in the place complex have two stories. King Vajiravudh designed the second floor of the palace, which contained the rooms most frequently used. |
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The Phiman Chakri Hall, the palace’s main building, was built with combination of Romanesque and Gothic architectural styles. |
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The Cozy Room (Hong Song Sabai) was once the King’s living room. It was co-designed with an Italian craftsman. |
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The King’s bedroom features a reproduction of the original bed, based on old photographs. |
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The Thewarat Sapharom Hall was established in order for King Vajiravudh’s mother, Queen Saovabha Phongsri, to arrange royal events. |
EXERCISE
Read through Freeze Frame. Then, decide whether the following statements are true or false.
1. The Phya Thai Palace was formerly used as a bank.
…………………
2. The bed displayed in King Vjiravudh’s room is the original one.
…………………
4. Hong Song Sabai was the palace kitchen.
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5. Most of the buildings in the palace have two stories.
…………………
Vocabulary
- residence (n): a house, especially a large and impressive one
craftsman (n): a skilled person, especially one who makes beautiful things by hand
Romanesque (adj): used to describe a style of architecture that was popular in Western Europe from the 10th to the 12th centuries and that had round arches, thick walls and tall pillars
