In the grand complex of Bangkok's Royal Palaces, built according to all the canons of Thai architecture, there was also room for the Western style. Here stands the Borom Phiman mansion, built in 1903 by King Rama V for his son, the future King Rama VI.
Later, the mansion was used as a residence by three more kings - Rama VII, Rama VIII and Rama IX. At present, the building functions as a guest house for high-ranking government dignitaries.
Interestingly, the residence inherited its name from the previous royal palace. When King Rama IV, Mongkut, ascended the throne, he had a Borom Phiman residence built on the site of today's Sivalai Garden, to the east of the Phra Maha Monthian complex.
During the reign of Rama V, part of the complex was dismantled, and the name passed to the new building constructed for the future king, then still a prince. The new house was located slightly north of the original building.
Rama VI, in turn, renovated the estate and added several innovative features. Among the additions were a quadrangular dome above the inner chamber, as well as frescoes depicting the Siamese concept of the Vedic gods of India acting as guardians of the Universe: Indra in the east, Yama in the south, Varuna in the west and Agni in the north.
