In 1909, King Rama V Chulalongkorn ordered the construction of Phaya Thai Palace. Here he planned to develop plantations, cultivate new types of grain crops, and generally oversee agriculture in the region. Of course, the monarch did not weed the beds himself, but together with Brahmins and sacred oxen he took part in the Royal Ploughing Ceremony and provided a special complex here for this purpose.
The king did not enjoy his new palace for long, as he died just a few months after construction was completed. The vacant palace was occupied by Queen Saovabha, the mother of Rama VI and Rama VII, and she lived there until her death in 1920.
Later, Phaya Thai Palace underwent several reconstructions. Rama VI was especially active in this regard: he demolished most of the buildings, leaving only two halls, including the Throne Hall. He also ordered the construction of several more palace halls and, by combining them, created the new Royal Phaya Thai Palace - the one you see today.
Rama VII, in turn, decided to organize an international hotel in the palace, which existed for five years. Later, the first radio station in Thailand and even a military hospital were located here.
Eventually, in 2009, the magnificent palace building was recognized as a national treasure and turned into a museum. Now you can visit it for free to appreciate its exquisite interior and original architecture.
