The Chakri Throne Halls, or Chakri Maha Prasat, are part of the building complex of the Grand Palace of the Thai kings. The original and recognizable building impresses with its eclectic architecture, in which traditional Thai motifs and features of the Italian Neo-Renaissance blend harmoniously.
Above the three floors of European columns, balustrades, balconies, and arched windows, the gilded slender spires of Thai roofs soar into the sky, supported by elaborate multi-tiered gables. It creates the impression that a dignified Italian palace was accidentally topped with the roof of a Thai temple, but this unexpected combination looks surprisingly organic and magnificent.
The Chakri Complex was built in the 70s of the XIX century by order of King Rama V as an ensemble of 11 halls for ceremonial receptions and events. Nowadays, only three of them have survived, and they are used only occasionally. Mostly diplomatic receptions and some annual ceremonies held by the royal family of Thailand take place here.
Several rooms on the first floor are open to visitors. The Throne Hall usually hosts banquets in honor of rulers of other states who visited Thailand on an official visit. The hall is decorated with paintings depicting meetings of Thai ambassadors with the monarchs of European empires that were historic for the country - Napoleon, Queen Victoria, and others. The other reception halls of the palace are decorated with 148 frescoes with scenes from the life of King Rama I. On the second floor, closed to visitors, are the queen's private chambers, and on the third are kept the urns with the ashes of all the kings of the Chakri dynasty.
