Preface

The aim of the publishing of this website is for guiding and introduction the major attraction in Thailand such as Thai culture, tradition, religion and exhibitions in Thai and English for the benefit of both Thais and foreigners.

Moreover this website is designed for teaching English for Public Relations and Important Place of Religion in Thailand, which are used for the students in Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University.

This website provides tourists and student’s significant knowledge on historical sites and artifacts requires the time to study. The effect today follows the cause of yesterday. The change of tomorrow is what happens today. Therefore human beings must know the events of the past.

An author strongly believed that this website would give correct background and factual information to students and foreign visitors who may learn and be interested in Thai art, tradition and culture.

Author hopes for the vows and invites the virtues from this book and three Gems empire everyone who have read this book and to have happiness and a healthy life and success forever.

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Thailand Introucdtion

Thailand officially the kingdom, land of the free, was known as Siam until May 11, 1994. The word Thai means "freedom" in Thai language and is also the name of the majority Thai ethnic group. It is the only Southeast Asian Country never to have been colonized b western power.

In the past, Thai society was very simple: the people were kind and always smiled. We were called "Siam Muang Yim". Thai people shared thing with each other. But today everything has changed because people think only about work and work to more. They are too busy to help other people and only their family and themselves.

The official calendar in Thailand is based on the Buddhist Era, which is 543 years ahead of the Gregorian calendar.

Thailand is a constitutional monarchy and the king is extremely respected. The Thai King recently celebrated 60 years on the throne and Thai citizen commemorated the events and showed their reverence by wearing yellow-T-shirts, the official royal colour.

Thai believe the head is the most sacred part of the body. The feet are considered as the basest part of the body; don’t rest feet or put your shoes on the table.

Thais feel strongly about their religion, so don’t wear your short clothes to a temple, don’t climb over the Buddha images and take off your shoes before entering a temple.

The traditional Thai greeting is the “Wai” the hands are brought together in front of the chin. Sanuk is a Thai word describing everything that is fun. This combines with the “Mai Pen Rai” or never minded.

Background

Thailand’s origin is traditionally tied to the short lived kingdom of Sukhothai founded in 1238, after which the larger kingdom of Ayutthaya was established in the mid 14^th century.

Siam is the name, which the country was known all over the world until 1949. On 11may, 1949, an official proclamation changed the name of the country to “Prathet Thai” or Thailand.

Contract with various European powers became in the 16^th century. Thailand was never colonized by a European power. There are two main reasons for this.

First, it is left as a buffer state between parts of Asia that were colonized by French and the British. Second, Thailand has been a number of very able rulers in the 1800s. However western influence including the threat of force, led to man changes in the 19^th in century and major concessions to British mercantile interest.

This included the lost of the 3 Southern Provinces which later became Malaysia’s 3 northern states.

The geographical Thailand located in the Southeast Asia on the gulf of Thailand, the Andaman Sea and covering an area of 513,115 sq. km. and shares boundaries with Myanmar on the west and Northwest, Laos on the east and Northeast Cambodia on the Southeast and Malaysia on the South.

Topographic Thailand is divided into four natural regions

The North is a mountainous region comprising natural forest.

Central Thailand is the basin of the Chao Phraya River it is the richest and most extensive rice producing area in the country and has often been called the “Rice Bowl of Asia”

The Northeast region is known as “Isan”. The Northeast is huge region with over 20 millions inhabitants; the most them are engaged in agriculture.

The Southern region is hilly to mountainous with the forest and rich deposits of mineral and ores. This region is the center for the production of South’s wealth has been based for centuries on its rubber and tin industries.

The attraction places are Phuket Island, Koh Samui, Krabi, Hadtyai and Songkhla playing supporting roles.

Climate in Thailand is warm and rather humid tropical country and with long hours of sunshine. There are three seasons: summer seasons from March to May, rainy seasons from June to October, winter seasons form November to February.

The population of Thailand is approximately 64,233,001 million (2005). The population includes 75% Thai, 11% Chinese, 3.5% Malays and also Mon, Loa, Karen minorities, Vietnames, Indian and others.

Buddhism, the national region is the professed faith of 94.6 percent of the population. Theravada Buddhism is the state religion. Practically all- Thai males enter monkhood once in their lifetime to study the teaching of Lord Buddha.

The rest of the population embraces Islam, Christianity, Hinduism and other. There is absolute religious freedom. The King of Thailand under the constitution and practice is patron of all major religions.

The official nation language spoken by almost 100 percent of The Thai population is Thai. The language has its own alphabet. It is a tonal language. The most polysyllabic words in the vocabulary have been borrowed mainly from Khmer, Pali, Sanskrit. The other languages are Chinese and Malays. English is also well understood in most cities for visitors to communicate or bargain. The English language as subject is widely used in public school and Universities.

Thailand is governed by a constitutional monarchy with the bicameral Thai parliament into the National Assembly, which consists of a House Representatives of 500 seats and a senate of 200 seats (Constitutional B.E.2540). The head of government is the Prime Minister who is appointed by the king from among the members of the Lower House by parliament usually the leader of the party that can organize a majority coalition government.

Thailand is divided into 76 provinces, which are gathered into 5 group of province by location and districts, sub-districts and villages. An appointed governor administers each province

There are also 2 special governed districts: the capital Bangkok and Pattaya, which Bangkok is at a provincial level while Pattaya is a part of Chonburi province.

Thais are tolerant of most kinds of behavior. Theravada Buddhism is central to modern Thai identity and belief. However in the Southern most parts of Thailand, Islam is prevalent. Several different ethnic groups are: Laos, Cambodia, Malaysia and Mon have maintained distinctly traditional way of life despite strong Thai culture influence.

Ethnic Chinese also are form a significant part of Thai society. Bangkok’s Chinatown is located on a Yaowarat road.

Worship of ancestors is a large part of Thai spiritual practice as well as charity towards Buddhist monk.

Seniority is a very important concept in Thailand culture Thais respects the elderly so much. They give honour to the eldest first.

Thai food blends five fundament tastes: sweet, spicy, sour, bitter and salty. Some common ingredients used in Thai cooking include garlic, chilies, lime juice, fish sauce, coriander and basil etc.

The standard currently unit is the baht, and it is divided into onhundred units called stang. Coins are used as 25 stang, 50 stang, 1 baht, 2 baht, 5 baht, 10 baht and paper currency is issued as 10 baht, 20 baht, 50 baht, 100 baht, 500 baht and 1000 baht.

The national anthem is played on all ceremonial occasions of national importance and while the national flag is being raised each morning 08.00 and lowered each evening at 06.00 p.m.

Thailand’s national flag ceremoniously raised each morning at 08.00 and lowered each evening 06.00 p.m. in every town. Three colours of Thai flag are red band meaning of national white band meaning of religions and blue band meaning of monarchy.

Basically Thailand is an agricultural country whit about 80 percent of population engaged in farming or related occupations of agriculture. Rice is the major export item.

Most National holiday and festivals are of religious nature and serve to monarchy such as December 5^th the birthday of His Majesty Bumibol Adulyades is the Thai national day and Public Holiday.

There is much transportation in Thailand has a very effective rail system linking Bangkok to provinces around the country.

You can travel to any point outside Bangkok by air through Thai international airway, Angel air and Bangkok airway

The bus network within the metropolis is every efficient and economical. There are also air-conditioned buses regularly plying these routes. Provincial buses have various terminals and depending on destination. Within Bangkok, the sky train is the fastest way to get you to commercial and tourist places.

Taxi meters starts 35 baht for 2 kms. You’ll have to insist for them to switch on the meter.

Chao Phraya Boat expresses are most enjoyable and cheap Bht.5, Baht. 15 from near Meanam hotel, north to lovely Nonthaburi ride, stops all along the way, namely Chinatown, grand palace and Sathorn etc.

Another taxi-style mode of transport is the local Tuk-Tuk an open air, three-wheeled to Thailand. Tuk-Tuk drives charge Bht.20 for every short trip.

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Bangkok Introduction

Bangkok, the official name of Krung Thep Maha Nakhon, is one of Asia’s most cosmopolitan cuties.

Bangkok, the capital of Thailand is located on the banks of the Chao Phraya river. It is the political, commercial, cultural, spiritual, education and diplomatic a Centre of the country.

In 1767, when the Thai capital of Ayutthaya fell to the Burmese, the Royal family established a new capital in Thonburi, on the west bank of the Chao Phraya river. In 1782 King Rama I of the present Chakri Dynasty moved the royal residence to the east bank of the Chao Phraya and named the new capital “Krung Thep” (City of Angels).

Bangkok is one of the fastest growing, most economically dynamic and social progressive cities in the East Asia and the capital with population estimated at around 9-10 million.

Nowadays, Bangkok can be divided into main geographic areas of follows:
The riverside to the city,s east is Silom, Siam and Sukhumvit, young Thais and Keen Shoppers head to the area around Siam Square, Siam Centerpoint, Ma Bunkrong and World Trade Centre etc. Heading east along Ploenchit road and Sukhumvit road, there is plenty of shopping which spring up around the beginning of Sukhumvit and stretch Soi Asoke Central Chidlom and Emporium. The Ekamai, the Eastern bus terinal is localed on Soi Ekamai very close to the Science centre of Education.

Central Bangkok is the Siam Square district of the city. This is Bangkok’s most western feeling shopping district Pratunam next to Silom is also great for shopping. Sukhumvit road is night time heart of Bangkok.

Dusit District also offers plenty of tourist attractions Vimanmek Place, Benchamabopit and Dusit Zoo are found here.

Northern Bangkok’s highlife for tourist is Chatuchak weekend market, best reached by caching the Sky-Train. Mor Chit bus terminal is located at the same stop. Don Muang, Bangkok’s international airport is about 15 km. future north. The Don Moung has been being moved to Suwannaphum airport. It has just experienced of Its latest Suwannaphum airport to the opening of the new airport in 2006.

Sathorn, Silom area is a financial district. The area has a number of Embassies and hotels such as Sukhothai hotel. Dusit Thani hotel, if you reach west along Sathorn or Silom, you’ll come to Charoen Krung road and the Chao Phraya riverside again. This riverside is popular hotel area, the city’s beast hotels including the Oriental hotel, the best hotel in the world, the Shangri-La Hotel and the Royal Orchid Sheraton.

North along the river’s way is Chinatown, Pahurat and Indian distric. Here you’ll fine Wat Trimit , the Golden Buddha is head over to Chinatown where you can daze upon a nine feet tall the Buddha statue, weighing more than five. This attraction is believed to be the world’s largest solid gold Buddha statue.

Ratanakosin Island is the most heavily visited area, Bangkok’s old city lying on the eastern bank of the Chao Phraya river. Here you’ll fine historical architecture such as the Grand palace, Wat Phra Keaw, Wat Pho, Wat Maha That, The Golden Mount, Wat Suthat and Wat Ratchanaddaram etc. The city’s founding pillar is found in is district including the National Museum, National theatre and the Sanam Luang area is the Political capital of Thailand.

Backpackers head to the Banglamphu and The wet areas, behind the Democracy Monument, with guesthouses and cheap restaurants.

You may want to visit to Bangkok. You may choose to attend a Thai Kick-boxing match where you may lose yourself with all of the available displays.

Bangkok Attractions: There are many attractions for you to experience while traveling about Bangkok. Sometimes, you may want to book a tour, so that you can catch all of the sites. This is an advance as you can go and see in more detail those sights that particularly appealed to you.

There are lost of tours: You can take in Bangkok, Maybe you would link to experience a boat tour, you could take along tail water taxi for 300-500 bath per an hour. To start Tha Cahng Ferry Pier near the Grand palace to enjoy khlong Bangkok Noi and Bangkok Yai and the Royal Barges etc.

The Grand Palace is attraction for you to explore. You could easily spend the whole day touring the ground including the Emerald Buddha and the Throne rooms etc.

Wat Pho is located next the Grand Palace and houses a gold plasted reclining Buddha which is measured as being over 120 feet long.

Bangkok Nightlife is plenty of choices to choose in the entertainment when you visit Bangkok. You can experience the city’s Jazz bars, Cabaret, theatre and dance. You may choose to enjoy a nice evening cocktail which can be found at many lobby bars etc.

Taxi-Meter has become very convenient for visitor to welcome them and go to destination. The Taxi charges a minimum of 5 bath 2 kilometer and approximately 5 baht per kilometer after there.

Sky-Trains are designed to high international standards. Door open and close automatically. BTS sky-trains connect Bangkok’s leading hotels and major shopping areas such as Rachaprasong, Silom and Ploenchit etc. Please be aware that the sky-train may approach the platform anytime and from any direction.

Tuk-Yuk are three-wheeled automobiles best used for covering short distances. The Tuk-Tuk are considered as a faster mode transport. Minimum fares for journeys are of up to approximately 25-40 bath.

Ferry Services are traveling by ferry. A fun way to cross the Chao Praya river operates a regular boat service up and down Chao Praya river.

Chao Praya express boat operates a regular boat service up and down river. Fares are very cheap. The new Chao Praya Tourist boat uses more comfortable boats serving just those piers of interest to the tourists.

Bangkok Travel Guide: When visiting Bangkok, keep in your mind that the National language is Thai atone language with its own alphabet. You may find many Thais who speak enough English for you to communicate with.

When visiting the grand Palace and Buddhist temples, one must be dressed respectfully: No shorts, no open shoulder shirts and sandals are permitted.

The most Bangkok Citizens are quite formal, especially in regard to the manner of dress. One must be dressed appropriately to get into most indoor venues.

Thais are almost always Buddhist, reflecting the strong cultural influence from Buddhism. Bangkok is full of small reminders of strong influence of Thai Buddhism across all societal level.

Most Bangkok residents are Thai, though many are immigrants from China. The Chinese must change their name to a Thai name, usually incorporating their original family name.

Bangkok Jam Traffic (Rot-Tid) is Legendary and new transport development like extend freeway, sky-train serving central Bangkok and underground is near completion.

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Religious Holy Places

1. Wat Phra Sri Ratana Sasadaram (Wat Phra Keaw)

INTRODUCTION

King Rama I, Phra Bat Somdej Phra Chao Phuttha Yod Fa Chula Lok Maha Raja, founder of the Chakri Dynasty, had built the grand palace in 1782 (2325 B.E.) at the same time as Bangkok (Ratanakosin) and as the capital of Thailand. When King Rama I succeeded the throne. The construction work took place for three years, and Royal chapel, Wat Phra Sri Ratana Sasadaram is located within beside the Royal residences.

The architectural plan of the grand palace is similarly to Ayutthaya period. This Grand has an area of 218,444 square meters (218,400 Tarang Meters) or about 60 acres (152 Rai 2 Ngan) and is surrounded by four walls, 1,900 meters in length.

War Phra Sri Ratana Sasadaram
War Phra Sri Ratana Sasadaram, generally called the temple of the emerald Buddha, is a temple particularly built to house a Buddha image, Chaophraya Chakri who becomes king Rama I brought the Buddha image from Vientiane when he captured the city.

He built the temple and enshrined the Emerald Buddha there. The Emerald Buddha temple does not house any monks. It can be concluded that the temple of the Emerald Buddha, The most sacred temple of Thailand.

I.Plan of Wat Phra Sri Ratana Sasadaram


1. A Patron Rup Rushi

A Patron is hermit doctor statue of the father of Thai herbal medicine. The Patron regarded as protecting a particular person or place is the patron saint of travelers. The figure is a seated hermit patron of Thai Medicine. The patron is behind the ordination hall (Phra Ubosoth) which enshrined the Emerald Buddha. It was made in the time of King Rama III.







2. Cloisters with Mural Paintings (Phra Rabiang)

Cloisters can be compared to the temple walls. These Paintings were the first dine in the reign of the King Rama I. The Mural Paintings consist of 178 sections. This is a poem describing scenes from the Ramakien epic in each section. Here is a very brief statement of the story. The Enclosure gallery with mural painting surrounding the Phra Ubosoth shows the Ramakien story, the Indian Ramayana:

Tosakanth, the King of Demons kidnaps sita, queen of Phra Rama to Lonka city, where he thinks that she may fall in love with him.

Tosakanth arks his many relatives and friend to participate with him in the battles, in the same way, King Rama has a monkey army and great monkey warriors under his command. In the last, the king Rama wins a victory over Tosakan and takes Sita to Ayodhaya, the capital of King Rama. The word “Ayodahaya” is the former capital of Ayutthaya in the reign of King Rama.

3. The Guardian Giants (Gate-Keeping Giants)

There are six of demon guardian statutes at the entrance gates to temple in the gallery. These are the main Giants of the Ramayana. They stand facing the o dination hall (Phra Ubosoth) Meaning they are guarding the Emerald Buddha inside from all evil spirits.

These demon guardians were built in the reign of king Rama III, each one describing an important character in the Ramakien story. The green one describes Tosakanth, the demon King and red one represents Sahassadeja, one of Tosakanth’s warriors.

4. The Golden Stupa (Phra Sri Ratana Chedi)

The golden stupa is Phra Sri Ratana Chedi, The Chedi is one worthy of veneration as if the Buddha. The King Rama IV, Phra Monkut has built the golden Chedi and transferred the merit resulting from the construction to his parents.

The golden stupa is a modal one of three large stupas at Phra Sri Sanphet in Ayutthaya, the former capital city of Thailand. Inside is a small Chedi. Relics of the Buddha have been enshrined in it. The Chedi has a bell shape, which is the Ceylonese style. In the reign of King Rama V, Phra Chula Chom Klao Chao yu Hua had applied the golden tile mosaics to the stupa.

5. The library (Phra Mondop)(Ho Tri)
The Buddhist library was built in the reign of King Rama I, containing the Tipitaka, (The Buddhist scriptures) revised at Wat Mahathat, and after the revision was completed, transferred are statues of the giants and human-faced Naga guarding all of four doors. Four stone Buddha images of Javanese style in the 14^th or 15^th century are placed at the four cones of the external wall.

These models of the original ones which are now kept in the museum of the royal temple. The original Buddha images were made of volcanic stone and were presented to King Rama V by governor of Java during the Royal visits to Indonesia.

Around the library, there are four small pillars Royal Pavilions on the Pillars contain the Royal symbols of the King of the present dynasty. The mondop has been used by the King to enshrine objects of veneration. Phra Mondop is never open to the public.

6. Phra Vihara Yod (The spired Hall)

This building is the spired hall. The Vihara Yod was built in the reign of King Rama III. The door of this hall ornamented with the mother pearl is in the late Ayutthaya period. The spired Hall was made to contain a large standing image named “Phra Naga”. The image had been moved down from Ayutthaya. It now serves as a chapel for the Phra Naka image.

7. Model of Angor Wat (Nakhon Wat Chamlong)

This is a model of Angor Wat. Sandstone model of the famed Cambodian temple. The King Rama IV, Phra Mongkut had built this by Phra Samphopphai under Siamese control.

The model of the Angor Wat is an impressive example of Khmer architecture of the 12^th century.

During that period. Cambodia was still kingdom of Thailand or under Thai rule. After that the model of Angor Wat was recreated at the behest of King Rama V to celebrate the first centenary of the royal city.

8. The Royal Pantheon. (Prasat Phra Thep Bidon)

Prasat Phra Thep Bidon original called Buddha Prang Prasat was built in the reign of King Rama IV. This building originally intended for enshrining he Emerald Buddha and now it server as the Royal Pantheon. This Royal is a pavilion with four-square Prangs. Now it is onside used for keeping statues of deceased eight King of Chakri Dynasty.

The Royal Pantheon is open to the Public in once a year on the 16^th of April which the public pay their respects on Chakri Day.

The gilt image of mythical brings standing in front of the Royal Pantheon reside the Himavavant forest of Thai cosmology, such a bronze images of living begins half-giant and half-brid, half-human and half-brid.

This image is “Absornsi” half-angle and half-lion standing with hands in giving everyone a warm welcome. There are two gilded stupas in front of the Royal pantheon. They were built in the reign of King Rama I in dedication to his parents.

9. Phra Atsada Maha Chedi (Phra Prang)

This group eight Prangs stands in front of the temple. The form of a Thai Prang derives front the Khmer Prasat. It was built in the reign of King Rama I, the eight Prangs are of different colours and each one is dedicated to a certain Buddhist concept or a specific element of Buddhism.

We will start with the north Prangs and move the south.
1. White for the Buddha.
2. Purplish Blue for the Dhamma.
3. Pink for the community of Buddhist monks.
4. Green for Buddhist Nuns who existed in the old period.
5. Purple for the Pacceka Buddha who has attained enlightenment but not
able to teach the knowledge to human beings.
6. Dark Blue for the Universal Monarchs. (Borommachakkrawatti Raja)
7. Red for the Bodhisattvas who practice great virtues and will be
Enlightened and became the Buddha in the next life.
8. Yellow for the Buddha Ariyamaittrai, Mahayana Buddhism calls him
Maitreya, the future Buddha.

10. Convocation Hall (Phra Ubosoth)

This is Phra Ubosoth or convocation hall for the Buddhist clergy. This Ubosoth was built in 1782 – 1785 (2325 – 2328 B.E.) by King Rama I for enshrine the Emerald Buddha, the external walls of Ubosoth are covered with gold stucco and coloured mosaics. These figures of lions are standing as door guardians and sample of Thai Chinese – culture mix on the internal wall are describing the life of the Buddha and other subjects. Entry to the chapel is on the east side. Inside the Convocation Hall containing the Emerald Buddha, there also other interesting items:

The gold – covered wooden throne, the mother-of-pearl –door panels, The large standing crowned Buddha images dedicated King Rama I and King Rama II, A small bronze Buddha image called Phra Sambuddhapanni created by King Rama IV, The crowned Buddha image in bronze in the attitude of calming the ocean, Mural painting inside Ubosoth and bronze lion door-guardians.

11. The Emerald Buddha (Phra Keaw Morakot)

The Emerald Buddha is carved from a large piece of green jade. The size of the Emerald Buddha is 66 centimeters high and 48.3 centimeters wide at the knees. It is in a seated position in the attitude of meditation, right leg folded over the left and both hands placed in the lap. It was the style of the Chiang San School of the north Thailand. It was first discovered in Chiang Rai in the reign of King Tiloknatha (1441-1487) who brought it to Chiang Mai in 1481.

In 1551 Chaichettha was King of Laos took the Buddha image to Luang Phra Mang and then to Vientiane which became the capital of Laos. The Buddha image remained there till 1778.

When 1778 King Rama I Phra Phuttha Yod Fa Chula Lok was a Campaign over Laos. He had brought it back at Wat Arun in Thon Buri, The capital at the time.

When King Rama I constructed Wat Phra Sri Ratana Sasadaram within the Grand Palace at Ratanakisin.

So on the 5^th March, 1785, the Emerald Buddha was transferred from Wat Arun and it to Wat Phra Keaw and then enshrined in the Phra ubosoth to the present site.

The Buddha image was placed high on a golden throne made of golt carved wood. The Emerald Buddha has three custom, one for each season, one for summer, one for winter and one for the rainy season, all made of gold and Jewelry. The ceremony of changing the customs of the Emerald Buddha takes place three times a year with the King performing the ceremony.

12. The lined Pavilions (Sala Rai)

Open pavilions surround the Royal Chapel of the Emerald Buddha. There are 12 lined pavilions, like this one surrounding the Emerald Buddha used as a resting place for people. Who come to make merit at the temple. The people have also used the pavilions as place to religious texts on certain Buddhist holiday.


13. Ho Phra Khanthara Rat
Small pavilion houses the Buddha image used in the Royal ploughing Ceremony of the first rice planting. This chapel of a Buddha image called Phra Khanthara Rat is used for invoking rain or rain-making ceremony according to ancient Thai belief of the first rice planting. The Phra Buddhakhanthararat image is enshrined here.

14. The Belfry (Ho Rakhang)

Delightful bell tower, of which the bell is rung on special occasions. This present bell tower was constructed in the reign of King Rama IV, a replacement for the one building in the reign of King Rama I. This bell was moved from Wat Rakang Kositaram. This sound of bell is now only on certain occasions such as on New Year’s Day.







15. Ho Ohra Ratchaphongsanuson
The Phra Ratchaphongsanuson was built in the reign of King Rama IV. This is the location of the Buddha image of the memorial chapel in reign of the King of the Chakri dynasty.

II. Plan of the Grand Palace

1. Phra Thinang Borom Phiman Hall
Phra Thinang Borom Phiman Hall is in area of the middle palace. Thai Borom Phiman Hall was built in the western style in 1909 by King Rama V for His Heir apparent. This mansion was used as a former Royal residence by the VII and King Rama VIII. At present it serves as the Royal Guest House for visiting heads of state and guests of Thai Majesties.

2. The Audience Hall of Amrindra Winithchai (Phra Thinang Amrindra Winitchai)
This Audience Hall of Amrindra Winithchai was built during the reign of King Rama I in 1785 (22328 B.E.). Originally, the principal audience Hall once used to receive the dignitaries and foreign ambassadors in the audience. Today it is used for many state ceremonies or on importance state occasions such as that commemorating the King’s birthday. The Audience Hall contains two thrones:

2.1 Phra Thinang Busabok Mala is the boat-shaped throne in which the original throne was constructed by King Rama I. It is in the form of Busabok and was reserved for King and object of veneration. Today this throne is used to enshrine images of Buddha during during ceremonies.

2.2 Phra Thaen Rachabanlang Sawetachatra
This throne is sheltered by the nine-tried great white umbrella of state. It was constructed by King Rama I. This throne is used as ceremonies of consecration investitures and the annual birthday audience for the King.

In the old days, this throne was audience hall in which the two British ambassadors, John Crow ford during the reign of King Rama II and Sir John Bowring during the reign of King Rama IV were both received here.

3. Phra Thinang Phaisan Taksin
This Hall was originally used as a private audience Hall by King Rama I, who died here in 1909. When King Rama II succeeded his father and he used this as the ceremony for holding his consecration of King. Within Phaisan Taksin, it is placed a high altar where three image of the guardian deity of the nation (The Phra Siam Thevathiraja) is installed. The most important part of the coronation ceremony takes place in Phaisan Taksin Hall.

4. Throne Hall (Chakri Maha Prasat)
Chakri Throne Hall is a royal residence built by King V in 1877. The original design by the Beitish architect, Mr.Jhon Clunish called for three domes over the building in the European style but at the request of the former regent,

Somdej Chao Phraya Borom Maha Sri Suriya Worng, the King Rama V changed it to “Prasat spired” a Thai style roof. Chakrimaha Prasat is Hybrid Thai European architecture.

Construction lasted for six years 1876 – 1882. The main audience hall on the second floor below the central Prasat is now used for diplomatic receptions and for state banquets.

Underground floor is a museum housing a large collection of ancient Thai weapons.

5. Recha Karanya Sapha Hall
This Ratcha Karaya Sapha hall was built by King Rama V as s meeting hall councils of state.

6. Dusit Maha PrasatvThrone Hall
This Dusit Maha PrasatvThrone Hall was built in the reign of King Rama I. It is an example of pure early Ratanakosin style Thai architecture. Inside a throne has two important objects:

1) Phra Ratcha Banlang Pradep Muk in the reign of King Rama I. A wooden throne decorated with mother of pearl inlay.

2) Phra Thaen Ratcha Banchathon Pradap Muk. A wooden bed decorated With mother of pearl inlay was built in the reign of King Rama I. The Principal function of Dusit Maha Prasat has been and still is a hall for the lying in-state of King, Queens and honored members of the royal family, kept in a golden urn prior to cremation. This hall is also used for the annual consecration day ceremony.

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Wat Pho Wat Phra Chetuphon

Introduction

This word famous temple is located right next to Grand Palace on the South side it covers an area of over 20 acres. It is one of Bangkok’s oldest and largest temples. The temple has two parts.

(1) The chapel section (Buddhavasa) is consisted of churches Pagodas, Monastery halls and Buddha images and

(2) The residential section (Sangghavas) is a living area for monks.

Wat Phra Chetuphon Vimolmonglaram more general called as Wat Pho was founded in the reign of Ayutthaya period and was originally known as Wat Phodharam.

In the year 1768, When the king Taksin declare Thonburi as the new capital city of Siam Wat Phodharam was one of the city’s main temples.

Later king Rama I of Chakri Dynasty managed the restoration of Wat Phodhaam as a Royal temple during a celebration in 1801, the king renamed Wat Phrachetuphon Vimolmongklavasa which was again changed to Wat Phra Chetuphon Vimolmongkalaram in the reign of king Rama IV. Some ashes of the king Rama I was also kept under the base of the main Buddha image or Phra Buddha Teva Patimakorn in the main chapel.

Background

During the reign of king Rama III, the temple was restored under king’s Royal command. The Restoration lasted 16 year, the period of time he had created berated beautiful Chinese arts as a nowadays. The king III ordered wise men to write down many fields of knowledge and subjects onto stone plates and then fixed to columns of monastic halls. By this reason he wished to provide better and broader education for Thai people who wanted to student by themselves.

Knowledge is on varied subjects for example history of temple, sanitation treatise, medicine, and such as Thai treatise, medicine, and such as Thai tradition massage, literatures, proverbs, and precedence, Buddhism such as meditation, warfare, geology and astronomy.

Wat Pho regarded as the first center of public education and became “the first University” for people in Thailand. The reclining Buddha, 49 meters long and 12 matters high is composed of blaster and finished in gold leaf overlay and inlaid mother-Pearl soles.

Wat Pho is open daily from 08.00 a.m.-05.00 p.m. Admission Fee is 20 baht for foreigner.


The Attraction Places
1. The sheltered Gate
The first point of interesting is at 16 sheltered gates along the wall of the temple. All gates were built in a crooned style and decorated with beautiful glazed tiles. We can see figures of “Lan Than Nai Tvarapala”, Chinese rock giants holding weapons in hands, standing on both side as the gate guardian on the entrance of Wat Pho.

2. Main Chapel (Phra Ubosoth)
The assembly Hall is used performing ritual of the monastic community. Phra Ubosoth is the heart of the Monastery and would be a monk center. This Phra Ubosoth was constructed in the reign of King Rama I in Ayutthaya style and reconstructed in the reign of King Rama III.

All sheltered windows and doors made of hard wood with colours-glazed tiles and entrance door.

The principal Buddha image is Phra Buddha Deva Patimakorn in the Posture of concentration, and some ashes of King Rama I were kept under the base of the Buddha image.

3. Corner Phra Prang
Phra Prang or Phra Stupa is a term for a great pagoda. Each corner of the chapel yard, there are 4 pagodas being decorated in grey marble. With four statues called “four keepers of the world” the guardian Divinities standing in four hollow places at the base.

The Prang on the northeastern corner called “Phra Buddha Manggala Kayabanchana” the southeastern corner “Phra Buddha Dhammacak” The Southwestern corner “Phra Buddha Viniyapitaka” the North-western corner called “Phra Buddha Abhidhamma”

4. Phra Rabieng and Phra Vihara Thit
The main chapel stands at the center of its location are connected by 4 main Viharas cloisters. Phra Rabieng is cloister surrounding the chapel. There remain 394 ancient images of Buddha. The inner side cloister contains 150 Buddha with 244 images being located on the outer side. These images belong to the periods of Chiengsaen, Sukhothai, Uthong and Ayutthaya were taken from Sukhothai, Phisnuloke, Sawankaloke, Lopburi and Ayatthaya.

The images of Lord Buddha Pang Mara vichai sitting under the Bodhi tree is in the East Vihara. Phra Buddha Loknart Sasadaram standing in East Vihara was brought from Wat Phra Sri Sanpej in Ayatthaya.

In the South Vihara, there is Buddha image preaching the first sermon to the five disciples. In the North there is Phra Paleylai image. In the west Vihara, there is Phra Pang Nakprok.

5. Phra Vihara Khod
Phra Vihara Khod is an area of the main building such main chapel and pagodas. Corner Vihaha, there are 4 Viharas located at the corner of the walls surrounding the chapel. Each Vihara has its own name. the interesting things about these Viharos are their shapes. They all have a letter “L” Shape buildings are used to enshrine Buddha images:

(1) The “Phrachai” Vihara khood in the Northeast. The image of enlightened Lord Buddha under the Bodhi tree in the Southeast.
(2) The Vihara khod Nadaeng in the Northweast.
(3) Vihara khod “Krommaluang Ghumpoun” in the Southwest. In the Vihara khod stands a status of a Thai Prince named Krommaluang Chumporn.

6. Single based Chedi
To build a Chedi or stupa is a way of paying to the Lord Buddha. The Pagoda usually contains the Buddha’s relic and sacred objects. Single, each group comprises of five pagodas. The group based Chedi consists of a big pagoda in the middle surrounded by four pagodas on single base. Each pagoda contains the Holy Relic of the Buddha and was constructed during the reign of King Rama I

7. Phra Chedi Rai
There are 71 small pagodas placed at closer in a similar style to of the Single - based Chedi and built during the reign of King Rama III. The purpose of these pagodas was keeping Buddha relic and ashes of Royal descendants.

8. Phra Maha pagodas of the four Reigns
The temple is a Kingdom of pagodas, as there are 99 of them; there are four pagodas of the four reigns.

(1) Phra Maha Chedi Sri Sanphetch with green tile mosaic was built in the reign of King Rama I to cover the ruined image of Buddha Phra Sri Sanphetch was brought from the Royal palace in Ayutthaya.

(2) Phra Maha Chedi Dilok with white tile mosaic was built in the reign of King Rama III to represent the King Rama II.

(3) Phra Maha Chedi Muni with the yellow tile mosaic was built in the reign of King Rama III for the praise of the Lord Buddha.

(4) Phra Maha Chedi Song Phra Srisuriyothai with dark blue tile mosaic in the same style of the Ayatthaya period was built in the reign of King Rama IV for the praise of the Lord Buddha.

Why do we have four big pagodas for nine King of dynasty? The answer is that King IV Phra Mongkut commanded to stop building more big pagodas in this temple.

9. The Reclining Buddha (Phranon)
This Cathedral sleeping Buddha was built in the reign of King Rama III. This Cathedral is a size of comparable to the church or main chapel. The Building is containing the Buddha image, the reclining Buddha.

The image of sleeping Buddha is made of cement bricks covered with gold leaves. The reclining Buddha is 46 meters long, 15 meters high.

The dimension of the face is 5 meters in length and 3 meters in breadth.The most interesting feature is the mother of inlaid design on the soles of feet 5 meters long and 1.50 meters wide showing the 108 auspicious signs of luck literally called Mongol 108.

The reclining Buddha represents the Lord Buddha in his posture of Nirana in Salawan wood of Kusinara city in India.

(10) Phra Mondop (The scripture Hall)
The scripture hall was built in the reign of King Rama II. The scripture Hall of temple, which is a square building surrounded by a decorated spire top with beautiful tiled decoration.

The Mondop keeps a small library of Tripitaka or teachings of Buddha. The mural paintings about the beginning of Ramayana, Songkran tradition and a Mon tradition are shown on the inner walls and outer side was decorated with verse form in Thai poetry.

The rock giants what were famous as Wat Pho giants in the fight with Wat Jaeng (Wat Arun) stand on both sides of the sheltered gates.

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