Its centrepiece, the decaying teakwood
Wimanmek Palace, was renovated and refitted with period furniture
and fittings (including a bathtub and electric chandeliers); other
exhibits include gilded thrones, paintings, objets d’art and assorted
kitsch – all imported from Europe. On entering the room where a
full-length portrait of Rama v in Western uniform hangs, the guides
require Thai visitors to crouch on the floor as a sign of respect to his
memory