Ladies and Gentlemen, we're standing right now at the main entrance of one of the most magnificent palaces in the world, This Royal Grand Palace has long been used for many major state ceremonies, it's initially used for both the Royal residence and the administrative conter in the spirit of the monarch ruling at time. bToday, the palace is used just for ceremonial, The construction of this royal palace started together with the founding of Bangkok in 1782 when King Rama I came to the Throne and found a new dynasty. The King realized that the former capital of Thonburi located on the other side of the river was no longer suitable because of various reasons (for example, it was situated on the curve of the river where it was too vulnerable to inviting attack and destruction. Secondly, the Palace of Thonburi was built in the middle of two temples and was difficult to be extended) Therefore he decided to move the capital center across and found Bangkok as a new capital. This area in that time was occupied by a small Chinese community, the King relocated them to live in a certain place which is now the present location of the Chinatown known as Yaowarat. The construction of the palace at first, took only three years to finish, but various restorations and additions have extensively been made throughout the nine reigns, because every Kings have lavished attention and care on its beautification and maintenance, and the major renovation programs were particularly made in every 50 years time.
The architectural plan of this palace is almost identical in every details to the Royal Palace of the former capital of Ayutthaya, (about 600 years ago), because the King determined to recreate the glory of the city that likely prospered in the past However, at various periods. other architectural influences predominated reflecting the changing architecture of the different reigns, such as the Chinese elements introduced by King Rama Ill (early 1900), or the Western touches and building styles introduced by King Rama v in the late 19 century. The whole area of about 60 acres dividing into three major sections The Inner Court there in the south is the sovereign's living quarters where the previous Kings lived The Central Court in the center stand many important audience halls and Throne halls used for the state businesses and for the royal functions. The Court here where we are is the location of bureau offices and it also stands a magnificent Royal Chapel known as "Wat Pra Kaew The temple was consecrated to house the Emerald Buddha and to serve for royal religious activities.