Phra Nakhon Kheeree Palace (The Royal Palaces and Halls)

Phra Nakhon Kheeree Palace
(The Royal Palaces and Halls)

     King Mongkut (Rama IV) had Phra Nakhon Kheeree built as a summer palace to be used as dministrative headquarters when he visited that part of the country. The palace was situated on a range of three peaks. It was originally named Khao Mahasawan by King Mongkut but was later changed to Khao Mahaisawan. The road leading up to Phra Nakhon Kheeree was constructed of brick and mortar enable vehicles and horses to get right up to Phet Phoom Phairot Hall. It is now a museum open to the public.

     The architectural style is Neo Classic blended with Thai and Chinese styles. The buildings are made of brick and mortar, there are three groups of structures: Wat Phra Kaew Noi is on the eastern peals;  Phra That Chom Phet is on the central peak and on the western peak are a group of palaces laid out on a pattern similar to that of the Grand Palace.

    Phra Nakhon Kheeree Palace has the following structures;

    Phet Phoom Phairot Hall, an audience chamber;

    Pramote Mahaisawan Residential Hall, King Mongkut's residence;

    Chachawan Wiangchai Tower, an astronomical observatory for studying astrology and astronomy. This tower has great historical value. From the top of the tower, it is possible to see almost all of Petchaburi.

    Besides the palaces, there are other buildings such as Wechayan Wichien Prasat, RajaThammasapha and Santhakharnsathan.

    Phra Nakhon Kheeree Palace was used as an administrative'center for that part of the country. Both King Mongkut and King Chulalongkorn were fond of the palace and often went to reside there.

    King Chulalongkorn had the palace repaired and renovated as a resort and used it to receive important foreign visitors.

    H.M.King Bhumibol has instructed that the palace be renovated and it has now been declared an important site by the Department of Fine Arts.

Constructed in the Fourth Reign, 1859-1862
Located at Khoo Wang, Muong District, Phctchaburi Province
Tel. +663242-5600,  +663240-1006

Tag : Phra Nakhon Kheeree Palace / The Royal Palaces and Halls / Grand Palace


View Phra Nakhon Khiri Historical Park in Phetchaburi in a larger map

The Grand Palace in Thailand

The Grand Palace in Thailand

     There are several classes of palaces in Thailand. The Grand Palace is the main palace of the monarch. This was constructed by King Rama I as his residence, the center of administration of the kingdom, and as the center of royal ceremonies. During the early Ratanakos in period, this palace was called Phra Ratchwang Luang In the Fourth Reign, it was renamed Phra Borom Moho Rotchawang or the Grand Palace. Nowadays, it serves mainly as the center of royal ceremonies and as a center for receiving foreign dignitaries.

Phra Ratchawang is also a royal palace, but of lower status than Phra Borom Moho Ratchawan g It is also the residence of a monarch, and a palace that is designated as Phra Ratchawang must be declared to be so by a royal decree. Up to now, 19 such palaces has been declared Phra Ratchawang such as Boworn Satharn Mongkol Palace , Sanam Chan Palace, etc.