|
Grand Palace (The), Bangkok has served as the home of the King and the Court for as long as 150 years. It is only in the twentieth century that Thai kings discontinued living in the palace but The Grand Palace, Bangkok still remains the seat of power and spirituality of the Thai kingdom. No longer a royal residence, Grand Palace (The), Bangkok now used occasional ceremonial purposes. The Grand Palace complex follows the general outline of the Ayutthaya Palaces. The Outer Court, close to the entrance used to house the important government departments and was supposed to the major operational area. Adjacent to the Outer Court is the renowned Temple of the Emerald Buddha. Fit to be counted among one of the wonders of the world, the Buddha image carved from one piece of jade is the most venerated religious object in Thailand. The Central Court of The Grand Palace, Bangkok comprise of the residence of the kings and the halls from where the state business were conducted. The visitors are allowed the view of two throne halls that remains open only on weekdays. The inner court happened to be a miniature city inhabited by the royal consorts and the daughters. It is a pity that the visitors are debarred from entering the Inner Court.
|