Sanam Chandra Palace

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Chali Mongkol Asana (rtgs: Chali Mongkhon At), in the style of a European castle

Sanam Chandra Palace (Thai: พระราชวังสนามจันทร์; rtgs: Sanam Chan; "Moon Plaza") is a palace complex built by Vajiravudh in Nakhon Pathom, Thailand, 56 km west of Bangkok. The palace complex is about a kilometer away from the Phra Pathommachedi. The complex consists of five buildings and a Ganesh shrine.

History

Royal Residence

Before ascending the throne, the then Crown Prince Vajiravudh came to this city to pay homage to Phra Pathommachedi. He wished to build a palace here as a retreat and a residence during his pilgrimage trip to the stupa. He viewed the area as a strategic location. In 1907, he bought about 335 acres of land around Noen Prasart Hill (Thai: เนินปราสาท; rtgs: Noen Prasat; "Castle Hill") from local people. Noen Prasart Hill is believed to be the site of an ancient palace. He then had Luang Phitak Manop (Noi Silapi, later Phraya Visukam Prasit) designed and supervised the construction of the palace. The construction began in 1902 by the end of Chulalongkorn's reign (1868 – 1910). It was completed in 1911. Vajiravudh named it Sanam Chandra Palace after a natural pool nearby called "Sa Nam Chand" (Thai: สระน้ำจันทร์; rtgs: Sa Nam Chan; "Moon Pond"). In addition, the king had another plan for this palace. It was to serve not only as a retreat, but also as a stronghold during a national crisis. Here, he regularly held practices for the Wild Tigers Corps, a para – military troop.[1] According to Vajiravudh's will, the palace was given to the government to be the site of military academy. However, after reign of Vajiravudh the palace has been closed and transformed to Nakhon Pathom's administrative area. Some palace halls had been dismantled and moved to National Museum in Bangkok for preservation.

Silpakorn University Campus

In 1965 Silpakorn University, a well known Thai university, for art and archaeology study, improved its educational program with additional new faculties and urgently need larger area to accommodate the expansion. The university and Thai cabinet approved to use the area of Sanam Chandra Palace to be the new university campus since the area was suitable since the palace was once belong to Vajiravudh, an archeologist and artist himself. Also in the palace ground has Ganash Shrine, god of art and the symbol of university seal. Moreover, Nakhon Pathom is an important archaeological site for Dvaravati in Thailand.[2]

Restoration

In 1981 Department of Fine Arts registered Sanam Chandra Palace as historical site. On December 1 st, 2003, the Committee for the Renovation of Sanam Chandra Palace chaired by Bejaratana Rajasuda, Vajiravudh's daughter, in collaboration with the Ministry of Interior, Nakhon Pathom Governor and Silpakorn University returned the palace including its satellite buildings to Bureau of the Royal Household following the wishes of Bejaratana Rajasuda. At present, the Bureau of the Royal Household has since opened the Bhimarn Prathom Residence including the Prayer Room in this residence, Samakkeemukamartaya Hall, Ganesh Shrine, Chaleemongkolasana Residence, Mareerajaratanabulung Residence, Thub Kwan Residence and Statue of Yalae, to the general public.

Sanam Chandra Palace celebrated its 100-year anniversary from November 23, 2007 to December 2, 2007.

Buildings

Bhimarn Prathom Residence

The first hall to be built in this palace, the Bhimarn Prathom Residence (Thai: พิมานปฐม; rtgs: Phiman Pathom) is a brick-and-cement building in western style, which was adapted to suit the tropical climate. The ventilation panes and railings around the upper floor of the building are in traditional elaborate Thai carving patterns. Located upstairs are a bed chamber, a bathroom, a dressing room, a conference room, a dining room, and a prayer room. In the prayer room sits a Buddha image in the First Sermon Attitude. The exquisite angelic congregation design on the mural in the prayer room was painted by Phraya Anusart Jitrakorn (Chan Jitrakorn).

The residence frequently served as H. M. King Rama VI ‘ s private quarters (particularly before his coronation, and afterwards until 1913), his study, a reception hall, and an audience hall.

Samakkeemukamartaya Hall

The Samakkeemukkamartaya Hall (Thai: สามัคคีมุขมาตย์; rtgs: Samakkhi Mukkha Mat)

Chaleemongkolasana Residence

The Chaleemongkolasana Residence (Thai: ชาลีมงคลอาสน์; rtgs: Chali Mongkhon At) is a tiny castle-like structure built in a combination of French and English styles, but with adaptions for the tropical climate[3]

Mareerajaratanabulung Residence

The Mareerajaratanabulung Residence (Thai: มารีราชรัตบัลลังก์; rtgs: Mari Ratcha Rat Banlang)

Thub Kwan Residence

The Thub Kwan Residence (Thai: ทับขวัญ; rtgs: Thap Khwan)

Ganesh Shrine

References

  1. ↑ http://www.palaces.thai.net/day/index_sc.htm
  2. ↑ http://www.su.ac.th/html_about/about_location_sanamchandra02.asp
  3. ↑ Sanam Chan Palace Tourist Brochure

Gallery

  • Ganesh memorial, Sanam Chan palace, Thailand.jpg

    Ganesh memorial, with Phra Pathom Chedi in the background

  • Yalae Rama VI's beloved dog.jpg

    Statue of Yah Leh, beloved dog of King Rama VI

  • Phiman Pathom.jpg

    Chali Mongkhon At Residence

  • Vajariromaya Residence

  • Thap Khwan.jpg

    Thap Khwan Residence

External links

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