Phra Racha Wang Derm (The Old Palace) & Wichai Prasit Fort - Thonburi Thailand

Phra Racha Wang Derm, also known as Thonburi Palace, is the former royal palace of King Taksin, who ruled the Siamese kingdom of Thonburi following the fall of Ayutthaya in 1767 and up until the establishment of Rattanakosin in 1782. It later served as the residence of several high-ranking members of the Chakri Dynasty until 1900 when the palace became the site of the Royal Thai Naval Academy.

The palace is now within the grounds of the Royal Thai Navy headquarters in Bangkok, and is open for group visits pending advance appointment.

Taksins reign ended in 1787 when he was overthrown by the general Chao Phraya Chakri, who became king . Phutthayotfa Chulalok relocated the capital city proper to the eastern bank of the Chao Phraya, and had a new royal palace, the Grand Palace, built there. Taksins palace then became known as Phra Racha Wang Derm, or former palace, and the two royal temples were excluded from the palace grounds.

As Thonburi was still strategically important, guarding Rattanakosin against invasions from the west, the king would place important royal family members, mostly their sons or brothers, at the palace. This tradition continued until the death of Prince Chaturonrasmi in 1900. King Chulalongkorn subsequently granted ownership of the palace to the Royal Thai Navy, and the palace became the site of the Royal Thai Naval Academy until its relocation in 1944. The palace is now within the grounds of the Royal Thai Navy headquarters, and is jointly managed by the Phra Racha Wang Derm Restoration Foundation.

In contrast with the Grand Palace, Phra Racha Wang Derm is much smaller and simpler in its construction. Apart from the older Wichai Prasit Fort, the only original building from the Thonburi period is the Throne Hall, a Thai-style building consisting of two segments forming a T shape. Later additions include two Chinese style residences, King Pinklaos residence, King Taksins shrine, the Whale Head Shrine, and the Green House.

Wichai Prasit Fort is Bangkok’s oldest fort, with a history dating back to the Ayutthaya kingdom. Commissioned by Constantine Phaulkon, the Greek counselor to Ayutthaya’s King Narai, Wichaiprasit Fort defended against foreign armies that sailed into Siam via the Chao Phraya. Located in front of Wang Derm Palace, the fortress is now under the responsibility of the Royal Thai Army, and has become the site for important events that require gun salute ceremonies.

It was nice getting a rare look at the palace as well as the historic fort. Photographs and video are prohibited inside of the buildings.

Enjoy the video!

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