Grandeur and Beauty of Thai Craftsmanship

The Grand Palace and Temple of the Emerald Buddha, perceived as the “epicenter” of Bangkok, is an illustration of the administrative and cultural grandeur of the Rattanakosin era. The Grand Palace was established during the reign of King Rama I (Phra Phutthayotfa Chulalok) around 1782 and was designated as the residence of the King and the Royal family.

The Grand Palace underwent numerous restorations in the reigns that followed. The influence of Chinese and Western arts of different era can also be witnessed within its halls. This explains why the Grand Palace is also perceived as the “Treasury of Arts and Architecture of the Rattanakosin Era” that has stood for more than two hundred years, remaining as magnificent as it has ever been to this day.

In the past, The Grand Palace served as the residence of Kings, as well as a venue for carrying out official protocols. The palace played host to ambassadors and dignitaries from several countries. It was also a place where royal rituals and ceremonies are performed. Additionally, lawsuits were also settled within its walls. Wat Phra Si Rattana Satsadaram, which holds the Emerald Buddha, can also be found within the palace ground. It is at this very temple where the King is ordained and where royal merits are performed.

Although the Grand Palace is no longer the residence of Kings at the present day, a number of royal ceremonies are still conducted here on an annual basis. It is also where the finest craftsmanship in architecture, sculpture, painting and fine arts of Thailand can be found. Therefore, it comes to no surprise that the Grand Palace was ranked as the third most visited palace in the world according to the Worldatlas survey, which is a testament to the magnifience, grandeur and beauty of Thai craftsmanship.

On Saturday, 3 December 2022, The Siam Society will arrange a day trip, from 09:00-13:00, led by Prof Dr MR Suriyavudh Sukhasvasti, to visit The Grand Palace and Temple of the Emerald Buddha. On this trip, we will experience the essence of what is considered as the “finest” example of Thai Craftsmanship in the form paintings, sculptures and architectural wonders- executed by Thailand’s most talented craftsmen. Their impeccable works has enabled The Grand Palace to maintain its splendour for the past 240 years.

Prof Dr MR Suriyavudh Sukhasvasti is a former faculty member at Department of Archaeology, Silpakorn University. He earned his Master of Arts Degree from Silpakorn University and earned a PhD in History and Archaeology from Sorbonne University, Paris. Throughout his working career, Prof Dr MR Suriyavudh made a number of significant contributions to the study and publication of many remarkable works of history and archaeology, and also composed several official documents for the royal family. Moreover, he also delivered a number of well-known lectures on the topic of archaeology to foreign visitors on a regular basis, up until today.