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Grandeur and Beauty of Thai Craftsmanship

The Grand Palace and Temple of the Emerald Buddha

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.

When

Saturday, 3 December 2022

Leader

Prof Dr MR Suriyavudh Sukhasvasti

Booking

The group will meet at the ticket office inside The Grand Palace at 08:45 and will proceed with the planned itinerary before terminating the programme at the restaurant near The Grand Palace.

 

Booking

Please note that this study trip programme is exclusively for our members and their immediate family members only.

The contribution of THB 2,000 will cover entrance fee, lunch, gratuities and other costs incurred to make this trip possible. In addition, basic travel insurance is included. There is a 4% surcharge for credit/debit card payment to cover bank charges. Please pay by cash or cheque payable to “The Siam Society”. Transfer can also be made to The Siam Society travel account at TMBThanachart Bank (ttb), savings account no. 053-2-18000-7 or by scanning the QR code on your right. Once payment has been made, please fax or e-mail the deposit or transfer docket to us.

Important notes:

– The Siam Society may utilise photos taken from study trips, lectures, performances, and other activities as part of its public relations and marketing communication campaign. These photos, which may sometimes contain image(s) of activity participants, can also be featured on the Society’s website and other online social media channels.

– Please note that visitors are required to adhere to a proper dress code while visiting The Grand Palace. Sleeveless shirts and shorts are prohibited. The length of skirts for ladies must extend below their knees.

For further information and bookings, please contact Khun Prasert at Tel. 02-661-6470-3 ext. 504 or Khun Supanut Tel. 02-661-6470-3 ext. 506, Fax 02-258-3491 or email: supanut@thesiamsociety.org. The Society office is open from 09:00 to 17:00, Tuesday to Saturday.

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