Boromphiman Monthian and the group of Edifices in the Siwalai Garden

Boromphiman Monthian and the group of Edifices in the Siwalai Garden
Boromphiman Monthian and the group of Edifices in the Siwalai Garden
Further east in the inner court is situated the beautiful Siwalai Garden. When King Rama II had the Palace precincts expanded towards the south, he ordered three Golden Halls and many European and Chinese style buildings to be constructed. This new area was called "Garden to the Right" because it is situated on the right side of Phra Maha Monthian. Later King Rama III had those buildings pulled down and constructed temples dedicated to his late father. King Mongkut ordered the renovation of the Three Golden Halls. At the same time "Phra Phuttha-Rattanasathan" had been built in front of them. A wall was constructed as a boundary for the religious monuments on the 'inside' of the Grand Palace and the area ws named "Phra Phuttha Niwet". The Chinese style theatre to the south of Phra Phuttha Maha Monthian was also changed into "Phra-Thinang Songtham" where the King and the royal family observed the preceots. King Mongkut ordered a residence to be constructed in this garden and called it "Phra Aphinaowaniwet". He stayed there till the end of his life.
King Chulalongkorn had "Phra-Thinang Song Phanuat" constructed in the north of Phra Phuttha Monthian for use as a residence during his stay in the monkhood. Later when both Phra Phuttha Monthian and Phra Aphinaowaniwet were in much decay, the King had them pulled down and turned the area into a garden again. He also had Phra-Thinang Songtham moved to Wat Benchamabophit.
At present, Phra Phuttha Rattanasathan is in the middle of Siwalai Garden. Three other edifices there are :-
  • Phra-Thinang Mahitsara Prasat
  • Phra-Thinang Siwalai Maha Prasat
  • Phra-Thinang Sitalaphirom
  • Phra Phuttha Rattanasathan
  • Phra-Thinang Boromphiman


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  • Phra-Thinang Sitalaphirom
    • At the edge of the lawn, north of Phra Phuttha Rattanasathan and behind Boromphiman Mansion, is a small open pavilion made of wood. The carving on the gable represents King Rama VI's insignia surrounded by a stylized flame motif in gilded black lacquer. The floor is covered with wood raised slightly above the ground. King Rama VI built it as a place for his private repose and as a seat during open-air parties. At present the King sits there when he gives a garden party on his birthday for high ranking government officials.

  • Phra Phuttha Rattanasathan
    • In the centre of Siwalai Garden is an Ubosot (Ordination Hall) of grey stone with a two-tiered roof covered with green tiles. In front of it there is a recessed portico. Around the building runs an open-pillared gallery. The niches above the doors and windows are in the shape of crowns.
    Phra Phuttha Rattanasathan wasbuilt during the reign of King Rama IV to install the image of the Buddha called Phra Buddha Butsayarat which was brought from Champasak in Laos. The building has been used by the King for some Buddhist rituals including ordination ceremonies.

    Information
    		: Tourism Authority of Thailand
    : Tourist Service Center (TAT and Tourist Police), Tel. 1155
    : Tourism Authority of Thailand Tourist Service Center
    : The Chao Phraya River
    : Major tourist of RATTANAKOSIN
    : The Sights of Rattanakosin, The Committee for the Rattanakosin Bicentennial Celebration Published on the Occasion of the Bicentenary of Bangkok, 1982, P. 5-51.
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