Of the many architectural wonders in Thailand, a modern yet majestic structure which leaves its visitors in awe, would be the Ananda Samakhom Throne Hall.
Commissioned by Rama V and begun on the day of His Majestys 40th year in reign, the massive Hall was completed only under the reign of Rama VI, in 1915. The building took 8 years to complete and close to 15 million baht in cost.
The structure is purely Italian and Neo Classical in design. It consists of a two storey structure with a massive central dome and six smaller domes around it. The exterior of the building is made out of marble, brought from Carrara in Italy.
The interior is decorated with sculptures and ornate detailing, made from German copper, Viennese Ceramics, Milan granite and much more. The throne room itself is breathtaking in its magnificence and spreads out over a height of close to 50 meters.
The interior of the small domes highlight - through paintings - the significance of the reign of each of the Chakri dynasty Kings. Each King was renowned for particular characteristics: military expertise (Rama I), promotion of art and culture (Rama II & III), religious devotion (Rama IV), sweeping reformations (Rama V), and the completion of the throne hall (Rama VI) respectively.
Although used as the Parliament, since Thailands conversion to a constitutional state, it is now a museum. However it is still used for the ceremonial State Opening for each newly elected Parliament.
Apart from this, the Throne hall is open to the public except for the 23rd of October - Chulalongkorn Day, and the Kings and Queens birthday (05th December and 12th August respectively).
Travellers seeking to visit the Throne Hall may choose to base themselves from
serviced apartments Bangkok. Of these,
Sukhumvit apartments such as the Grand President Bangkok would be ideal, given its central location and luxurious facilities.
