Bangkok in Thailand at this time is not so favorable for people like me who is from the mountains. The day temperature soared as high as 37ºC. Despite such extreme differences in weather of Bhutan and Thailand, there are many Bhutanese who still choose Thailand as one of most frequented holiday and business destinations.

As my friend and I was on some official trip, we had some free days. As we are engaged in some major renovation project of an ancient palace in Bhutan, we took opportunity to explore some museums in Thailand. We wanted to see how their museums and ancient palaces are managed.

They had the good systems to manage thousands of visitors to their museums. We explored, learnt and brought back many good lessons which can be of use in Bhutan.

The 360º picture display grandeur of the Grand Palace museum which is incomparable to any monument that I have seen until now. It is extravagantly huge with exquisite display of their rich ancient traditional art and architecture. I would recommend everyone to manage a day to visit this historic monument. It will imprint sense of appreciation and love for how we one can preserve and showcase culture and traditions to the outside world.

Background of The Grand Palace

The Grand Palace complex was established in 1782 and it consists of not only royal and throne halls, but also a number of government offices as well as the renowned Temple of the Emerald Buddha. It covers an area of 218,000 square metres and is surrounded by four walls, 1900 metres in length. After King Rama I ascended to the throne in 1782, the palace was built. Prior to this, the royal palace and centre of administration had been located in Thonburi, on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River. For various reasons, the new King considered the former capital to be unsuitable and decided to establish a new capital on the other side of the river.

By his royal command, a palace was built to serve not only as his residence but also as the site of administrative offices. The royal compound has been known since then as The Grand Palace. The two earliest buildings erected within the complex were the Dusit Haha Prasat Throne Hall, and the Phra Maha Monthian.

Further reading: https://www.royalgrandpalace.th/th/discover/history