UNESCO's Asia-Pacific Heritage Awards for Culture Heritage Conservation recognise the efforts and contributions of individuals and organisations within the private sector, including private-public partnerships, who have successfully restored and conserved structures and buildings of heritage value in the Asia-Pacific region.

Thailand’s Phra Racha Wang Derm, also known as Thonburi Palace, was among the winners of the ‘Award of Merit’ for UNESCO’s Asia Pacific Heritage Awards for Culture Heritage Conservation in 2004.

WINNERS OF UNESCO's ASIA-PACIFIC HERITAGE AWARDS FOR CULTURE HERITAGE CONSERVATION – 2004

UNESCO believes that recognising successful preservation efforts helps spur additional projects within the same community, advocating the culture of preservation and conservation through the use of appropriate conservation techniques and approaches.

THONBURI PALACE (PHRA RACHA WANG DERM), IN BANGKOK, THAILAND
AMONG ‘AWARD OF MERIT’ RECIPIENTS OF UNESCO's ASIA-PACIFIC HERITAGE AWARDS FOR CULTURE HERITAGE CONSERVATION

HISTORICAL OVERVIEW
Phra Racha Wang Derm or Thon Buri Palace is the only palace built by King Taksin the Great in 1768. It was built on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River near the old Wichayen Fort which was later renamed Wichaiprasit Fort to the canal north of Arun Rajawararam temple (Nakornban Canal) and included Wat Chaeng (Arun Rajawararam Temple) and Wat Tai Talad (Wat Molee Lokayaram) within its borders. Later, when King Rama I ascended the throne, the capital was moved to the east bank of the Chao Phraya River, and a new royal palace was constructed. Thon Buri Palace became known as Phra Racha Wang Derm (the original palace). King Rama I reduced the area of the palace by excluding the two temples from the palace grounds.

Because of its strategic location, the King placed important royal family members in Phra Racha Wang Derm. This practice continued until King Rama V.

The restoration of this significant royal palace complex, Phra Racha Wang Derm or Thon Buri Palace, sets a new precedent for conservation in Thailand and demonstrates the enormous potential of private sector-led efforts to save important parts of the community's heritage.

The project has successfully preserved this valuable ensemble of structures which represent over 200 years of transformation, including the main core of palace buildings which were the centre of royal political and military power during the Thonburi Era.

This multi-faceted and ambitious project has effectively incorporated the use of traditional methods and craftsmanship and has conserved important examples of royal decorative fine arts. Attention to details of original structure and accurate colour has preserved the authenticity of individual buildings from different historic periods which make up the complex.

Exposure of earlier features through archaeological excavation and the use of landscape elements to interpret those features have successfully created a palimpsest of history at the site.

With the development of an historical museum and a library on-site, the complex is a centre of public outreach and education into the history of the nation. The restoration of the palace complex highlights the achievements of the Thonburi Era and raises awareness of an important period in the development of Siamese statehood and foreign relations.

HIGHLIGHTS
THE THRONE HALL



The Throne Hall, used by the King to hold court, was constructed in1768, at the same time that Thon Buri was established as the capital. The Royal Thai Navy uses the Throne Hall for important ceremonies, and the southern building is used as a reception area.

WICHAIPRASIT FORT



Wichaiprasit Fort was formerly called Wichayen Fort and was built during the reign of King Narai the Great to protect the important port of Bangkok. When King Taksin the Great established Thon Buri as his capital, Thon Buri palace was built in the compound of Wichayen Fort and the fort nearby was renovated and renamed "Wichaiprasit Fort".

TWO CHINESE-STYLE RESIDENTS



Constructed in the beginning of the Rattanakosin Era, when King Rama ll was still Prince Khrom Luang Isara Sunthorn and lived in Phra Racha Wang Derm, the smaller building is used to house a collection of traditional Thai weapons and presents information on King Taksin's achievements in battle.

The larger building is believed to have been constructed when King Pinklao was Prince Issares Rangsan and resided in Phra Racha Wang Derm during 1824-1851. At present, the building houses an exhibit of the social, economic and cultural activities of King Taksin the Great as well as a collection of antiques and paintings.

KING PINKLAO’S RESIDENCE



This building was the official residence of King Pinklao from 1824-1851, before he received the royal titles of Khrom Phra Racha Wang Baworn Sathan Mongkol, the second King of Siam, and moved to live in Front Palace at the beginning of King Rama IV's reign. The building is considered to be the first western style structure with an American influence that was used as the royal family resdidence. At present, the upper floor is used to exhibit the life and work of King Pinklao and contains a reference library of the Thon Buri period as well as information concerning Phra Racha Wang Derm. The lower houses an exhibit of the antique ceramic wares and old Thai currencies and coins.

KING TAKSIN’S SHRINE



The present shrine was built when Prince Khrom Phra Chakrapadibhongse, the last occupant, lived in Phra Racha Wang Derm from 1881-1900. The architecture is a mix of western and Thai styles. The shrine houses a statue of King Taksin the Great holding his sword.

WHALE-HEAD SHRINE

The recent shrine is a building constructed in 1999 on the base of the old shrine and is used to house the relics of the whale bones found below King Taksin's shrine during present restorations. The present structure is designed to reflect the style of the period and to blend with surrounding buildings.

For further information, please visit the Thonburi Palace web site:
www.wangdermpalace.com/wangderm/eng_history.html