Klai Kangwon Palace


Klai Kangwon Palace was the primary summer royal residence of King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand. It is in Hua Hin District in Prachuap Khiri Khan Province. Commissioned by King Prajadhipok in 1926 and completed in 1933, the palace's main residence buildings are named Piam Suk, Pluk Kasem, Oep Prem, and Em Pridi.

History

The palace was built by King Prajadhipok in 1926 using his personal land given to Queen Rambai Barni. The designing architect was Mom Chao Itthithepsan Kridakorn, the chief of the Silpakorn Sathan. It was initially called "Suan Klai Kangwon". King Bhumibol Adulyadej then renamed the it "Phra Ratchawang Klai Kangwon", but as there has not been any official orders, the palace is still called "Wang Klai Kangwon".

Buildings

  • Phra Tamnak Piam Suk is the Spanish-styled two-storey building with a tower. It is the primary building of the palace area and was the summer residence hall of King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Queen Sirikit. It was also the residence of King Prachadipok and Queen Rambai Barni.
  • Phra Tamnak Noi, was the residence of Princess Srinagarindra.
  • Phra Tamnak Pruk Kasem is a mixture of Thai traditional and modern architecture. Currently, this residence hall serves as a summer residence to the Princess Royal Sirindhorn.
  • Phra Tamnak Oep Prem Em Pridi is the residence of the royal family, a single-storey bungalow constructed especially for the seaside.
  • Rueng Pavilion, is a multi-purpose pavilion used for Buddhist ceremonies, sporting events, musical performances, films, and other activities.
  • Ratcha Pracha Samakhom Pavilion, which means "the King and the people care for each other", formerly the Multi-Purpose Building, was renamed in November 2013 to its current name prior to the celebration of King Rama IX's 86th birthday. It was the only grand audience during his reign that was held outside Bangkok. The building, is a two-storey building, the lower floor is an empty space used for activities while the upper floor is a conference hall which allows audiences to be given without returning to Bangkok.

Functions

The palace's premises were used as the royal residence of King Bhumibol Adulyadej several times during his reign, as well as serving as his alternate residence since 2010. The Piam Suk Residence Hall was the site of royal audiences on many occasions. A grand audience was held on 5 December 2013 at the Ratcha Pracha Samakhom Pavilion.