Wiman Mek
Palace is located behind Bangkok's National Assembly and is the
world's largest building made entirely of golden teak.
The three-storey wooden palace has 81 rooms, halls and anterooms,
excluding terraces and verandahs.
The building
was originally constructed by King Rama V (King Chulalongkorn,
reigned 1868-1910) on Srichang Island in the Gulf of Siam.
In 1901, he had it moved to its present site (which was then in
a rural setting not too far from the Grand Palace) and it became
the first permanent building of the new Dusit Palace. On
its completion, the King took up periodic residence on the third
floor while the first and second floors were residential sections
for his consorts and female children.
After the
death of King Rama V (Chulalongkorn) in 1910, Wiman Mek Palace
was infrequently used by King Rama VI (King Vajiravudh),
and for a short period by King Rama VII (King Prajadhipok)
during the early part of his reign when Amphorn Palace was being
repaired. Thereafter, it was closed for more than 50 years
before Queen Sirikit initiated the renovation of this uniquely
beautiful building.
The King's
apartments on the palace's third floor have been decorated
as they were during the reign of King Rama V (Chulalongkorn).
The shower in the royal bathroom is believed to have been the
first ever installed in Thailand. The tank was manually filled
to provide sufficient water supply for the shower.
Wiman Mek
Palace is surrounded by water on all sides: Klong Rong
Mai Hom (Fragrant Wood Canal) to the east, Klong Khab Phaen
Krachok (Sheet of Glass Canal) to the north, Klong Rang
Ngoen (Silver Canal) to the west, and, best known of all,
the southern pond, Ang Yok (Jade Basin), named after the
water's natural greenness.
A bridge crosses
Ang Yok to wooden Thai houses called Ruan Ton, built when
Wiman Mek Palace was erected. The King's express wish was to use
the houses for a non-royal style of living (that of a commoner),
and it was there he received the numerous acquaintances he made
during frequent incognito tours of Thailand. Wiman Mek
Palace is open daily 9:30-16:00. Admission is 50 Baht,
including guide.
