| PHANIAT PALACE |
Phaniat Palace is located north of the main island on the Phaniat peninsula. It is
situated between Khlong Chang and the elephant kraal. It is accessible by the Lopburi
River.
This two story, Rattanakosin period, building is designed in a western architectural style.
The brick building is “L” shaped (nearly 24 meters wide by 25 meters long). The floors
are made from wood and the roof constructed with tiles. The building has balconies,
staircases, and a basement. A walking path and footbridge lead to the Lopburi River,
which could have served as a docking site. In situ, are also the traces of an older
foundation, which may have been constructed during the Ayutthaya period. West of the
Palace are two old wooden houses in traditional Siamese styles.
Phaniat Palace may have been used during Ayutthaya period as ancient Royal site for
witnessing elephant roundups. The Royal Chronicles gives evidence that a palace was
burnt down at the site of the elephant kraal in 1767.
A new palace was built on this site during the reign of King Rama II. Prince Thepapolpak
(Krom Luang Thao) lived here while renovating the area and supervising elephant
roundups. King Rama II might have also used this palace when visiting Ayutthaya with
guests.
Prince Maha Mala Krom Bamrab Porapak, who was placed in charge of renovating
Phaniat, lived at this site during the reign of King Chulalongkorn. After the last official
elephant roundup on 25 May 1903, the building was abandoned until 1999. The Fine
Arts Department was granted a 7,650,000 Baht loan by the Ayutthaya Historical Park to
rebuild the palace to its present state.
situated between Khlong Chang and the elephant kraal. It is accessible by the Lopburi
River.
This two story, Rattanakosin period, building is designed in a western architectural style.
The brick building is “L” shaped (nearly 24 meters wide by 25 meters long). The floors
are made from wood and the roof constructed with tiles. The building has balconies,
staircases, and a basement. A walking path and footbridge lead to the Lopburi River,
which could have served as a docking site. In situ, are also the traces of an older
foundation, which may have been constructed during the Ayutthaya period. West of the
Palace are two old wooden houses in traditional Siamese styles.
Phaniat Palace may have been used during Ayutthaya period as ancient Royal site for
witnessing elephant roundups. The Royal Chronicles gives evidence that a palace was
burnt down at the site of the elephant kraal in 1767.
A new palace was built on this site during the reign of King Rama II. Prince Thepapolpak
(Krom Luang Thao) lived here while renovating the area and supervising elephant
roundups. King Rama II might have also used this palace when visiting Ayutthaya with
guests.
Prince Maha Mala Krom Bamrab Porapak, who was placed in charge of renovating
Phaniat, lived at this site during the reign of King Chulalongkorn. After the last official
elephant roundup on 25 May 1903, the building was abandoned until 1999. The Fine
Arts Department was granted a 7,650,000 Baht loan by the Ayutthaya Historical Park to
rebuild the palace to its present state.
| Text & Pictures by Ken May - April 2009 |
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