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The International Journal of the Royal Society of Thailand

Volume XVI-2024 (Special Issue)

completion. This hall was conceived and built in His honor at the time when He was still

the Crown Prince of Thailand, and has His royal emblem (then) placed above the rose window
that adorns the facade of its entrance.

His Majesty’s faith in Buddhism, especially in connection with the preservation of precious
Thai architecture, has led to several considerations and modifications of architectural heritage so

as to accommodate and facilitate their functioning to suit present-day needs and requirements.
Should one re-visit the Temple of the Emerald Buddha and the Grand Palace today, one will

notice that, compared to before, more space and facilities have been provided to accommodate
the increasing number of visitors. For example, underground passageways have been built to

bring about more orderly access, with graphic information about the history and significance of
the area, while public restrooms have also been provided. Everything is designed and decorated

so as to be in harmony with the original context whereas in contrast, certain details explicitly
reveal the use of modern building materials and technology to intentionally indicate the period

of its construction undertaking.
An important aspect that deserves to be mentioned is changing the direction of approach

to enter the grounds of the Temple of the Emerald Buddha from entering through the cloister
at the rear of the chapel (ubosot), to approaching from the front instead. This new circulation

path allows visitors to see all the eight pagodas that previously could not be seen standing
together as a whole from the former direction of approach, and leads to the open space in front

of Prasat Phra Thepbidorn building which is one of the most pleasant spaces of the compound
that was once blocked out of view. As a result, visitors can now perceive and appreciate the Thai

architecture in all its splendor from every angle which presumably was as originally intended.
Apart from that, all the service facilities that appeared to be out of place, unsightly and

inappropriate in terms of function such as toilets and provisional tent structures, have been
relocated and designed to give a more preferable impression and provide better convenience

for the public. The space inside the chapel that houses the Emerald Buddha image is now
air-conditioned for the ambient comfort of visitors so as to make their visit a cool, calm

and pleasant experience. It is undeniable that such integration of modern building-services
technology has been possible as a result of royal consent to carry out interventions on the

important architectural heritage and upgrade the facilities with care and attention so as to
improve the comfort and experience of visitors both physically and spiritually.

Another significant royal initiative project is the redevelopment of the former horse-racing
course and convert it into a public park in commemoration of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej

the Great Rama IX and in honor of Queen Sirikit the Queen Mother, so that the public may use it

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