Saturday, 28 August 2010; 10am - Special Lecture

M.R.Chakrarot Chitrabongs, Patron of the NMV:
'Introduction to the Bicentenary Celebration of Tha Phra Palace'

The Bicentenary Celebration of Tha Phra Palace takes place on September 2-13, 2010 and is entitled “Wang Tha Phra, the Centre of the Sippa Mu Traditional Crafts”, in celebration of the bicentenary of the foundation of Tha Phra Palace.

The historical background of this special event is as follows.
King Rama I (r. 1782-1809), the founder of the city of Bangkok, had built 3 palaces to the north of the Grand Palace as the royal residences of princes who would closely serve the King. The western most palace was known under the name of “Tha Phra Palace” (the Buddha Statue Pier Palace) because it was the one closest to the river pier where the great Buddha statue that had been transported from Sukhothai and destined to become the principle statue of Wat Suthat Thepvararam under King Rama I’s command, had landed in Bangkok.

This palace has served as the royal residence of several eminent princes of the Chakri Royal House throughout its history, namely:
1. Krom Khun Kasatriyanuchit (1779-1808), son of King Taksin and nephew of King Rama I.
2. Krom Muen Jessadabodindra (1788 -1851), son of King Rama II who succeeded him as King Rama III.
3. Phra Ong Chao Lakananukhun (1812-1835), son of King Rama III.
4. Krom Khun Rachasihavikrom (1816-1868), son of King Rama III and founder of the Jumsai royal family.
5. Krom Muen Adulyalaksanasombat (1819-1873), son of King Rama III and founder of the Uraipongse royal family.
6. Chao Fa Krom Phraya Narisaranuvatiwongse (1863-1947), son of King Rama IV and founder of the Chitrabongs royal family.

These eminent personages, each in their turn, had contributed greatly to the cultural and artistic development of Bangkok, using Tha Phra Palace as their residences, offices and workshops. The palace thus became known in the local community as the centre of the traditional crafts or “chang sippa mu” in Thai. It is therefore quite appropriate that at present, the palace has become the central campus of Silpakprn University, the seat of learning of the fine arts.

This lecture presented by M.R.Chakrarot Chitrabongs, Patron of the NMV is a preparation for a visit to Tha Phra Palace early September.