Let's go on a palace tour together.

Bang Khun Phrom Palace served as the residence of Prince Bhanurangsi Savangwongse, the Prince of Nakhon Sawan, and his consort, Queen Sukhumala Marasri. King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) funded the palace's construction as a residence for his son. Situated on a 33-rai plot along the Chao Phraya River, the palace comprises two main buildings: the Prince's Palace and the Queen's Palace. The Prince's Palace, designed by German architect Karl Siegfried, was initiated in 1891 but remained unfinished. Italian architect Mario Tamagno completed the design, incorporating a blend of Baroque, Renaissance, and Rococo architectural styles. The palace features intricate stuccowork, brick-and-plaster construction, load-bearing walls, a hardwood roof structure, and a Mansard roof. The Mansard roof, characterized by its double-pitched design with varying slopes, includes small dormer windows spaced evenly along the lower roof section.

The Somdet Palace, an extension to the main palace, was designed by German architect Carl Döhring in 1911. It served as the residence of Her Royal Highness Princess Sukhumala Marasri, mother of Prince Paribatra Sukhumbhand, Prince of Nakhon Sawan. The palace also housed the female members of the Bang Khun Phrom Palace. The architectural style is characterized by the delicate beauty of German Art Nouveau. The interior features intricate wood carvings of floral and geometric patterns. Currently, the Somdet Palace is not open to the public.

In the past, Bang Khun Phrom Palace was used as a government office on several occasions. In 1945, the Bank of Thailand rented Bang Khun Phrom Palace as its office until it was renovated into the "Bank of Thailand Museum", which it remains today.

The Bank of Thailand Museum Tour

The tour begins with an introduction to the Bank of Thailand in the History and Operations Room. This room provides an overview of the bank's history, mission, and role in the Thai economy.

Next, visitors are guided through a series of rooms, each dedicated to a specific aspect of the bank's work. The Hall of Honor showcases the history and memorabilia of past Governors of the Bank of Thailand, from the first governor to the present day.

The highlight of the visit is the most beautiful room in Bang Khun Phrom Palace, the "Pink Room". In the past, it was the main audience hall for receiving important guests, as well as for making merit to monks and various ceremonies. The interior of the room is painted pink and decorated with gold-painted stucco patterns on the walls, window frames, and ceiling. Inside, there is an oil painting of King Chulalongkorn and Prince Bhanurangsi Savangwongse, the Prince of Nakhon Sawan, as the main image of the room. There are also oil paintings of other members of the royal family. This room is not open to the public, but can be viewed through glass from the outside. On June 29 of each year, a merit-making ceremony is held to commemorate the birthday of the palace owner. In 2017, it will be the 136th anniversary.

Adjacent to the pink room is the "Blue Room," originally used as a reception room for Mom Chao Prangsom, the consort. The name "Blue Room" refers to the representation of the king, not the actual color of the room. Currently, this room houses a portrait of King Ananda Mahidol (Rama VIII), which was bestowed upon the Bank of Thailand. This room is also viewable through glass.

Adjacent to the blue room is the "Vivatchaiyanoot Memorial Room," an extension built after the completion of the Prince's Palace. It was originally the bedroom of Mom Chao Prasongsom, the consort of His Royal Highness Prince Paribatra Sukhumbhand, Prince of Nakhon Sawan. As the princess suffered from lung disease, this room was chosen for its good ventilation. When the Bank of Thailand took over the building, this room served as the office of the Bank's governors, from the first to the tenth.

Another significant room is the "Phra Phripphatra Room," which showcases the life and legacy of His Royal Highness Prince Bhanurangsi Savangwongse, the Prince of Nakhon Sawan. The room displays personal belongings bearing his emblem, as well as his diverse interests, including porcelain, a model of a Piphat ensemble, and handwritten musical notes. At the center of the room stands a life-size wax figure of the Prince in full regalia, exuding majesty and dignity. This attire was the last he wore during his lifetime.

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The museum has been open to the public since June 1, 2017. Admission is free until August 31, 2017. The museum is open Monday to Friday from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Group visits require advance booking and permission. On Saturdays, the museum is open to the public from 10:30 AM to 4:00 PM (morning sessions at 10:30 AM and 11:30 AM, afternoon sessions at 1:30 PM and 2:30 PM). The museum is closed on Sundays and public holidays. Visitors must present their ID card, student card, driver's license, or passport to the staff in exchange for an entry pass. Photography is not allowed inside the museum, and visitors must dress appropriately.

If you have a free Saturday, come visit a beautiful old palace. You will find that our palace is just as beautiful as any palace in the world.

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