Bangkok Thailand and the Grand Palace

The Grand Palace grounds in Bangkok Thailand cover and area of 218,00 square meters. In 1782, the new King decided to move the capital city to the left bank of the Chao Phraya River. The Grand Palace grounds consist of numerous buildings.The carved Emerald Buddha statue is enshrined high up on a tiered base on an altar designed to represent the Busabok aerial chariot of heavenly beings. The Emerald Buddha sits in the Phra Ubosot, a building heavily adorned with glass mosaics, bronze, gold, gems, stones and mother-of-pearl inlay. Shoes must be removed and conservative clothing worn to enter Phra Ubosot. No photography is allowed within the Phra Ubosot, and many people come to kneel and pray before the altar. Other equally adorned buildings are used for ceremonial events, coronation, residences for the Royal family, private chapels for the monarchs, and to house the remains of former royalty and buddhas. Ho Sastrogom Hall is used for monks from Wat Chana Songkram to chant sutras while making holy water every Buddhist holy day for the King. Many of the structures shine and glisten in the sun. The Grand Palace is quite the sight to see. Throughout Bangkok there are permanent displays depicting images of the royal family; on the sides of buildings, in the street medians, on billboards and archways. During the time I was in Thailand the country was observing a one month mourning period related to the death of the Queen. To honor her, additional displays with her photo and make-shift memorials were found throughout the city and the country.