Organized by the Foreign Office of the Government Public Relations Department, the foreign press tour was part of activities to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the birth of Queen Sri Savarindira, also known as Queen Savang Vadhana of the Fifth Reign.
Her Majesty Queen Sri Savarindira, the grandmother of His Majesty King
Bhumibol Adulyadej, the present monarch of Thailand, has been recognized as one
of the world’s great personalities by UNESCO. She lived a long and fruitful
life and contributed greatly to the well-being of the people. The Thai
government has announced a year-long celebration of the 150th anniversary of
the birth of the late Queen from 2012 to 2013.
Srapathum Palace, located on Phaya Thai Road near the Siam Paragon Shopping
Complex, is a significant historical site in Thailand, as it was the royal
residence of Her Majesty Queen Sri Savarindira, the Queen Grandmother of
Thailand. The palace has become a museum, where visitors are able to gain
insight into the life of the late Queen, who encouraged the preservation and
promotion of national culture at both local and court levels.
Two important wedding ceremonies were performed at this palace. The first
one was held in 1920 between Prince Mahidol of Songkhla, Queen Sri
Savarindira’s son, and Miss Sangwan Talapat, who later became Her Royal
Highness Princess Srinagarindra, the Princess Mother.
Srapathum Palace was the site for another wedding in 1950, when Queen Sri
Savarindira poured lustral water onto the palms of her grandson, His Majesty
King Bhumibol Adulyadej, and Mom Rajawongse Sirikit Kitiyakara, who was later
conferred the title “Her Majesty Queen Sirikit.”
Both the Queen Grandmother and the Princess Mother lived at Srapathum
Palace for most of their lives. After the Princess Mother passed away in 1995,
His Majesty the King presented Srapathum Palace as a residence of Her Royal Highness
Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, who had the palace transformed into a museum,
in response to the wishes of His Majesty the King.
The museum is operated by the Queen Savang Vadhana Foundation, with Her
Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn as Chairperson. It was
inaugurated on 17 December 2008 at Phra Tamnak Yai (the main royal mansion) by
Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, a great granddaughter of
Queen Savang Vadhana of the Fifth Reign.
The opening of the museum to the public in 2012 began on 17 December 2012
and will continue until 30 March 2013, from Monday to Saturday, between 10:00
a.m. and 4:00 p.m. The admission fee for adults is 150 baht and for students 50
baht.
The museum’s displays are divided into two parts: Exhibition Hall and Phra
Tamnak Yai, which was Her Majesty Sri Savarindira’s permanent residence from
1916 until she passed away in 1955.
Appropriate attire is required for visitors. Shorts and sleeveless shirts
and blouses are not allowed, and women should wear skirts. Reservations should
be made in advance. Please call 662-252-1965-67 for more information.
(thailand.prd.go.th)