Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall, Bangkok

Editor's Note: This site has been closed for repairs as of October 1, 2017. There is no word on when, or if, it will re-open to the public.

The Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall is a two-storey white marble building constructed during the reign of King Rama V. Designed by Italian architects, this magnificent dome building features superb Renaissance architecture. A large dome, 49.5 m high, in the centre is surrounded by six smaller domes. The domes and walls are covered with paintings that depict the history of the Chakri Dynasty from the first to the sixth reign. The building was completed in 1915. Once served as the site of the National Assembly and as a place to receive state guests, it is now a venue for important royal ceremonies and state meetings.

In late December 2007, an Arts of the Kingdom V Exhibition was held in this hall. Masterpieces of handiwork created by members of agricultural families are displayed here. Thais and foreigners alike appreciated the exhibition. As a result, a permanent exhibition is held in the Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall. Replicas of royal thrones and barges are shown here along with beautifully embroidered screens and the replica of the royal dinner table once used for entertaining royal guests.

During the four days of the 1932 Revolution, the Throne Hall was used as the headquarters of the People’s Party which transformed the country's political system from an absolute monarchy to a constitutional one. The first National Assembly was convened on June 28, 1932, in this throne hall. It had been used as the Parliament House until 1974 when a new Parliament house was built. However, the previous Parliament House is still in use.

Editor's Note:
The king moved in the place, so the building is permanently closed for public viewing but is open on special occasions.