Miami University - Summer 2023

English 172, Chapter 6 Report

Professor Shelton, Section 7

November 21, 2023

Nevertheless, Sanam Chandra Palace (Thai: พระราชวังสนามจันทร์; RTGS: Sanam Chan;

"Moon Plaza") is a palace complex built by Vajiravudh in Nakhon Pathom province,

Thailand, 56 km west of Bangkok. (Brown & Davis, 2018) The palace complex is about a

kilometer away from the Phra Pathommachedi.

Class Date: 8/4/2024

Teacher’s Feedback: Add more examples to support your argument.

REPORT CONTENT:

## Findings

The complex consists of five buildings and a Ganesh shrine. == History ==

=== Royal residence ===

Before ascending the throne, the then Crown prince Vajiravudh came to this city to pay
homage to Phra Pathommachedi.

## Analysis

He wished to build a palace here as a retreat and a residence during his pilgrimage trip to

the stupa. He viewed the area as a strategic location. In 1907, he bought about 335 acres of

land around Noen Prasart Hill (Thai: เนินปราสาท; RTGS: Noen Prasat; "Castle Hill") from

local people. Noen Prasart Hill is believed to be the site of an ancient palace.

## Background

He then had Luang Phitak Manop (Noi Silapi, later Phraya Visukam Prasit) designed and

supervised the construction of the palace. The construction began in 1902 by the end of

Chulalongkorn's reign (1868 – 1910). It was completed in 1911. Vajiravudh named it Sanam

Chandra Palace after a natural pool nearby called "Sa Nam Chand" (Thai: สระน้ำจันทร์;

RTGS: Sa Nam Chan; "Moon Pond").

## Conclusion

In addition, the king had another plan for this palace. It was to serve not only as a retreat,

but also as a stronghold during a national crisis. Here, he regularly held practices for the

Wild Tiger Corps, a paramilitary troop. According to Vajiravudh's will, the palace was given

to the government to be the site of military academy.

## Discussion
However, after reign of Vajiravudh the palace has been closed and transformed to Nakhon

Pathom's administrative area. Some palace halls had been dismantled and moved to

National Museum in Bangkok for preservation. === Silpakorn University Campus ===

In 1965 Silpakorn University, a well known Thai university, for art and archaeology study,

improved its educational program with additional new faculties and urgently need larger

area to accommodate the expansion.

## Findings

The university and Thai cabinet approved to use the area of Sanam Chandra Palace to be the

new university campus since the area was suitable since the palace was once belong to

Vajiravudh, an archeologist and artist himself. Also in the palace ground has Ganesh Shrine,

god of art and the symbol of university seal. Moreover, Nakhon Pathom is an important

archaeological site for Dvaravati in Thailand.

## Analysis (List)

- === Restoration ===

In 1981 Department of Fine Arts registered Sanam Chandra Palace as historical site.

- On December 1 st, 2003, the Committee for the Renovation of Sanam Chandra Palace

chaired by Prince.

- Bejaratana Rajasuda, Vajiravudh's daughter, in collaboration with the Ministry of Interior,

Nakhon Pathom Governor and Silpakorn University returned the palace including its

satellite buildings to Bureau of the Royal Household following the wishes of Bejaratana
Rajasuda.

- At present, the Bureau of the Royal Household has since opened the Bhimarn Prathom

Residence including the Prayer Room in this residence, Samakkeemukamartaya Hall,

Ganesh Shrine, Chaleemongkolasana Residence, Mareerajaratanabulung Residence, Thub

Kwan Residence and Statue of Yalae, to the general public.

## Background

Sanam Chandra Palace celebrated its 100-year anniversary from November 23, 2007 to

December 2, 2007. === Temporary Closing ===

From October 1 st, 2017, Sanam Chandra Palace is temporary closing for renovation. The

reopening date is still unannounced. == Buildings ==

=== Bhimarn Prathom Residence ===

The first hall to be built in this palace, the Bhimarn Prathom Residence (Thai: พิมานปฐม;

RTGS: Phiman Pathom) is a brick-and-cement building in western style, which was adapted

to suit the tropical climate.

## Conclusion

The ventilation panes and railings around the upper floor of the building are in traditional

elaborate Thai carving patterns. Located upstairs are a bed chamber, a bathroom, a dressing

room, a conference room, a dining room, and a prayer room.

In the prayer room sits a Buddha image in the First Sermon Attitude. The exquisite angelic

congregation design on the mural in the prayer room was painted by Phraya Anusart

Jitrakorn (Chan Jitrakorn). The residence frequently served as H. M. King Rama VI's private

quarters (particularly before his coronation, and afterwards until 1913), his study, a

reception hall, and an audience hall. === Samakkeemukamartaya Hall ===

The Samakkeemukkamartaya Hall (Thai: สามัคคีมุขมาตย์; RTGS: Samakkhi Mukkha

Mat)

=== Chaleemongkolasana Residence ===

The Charliemongkolasana Residence is located in Sanamchandra Palace, Nakhonpathom.

## Findings

In 1908, this residence was built in the integration of 2 arts which are French renaissance

and English half-timber. This residence was adapted for Thai weather atmosphere. At that

time, the residence was named “Yah Leh Residence” which came from the name of King

Rama 6 (King Vajiravudh)’s dog. In 1915, King Rama 6 gave the name for this residence

which is Charliemongkolasana residence that means “the auspicious residence of Charlie”.

This residence was used for the residence of King Rama 6 when he met the Wild Tiger Corps

at Sanamchandra Palace.

## Analysis (List)
- The residence looks like a reddish-yellow small castle which has 2 floors and red roof-tile.

- The dining room and the living room are on the first floor.

- The study room, the royal bathroom and the royal bed chamber are on the second floor.

References / Works Cited:

1. Wikipedia (n.d.). Retrieved from https://wikipedia.org/

2. Random Book Title (2022). Academic Publishing House.