LIFE AT THE PALACE
The Queen Savang Vadhana Museum opens its doors for a fascinating exhibition by appointment only
Every year, for just a few months, the Queen Savang Vadhana Museum in Srapathum Palace opens its doors to visitors. This year, the museum is showcasing a special exhibition “Borom Kasat Wattana Sathan”, which portrays His Majesty the King’s life at the palace as a young child.
Srapathum Palace belonged to Queen Savang Vadhana, the queen of King Chulachomklao (King Rama V) and the grandmother of the King and his elder brother, King Ananda Mahidol. The Royal Family stayed at the palace after was returning from the United States where Prince Mahidol, the Kings’ father, earned his degree in medical science.
King Rama IX was just an infant at the time. Among the highlights are the prams of the King and Her Royal Highness the late Princess Galyani Vadhana.
Visitors will learn a great deal about His Majesty’s childhood including how he was taught and brought up and how his childhood activities and toys developed the projects he would initiate later in life. An example is his canal digging activity, which resulted in his interest in water management.
As part of the museum tour, visitors are allowed to visit the Grand Pavilion, where Queen Savang Vadhana stayed from 1916 until her death in 1955. On show is furniture and historical items related to the Queen, her children and grandchildren as well as the Princess Mother.
Among the highlights is the letter written by Prince Mahidol telling his mother why he chose Sangwan Talapat, the Princess Mother’s name at that time, as his wife, and a letter penned by the Princess Mother announcing to Queen Savang Vadhana the birth of her third child, King Bhumibol.
The exhibition runs until March 31. Admission is Bt150 for adults and Bt50 for students and reservations must be made in advance.
Curator Praphaphan Chuenkaek says the museum can accept only about 13 rounds of the 90-minute tours each day. Each round is limited to 16 people.
BOOK YOUR TOUR NOW
The reservation form can be downloaded at www.QueenSavang.org. For information on when tours are available, call (02) 252 1965-7. Walk-ins will be accepted only when places are vacant.
