Marukhathaiyawan Palace

Phraratchaniwet Marukhathaiyawan is a golden teak seaside resort, located at Huai Nua sub-district of Cha-am, 216 km south of Bangkok. It was built by the royal command of King Rama VI and is often known as 'the palace of love and hope'. It replaced Kai Luang Palace at Hat Chao Samran as the royal residence when fresh water became scarce there. Construction on the palace began in 1923 and was completed a year later. After the death of King Rama VI, it stood deserted for a long time. It was renovated to its present condition in 1994.

King Rama VI drafted the design of the building himself as a single-storey wooden pavilion, raised above ground level on posts in the style of a traditional Thai house. Concrete columns were immersed into water at ground level to prevent ants and other insects entering the building. The main structure is linked to several other smaller halls by raised balconies. Designed by an Italian architect, the palace displays a mix of Thai and western styles.

Marukhathaiyawan Palace comprises three inter-linked halls facing the sea. Residences of the royal consort members were located in the right wing. The central group of halls-the royal Samut Phiman Hall, consisted of sitting rooms and parlors. Accommodations for the royal servants were in the Phisan Sakhon Hall while the two-storey Samoson Sewakamat Pavilion was used for meetings and sometimes doubled as a theater.

Nowadays, the palace is under the care of the Thai Border Police. It is open daily from 8.30 am to 4.00 pm and admission is free. For more details, call +66 32 471-401.

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