Night at the palace

Published on November 23, 2007

A persevering tradition, on the 12th full moon each year, rivers, klongs, lakes and ponds throughout the Kingdom will be illuminated by candle-lit "krathong" in Loy Krathong festival, in which Thai people offer prayers to the god of water.

Among the places to "loy" (float) your krathong, the century-old Sanam Chan Palace is a wonderful experience. The former palace of King Vajiravudh in Nakhon Pathom today opens its doors to the public for a special celebration. It will be in this beautiful setting where HRH Princess Sirindhorn will float her krathong tomorrow night.

Called "100 Years Sanam Chan Palace" the centennial celebration is a historic occasion, marking the first time this newly renovated palace has been opened to the public at night. The ten-day festival running until December 2 features cultural activities from 9am to 10pm daily.

Sanam Chan Palace was built in 1907 by King Rama VI's command while he was visiting Nakhon Pathom. On an 800-rai plot of ground, the palace was designed by Phraya Visavakam Silpa Prasit (Noi Silapi) who spent four years to complete the main building. Important halls on the ground are Phiman Pathom, Phirom Phakdi, Wachari Romaya and Samakkhi Mukkhamat. In addition there are also many buildings such as Chali Mongkhon Asana, Thap Kaew and Thap Khwan, many of which are used today as the provincial hall (the sala klang changwat) of Nakhon Pathom.

An interesting feature of the grounds is the statue of Ya-Le, a mixed-breed dog who was the favourite of King Vajiravudh, and always accompanied him. One day Ya-Le was fatally shot by an envious man, and the King then commanded that a monument to the canine be placed in front of the Chali Mongkhon Asana building.

The palace was used as the Royal family's residence when the Kingdom was at war, and was a lodging for the King himself when he came to visit the province. The name of the palace, literally meaning "palace by the pond", is taken from the lotus pond located right in front of the premise.

For the centennial fair, the palace grounds opposite the King Rama VI statue will host a market, selling crafts and other products from the royal projects. The petite Thap Kaew Residence hosts the Kingdom's first-ever exhibition of football memorabilia from the Rama VI period as well as show of limited-edition postage stamps. The Chali Mongkhon Asana residence hosts portrait-painting stalls. At the plaza in front of the statue of Ya Le, the military's K9 unit will show its finely honed skills. Along the lane passing Phra Nontikan's Residence, you can make merit with monks from nine famous temples and worship Ganesh in the shrine.

Lots of entertainment is planned, with pop singers taking turns performing. Thai traditional dances and plays composed by King Rama VI will be performed at 10am daily while the Joe Louis Theatre puts on remarkable puppet shows. Silom Village is catering, bringing a yummy selection of rare Thai traditional dishes to fair goers in a royal dining atmosphere.

The highlight of the event is in the evening when the historic palace comes to life with light shining on the restored architectural beauty, like something out of a Disney theme park. Only this is a real part of Thailand's historic cultural heritage.

The 100 Years Sanam Chan Palace festival runs from 9am to 10pm daily from today until December 2 at Sanam Chan Palace in Muang district, Nakhon Pathom. Tickets are Bt50 for adults and Bt20 for children. For more information, call (02) 628 6300 ext 5120-1.

Weekend Staff