Central Thailand / Ayutthaya / Ancient Palace

Photo: Tri Muk Building at the Ancient Palace

The palace was built in its original form by King Ramatibodi (reigned 1350-1369), the king of U Thong who had transferred his capital to Ayutthaya. During the reign of King Trailok (1448-1487) and later kings, several new buildings were added, including Wat Phra Si Sanphet. Important buildings of the complex were the Vihara Somdet, the Sanphet Prasat, the Suriyat Amarin Pavilion, the Chakrawat Phaichayon Pavilion, the Banyon Ratanat Pavilion and the Tri Muk Building. The edifices were completely destroyed in 1767, leaving only brick foundations, porticoes and walls. The Tri Muk Building, a wooden structure with a brick foundation, was rebuilt in its original style at the command of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V, reigned 1868-1910) in 1907.