Grand Palace

…

khaa wor-ra put-tha-jao aow ma-no lae si-ra gran

We, Your Majesty's loyal subjects, Pay homage with deep-felt veneration,

nop pra poom-mi baan boon ya di rake

To the supreme Protector of the Realm,

aek ba-rom ma jug rin phra sa-yaa min

The mightiest of monarchs complete with transcendent virtues,

phra yot-sa ying yong yen si ra phraw phra bor-ri baan

Under whose benevolent rule, we, Your subjects,

phon phra khoon-tha ruk saa puang pra cha ben sook saan

Receive protection and happiness, Prosperity and peace;

…….

First time I heard this song when I and my friends watch The Mummy: Tomb of The Dragon Emperor at the Siam Paragon Cineplex. It’s kind of surprising, when all of the audience raise suddenly while the screen showing a video clip picturing King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s royal activities. Later on I found out that it’s The King Anthem that mostly heard at the opening of the cinema. Beside King Anthem, here in Thai you should prepare to stop any activity and stand up politely listens to its National Anthem everywhere in public places including inside the mass transit system (BTS) twice a day. It’s kind of unique to witness its people’s obedient and the visitor’s tolerance doing likewise.

And this uniqueness succeeds to attract more and more visitor to this country. Preserving unique culture which not easily found outside this place has brought great deal to this place. Perhaps Jack Trout is right, differentiate or die. Again, I learn a lot from this trip.

Well, I haven’t mentioned anything about the grand palace. The complex of royal family residence called Phra Borom Maha Ratcha Wang, constructed around 18th century. This place served as a royal family residence until the death of King Ananda Mahidol around mid-20^th century. Then the present King moved into Chitralada Palace.

As a palace, of course it becomes a must-see place in Bangkok. I’ve remind my friends to wear proper dress while entering this palace, but the hot weather successfully made them worn short pants and t-shirt. Well for the consequence the should buy sarong before entering the palace since short pants is not allowed to wear. This place open daily at 08:30 am- 3:30 pm and the ticket cost 300 baht or around US$10 to enter the palace and Vimanmeek mansion, the largest golden teakwood building in the world they said.