Klai Kangwon: A Royal Retreat
Escape to King Prajadhipok's seaside haven, a testament to Siam's modern era.
Seaside Palace Photo Album by unknownKing Prajadhipok Museum
The Photo Album Walk Through
Discover rarely seen photos of Klai Kangwon Palace in this personal album.
Journey through its early days with us, captured in timeless black & white photographs.
Klai Kangwon Palace's Walkway Leading to the Beach (1929) by unknownKing Prajadhipok Museum
Beach Culture in Modern Siam
During King Chulalongkorn's reign, Siam adopted modern practices like going to the beach. This trend began as a medical treatment and eventually became a favorite pastime for leisure.
Klai Kangwon Palace's Beach Walkway and the Piem Sook House (1929) by unknownKing Prajadhipok Museum
The Seaside Summer Palaces
Phetchaburi is a historic town on the west coast of the Gulf of Siam. The town was popular for royal summer residences. A number of summer residences are Phra Nakhon Khiri (1859) built by King Mongkut, Phra Ram Ratchaniwet (1910) by King Chulalongkorn and Mrigadayavan Palace (1923) by King Vajiravudh.
The Beach in Front of the Klai Kangwon Palace (1929) by unknownKing Prajadhipok Museum
Hua Hin, Siam's First Seaside Resort
The arrival of the railway in 1911 brought Hua Hin to the attention of Bangkok's aristocrats. Its serene beauty and charm led to the establishment of a royal resort, marking the beginning of Hua Hin's legacy.
Plaque Marking the Foundation of the Piem Sook Hall (1927-09-21/1929-04-11) by unknownKing Prajadhipok Museum
Where It All Began
King Prajadhipok commissioned Mom Chao Itthithepsan, an École des Beaux-Arts architect graduate, to design and plan the new residence at Hua Hin in May 1926. The foundation stone was laid in September 1927, and the new palace was then inaugurated on 10 April 1929.
Palace of San Souci (early 19th century) by UnknownLos Angeles County Museum of Art
The Namesake
Klai Kangwon's name echoes the German palace of Sanssouci in Potsdam. Prince Prajadhipok, studying in Europe, likely visited the palace in 1908, inspiring his choice for the Hua Hin retreat.
The Gift to the Queen
Unlike other palaces, Klai Kangwon Palace was commissioned with a budget from the Privy Purse. The letter from Mom Chao Itthithepsan to the king refers to their previous correspondence that the new palace was intended to be a gift to Queen Rambhai Barni.
Phrom Sri Swasdi Gate, Klai Kangwon Palace (1929) by unknownKing Prajadhipok Museum
The Gleaming Radiance
Queen Rambhai Barni's name, meaning 'the gleaming radiance' in Sanskrit, reflects her radiant spirit. The queen's emblem, depicting light shining through clouds, graces various corners of the palace, a symbol of her presence and influence.
A closer look at the details of the Queen's emblem at one of the palace's gates.
Commemorative Wooden Tray, Carved the Symbol of Klai Kangvol Palace (1929) by unknownKing Prajadhipok Museum
The Union of Arrows and Cloudy Light
The emblem of Klai Kangwon Palace, with its three arrows and cloudy light, embodies the strength of the King and the radiance of the Queen, a powerful symbol of their unity.
Piem Sook House (1929) by unknownKing Prajadhipok Museum
Phra Tamnak Piem Sook - The House Full of Happiness
The Piem Sook House, built in 1929, boasts a stunning Mediterranean villa design. This grand manor house was inaugurated with a royal ceremony in April, attended by members of the royal family.
Guardign Shrine of the Klai Kangwon Palace (1929) by unknownKing Prajadhipok Museum
The Mother Earth Guardian Shrine
Like many Thai homes, a guardian spirit shrine is essential for protection. This shrine, placed near the house, ensures the well-being of its inhabitants. Regular offerings maintain the spirits' favor.
The guardian spirit shrine at Klai Kangwon blends seamlessly with the Mediterranean villa design of the Piem Sook House, creating a unified aesthetic experience.
The Balinese Guardians
The entrance of Piem Sook House was decorated, or spiritually guarded, by Balinese guardian giants. The king acquired these sculptures from Denpasar during his state visit to Java and Bali in September 1929.
Tamnak Noi - The Little House (1929) by unknownKing Prajadhipok Museum
The Phra Tamnak Noi - The Little House
This little house was dedicated to Queen Rambhai Barni. It is situated next to the Piem Sook House, with a garden in between and connected with a covered walkway.
Sala Reong - Hall of Delightful (1929) by unknownKing Prajadhipok Museum
The Sala Reong - Hall of Delight
The Sala Reong, or the gymnasium - originally designed for sports, was also used for film screenings and traditional Thai band concerts. Its spacious hall enabled the king to host cabinet meetings, which traditionally took place at Anata Samaghom Throne Hall in Bangkok.
Phra Tamnak Pluk Kasem - House of Joy Awakening (1927-09) by unknownKing Prajadhipok Museum
The Phra Tamnak Pluk Kasem - House of Joy Awakening
The Phra Tamnak Pluk Kasem was the first house in the new palace to be completed. King Prajadhipok and Queen Rambhai's first stay at the Klaikangwon Palace was between 16-27 July 1927.
Tamnak Erb Prem & Em Pree - House of Abundance Bliss & Joy (1929) by unknownKing Prajadhipok Museum
The Tamnak Erb Prem & Em Pree-House of Abundance Bliss & Joy
The twin houses were designed and built at the same time as the Pluk Kasem House. They were assigned to junior members of the royal family to stay during royal annual visits to Hua Hin.
Klai Kangwon Residents Taking a Walk on the Palace Ground (1929/1932) by unknownKing Prajadhipok Museum
Everyday Life Far from Worries
The monarchs enjoyed their quiet holidays during their visits to Klai Kangwon playing golf, playing Thai musical instruments, walking down the beach, and so on. However, more serious business also happened here, such as signing official documents and cabinet meetings.
Klai Kangwon Residents in the Palace Garden (1929/1932) by unknownKing Prajadhipok Museum
The Historic Moment of New Siam
On June 24, 1932, while playing golf, King Prajadhipok received news of a revolution in Bangkok. A letter inviting him to become a constitutional monarch followed, marking a significant shift in Siamese history.
Democracy Monument Under Construction (1939-06-24/1940-06-24) by unknownKing Prajadhipok Museum
The Birthday of Thailand's Democracy: Worry-free?
What actually happened on the birthday of Thailand's democracy? How did this worry-free house became involved in Thailand's national politics?
Find out more in person at King Prajadhipok Museum, Pan Fa Bridge, Bangkok, or visit our virtual museum.
