The Old Palace, or the Thonburi Royal Palace, was established during the reign of King Taksin the Great in 1767, coinciding with the founding of Thonburi as the capital of Thailand. It is currently located within the headquarters of the Royal Thai Navy, an area that once housed the Vichaiyen Fort built during the reign of King Narai of Ayutthaya. The strategic location of this palace is of great importance due to its solid fortifications and long-range visibility. The Old Palace was also the birthplace of several Thai monarchs, including King Nangklao, King Chulalongkorn, and King Pinklao. Notable historical structures still present within the Old Palace include the Grand Hall, which is divided into two parts. The first part is the "Throne Hall" or "Vijjha," resembling a spacious pavilion adorned with decorative roofs, eaves, and ridge tiles made of baked clay, with a raised floor made of brick and mortar. This hall served as a venue for royal audiences and important ceremonies during the Thonburi era. The second part is the royal residence called "Phra Thinang Khang," which is where the monarch resided. It features a wooden floor and furnishings similar to those in the Throne Hall and is currently used as a reception area for important guests and for meetings when necessary. Additionally, there is the Pianklao Pavilion, which is a smaller architectural structure built in a mixed Chinese style. This pavilion showcases murals depicting King Taksin's military achievements. The larger double pavilions reflect a blend of Thai and Chinese architecture and host exhibitions about King Taksin's contributions to society, economy, culture, and international relations. Next, visitors will find the statue of King Taksin the Great, a long-standing place for Thai people to pay respects, which depicts the king in a standing pose holding a sword. Location: Wang Derm Road, Wat Arun, Bangkok Yai, Bangkok Open: Monday to Friday from 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM (Advance notice is required at least one week prior for visits. A written request should be directed to the Department of Civil Affairs, Royal Thai Navy.) Closed: Saturday, Sunday, and public holidays. Admission: 100 Baht for adults; 50 Baht for children, students, and scholars. For more information, visit www.wangdermpalace.com or contact the Foundation for the Conservation of Historical Sites at the Royal Thai Navy Headquarters. Phone: 0 2475 4117, 0 2466 9355. Explore the surrounding area, including the vibrant Sathorn district, a center of religion and belief, or take a breath of fresh air at "The Jungle in the City" in Bangkok, or discover the stunning wall art in the Charoen Krung area.