The Thawornwatthu Building

The Thawornwatthu building

A solemn stop on the Bangkok audio-guided tour, the Thawornwatthu building catches the eye with its bright red colour and traditional Thai architecture. Built at the end of the nineteenth century, it was designed to house the royal cremation of the crown prince Vajirunhis, eldest son of King Rama V.

Highly codified royal funerals

In Thai tradition, royal funerals are solemn and highly codified events. Members of the royal family are not laid to rest in ordinary monasteries: specific buildings, sometimes temporary, are raised for the occasion, and the ashes and relics are then placed in urns within sanctuaries. In 1895, the young prince died of typhoid at sixteen.

What to see

After this funeral, the building lost its original function and became for a time the National Library, taking part in the country's cultural opening. Today it houses a museum. Observe with respect this memory-laden building, a witness to the funeral rites of the Thai court.

Practical information

The Thawornwatthu building is in the Phra Nakhon district, near the National Museum. Days, hours and access conditions should be checked depending on the season.

What was the Thawornwatthu building originally for ?

It was designed at the end of the nineteenth century for the royal cremation of the crown prince Vajirunhis.

What did the building become afterwards ?

It was for a time the National Library, before housing a museum today.