Wang Derm Palace

When Thonburi served as the capital of Thailand, Wang Derm Palace was the permanent residence of King Taksin (the first and only ruler of the Thon Buri period), the same way the Grand Palace has served Bangkok kings of more recent times. King Taksin was involved in continuous patriotic battles throughout his reign, and it is believed that he didn’t have much time to enjoy his time in the palace. Wang Derm remained the residence of many high-ranking princes and viceroys even after King Rama I, who came after Taksin, relocated the capital across the river to Bangkok. Wang Derm is now the headquarters of the Royal Thai Navy, and that’s the main reason why this historical structure has long been kept from the public view. For the 250th anniversary of Thonburi, however, the palace will be temporarily open to the public from 15 to 28 December, offering visitors the rare chance to see King Taksin’s throne hall and shrine, and the Chinese-style pavilion of Pinklao, the famed viceroy of King Rama IV.