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The Grand Palace (Thai: พระบรมมหาราชวัง, Phra Borom Maha Ratcha Wang) is a complex of buildings in Bangkok, Thailand. It served as the official residence of the king of Thailand from the 18th century to the mid-20th century. After the death of King Ananda Mahidol in the Grand Palace, King Bhumibol moved the official royal residence to Chitralada Palace. Construction of the palace complex began in 1782, during the reign of Rama I. (Source: Wikipedia.)

This photo was taken back in 2002 near the San Lak Muang, or City Pillar, and the gate shown is not an official entryway into the Grand Palace. As IgoUgo relates: "Thai cities always include a pillar -- a symbolic representation of a linga -- which is considered to host the city's guardian spirit or deity. As such, these places are located within the vicinty of -- or within -- larger temples and are an official center of worship for the city's welfare, though usually they are the preferred temple for fertility rites as well."

[gatemouth]
democracy monument // grand palace
bangkok thailand 2002

Enter the Exotic Orient!