Redefining Wang Na Rattanakosin : The History and Conservation of a Royal Thai Palace

Abstract

Abstract

This purpose of the research is to determine the proper physical characteristics of the area formerly referred to as Bhawornsathanmongkon of Wang Na. Located in Rattanakosin Island.   Wang Na is occupied by historical buildings containing artistic and architectural material dating back to the beginning of the Rattanakosin era. Many of these ancient buildings were built more than 200 years ago.  In 1926 King Rama VI gave all of the buildings in Wang Na to the authorities for the purpose of creating a museum for the city of Bangkok and to manage the housing and preservation of antiques from all over the country.  The use of the original area of Wang Na has undergone many changes.  Today the area of Wang Na houses academic and government offices including th National Museum, the National Theatre, the Bhanditpattanasin Institute, Thammasart University and the northern portion of the Phramen grounds.

The change of the Wang Na area from being a palace to being part of the academic section of Thammasart University was carried out without any meaningful conservation plan or proper plan to conserve the history of the area and as a result has been the cause of many problems.  These problems have caused disadvantages to the buildings in the area of Rattanakosin in both direct and indirect ways.  The government established th Rattanakosin Council to draw up and implement policies to conserve and develop the area.  Unfortunately, these policies did not include any effort to conserve Wang Na’s historical value.

Keywords : Conservation, Wang Na, Archeological site, Interpretation Planning