Probably Bangkok’s most famous landmark, situated on the banks of the Chao Phraya River in the heart of the city, the Grand Palace is a complex of buildings with beautiful architecture and intricate detail within its walls. The Grand Palace has been the official residence of the Kings of Siam (and later Thailand) since 1782 when King Rama I moved to Bangkok. Throughout successive reigns, many new buildings and structures were added. By 1925, the King, the Royal Family and the government were no longer permanently settled at the Palace, and had moved to other residences. After the abolition of absolute monarchy in 1932, all government agencies completely moved out of the Palace.
It is divided into several quarters: the Temple of the Emerald Buddha; the Outer, Middle and Inner Court and the Siwali Gardens quarter. The Grand Palace is partially open to the public as a museum, but it remains a working Palace, with several royal offices still situated outside.
I know this has nothing directly to do with Muay Thai. It was a place I visited whilst in Bangkok that gave me an insight to Thai culture and Thai history. However, the Royal Thai Government did setup the World Muaythai Council, a recognised professional governing body for the art and spirit of Muay Thai. The Council have been charged with the responsibility for the expansion of the Muay Thai worldwide and has the government’s directive to regulate all Muay Thai competitions worldwide. On 20th August 2014, Muay Thai and the World Muay Thai Council received official Royal Patronage from the King of Thailand.