PLATE 7. Gateway of the Old Palace

Not exactly sure what Anna means by "Old Palace", but the above gateway is actually the entrance to the bot (chapel) in the grounds of Wat Arun on the west bank of the river (see picture below).

This is the main entrance by which the king enters the bot for the kathin ceremony. In front of this main entrance are statues of two demons, each 6 metres tall, standing on pedestals with both hands round a stout club. They are brick and stucco decorated with coloured ceramics, made in the reign of King Rama III but repaired so many times that they are considered works of recent time.

This picture was taken by one of our students during a visit to Wat Arun. Click here to see more of his photos from this location.

- information from "A Survey of Thai Arts and Architectural Attractions: a Manual for Tourist Guides"

English Governess | Illustrations 1 | Illustrations 2 | Illustrations 3