Sanam Luang has been a place of central importance for the Thai people for centuries. Sanam Luang is Thai for royal ground, and it is a place where the King performs state ceremonies.
In the past, Sanam Luang was an open field located between the Grand Palace and the Palace of the Second King. It has been used as a site for the cremation of kings, queens and nobility since the reign of King Rama I. For this reason, in former ti mes it was officially known as Thung Phra Meru (cremation ground).
During the reign of King Rama III, when Thailand was engaged in a conflict with Vietnam, the King wished to demonstrate to other nations that Thailand was such a fertile, flourishing country that even the area in front of the Grand Palace was culti vated. Sanam Luang was then a normal plot of land, used for growing rice. When there was a Royal Funeral, it would be smoothed over to prepare for the event.
During the reign of King Rama IV, when the ground was still used for farming, King Rama IV changed its official name from Thung Phra Meru to Thung Sanam Luang.
Sanam Luang has been used as the cremation ground for all of Thailand's kings and Royal Family members except for King Rama VII, who died in England. The most recent cremation rite to be held there was for Queen Rambhai Barni, in 1986.
Back to
A Special Tribute Home Page.
