The Grand Palace in Bangkok is a sprawling complex of buildings at the heart of Thailand's capital. The palace has been the official residence of the Kings of Siam since 1782. The king, his court and his royal government were based on the grounds of the palace until 1925. Now used for official events, the Grand Palace is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Thailand, known for its exquisite architecture and intricate detail. The architecture is a striking mix of traditional Thai and European styles, highlighting the grandeur of Thai royalty. Within its walls are several impressive structures including Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha), which houses a highly revered Buddha statue carved from a single block of jade. The outer court, near the entrance, used to house government departments in which the King was directly involved, such as civil administration, army, and treasury. The middle court is where the residence of the king and the halls for conducting state business are located, while the inner court was exclusively for the king's consorts and daughters.
