ThePhra Chuthathut Palace (Thai:พระจุฑาธุชราชฐานPhra Chuthathut Ratchathan) orSichang Palace (พระราชวังสีชังPhra Ratcha Wang Sichang) is a former summer royal residence built during the reign ofKing Chulalongkorn the Great on theSichang Island inChonburi Province. After theFrench occupied the island duringa conflict with Thailand over control of neighboringLaos in 1893, the royal residence was largely abandoned. Parts of the unfinished halls were removed and were used for the newVimanmek Mansion inBangkok. Since leaving the royal control, the palace has been used by various affiliations and authorities. Today,Chulalongkorn University occupies the palace for its "Sichang Marine Science Research and Training Station" and established the Chutathut Palace Museum ofChulalongkorn University, maintaining and preserving the palace.[1][2]
In 1888 QueenSaovabha Phongsri and Crown PrinceVajiravudh were sick and were advised by their physician to stay at Ko Sichang until better. Ko Sichang was also where PrinceAsdang Dejavudh recovered from an illness. In 1889,King Chulalongkorn built three patient wards, naming them the "Vadhana Building" after QueenSavang Vadhana, the "Phongsri Building" after Queen Saovabha Phongsri, and the "Apirom Building" after PrincessSaisavali Bhiromya. In 1892, King Chulalongkorn was resting at Ko Sichang. At that time Queen Saovabha Phongsri was pregnant, so the king built a summer palace and named it "Phra Chuthathut Palace" after his son, PrinceChudadhuj Dharadilok who was born on the island.[3] The palace was composed of four throne hall and 14 royal houses.
The royal residence was abandoned in 1893 after theFrench occupied the island during a conflict with Thailand over control of neighboringLaos in theFranco-Siamese crisis. In 1900 the parts of the palace were torn down and reassembled inBangkok, part of theVimanmek Mansion.[4]
Phra Chuthathut Palace is the only royal palace in Thailand on an island.[5]
In 2002, Chulalongkorn University renovated facilities for a museum.Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn presided over the opening ceremony of Phra Chuthathut Palace Museum on 12 January 2004.[6]
The buildings renovated and now used as exhibition halls are the Pagoda of Wat Atsadang Nimit; the Sea View Building; Vadhana Building; Phongsri Building; and the Apirom Building.
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