Wang Suan Ban Kaew is located in Chanthaburi Province and served as the royal residence of Her Majesty Queen Rambai Barni, Queen Consort of King Rama VII. The palace reflects the queen’s simple lifestyle and her dedication to public service. Today, Wang Suan Ban Kaew is situated within the campus of Ramphaiphanit Rajabhat University, functioning as a center for learning about history, culture, and nature, open to students, researchers, and tourists alike.

 

The palace was constructed after Her Majesty left the Sra Pathum Palace in 1950 in order to have a private residence and a peaceful retreat surrounded by nature. Her Majesty wished to avoid imposing on Princess Srinagarindra, the Princess Mother, during her stay at Sra Pathum Palace and sought a tranquil environment where she could rest and relax. The construction of Wang Suan Ban Kaew was carried out with careful attention to economy while maintaining high quality. Chinese craftsmen were employed to teach royal staff how to make bricks and roof tiles. High-quality large bricks, marked with the initials S.B.K., and teak wood were used exclusively for the palace construction to ensure durability and aesthetic beauty.

 

The palace complex consists of several buildings, including the main building, known as the Gray Mansion, a European-style half-brick, half-wood structure. The upper floor served as the queen’s private bedroom and included a veranda overlooking the surrounding scenery. Visitors can admire the beautiful view of Ban Kaew Canal and the surrounding landscapes. The Don Kae Mansion, or Red Mansion, is a two-story teak building painted in red. It is now used as a museum showcasing local culture, including exhibits on Chanthaburi geography, music and performing arts, gem mining, and local wisdom, as well as Her Majesty’s personal belongings, reflecting her simple and frugal lifestyle.

 

Other buildings include the Green House and Red House. The Green House, a single-story wooden building, serves as the office for visitors to arrange tours, while the Red House provides space for research and study related to the royal history. Additionally, the palace grounds feature the Round Pavilion, also known as the Mushroom Pavilion, which was historically used for tea ceremonies. The private gardens consist of both fruit and flower gardens, reflecting Her Majesty’s love for nature. The fruit gardens were used to raise ducks, geese, chickens, and peacocks, while the flower gardens include ponds for turtles and fish, creating a serene environment for relaxation and contemplation.

 

Wang Suan Ban Kaew holds historical significance as the residence where Queen Rambai Barni planned and carried out her royal duties. In 1972, she graciously donated the palace grounds to the government to establish Chanthaburi Teacher’s College, now part of Ramphaiphanit Rajabhat University, demonstrating her dedication to education and providing opportunities for the local community. Her donation reflects the queen’s selflessness and commitment to contributing to society.

 

The palace also serves as a natural learning center. Within the university grounds, a 50-rai natural forest area has been developed for nature study, featuring both land trails measuring 440 meters and water routes of 700 meters. Visitors can learn about local ecosystems, plant biodiversity, and environmental conservation. Experiential activities, such as fruit garden care, animal husbandry, and observing native plants and wildlife, provide opportunities to engage closely with nature and understand the importance of preserving biodiversity.

 

Visiting Wang Suan Ban Kaew is not only a tourism experience but also an opportunity to learn about history, architecture, culture, and nature comprehensively. Visitors can explore the main mansion and auxiliary buildings, study the European-style architecture adapted to the Thai environment, walk through natural trails by land and water, and gain insight into native plant and animal species. They can also study Her Majesty’s royal history, her contributions to education, and her lifestyle.

 

Wang Suan Ban Kaew is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For group visits on weekends, advance contact with the university is recommended. Inquiries can be made at the Office of Arts, Culture, and Community Development, Ramphaiphanit Rajabhat University at +66 3947 1064 or +66 3931 9111 ext. 7000-1. Visiting the palace provides knowledge, inspiration, and appreciation for Thai history and culture while promoting conservation of heritage for future generations.

 

The significance of Wang Suan Ban Kaew extends beyond its architectural beauty. It embodies the queen’s commitment to public service, her simple yet meaningful lifestyle, and her deep connection to nature. Each visit offers a comprehensive educational and cultural experience, making Wang Suan Ban Kaew a cherished heritage site in Chanthaburi Province and an important part of Thailand’s national legacy.