Chitralada Villa

Chitralada Villa was built in 1913 in the reign of King Vajiravudh (Rama VI), who used it as his private place for writing. Today, the villa, which is part of Dusit Palace in Dusit District of Bangkok, is the official residence of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej. It covers an area of 395 rai, or 158 acres. A simple three-story structure in a rectangular form, the villa is in the Western architectural style and it is surrounded by a moat in all four sides, with the yellow maharaj (a symbol of the King) flag displayed on top.

His Majesty the King has devoted some areas in the villa compound to his experimental projects in agriculture. This eventually formed the basis of the world's first experimental farm based within a royal residence, whose windmills and farming implements are visible to all who drive past. Successful results of his experiments have been disseminated to his subjects to translate them into action. These projects include rice farming, dairy cow raising, fish farming, and forestry demonstrations.

The villa is also the location of the SUPPORT Center, established by Her Majesty the Queen, who had an occupational training project carried out there since 1979. The SUPPORT Center provides training for SUPPORT members in various branches of craftsmanship. It has become a center for beautiful SUPPORT products made by villagers across the country.

Klai Kangwon Palace

King Prajadhipok (Rama VII) constructed Klai Kangwon Palace in Prachuap Khiri Khan Province for Queen Rambhai Barni to stay in summer. Construction work began in October 1926 and was completed in 1933.

Within Klai Kangwon are four major buildings; all of them are decorated in the Mediterranean architectural style, the form of which is adapted to the Thai style. The most important building is Piumsuk, which is the royal residence of Their Majesties the King and Queen. Literally meaning "far from worries," Klai Kangwon was a favorite residence for King Prajadhipok and Queen Rambhai Barni, who spent a certain period there each year. It is also a favorite residence for the present monarch, His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who now spends most of his time at this palace. Klai Kangwon covers an area of more than 300 rai (120 acres).

Phuphan Palace

Located on the Phuphan mountain range in Huai Yang Subdistrict, Mueang District, Sakon Nakhon Province, Phuphan Palace was constructed as the royal residence for the Royal Family to stay while visiting people in the Northeast. Construction work began in October 1974 and was completed in 1975.

Phuphan Palace is a combination of the Thai and Western architectural styles. It covers a vast area but has simple decoration. Numerous species of plants put this area in the shade of trees. The major building is the royal residence of Their Majesties the King and Queen. Ruean Khamhom is made of bamboo and is the place where His Majesty works and hosts receptions.

In addition, within the palace compound is a SUPPORT pavilion, built at the order of Her Majesty the Queen, the founder of the Foundation for the Promotion of Supplementary Occupations and Related Techniques. Her Majesty uses this pavilion to encourage local people to spend their time fruitfully by making handicrafts, which provide them with supplementary income for their family. She also initiated a silk contest, held annually at this palace to showcase collections of Thai silk fabrics, develop local people's skills, and preserve the local wisdom of silk weaving. The contest is organized in November each year as part of the annual silk festival in Phuphan.

Daksin Palace

During their southern trips, Their Majesties the King and Queen and members of the Royal Family stay at Daksin Palace in the southernmost province of Narathiwat, which shares the border with Malaysia. The palace is located at the foot of Tan Yong Mountain, adjacent to Ao Manao Forest Park, a coastal area on the Gulf of Thailand. Situated in Kalu Wo Nua in Mueang District, the palace is 173 feet above sea level.

Daksin Palace is a masonry building in the modern Thai architectural style found in many houses of local people. His Majesty wanted the palace design to be in the form that is in harmony with that of local houses. The palace was constructed in 1973 and designed by a group of architects and engineers from the Bureau of the Crown Property.

The palace compound is arranged like a rock garden, consisting mainly of foliage and native plants, some of which have become symbols of Daksin Palace. Since the palace is connected with a national park, wild animals are sometimes found between the national park and the palace compound in search of food and water. Her Majesty the Queen has released a number of deer of different species into the natural habitat in order to maintain the ecological system in the Tanyong forest reserve. This kind of mammal is also found in the area.

Bhubing Palace

Located in the west of the Mae Ping River valley in the northern province of Chiang Mai, Doi Suthep National Park consists of tropical evergreen and mixed deciduous forests. The highest peak in the park is 1,601 meters. Doi Suthep is the location of Bhuping Palace, built in 1961 at the order of His Majesty the King. In the initial stage, only the royal residence and guesthouse for foreign dignitaries were constructed. Other buildings were additionally constructed later.

His Majesty and the Royal Family stay at this palace during their visits to the people in Chiang Mai and other provinces in the North. The palace has been used to accommodate royal guests as well, and it is 1,500 meters high on a mountain. Surrounded by beautifully decorated gardens, the palace site comprises numerous species of temperate flowers, such as aster, carnation, rose, and orchid, which are in bloom throughout the year, but they are at their best in winter. The most attractive spot to appreciate flowers is in front of Phra Tamnak Bhubing, which is situated near a reservoir.

In addition, other buildings are also found in the same area, such as Ruean Pik Mai (log cabin), the residence of Her Royal Highness Princess Chulabhorn, and Siri Song Bhubing (Tamnak Eucalyptus), built in 1992 in accordance with the command of Her Majesty the Queen, who wanted to use eucalyptus wood for building log cabins on a trial basis. Another building is Phra Tamnak Phayak Sathit, constructed in the log cabin style as the residence of His Royal Highness Crown Prince Maha Vajilalongkorn.