Sanam Luang

Sanam Luang is a 74.5 rai (119,200 m2) open field and public square in front of Wat Phra Kaew and the Grand Palace. In the Royal Chronicle it was written that, "In front of Wat Mahathat, Sanam Luang lies between the Royal Palace and the Front Palace. When royal cremation was held at the Phra Men Ground, the pyre set up in the centre with the Royal Palace Pavilion to the south and the one of the Prince of the Front Palace to the north. The music from the Royal Palace and from the Palace to the Front would be played on opposite sides of Sanam Luang". Sanam Luang was officially known as "Thung Phra Men" (the royal cremation ground). It has been used as a site for the cremation of kings, queens, and high-ranking princes since the reign of King Rama I. In 1855, King Rama IV changed its name from "Thung Phra Men" to "Thong Sanam Luang", in common usage now shortened to "Sanam Luang". The Fine Arts Department lists Sanam Luang as a historical site.