Chakri Maha Prasat: half-ThaiEuropean architecture

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00:00When visiting the Grand Palace, don't forget to check out this half-European building.

00:04Chakri Mahaprasad Throne Hall looks stunning, featuring a European design, but its roof

00:09is distinctly Thai, pointing to the fusion that led to its nickname, a foreigner wearing

00:15a crown, or Tuk Suam Chada.

00:17King Chulalongkorn originally wanted the hall built in a European style, but on the advice

00:22of Chuang Bun Nak, the roof was tamed to a traditional Thai spire, adding a royal touch.

00:28It was also the first building in Thailand to use electricity, a vision of the late king

00:32who wanted to show the world that Thailand was as modern as any western country.

00:38Today, the Chakri Mahaprasad Throne Hall is used to welcome foreign dignitaries and for

00:43the significant royal ceremonies, including the coronation day of King Rama X.