via The Bangkok Post, 26 September 2022: The restoration of the early-20th century Mrigadayavan Palace in Phetchaburi province of Thailand, where archaeological investigations have been able to uncover the remains of the original architecture.
The establishment of the summer palace from 1923 to late 1924 stemmed from the king’s illness. King Vajiravudh, who suffered from rheumatoid arthritis, rested at the seaside retreat on the advice from his doctor. The king stayed here twice for three months in 1924 and two months in 1925 before he passed away.
Guests could walk up a tree-lined path where the king once travelled before reaching a green iron gate and two statues, which informally demarcates the residence of the royal family from that of his entourage and civil servants. Flanked by lush bush, a track leads to the beachfront pastel palace.
Erbprem Vatcharangkul, an archaeology officer at the Office of the Mrigadayavan Palace Foundation, said an excavation uncovered the original track built in 1923. When King Bhumibol Aduyadej allowed the Border Patrol Police to use the area, officers built the road over the original track, 30-40cm deep and filled with stone and reinforced concrete.
Source: In a king’s footsteps
