Kraison Siharat Palace, Royal palace ruins in Thale Chup Son, Thailand
Kraison Siharat Palace is a royal palace in ruins in Thale Chup Son, Thailand, built with brick and plaster in a cruciform layout. The structure sits on an island within the reservoir and features four front porches.
King Narai commissioned the palace before 1685 and used it as a retreat after elephant hunting expeditions. It also served to host French diplomatic delegations.
The palace blends traditional Thai architectural style with European design elements that emerged from exchanges during King Narai's reign in the 17th century. This blend remains visible in the surviving structures, showing how Siam connected with the West during that era.
The site is located about 4 kilometers from the town center and sits on an island within the reservoir. The ruins consist mainly of walls that visitors can explore.
French Jesuit missionaries conducted astronomical observations with King Narai at this location, including a documented lunar eclipse viewing in December 1685. This collaboration shows a rare chapter of scientific exchange between Siam and Europe.
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