Klai Kang Won, meaning "far from worries", is aptly named after the peace and serenity of the surrounding landscape, fronting a secluded stretch of the Hua Hin beachfront, and was the primary summer royal residence of King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX). King Prajadhipok (Rama VII) commissioned its construction in 1926, after Hua Hin Train Station was built and the southern-northern rail line officially linked. In those early days, Thailand started to open its doors to western culture and architecture.
Prince Itthithepsan Kritakara served as the architect and oversaw the construction, which was completed in 1933. The palace complex, which showcases the style of a traditional Spanish estate, comprises four main buildings: Piam Suk, Pluk Kasem, Oep Prem, and Em Pridi. The two-storey Phra Tamnak Piem Suk is the King and Queen's residence, complete with a beautiful Roman garden, a sundial and walkway that leads to the beachfront.
Members of the royal family reside in separate buildings, housed in the same manicured grounds. These buildings showcase various architectural styles, from modern Thai to European log cabin. Whenever members of the royal family are in residence, Phetkasem Road is decorated with royal flags, bearing the royal emblem and colour of either the King or the particular member of the royal family staying there. When the palace is not occupied, it’s open to the public.
About the stamps
The first stamp is part of the series Centennial of RTAF Founding Fathers' Aviation Commemorative Stamps (1st Series), issued on April 9, 2012.
The second stamp was issued on October 23, 2005 to mark the Centenary of the abolition of slavery in Thailand.
The last stamp was issued on April 8, 1994 to mark the Inauguration of Friendship Bridge. The First Thai–Lao Friendship Bridge is a bridge over the Mekong, connecting Nong Khai province and the city of Nong Khai in Thailand with Vientiane Prefecture in Laos; the city of Vientiane is approximately 20 km from the bridge. With a length of 1,170m, the bridge has two 3.5m-wide road lanes, two 1.5m-wide footpaths and a single 1,000mm gauge railway line in the middle, straddling the narrow central reservation.
References
Klai Kang Won Palace - bangkok.com
Sender: Pumipat
Sent from Bangkok (Bangkok / Thailand), on 29.12.2016
Photo: Sukit Tejavanija
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