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The Funeral Chariot Hall.                    Map of National Museum

Funeral Chariot Hall (โรงราชรถ) Most of the chariots in the Funeral Chariot Hall (No.17) date from the reign of King Rama I (1782-1809). The very large superbly carved Grand Chariot of Victory next to the door is used to transport the urn containing the body of a king or queen to the cremation pyre. Weighing 20 tons, it requires 160 men to pull in front of 135 to act as brakes behind. It is made from interlocking teak pieces which hhave been beautifully carved with nagas (serpents) and devas (saint-like creatures) and gilded. Segments of inlaid glass separate the five tiers of carvings a smaller chariot is used by the Supreme Patriarch during royal cremation ceremonies. Also on display are a model of the funeral pyre that was set up in Sanam Luang park for the cremation of King Rama VII (1925-1935), and the sandalwood urn and umbrellas used at the cremation of his consort, Queen Rambhai Barni, in 1984. Phra Maha Pichai Ratcharot (The Royal "Great Victory" Chariot), built in 1795 during the reign og King Rama I (1782-1809) to carry the King's father royal cinerary urn to the royal crematorium (Phra Merumas) at Phra Meru Ground, or Sanam Luang. This chariot was used for every king's funeral. It was recently used for the royal cremation of Her Royal Highness the Princess Mother at Sanam Luang in 1996.            Ratcharot Noi ( 3 Lesser Royal Chariot), simultaneously built with Phra Maha Pichai Ratcharot for the royal funeral of King Rama I's father in 1796.

Since : April 22, 1999