Thailand

The Grand Palace is a complex of buildings at the heart of Bangkok. The palace has been the official residence of the Kings of Siam (and later Thailand) since 1782. The king, his court and his royal government were based on the grounds of the palace until 1925 and now live elsewhere. The Grand Palace is still used for official events, royal ceremonies and state functions every year.

The Palace complex, roughly rectangular, covers about 53 acres.  Rather than being a single structure, the Grand Palace is made up of numerous buildings, halls, pavilions set around open lawns, gardens and courtyards. Its asymmetry and eclectic styles are due to its organic development, with additions and rebuilding being made by successive reigning kings over 200 years of history

Parts of the Grand Palace are open to the public as a museum.  However it remains a working palace as several royal offices are still situated inside.