Sanam Luang is a big field in the Rattanakosin district of Bangkok, within the vicinity of the Royal Palace, Wat Mahathat and the Palace of the Prince Successor (nowadays the National Museum Bangkok). It is also known by its official name, Thung Phra Mane, meaning royal cremation ground, for it is here that Thai kings, queens and high-ranking princes were cremated since the reign of King Rama I. In 1855, King Mongkut (Rama IV) changed its name from Thung Phra Mane to Thung Sanam Luang. That is today further shortened to Sanam Luang.
Royal funerals had been held at Sanam Luang since the reign of King Rama I. During the reign of King Rama III, it was also used for growing rice. The Royal Ploughing Ceremony and Ceremony of Calling the Rain were set up here by King Rama IV. Pavilions and towers were erected for the king to watch the ceremony. Under King Rama V, Sanam Luang was enlarged. The pavilions and towers were demolished and it was no longer necessary to grow rice within the vicinity of the Royal Palace. In 1897, the Centennial Celebration of Bangkok was held here soon after King Rama V returned from Europe.
The present king still uses Sanam Luang every 11 March for the Ploughing Ceremony and Ceremony of Calling the Rain. The last cremation to take place here was that of the Princess Mother of Thailand, Somdej Phra Srinagarindra Boromarajachondeni, in 1997.
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