Royal Clock Tower

The Royal Clock Tower (Replica) Today The white, European-style clock tower we see standing on Sanam Chai Road (next to Wat Pho and the Department of Territorial Defense) today is not the original tower from the reign of King Rama IV. It is a "replica Royal Clock Tower" that was newly constructed. Year Built: Constructed in 1982 to commemorate the 200th anniversary of Bangkok. Architecture: Designed by Dr. Sumet Chumsai Na Ayutthaya, based on the original clock tower from the reign of King Rama IV. It is a tall, square tower with a pointed spire and clock faces on all four sides. Significance: It stands alongside the Drum Tower, commemorating the evolution of timekeeping in Thailand from the era of "drum beating" to the era of "clocks." Actual Clock: The clock mechanism from the Phuwadontatsanai Throne Hall, which was dismantled during the reign of King Rama V, is currently preserved and displayed at the National Museum, Bangkok.

The first clock tower in Siam (Thailand): "Phra Phuwadon Thasnai Throne Hall," the civilized clock tower of Siam, was built at the royal initiative of King Rama IV, who wanted Siam to become a civilized nation and modernize, replacing the use of hour markers, gongs, and drums to tell the time.

The beautiful white European-style royal clock tower currently visible on Sanam Chai Road (next to the Ministry of Defence) is a replica of the original tower. It was built to commemorate the astronomical prowess of King Rama IV and serves as a symbol of past technological advancement.