The Fine Arts Department has opened "Wat Phra Kaeo Wang Na" for interested visitors to enter free of charge, from today until 20 September 2026, between 09:00 and 16:00. Meanwhile, the Archaeology Division is offering two guided tours per day — at 13:00 and 15:00 — so that visitors can learn about the history of Wat Phra Kaeo Wang Na up close.
On the occasion of the birthday anniversary of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit the Queen Mother and National Mother's Day on 12 August 2026, the Fine Arts Department organised the event "Rak Nakhara: The Path of Rattanakosin" to pay tribute to Her Majesty Queen Sirikit the Queen Mother for her countless royal duties in conserving, reviving, preserving, creating, promoting, and perpetuating Thailand's artistic and cultural heritage for the honour and pride of the nation.
The "Rak Nakhara: The Path of Rattanakosin" event has been running since 12 August, with a wide variety of activities across the Rattanakosin Island area. Among them is the opening of "Wat Bowonsathan Suthawat" — also known as "Wat Phra Kaeo Wang Na" — allowing interested visitors to enter the temple grounds free of charge (certain areas are closed for restoration). Wat Phra Kaeo Wang Na is open for free every day from today until 20 September 2026, from 09:00 to 16:00. Under normal circumstances, visitors can only view the temple from the outside, with interior access permitted only on special occasions — making this a rare opportunity and a truly worthwhile visit for those who are interested.
Wat Bowonsathan Suthawat, or Wat Phra Kaeo Wang Na, is located within the precinct of the Wang Na Palace (the Front Palace), near the Bangkok National Museum in Bangkok.
Wat Phra Kaeo Wang Na is a temple situated within the Wang Na Palace precinct, in the same manner as Wat Phra Si Rattanasasadaram (the Temple of the Emerald Buddha) is situated within the Grand Palace precinct. It was built by His Royal Highness Prince Bowon Rachao Krom Phra Rachawang Bowon Maha Sakdi Phong Sep, the Viceroy during the reign of King Rama III. During the reign of King Rama V, it was used as a ceremonial hall to enshrine the royal remains of several princes and princesses during the performance of royal merit-making rites, serving as a substitute for the large royal cremation ground at Sanam Luang.
Wat Phra Kaeo Wang Na is distinguished by its exquisite architecture and magnificent mural paintings, masterworks of the master craftsmen of the early Rattanakosin period. Today, the Archaeology Division of the Fine Arts Department is organising guided tour activities inside the ubosot (ordination hall) of Wat Phra Kaeo Wang Na, with two rounds per day — at 13:00 and 15:00 — to give interested visitors the opportunity to admire the beautiful murals while learning about the history, archaeology, and art of this important ancient monument up close.
Nevertheless, in the spirit of preserving the nation's cultural heritage, visitors entering the temple are strictly prohibited from touching or making contact with the mural paintings inside the ubosot under any circumstances. The use of flash photography is also prohibited while taking pictures, so as to help protect and preserve these invaluable works of art as a legacy for future generations of Thais.
