Sala Rai, Wat Phra Kaew

Sala Rai, Wat Phra Kaew are open sided pavillions traditionally used as places where religious text could be read to the people during festivals and holy days. there are 12 Sala Rai placed around the Hall of Temple, 4 pavillions each at the northern and southern sides and two each at the front and rear. Although originally designed to provide people who had come to hear the monks chanting with a resting place, they are now mainly used by tourists as a resting place.

All 12 pavillions are similar in design and size, topped with a Thai-style roof and covered with blue and orange tiles. The gable is decorated with a Thephanom on a white glass background and surrounded by traditional Thai motifs on a blue glass background. The roof is adorned with a Chor Fa, Bai Raka, Hang Hong and Nag Sadung(Thai name. Carved wooden props help support the roof on all sides. The celling of the pavillions are covered with plaster. The floors are laid with marble at both levels.

Sala Rai, Wat Phra Kaew History

The Sala Rai were constructed in the First Reign. King Chulalongkorn (King Rama 5) ordered new ones constructed to replace the originals and these were again and new ones built to replace them. It is these pavillions that can be seen today. These same pavillions were renovated in the original style to mark the capital's bicentennial in the present reign.

Source Book : The Temple of the Emerald Buddha and the Grand Palace