the Chakri Dynasty by King Rama I (1782-1809). The Thai
capital was relocated to Bangkok and the Royal Palace
built next to Wat Pho during Rama I���s reign. In 1839,
Rama III (1824-1851) began a seventeen-year expansion
project that brought Wat Pho to its present size.
Dominating the landscape are four great stupas, each
115 feet high. The first stupa, in green, was built during
the reign of King Rama I to contain an important Buddha
image and relics of Buddha. King Rama III (1824-1851)
added two more stupas, one white, one yellow, to honor
his father���s reign and his own. Finally, the last great stupa,
in blue, was built by King Rama IV (better known as King
Mongkut, 1868-1910), to memorialize his own reign.
HYLAND
