Residence of the Kings of Thailand, begun by Rama I in 1782; Bangkok Period, or Kindom of Siam (1782-1932); tall building in the foreground is the Lak Mueang, the city pillar that marks the spiritual centre of Bangkok; right, the Sanam Luang, a ceremonial ground; far left, Wat Arun, the temple of Dawn; photographed in 1987;