The Chakri Group was built and resided in by King Chulalongkorn, Rama
V (1868-1910). Only the reception portion is now used, consisting of two
wings for reception purposes decorated with galleries of portraiture.
In between is the central throne-hall now used for various purposes and
formerly for the reception of foreign envoys on the occasions of the presentation
of their credentials. It is aptly decorated with four canvasses of diplomatic
receptions.
One on the right as one enters depicts the reception
by Queen Victoria of King Mongkut's ambassador in London, further on Louis
XIV's reception of the mission sent by King Narai of Ayutthaya in the
Galleries des Glaces in the Palace of Versailles; a third, on the other
side of the room, King Mongkut's reception of the French Envoy, and the
fourth of the reception at Fontainebleau by the Emperor Napoleon III of
another Siamese Mission. The crystal decorations of the hall are mostly
presents from foreign monarchs to King Chulalongkorn. By the side of the
inner grand staircase is the dining hall attached to the building.