The Grand Palace complex was established in 1782 and it houses not only the royal residence and throne halls, but also a number of government offices as well as the renowned Temple of the Emerald Buddha.  It covers an area of 218,000 square meters and is surrounded by four walls, 1900 meters in length.

After King Rama I's ascension to the throne in 1782 the palace was built.  Prior to this, the royal palace and centre of administration had been located in Thonburi, on the west side of the Chao Phraya River.  For various reasons, the new king considered the former capital to be unsuitable and decided to establish a new capital on the other side of the river.  By his royal command, a new palace was built to serve not only as his residence but also as the site of some administrative offices.  The royal compound has been known since then as the Grand Palace.  The two earliest structures erected within the complex were the Dusit Maha Prasat Throne Hall, and the Phra Maha Monthian.