Sala Phra Kieo

Sala Phra Kieo (Thai: ศาลาพระเกี๋ยว) or Phra Kieo Pavilion is a multipurpose building located within Chulalongkorn University. Constructed in 1965^[1], it serves as a venue for a many range of university events. The basement floor houses a Chulalongkorn University bookstore, convenience store, and banks. Notably, the building’s footprint bears a resemblance to the shape of Phra kiao, the Thai equivalent of the royal coronet.

Since 1957, Chulalongkorn University has experienced an increase in its student population. Recognizing the importance of extracurricular activities for student development, the Student Government initiated an expansion of its operation area from the Chakrabonse Building. In collaboration with the University Rector, Praphas Charusathien, and university executives, the idea was to construct a multi-purpose building that would serve as a hub for student activities. The university council approved the construction of this building behind the current Chakrabongse Building, with a budget allocated of 12 million baht.^[2]

The construction of Sala Phra Kieo began in 1965 and was completed in 1966. It was designed by Vodhyakara Varavarn with Lert Urassayanan as the assistant architect, and Racha Kanjanavanit as the construction engineer. After the completion, the opening ceremony was held on 26 March 1967, which was the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the Civil Service College of King Chulalongkorn as Chulalongkorn University.^[3]

• Front entrance of Sala Phra Kieo in 2018
• The load-bearing structure of Sala Phra Kieo
• Sala Phra Kieo interior
• Front entrance after renovation in 2015

• Chulalongkorn University Auditorium
• Chulalongkorn University