Chakri Maha Prasat, the main palace building at Phra Rachawang, the former royal residence in Bangkok (fig.). It consists of several throne halls, administrative offices, and residential quarters, whilst an adjacent palace temple was built to house the Emerald Buddha. It was the religious and administrative centre of the Siamese kingdom until the end of the absolute monarchy, in 1932. The present Thai monarch lives at Chitralada Palace, in the nearby district of Dusit. At night the Grand Palace is illuminated (fig.).