Travel like the wind By Suchart choolee
At Chao Phraya Abhaibhubejhr Hospital, in the heart of Prachinburi city, a striking cream-yellow building named the “Chao Phraya Abhaibhubejhr Building” stands majestically. It is not only a historical landmark of the province but also a treasure trove of knowledge on Thai traditional medicine and a must-visit destination for architecture lovers and health-conscious individuals.
This building was constructed in 1909 by Chao Phraya Abhaibhubejhr (Chum Abhaiwongse) while he was the governor of Phra Tabong Province (later becoming the High Commissioner of Monthon Burapha).
Its purpose was to serve as a royal residence for His Majesty King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) during his planned visit to Monthon Prachinburi. Unfortunately, he passed away before the visit, so the building was not used for its original royal purpose.
However, the building still played a significant role in welcoming several members of the royal family, such as His Majesty King Vajiravudh (Rama VI), His Majesty King Prajadhipok (Rama VII), as well as His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great (Rama IX) and Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother in 1955. Later, it was given to be part of Chao Phraya Abhaibhubejhr Hospital and established as the “Abhaibhubejhr Thai Traditional Medicine Museum,” which it remains to this day.
Siam’s Only Baroque Architecture
The Chao Phraya Abhaibhubejhr Building was influenced by European Baroque architecture, popular during the reign of King Rama V. The building is a two-story masonry structure painted cream-yellow with white trim. It features an elegant projecting portico at the front, highlighted by a central main dome flanked by two smaller domes. The hipped roof is covered with kite-shaped tiles. Windows and doors are arched, adorned with beautiful stucco work, especially above the windows and on the column capitals. Inside, there is a grand central staircase and spacious hallways, with airy verandas surrounding the building.
The special feature of the Chao Phraya Abhaibhubejhr Building is that it is the only Baroque architectural building in Thailand that remains perfectly preserved and excellently maintained. This makes it a priceless historical and artistic architectural masterpiece.
A Proud Award
Due to its architectural value and excellent conservation, the Chao Phraya Abhaibhubejhr Building received the Outstanding Architectural Conservation Award in 2000 from the Association of Siamese Architects under Royal Patronage. This award guarantees the building’s significance and beauty..
Prominent Products and Health Services
Within the museum and hospital, there is a shop selling “Abhaibhubejhr” herbal products, famous both domestically and internationally, such as:
Herbal Medicines: Andrographis paniculata capsules, turmeric capsules, balms, cough medicines, herbal teas.
Cosmetics and Skincare: Moisturizing creams, soaps, shampoos made from natural herbs.
Spa Products: Massage oils, herbal compresses.
Herbal Drinks: Triphala juice, Fingerroot juice.
Additionally, the hospital offers comprehensive Thai traditional medicine services, such as diagnosis, Thai massage, herbal steam baths, and the Abhaibhubejhr Spa.
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