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Originally, Klai Kangwon comprised three two-storey mansions facing the sea, with the all-marble Phra Tamnak Piamsuk (“Blissful”) destined for the king and the queen. Phra Tamnak Plukkasem (“Joyous”) and Tamnak Noi (“Small Mansion”) housed other royals. Meanwhile the entourage resided in the smaller houses in the vicinity, sectioned away by walls. Designed to be a summer palace, Klai Kangwon did not include a throne room for audiences. The place gave a cozy, house-like feel, truly embodying the meaning of “Klai Kangwon”.
The “Far from Worries” palace, however, was once to see the political turning point greatly contradicting its name. On June 24, 1932, following a bloodless coup to replace the absolute monarchy with the constitutional monarchy regime, Klai Kangwon was the site of King Prajadhipok’s abdication.

Through the fading memories of the upheaval, His Majesty King Bhumibol’s occasional relocation to Klai Kangwon Palace in Hua Hin officially began in 2001. His Majesty and Queen Sirikit reside in Phra Tamnak Piamsuk, Princess Sirindhorn in Phra Tamnak Plukkasem, and other royalties in the additionally built mansions, Erbprem and Aimpree.

The palace serves as the royal residence during their visits to Prajuab Kirikhan and neighboring provinces, both for vacationing and inspecting royally initiated programs. The majority of life-improving activities run in the areas are irrigational projects, handicraft workshops and vocational workshops.

The span of Klai Kangwon Palace stretches from Rajamankalabhisek Library to supermarket Golden Place. The notable fact that the two ends of the royal territory are marked with these amenities, perhaps, hints his Majesty’s purpose to balance out the restrained impressions people might get from the solemn-looking palace policemen armed with a M16, who stand on guard in their navy blue uniforms along the gate.
To the south of the palace’s street-side main entrance, located on the other side of the road is the Royal Security Alliance—the multilateral force specifically responsible for the royal security. The agency comprises officers from every corps.

The driving speed is set at 50km/hour throughout the street-side span of the palace. The limit applies to all types of vehicles. On another traffic-wise note, no need to be startled when you and other motorists, or pedestrians, en masse, are suddenly stopped by the traffic police. From time to time, the traffic is halted for a few minutes to facilitate and secure the traveling for the royalties.

Palace police also maintain the security on the palace’s beach front. The large red balls floating on the surface of the sea mark the edges of the territorial water. Far out into the distance, the Royal Navy’s ships linger the area, conducting the marine patrol 24 hours.

Don’t be afraid that the palace police on the beach front will treat you roughly in case you unintentionally trespass the restricted area, though. The situation is usual to them so, you’ll simply be informed with a kind smile

As the town of royal residence, the austere security practices go beyond the palace area, and in return, fill the entire Hua Hin with the sense of ultimate safety, alongside the thrill the residents receive from living in the same town as his Majesty.

“I don’t feel strained by the views of soldiers and police walking straight-faced around the town at all. Conversely, I feel very secure and thankful living under their tight watch. Plus, the infrastructures here are in great condition. My family is in the process of moving down to Hua Hin permanently, knowing it offers one of the best environments for our kids to grow up in.” said Pakorn, 38, a Bangkok-born real estate entrepreneur, who has visited Hua Hin weekly for 7 years.

Klai Kangwon Palace used to be open for public visits until the royal occasional relocation was officially recognized. However, the park Suan Sukapab is still open for people to work out in from 4:30PM to 7:30PM daily.