Constructed in the reign of King Buddha Yodfa Chulaloke (Rama I), this vast open field earned its original name, Thung Phra Men, from its purpose as a royal cremation ground for past kings and close relatives. Throughout the reign of King Rama I to King Rama III, the function of Sanam Luang was linked to the wish of the King and royal ceremonies. For example, it was the venue for the Royal Ploughing Ceremony, the Harvest Festival, the Rain-Beckoning Rituals, and the location of Royal paddy fields during rice-planting seasons.

          In the reign of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V), Sanam Luang was expanded to accommodate new functions. The western influence had been steadily increasing ever since the reign of King Mongkut (Rama IV). It gave rise to various activities taking place on the ground, encouraging more participation by the people. Examples of such activities were the centennial celebration of Bangkok with its grand royal procession and the National Exhibition that displayed Siamese-made products and was open to the general public for three months. At the time, there was an establishment of several almshouses around the premise as well. Later, in the reign of King Vajiravudh (Rama VI), Sanam Luang was used for military parade inspection. It was also a training ground for the King’s paramilitary militia, Wild Tiger Corps and Tiger Cups, its youth counterpart. In the Reign of King Prajadhipok (Rama VII), royal ceremonies were still held on the ground, albeit on a smaller scale, due to the then economic crisis. The Siamese Revolution of 1932 was a turning point where the function of Sanam Luang had shifted to fully accept the people, while simultaneously maintaining its status as a ceremonial site for both the state and the crown. It depicts how the space is shared across the board, although subsequent changes may omit the people from the picture somewhat.