The Dusit Maha Prasat Hall was built by Rama I in 1790 as a replacement for an earlier wooden hall which was struck by lightning and burned.  The present building is one of the least altered and most elegant public buildings within the Grand Royal Palace complex in Bangkok.  It has been used as a residence, coronation hall,  and audience hall, but its primary purpose is as the lying-in-state place for kings, queens and members of the royal family.

The building is in the shape of a cross.  Its four wings are covered with four-tiered roofs crowned by a beautiful nine-tiered prasat spire.  The north wing entrance leads to a throne for formal outdoor receptions.  It is seldom used.  Inside you can see a large mother-of-pearl throne and a large mother-of-pearl bed used for relaxing between audiences.

Dusit Hall is noted for its pure Siamese architectural style of perfect proportions and dignified simplicity.  It is open to the public on weekdays only.