Owing to its use as a cremation ground, the official name of Sanam Luang was 'Thung Phra Mane' (the royal cremation ground), until the year 1855, when King Rama IV changed it to 'Thong Sanam Luang'. It has now been abridged to 'Sanam Luang', but sometimes is popularly known as 'Phramen Ground'. During the reign of King Rama IV, a place was established in the park, including the set up of walls, a small hall, pavilions and towers, for
performing the Royal Ploughing Ceremony and
the Ceremony of Calling the Rain.The small hall inside the park served as a shrine for holding the image of Lord Buddha during the Rain Calling Ceremony. The pavilions and towers were used to watch the events of the Ploughing Ceremony. Later, when King Rama V became the King, he enlarged Sanam Luang, demolished all the buildings and cleared the field for the Centennial Celebration of Bangkok. With Rama VI succeeding the throne of Thailand, Sanam Luang also found usage as a racetrack and a golf course, besides being used a ceremonial ground.
Today, this 30-acre park serves as an idyllic getaway for many locals and tourists. As the park is strategically located near some major tourist attractions of the city, it experiences heavy tourist footfalls. In afternoons, especially during the weekends, many people visit the park for enjoying family picnics. Moreover, during the evenings, one can witness people taking lazy strolls around the park. Beginning March until May, Sanam Luang also emerges as a popular spot for watching the traditional Thai kite flying events.