In 1909,
Chao Phraya Abhaibhubejhr (Choom Abhaiwongse), royal commissioner of
Monthon Burapha and the Governor of
Phra Tabong Province, ordered the construction of the building by the French architectural company, Howard Erskine, to resemble the governor's residence in
Battambang. The purpose was to serve as a royal residence for
King Chulalongkorn in the event he visited Prachinburi Province. King Chulalongkorn died in 1910 before it was completed. It was used during the reign of
King Vajiravudh instead and was bestowed as a wedding gift to the king and
Princess Suvadhana. Following his exile in
England, the land was donated to the 2nd Military District, Prachinburi Province to build Prachinburi Hospital. Until 1943 when road access was provided, the hospital was accessible only by water. The hospital was renamed "Chao Phraya Abhaibhubejhr Hospital" on 20 June 1966 and came under the patronage of both Princess Suvadhana and her daughter,
Princess Bejaratana. In 1990, the Chao Phraya Abhaibhubejhr Building was registered as an
ancient monument by the
Fine Arts Department of the
Ministry of Culture. In 1994, the building was significantly refurbished and The Thai Traditional Medicine Museum was set up inside the building. == See also ==