Monuments and Memorials
King Taksin the Great Monument
The monument of King Taksin the Great, sculpted by Professor Silpa
Bhirasri, is situated at Wongwian Yai of Thanon Prajadhipok The equestrain
statue of King Taksin, holding a sword in his right hand, is mounted on a
pedestal. The height from his hat down to his feet is around fourteen
metres, while the platform is about 1.70 metres high. The statue was
inaugurated on April 17, 1954. Every year, on December 28, His Majesty the
King graciously makes a royal visit to the statue to lay down a wreath in
reverence of King Taksin the Great.
King Rama I the Great Memorial
The Royal Statue of Phrabat Somdet Phra Phutthayotfa Chulalok Maha Rat was
enshrined at the feet of Pathom Borommarachanuson bridge on Bangkok side,
erected in 1932 to commemorate the 150-year anniversary of Krung
Rattanakosin. The monarch is the first king of the Royal House of Chakri.
He was born on March 20, 1736 in Ayutthaya, proclaimed King on April 6,
1782 and established Bangkok as the capital city of Thailand in the same
year. King Rama I ruled the Kingdom for 27 years and died on September 7,
1809.
King Rama III the Great Memorial
The Royal Statue of Phrabat Somdet Phra Nanglao Chaoyuhua Phra Maha
Chestsada Rat Chao was enshrined at the Royal Reception Pavilion at the
corner of Thanon Ratchadam-noen. It was erected in 1990 by the Department
of Fine Arts. The statue was moulded in bronze in the seating posture upon
the royal throne and is half life-size. Within the beautiful compound
there is a Royal Reception Pavilion for His Majesty to welcome royal
guests and three minor pavilions for other delegations including open
spaces for public gardens.
Equestrian Statue of King Rama V the
Great
Erected during the reign of King Rama V in 1908 from funds raised by Thai
citizens. Official contracts were made with an expert French sculptor in
Paris who had it moulded from there. His Majesty, the late King Rama V had
his equestrian statue inaugurated by himself. His late Majesty King Rama
VI ther eafter used the remaining funds to establish Chulalongkorn
University which is named after his father.
Statue of King Rama VI the Great
Established in front of Lumphini Park on Rama VI Road, the Statue of King
Rama VI was moulded and cast by Professor Silpa Bhirasri. The work was
fully accomplished on June 7, 1941. His Majety King Bhumibol Adulyadej
graciously inaugurated the statue on March 27, 1942.
Victory Monument
The Thai government, under the premiership of General P.Pibunsongkram, had
the Victory Monument erected in 1941 in honour of the heroic acts of
soldiers, policemen and civilians who died during the dispute between
Thailand and France over the redesignation of the border between Thailand
and Indochina.
Democracy Monument
This monument was erected to commemorate Thailand's change from Absolute
Monarchy to Constitutional Monarchy on June 24, 1932. The monument was
designed by Professor Silpa Bhirasri with the core structure in the form
of a large copper tray carrying the Constitution and supported by a
pedestal. The copper tray is the largest in Thailand with a height of
three metres and weighing four tonnes.
Shrine of Chao Pho Ho Klong
In the Territory Defence Department's compound opposite Wat Phra Chetuphon,
or Wat Pho, is the shrine paying homage to Chao Pho Ho Klong. At one time
the Ho Klong (drum hall) was very important. The drums informed the public
of the time and news. During the reign of King Rama I (1782-1809) the drum
hall was built in front of Wat Pho where Bamrung Mueang and Rachini Roads
converge. Three drums were beaten to draw attention: the first, Yam Phra
Surisi announced sunset the end of the day; the second, called Akkhi
Phinat, was beaten when buildings were on fire, and the third, Phikhat
Phairi, announced war.
Monument to War Veterans
This monument was erected as a memorial to Thai War Veterans who, together
with the Allied Army, joined in the European battlefield during World War
I from June 20 to September 21, 1918. The ashes of dead veterans were
enshrined in the monument on September 24, 1918.
Mae Phra Thorani
(Goddess of the Earth) Twisting Her Hair
This is a monument of the Goddess of the Earth, sitting twisting her hair
in a booth decorated with beautifully sculptured mortar. It was built by
Queen Sowabha, the Queen Mother in the reign of King Rama VI. At the end
of her twisted hair, a stream of water flowed into a container for people
to use. In other words, it was a public fountain and the waters were
considered holy.
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