Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
(Th Ratcha- damnoen Klang; 24hr; klorng boat to Tha Phan Fah)
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The Democracy Monument is
the focal point of the grand, European-style boulevard that is Th Ratchadamnoen Klang.
As the name suggests, it was erected to commemorate Thailand's momentous transforma-
tion from absolute to constitutional monarchy. It was designed by Thai architect Mew
Aphaiwong and the relief sculptures were created by Italian Corrado Feroci who, as Silpa
Bhirasri, gives his name to Silpakorn University. Feroci combined the square-jawed 'her-
oes of socialism' style popular at the time with Mew Aphaiwong's art deco influences.
There are 75 cannonballs around the base to signify the year BE (Buddhist Era) 2475
(AD 1932); the four wings of the monument stand 24m tall, representing 24 June, the day
the constitution was signed; and the central plinth stands 3m high (June was then the third
month in the Thai calendar) and supports a chiselled constitution. Each wing has bas-re-
liefs depicting soldiers, police and civilians who helped usher in the modern Thai state.
During the era of military dictatorships, demonstrators often assembled here to call for
a return to democracy, most notably in 1973 and 1992.
OCTOBER 14 MEMORIAL
(cnr Th Ratcha- damnoen Klang & Th Tanao; 24hr; klorng boat to Tha Phan Fah)
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A peaceful amphi-
theatre commemorates the civilian demonstrators who were killed by the military during a
pro-democracy rally on 14 October 1973. Over 200,000 people had assembled at the
Democracy Monument and along the length of Th Ratchadamnoen to protest against the
arrest of political campaigners and continuing military dictatorship. Although some in
Thailand continue to deny it, photographs confirm that more than 70 demonstrators were
killed when the tanks met the crowd.
The complex is an interesting adaptation of Thai temple architecture for a secular and
political purpose. A central
chedi
(stupa) is dedicated to the fallen and a gallery of historic
photographs lines the interior wall.
MONUMENT
MAHAKAN FORT
(Th Ratchadamnoen Klang; 24hr; klorng boat to Tha Phan Fah)
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The white-washed Mahakan
Fort is one of two surviving citadels that defended the old walled city. The octagonal fort
is a picturesque, if brief and hot, stop en route to Golden Mount, but the neighbouring vil-
lage is more interesting. This small community of wooden houses has been here for more
than 100 years. But since the mid-1990s it has fought the Bangkok municipal govern-
ment's plan to demolish it and create a 'tourist' park.
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