Posts tagged EPIC

Anusawari Prachathipatai, popularly known as The Democracy Monument, is situated in the center of Bangkok, capital of Thailand. It is located in the middle of the Sanam Luang, the earlier imperial cremation ground facing Wat Phra Kaew, and the temple of the Golden Mount (Wat Phu Kao Thong). The designer of the monument was Mew Aphaiwong, while the Italian sculptor, Corrado Feroci a. k. a Silpa Bhirasi, crafted the sculptures all around the base of the monument.

At the time when the monument was being built, a lot of local protests came in the way, because a 60-day eviction notice was given to the local residents and the Chinese shopkeepers. Other issues involved cutting down numerous trees whose canopies served as cooling posts during the times when Bangkok did not know the advantages of air conditioning.

The showpiece of the monument has been beautifully sculpted and it represents the constitution of Thailand in 1932. It is situated above the two golden offering bowls and is secured by the presence of representations (wing-like edifice) of the Thai armed forces – army, navy, air force and police. These forces played an important part in the 1932 coup.

These wing-like structures are 24 meters tall and depict the fact that the coup happened on 24 June in 1932. Originally 75 small canons were a part of the outer ring of the monument. At the base of the monument two fountains that have been sculpted as nagas (or snakes in the Hindu mythology) are present.

The relief sculptures at the base of the monument images the armed forces as the defenders of democracy and protectors of the Thai people. The coup of 1932 was carried out by the United Thai Armed Forces so that the foundations of the new democratic era may be laid.

There is a panel “Soldiers Fighting for Democracy” that illustrates the gallant and the united armed forces fighting a battle for democracy. Yet another panel “Personification of the People” depicts a soldier who is safeguarding the Thai people when they are going around on their day-to-day activities. A solitary figure of a mother and child also finds place in one of the panels. The panel “Personification of Balance and Good Life” shows the communal philosophy of the military organization.

Bangkok is a widely varied, eclectic city and you’ll find so many things to do and places to see in this multifaceted and lively center. Your Bangkok hotel might be able to arrange an itinerary based around your schedule while in the city, so don’t hesitate to ask them, because it’ll save you a lot f time and hassle.