Monuments and Statues in Bangkok

Thai sculptors in the past almost exclusively concentrated on creating traditional Buddha images, and the result was some of the world's greatest expressions of enigmatic Buddhist art. However, in the late 19th and early 20th century, Western styles began influencing classical Thai art, especially architecture and sculpture.

An Italian architect named Corrado Feroci particularly made his mark, creating many of the wonderful statues and monuments seen around Bangkok today and featured here - most notably the Democracy Monument and Victory Monument. Arriving in 1933, he set up the Fine Arts School (which later became Silpakorn University), adopted a Thai name (Silpa Bhirasri) and is today regarded as the father of modern art in Thailand. If you visit Bangkok you'll be hard pushed not to encounter his work. Similarly, many other modern monuments seen around the capital fuse contemporary design traits, influenced by the West, with indigenous ones.

Circled by perpetual swarms of traffic, the Democracy Monument on Ratchadamnoen Road is a large Western-style symbol of Thailand's adoption of democracy and liberty. Field Marshall Plaek Pibulsonggram commissioned it to commemorate the June 1932 military coup that led to the country's first democratic constitution in place of absolute rule. He intended the monument to be the equivalent of the Arc de Triomphe, its European style a symbol of a newly invigorated Bangkok complete with similar Western freedoms. Like most monuments built in a spirit of self-congratulation, however, it came to resemble propaganda more then a celebration of a remarkable democratic awakening. By the time it was built in 1939, the regime had turned autocratic, factions in the regime leading to what was in effect a military dictatorship. Since then, however, it has gained a legitimacy it once lacked, pro-democracy demonstrators using it as a rallying point in 1973, 1976 and 1992.

Designed by Italian-born Thai citizen Corrado Feroci (who later adopted the Thai name Silpha Bhirasi), it's rich with symbolism relating to the constitution's birth date of June 24, 1932.  In its centre is a pedestal, inside of which is a copy of the original 1932 constitution. The four surrounding wing-like structures are 24 metres high to represent the date the constitution was signed, and each one symbolises one of the four branches of the Thai armed forces that guard it. Bas relief sculptures at the base of the monument depict the armed forces both as champions of democracy and as the personification of the Thai people.

Where: Ratchadamnoen Road, Rattanakosin (Old City)

If you travel by Skytrain (BTS) to Mo Chit en route to Chatuchak Weekend Market you'll catch the best view possible of this large military monument, built to commemorate Thai victory over French colonialists in Indochina. This was a brief and relatively bloodless war that led to the country regaining disputed land on its borders with Indochina. Though only 59 Thai troops were killed, it was erected in 1941 by General P Pibunsongkram to fortify his ultra-nationalist policies.

The obelisk at its centre originates from Egyptian architecture, but imitates national and military memorials seen in the West at the time. Its five black metal statues in 1940s heroic style were sculpted by Italian born sculptor Corrado Feroci (known also as Silpha Bhirasi, and who also designed the Democracy Monument), each representing the army, navy, air force, police and civilians. While many Thais today regard the monument as an inappropriate symbol of militarism and a relic of a now discredited regime, it is one of the capital's most familiar landmarks.

Where: Phahon Yothin, Phaya Thai, Ratchawithi and Din Daeng Roads intersection, Ratchathewi

Few dates in Thailand's recent history inspire feelings of sorrow and pride quite like October 14 1973. On this day around half a million pro-democracy protestors marched along Ratchadamnoen Road demanding the despotic military government, led by Field Marshall Thanom Kittikachorn, stand down. In the chaos that ensued, military snipers fired on the crowds from the rooftops, killing dozens. The student-led uprising succeeded however, the regime was toppled and the country freed from a long line of autocratic military governments that began in 1947.

Located near the Democracy Monument, this memorial is a tribute to those who died on that day, as well as others killed in separate protests in October 1976 and May 1992. Standing somberly outside is a modern-style granite spire, and inside a museum. The sobering exhibition includes pro-democracy posters from the era, photos of the day and items belonging to protestors, including a 16mm camera, protest leaflets, gramophone records celebrating the victory and a beret worn by one of the movement's leaders.

Where: Near Democracy Monument, Ratchadamnoen Road, Rattanakosin (Old City)

Otherwise known as King Puttayodfa, this double life-size monument to King Rama I was built to mark the city's 150th anniversary in 1932, along with the Puttayodfa Memorial Bridge next to which it sits. It was designed by HRH Prince Naris, and architect Silpa Bhirasri sculpted it in bronze. Born on March 20, 1736, King Rama I was the first king in the Chakri Dynasty which continues to this day. He ascended to the throne on April 6, 1782, and died 27 years later.

Where: Foot of Phra Phutta Yodfa Bridge (The Memorial Bridge), Bangkok side

Every night groups gather at the Royal Plaza in Dusit to set up altars and pay homage to the beloved but long-since deceased King Rama V. People from across the city bring garlands, flowers, incense and candles. The object to which they are solemnly directing their respect is the equestrian statue of King Chulalongkorn the Great, which depicts him in field marshall uniform and was ensconced at the center of this wide public space in 1908. This was during his reign, but such was his popularity and legacy that Thai people choose to raise money to build it while he was still alive. It was cast in Paris by a French sculptor, and stands six metres tall and two metres wide. A bronze plaque honors his life. On October 23 each year, groups swell to flocks, with military personnel, policemen, students and members of the public coming here to commemorate the anniversary of his death.

Where: Royal Plaza, Dusit

Located prominently and prestigiously outside the entrance to the city's green lung, Lumpini Park, is this impressive statue of King Rama VI. It was carved by Italian sculptor Corrado Feroci, also known as Silpa Bhirasri. Erected in 1942, it is two and a half times life-size and cast in metal.

Where: In front of Lumpini Park, Rama 4 and Ratchadamri Roads intersection