Democracy Monument
Thailand - Bangkok - Chiang Mai - Koh Samui Island - Krabi - Pattaya - Phuket
The Democracy Monument was established in 1939 to memorialize the 1932 revolution that ended the absolute monarchy and introduced Siam's first constitution in Thailand. The design of the monument is full of symbolism. For example, the four wings are each 24 meters high, signifying the 24th of June, the date when the new constitution was signed. The location of the monument, between the old Grand Palace and the Dusit Palace, is also noteworthy. A copy of the original constitution is held in central pedestal. Strangely enough, the Democracy Monument was designed by an Italian immigrant. Corrado Feroci was invited to Thailand in 1924 by King Rama VI to develop a Western-styled art tradition. He was the one who executed the relief sculptures around the base of the monument.
The building of the Monument was highly out of favor at the time. Local residents and shopkeepers (mostly Chinese) were dispossessed from their homes and businesses with 60 days notice. The widening of Thanon Ratchadamnoen to create a ceremonial boulevard implicated cutting down hundreds of shade trees, a serious matter in the days before air conditioning, in the context of Bangkok's torrid climate. But later on the popular view towards this piece of art has changed.
The building of the Monument was highly out of favor at the time. Local residents and shopkeepers (mostly Chinese) were dispossessed from their homes and businesses with 60 days notice. The widening of Thanon Ratchadamnoen to create a ceremonial boulevard implicated cutting down hundreds of shade trees, a serious matter in the days before air conditioning, in the context of Bangkok's torrid climate. But later on the popular view towards this piece of art has changed.
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