The Democracy Monument in Bangkok Thailand is located close to Khaosan Road and is at a very busy traffic circle. The monument was commissioned in 1939 to commemorate the 1932 Siamese coup d’état (1932 Revolution) which led to the establishment and formation of a constitutional monarchy in what was then the Kingdom of Siam.
Democracy Monument
The monument was designed by Maeo Aphaiyawong an architect and the Italian sculptor Corrado Feroci, who became a Thai citizen and used the Thai name Silpa Bhirasi. Silpa Bhirasi was invited to Siam to teach modern sculpting. He was the designer and sculptor of many of Bangkok’s best known monuments such as the Democracy Monument as well as the Victory Monument and the King Rama VI statue in Lumphini Park as well as the King Rama I at Memorial Bridge in Bangkok. In 1943, he founded what later became Silpakorn University – the University of Fine Arts.
The design of the monument is interesting. The centerpiece of Democracy Monument is a shaped to represent a palm-leaf manuscript which holds the Thai Constitution of 1932. There are also two golden offering bowls above a round turret. The Constitution is symbolically guarded by four wing type structures representing the four branches of the Thai armed forces – army, navy, air force and police – which carried out the 1932 coup.
The monument is good for a visit as well as other sites in the area outside of Khaosan Road. There is also the Giant Swing which is interesting as well as the Deva Phithak Gate close by. The MRT Sam Yot Station is a tuk tuk ride away but there are hotels in the area. Such as the Rikka Inn and the Khaosan Palace Hotel.
Democracy Monument Map
Likewise also see the King Taksin Monument as well as Victory Monument near the BTS Victory Monument.
