Democracy Monument — Attraction in Bowon Niwet Subdistrict

Democracy Monument is an iconic landmark situated in the heart of Bangkok, Thailand. Erected in 1939, it stands as a symbol of Thailand’s transition to a constitutional monarchy and represents the principles of democracy that were established during that period. The monument is a significant historical and cultural landmark, reflecting Thailand’s political evolution.

Historical Significance: The Democracy Monument was commissioned to commemorate the 1932 Siamese Revolution, which led to the establishment of Thailand’s first constitutional monarchy. The monument symbolizes the shift from an absolute monarchy to a democratic system of governance. It marks an important moment in Thai history, celebrating the principles of democracy and constitutional rule.

Design and Features: The monument features a striking and distinctive design. It is centrally positioned in a roundabout, and its architecture draws inspiration from various historical and cultural elements. The central structure is a large pedestal topped by a dome, surrounded by four wing-like structures that represent the four branches of government: the executive, the legislative, the judiciary, and the military. The monument is adorned with detailed carvings and inscriptions that highlight its historical significance and the principles it embodies.

Visitor Experience: The Democracy Monument is a prominent and accessible site in Bangkok, offering visitors a chance to explore an important piece of Thailand’s political history. The monument’s central location in the city provides easy access, making it a convenient stop for those interested in historical and cultural landmarks. The open space around the monument allows for leisurely exploration and photography, offering a clear view of the monument’s architectural details and its symbolic features.

Surrounding Area: The monument is situated in a busy area of Bangkok, surrounded by major roads and commercial districts. Its location provides a vibrant backdrop, with the hustle and bustle of city life contrasting with the historical significance of the site. Nearby, visitors can explore other attractions, shops, and dining options, making it a good starting point for further exploration of the city.

Accessibility and Facilities: The Democracy Monument is easily accessible by public transportation, including the BTS Skytrain and local buses. The area around the monument is well-connected, and the monument itself is visible from various vantage points. While there are limited facilities directly at the monument, nearby areas offer amenities such as cafes, shops, and restrooms.

Overall Impression: The Democracy Monument is a powerful symbol of Thailand’s democratic journey and a notable landmark in Bangkok. Its historical significance, distinctive design, and central location make it an essential visit for those interested in understanding Thailand’s political history and cultural heritage. The monument stands as a testament to the principles of democracy and offers a meaningful and reflective experience...

The centrepiece of the monument (Figure 1 below) is a carved representation of a palm-leaf manuscript box holding the Thai Constitution of 1932, on top of two golden offering bowls above a round turret. The constitution is symbolically guarded by four wing-like structures (Figure 2 below), representing the four branches of the Thai armed forces—army, navy, air force and police—which carried out the 1932 coup.

The wings are 24 metres high, and this is also the radius of the base of the monument, marking the fact that the 1932 coup took place on 24 June. The central turret is three metres high, representing the month of June, which is the third month of the traditional Thai calendar. There were originally 75 small cannon around the outer ring of the monument, representing the year of the coup, 2475 in the Buddhist calendar. The six gates of the turret represent the six proclaimed policies of the Phibun regime: "independence, internal peace, equality, freedom, economy, and education."

Facing outwards from the base of two of the wings are fountains (Figure 3 below) in the form of naga, the protective snake creatures of Hindu and Buddhist mythology, although the sculptures resemble Western dragons more than traditional naga sculptures. (Compare Figure 3 below with the image at the Naga article.)

The Monument of Democracy, Bangkok The relief sculptures at the base of the monument are propagandistic in their design. They depict the armed forces both as champions of democracy and as the personification of the Thai people. In the version of events depicted in these sculptures, the coup of 1932 was carried out by a united and idealistic Thai armed forces on behalf of the people, and had both the intention and effect of making Thailand a democracy. In the reliefs, civilians appear only as the grateful recipients of the heroism and benevolence of the armed forces.

The panel titled "Soldiers Fighting for Democracy" (Figure 4 below), shows a heroic and united armed forces doing battle (it is not clear against whom) for "democracy". The panel titled "Personification of the People" (Figure 5 below), shows a soldier protecting the Thai people while they go about their civil pursuits. The mother with child at left is the only woman depicted anywhere at the Democracy Monument. The panel represents the view of the military regime in 1939 that the armed forces were ruling on behalf of the people.

The panel titled "Personification of Balance and Good Life" (Figure 6 below), represents the social ideology of the military regime. An allegorical figure representing the nation, seated in a Buddha-like posture (but not Buddha himself), holding a sword and a set of scales, representing the armed forces and justice respectively, sits in the centre, flanked by figures representing (from left) sport, education, religion, and the arts. The figure of "sport", a naked man with a shot put, is wholly...

When you discover this Monument for the first time it really does look imposing, stood in the centre of a very busy Bangkok road - Ratchadamnoen Klang Road at the intersection with Dinso Road. Democracy Monument completely occupies a huge roundabout on this major thoroughfare. Its distinguishing features are the four wings, which are located at four equally spaced points around a smaller central shrine. The wings are decorated with artworks of war and war related events representing the four branches of the Thai armed forces. It is quite impressive when seen from a distance, but maybe not worth the hazard involved in running across five lanes of Bangkok traffic for a closer look. The monument is about halfway between Sanam Luang, the former royal cremation ground in front of Wat Phra Kaew, and the temple of the Golden Mount ( Wat Saket ). The monument was commissioned in 1939 to commemorate the 1932 Siamese coup d'état which led to the establishment of a constitutional monarchy in what was then the Kingdom of Siam, by its military ruler, Field Marshal Plaek Pibulsonggram Phibun. He envisaged the monument as the centrepiece of a new, westernised Bangkok. The monument was designed by Mew Aphaiwong, an architect whose brother Khuang Aphaiwong was a leading member of Phibun's regime. The Italian sculptor Corrado Feroci, who became a Thai citizen and used the Thai name Silpa Bhirasi executed the relief sculptures around the base of the monument. He also provided the main sculpting for the renown Lady Mo monument in the North Eastern Thailand gateway city of Nakhon Ratchasima ( Korat ). The building of the Monument was highly unpopular at the time. Local residents and shopkeepers ( mostly Chinese ) were evicted from their homes and businesses with only 60 days' notice. The widening of Ratchadamnoen Road to create a ceremonial boulevard involved cutting down hundreds of shady trees, a serious matter in the days before air conditioning, given Bangkok's torrid climate. The wings are 24 metres high, and this is also the radius of the base of the monument, marking the fact that the 1932 coup took place on 24 June. The central turret is three metres high, representing the month of June, which is the third month of the traditional Thai calendar. There were originally 75 small cannon around the outer ring of the monument, representing the year of the coup, 2475 in the Buddhist calendar. During the era of military dictatorships, demonstrators often assembled here to call for a return to democracy, most notably in 1973 and 1976 and 1992. Recently demonstrators rallied here in their thousands in...