King Chulalongkorn Statue and Parut Sakawan Palace Traditional Cache
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King Chulalongkorn Statue and Parut Sakawan Palace
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Equestrian Statue of King Chulalongkorn, Parut Sakawan Palace and Amporn Gardens.
King Chulalongkorn ruled the Thai Kingdom from 1869 to 1910. October 23 each year is observed significantly as King Chulalongkorn Memorial Day, as it marks the death anniversary of the fifth monarch of the ruling House of Chakri. Recognized as one of Thailand’s greatest leaders, and as one of the world’s great personalities by UNESCO, King Chulalongkorn carried out his life-long work for the betterment of his people’s lives and the progress of the country. During his 42-year reign, he placed an emphasis on several reforms that brought Thailand into the modern age.
For instance, he introduced postal and telegraph services, and constructed a railway network, bridges, and irrigation canals. He also initiated a new form of administration and established public education. Among his outstanding achievements were the abolition of slavery and application of peaceful ways to resolve conflicts. He was able to put an end to internal conflicts and to halt aggression from foreign countries with amiability and prudence. King Chulalongkorn was also the first Thai king to travel abroad.
In remembrance of this visionary monarch, Thai people from all walks of life gather at the Royal Plaza every Thursday and especially on October 23 each year to lay wreaths and flowers to pay homage to the equestrian state of King Chulalongkorn.
The statue depicts the King in an army uniform and mounted on a horse, which represented his position as Head of the Thai Armed Forces. It was built with a fund raised from public donations as an expression of the people’s love for the King in celebration of the “record reign”in 1908. Prince Vajiravudh, his son, and later Rama VI, presented the statue to King Chulalongkorn, as part of the celebrations.
The idea to build this statue came from the King himself, who in 1907 visited France and appreciated the statue of Louis XIV in front of Versailles Palace. He then ordered the casting of his equestrian statue modeled after the one at Versailles. In August 1907, a French sculptor was granted royal permission to design the statue, with the King himself sitting as the model in France.
Later, in 1908, King Chulalongkorn had the equestrian statue erected. On November 11 in the same year, the King unveiled his equestrian statue, the first monument dedicated to a Thai king. The front of the marble base has a statement engraved on a slab in praise of the King, saying “His Majesty is the beloved great and good king of the people.”
Parut Sakawan Palace:
Built for Field Marshal Somdet Phrachao Borommawongthoe Kromma Luang Phitsanulok Prachanat on the occasion of his graduation from the Military Academy in Russia and return to Thailand by King Chulalongkorn (Rama V).
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