Democracy Monument

In front of you, in the middle of the traffic on Ratchadamnoen Avenue, stands the Democracy Monument. It commemorates the event that changed how the country is governed: 24 June 1932.

1The end of absolute monarchy

That day a group of civil servants and military officers, the People's Party (Khana Ratsadon), staged a bloodless coup that ended absolute monarchy. King Prajadhipok, Rama VII, accepted the country's first constitution, and Siam became a constitutional monarchy, as Thailand is today. Seven years later, in 1939, Prime Minister Plaek Phibunsongkhram commissioned this monument. It was inaugurated on 24 June 1940.

2A work full of numbers

The architect was Chitrasen Aphaiwong, and the reliefs were by the Italian-born sculptor Corrado Feroci, known in Thailand as Silpa Bhirasri. Nearly everything carries a meaning: the four wings are 24 metres high, for 24 June; the central turret is 3 metres tall, for June, the third month of the traditional calendar; and originally 75 small cannons stood around it, for the Buddhist year 2475, which corresponds to 1932. At the top, a manuscript chest symbolises the constitution.

Because of its location, the monument has been a gathering point at many important moments in the country's political life.

3What to look for

• The golden chest resting on two bowls at the top of the turret.
• The six doors of the turret, for the six principles of the People's Party.
• The reliefs around the base, showing soldiers, farmers and families.