A king on horseback, forever frozen in time. This is the King Rama V Statue. It commands attention here in the Royal Plaza, south of Dusit Garden. King Rama V, also known as King Chulalongkorn, wasn’t just any king. He was a reformer, a modernizer, a shield against the imperial ambitions of Britain and France. He reshaped Thailand, leaving an indelible mark on its history. This statue, cast in bronze, is more than just a monument. It’s a shrine, a place where locals come to pay their respects. They honor the king who dared to dream of a stronger, more modern Thailand. The idea for this statue came from King Rama V himself. He was inspired by the equestrian statue of Louis XIV at Versailles Palace. He envisioned a similar tribute for himself. A French sculptor was commissioned. King Rama V even sat as the model in France. In 1908, the statue was unveiled. It was the first monument dedicated to a Thai king, a symbol of a nation stepping into a new era. The funds for the statue were raised through public donations, a testament to the love and respect the people held for their king. They raised one million baht, a staggering sum in those days. Even after his death in 1910, King Rama V’s legacy continued to inspire. The remaining funds were used to establish Chulalongkorn University, a beacon of knowledge in his name. This statue continues to draw people. They come to pray, to remember, to honor the king who shaped their nation. On Chulalongkorn Memorial Day, October 23rd, thousands gather here. They walk along Ratchadamnoen Avenue towards the Royal Plaza, their hearts filled with respect for King Rama V.
Garuda Museum
Behold the Garuda, a four-meter sculpture spreading its wings. This is the entrance to Southeast Asia’s one and only Garuda