Democracy Monument, Bangkok

The Democracy Monument was built in 1939 to commemorate the 1932 coup that changed the face of Thai politics forever. The 150-year-old absolute monarchy came to an end and Thailand changed to a constitutional government. Corrado Feroci, an Italian immigrant invited to Thailand by King Rama VI to develop a Western-style art tradition, designed the Monument in 1924. He stayed in Thailand, became a Thai citizen changing his name to Silpa Bhirasri. The monument has four curved columns arching inwards. Each column stands 24 meters high to signify the 24th of June, date of the revolution. The winged-shaped columns signify freedom and rights of the people. The original 1932 constitution is housed in a pedestal at the center. The six swords on each door represent the six major policies of the Peoples' Party.

The Democracy Monument has been an important place for democracy movements and demonstrations throughout Thai political history. In October 1973, a massive public protest against the military dictatorship of Field Marshall Thanom Kittikachorn took place here to demand the release of 13 students arrested by the military. In May 1992 further bloodshed took place at the Democracy Monument and Ratchadamnoen Avenue when demonstrators rallied against General Suchinda’s regime and military attacked the protestors again. Known as Black May 1992, that day witnessed another tragedy being added to the Thai political history after which General Suchinda left his office.

In the two decades between 1973 and 1992, the area around the Democracy Monument saw three major upheavals resulting in a bloodshed. Today, the Monument symbolizes hope that there would be no more bloodshed to be witnessed.