New public park in Bangkok in honor of King Rama IX

Design of the park (Photo: Bangkok Post)

Bangkok is getting a new landmark, a public park on a plot of 279 rai in honor of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great. Today the foundation stone is laid for a statue to Bhumibol by the current king and queen.

Bangkok deputy governor Sakchai Boonma says the park will be an important landmark that will attract both Thai and foreign tourists. “The park is located near several important historical sites, such as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha and the Grand Palace. Not only will the park provide a space for the public to relax and enjoy, but it will also serve as a permanent memorial to King Rama IX.”

The Bureau of the Royal Household previously unveiled a virtual design of the public park that is expected to be completed in 2024. The land, which used to serve as the grounds for the Royal Turf Club's 102-year-old Nang Loeng Racecourse in Dusit district, was donated by the current king to develop into a city park centered on a statue to Rama IX. The agency said a lake will be built around the statue, built in the shape of the Thai numeral nine, with the Yod Nam Phra Thai and Cho Bakong bridges spanning the lake. The bridges are symbols of a time when the former king traveled by jeep to visit local villagers in Ban Cho Bakong in the Sungai Kolok district of Narathiwat.

The agency said the park's design reflects the ideals of sustainable water management as promoted by King Rama IX. The inner area of ​​the park is also designed as a large watershed known as a kaem ling (monkey's cheek), one of the late king's projects, which helped mitigate flooding in the capital.

More than 4.500 trees will be planted in the park, as well as cycle paths and an outdoor gym. Upon completion, the park will be the third largest park in the capital. The largest parks are Lumpini Park in Pathumwan district and Benjakitti Park in Klong Toey district.

Source: Bangkok Post