aventuro Back to map A
Historical places #27 in Bangkok

Democracy Monument

4.3 · 5,306 reviews
Busy, historic, and politically significant
Democracy Monument, Ratchadamnoen Klang Rd, Wat Bowon Niwet, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200, Thailand
Interesting facts
1

The monument was designed by Corrado Feroci, an Italian sculptor known in Thailand as Silpa Bhirasri, who founded Silpakorn University.

2

The four wings represent the four branches of the Thai armed forces: the army, navy, air force, and police.

3

The central pedestal is 3 meters high, symbolizing the third month of the Thai lunar calendar when the revolution took place.

4

The monument includes 75 cannons around the outer ring, representing the Buddhist year 2475, which corresponds to 1932.

5

The structure is physically situated on a massive, permanent traffic roundabout that divides the bustling Ratchadamnoen Avenue.

6

The reliefs on the base were crafted to illustrate the transition of power and the virtues of the Thai people under the constitution.

7

It is frequently the central meeting point for large-scale protest movements and political demonstrations in Bangkok.

Overview

The Democracy Monument is a public commemorative structure located on a traffic island at the center of Ratchadamnoen Klang Road. It was commissioned in 1939 to commemorate the 1932 Siamese Revolution, which transitioned Thailand from an absolute monarchy to a constitutional monarchy. The monument's design features four wing-like structures, each 24 meters high, representing the date June 24th, the day of the revolution. A central pedestal holds a representation of the palm-leaf manuscript box containing the 1932 Constitution. The structure is decorated with relief sculptures depicting the history of the Thai military and the revolution. It serves as a symbolic site for political gatherings and democratic expression in Bangkok. The monument remains a permanent fixture of the city's urban planning, situated at the heart of the historic Phra Nakhon district.

Photo spot

From the pedestrian footbridge spanning Ratchadamnoen Klang Road for a clear, elevated view of the monument's full profile.

Insider tips

Visit during the early morning to avoid the intense heat of the traffic-dense roundabout.

Use the pedestrian overpass bridges nearby to safely cross the wide, busy roads surrounding the monument.

Combine this visit with nearby historic temples like Wat Ratchanatdaram, which are within easy walking distance.

What to avoid

Attempting to walk across the high-speed traffic lanes surrounding the monument instead of using designated crossings.

Plan your visit
Typical visit
20-30 minutes
Best time to visit
Early morning or late afternoon to manage the heat and traffic noise.
Address
Democracy Monument, Ratchadamnoen Klang Rd, Wat Bowon Niwet, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200, Thailand
13.757, 100.502
Get directions
Details
Architectural styleArt Deco and Thai traditional fusion

Frequently asked

Plan for about 20-30 minutes to see the highlights.

The best time to visit is Early morning or late afternoon to manage the heat and traffic noise..

From the pedestrian footbridge spanning Ratchadamnoen Klang Road for a clear, elevated view of the monument's full profile.

Close by you'll find The Grand Palace, The Temple of the Emerald Buddha, Sanam Luang.