Royal roots: Bangkok blooms in anticipation for king-inspired park

Bangkok eagerly anticipates the completion of a new public park, dedicated to the memory of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great, which promises to become a significant new landmark in the city.

Situated on 279 rai in the Dusit district, the park will be designed as a forest park with thousands of new trees, adding a much-needed green space for the capital. This green lung will offer a retreat from the city’s hustle and bustle, allowing visitors to reconnect with nature.

The park will feature numerous tributes to King Rama IX and Her Majesty Queen Sirikit the Queen Mother, providing visitors with insights into their significant contributions to forest and water resource management.

During his 70-year reign, King Rama IX was a constant presence in the lives of Thais, working tirelessly and selflessly to improve the country. Nearly eight years since his passing on October 13, 2016, the memory of the beloved king remains strong, and the park will symbolize the enduring bond between the people and the monarchy.

Observers note that the park will be a welcome addition to Bangkok’s green landscape, complementing existing parks such as Lumpini Park in Pathumwan district and Benjakitti Park in Klong Toey district.

The Bureau of the Royal Household unveiled a virtual design for the public park in November 2021, with completion expected by the end of 2024. According to the bureau, their Majesties the King and Queen aim for the park to serve as a tribute to King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Queen Sirikit, as well as an educational resource on their contributions to forest and water management.

Design work for the park began in 2018, featuring a central statue of King Rama IX surrounded by a lake, shaped in the form of the Thai numeral nine. This statue and lake will serve as the park’s centrepiece.

A bridge, also shaped like the Thai numeral nine, will lead visitors to the statue. Another bridge, named Yod Nam Phra Thai Bridge, will symbolise King Rama IX’s kindness towards his loyal subjects. Additionally, a replica of the wooden bridge at Ban Cho Bakong village in Narathiwat’s Sungai Kolok district will commemorate the late king’s visit to meet local villagers.

The park’s design reflects King Rama IX’s sustainable water management ideals, inspiring projects like the construction of weirs to regulate water flow and Chaipattana aerators to enhance river ecosystems. The inner area will form a water catchment area known as a kaem ling (monkey cheek), aligning with the late king’s ambition to mitigate flooding in the capital.

Over 4,500 trees will be planted, and the park will include paved areas, bicycle lanes, an outdoor gym, restaurants, car parks, and emergency call points alongside various other facilities.

On December 5, 2021, King Rama IX’s birthday, their Majesties the King and Queen laid the foundation stone for the central statue at the park site. The park, located on a donated royal land plot covering 279 rai, underscores the importance His Majesty places on public health and well-being.

In addition to the land for the park, the monarch donated royal land title deeds to several educational institutes and state agencies in 2020.

Kitti Wongthongdee, a 55 year old resident near Nang Loeng market, expressed excitement when learning that the Nang Loeng Racecourse would be transformed into a large public park in honour of King Rama IX.

“We are looking forward to the opening of the park. I learned that it would be a forest park with many trees to provide shade and cool the air. There will also be areas for exercise and relaxation. Most importantly, there will be several reminders of projects initiated by King Rama IX and Queen Sirikit that will bring back fond memories for the residents here.”

Aphichit Suwankruea, a 62 year old resident, noted that senior citizens nearby would benefit from easy access to the park, thanks to a security system ensuring their safety.

“Families should not worry about their senior members because there will be a security system to ensure their safety. They can visit the park and immerse themselves in nature and take a look at the reminders of King Rama IX.

“When it opens, the park is expected to attract many Thai and foreign tourists due to its proximity to other historic sites.

“Visitors can go sightseeing around Sanam Luang, visit Wat Phra Kaew, and continue to visit the park. The nearby Nang Loeng market also offers them a variety of tasty food to eat.”

Sakulrat Tongthongkham, a 51 year old office worker, remarked that the new park would meet the needs of health-conscious Bangkok residents seeking a healthy environment.

“His Majesty the King is thoughtful about donating this land for the sake of people’s well-being.”

Sakulrat welcomed the project to turn the racecourse into a new public park, which will be a boon for everyone, reported Bangkok Post.

Opened on December 18, 1916, the Nang Loeng Racecourse held races every other Sunday until its land lease was terminated by the Crown Property Bureau in 2018, with the final race on September 16, 2018.