Statue of King Rama VIII to be unveiled on Saturday

The statue of King Rama VIII, or Ananda Mahidol, near the Rama VIII Bridge in Bang Phlat district will become a new landmark for Bangkok. His Majesty the King is scheduled to preside over the unveiling of the statue at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday 9 June 2012, which is regarded as “Ananda Mahidol Day.”

The statue of King Rama VIII was built as a tribute to King Ananda Mahidol, the elder brother of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej. It is considered part of the Rama VIII Bridge across the Chao Phraya River. The statue is in a standing posture.

The bridge, which was open to traffic in May 2002, was constructed to ease traffic congestion and link inner Bangkok with the Thon Buri side. A multi-purpose building was built near the monument, where visitors may view important historical places, such as Phra Sumen Fort and Bang Khun Phrom Palace.

Source: Public Relations Department of the Royal Thai Government