Victory Monument, Military monument in central Bangkok, Thailand
This structure consists of a tall obelisk surrounded by five bronze figures standing on masonry pedestals that represent soldiers and civilians. The figures face outward in different directions while the tower rises about 50 m (164 ft) at the center, enclosed by a traffic roundabout.
The structure was inaugurated in June 1941 shortly after a border conflict with French forces in Indochina that ended with a ceasefire. The engraved list of 656 names marks the cost of that conflict for Thailand and symbolizes the country's determination to defend its territorial sovereignty.
The name of this structure recalls how Thailand maintained its military independence during the French colonial period in Indochina. Today the plaza serves as a meeting point for students and commuters who gather in surrounding cafés during morning hours or wait for transport that circles the central tower.
The elevated train station sits right next to the roundabout, so visitors need only walk a few steps to view the sculptures up close. Since traffic here is heavy, it is best to use the pedestrian bridges or zebra crossings to reach the other side safely.
The bronze figures show uniforms and equipment from the early 1940s, including helmets and rifles that are now seen only in museums. Those who look carefully can spot inscriptions on the pedestals that name individual service branches and offer a window into the military organization of that era.
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