Monument of The Expeditionary Force, War memorial in Bangkok, Thailand
The Monument of the Expeditionary Force is a white four-sided structure topped with a spire, set within a garden of trimmed hedges near the National Gallery. Informational plaques throughout the site document Thailand's military involvement in international conflicts.
Thailand sent military troops to support Western powers during World War I, becoming one of the few Asian nations to participate in the conflict. This involvement secured the country's place at the 1919 Versailles Peace Conference.
The memorial displays names of 19 Thai soldiers who died fighting abroad, whose remains were returned through ceremonies at a local temple. This tribute marks a lesser-discussed chapter in the nation's military service abroad.
The site sits in a public area with clear access and nearby landmarks, making navigation straightforward. Visiting in early morning hours offers better lighting for viewing the memorial and reading the plaques without crowds.
The memorial blends Thai architectural features like a chedi-shaped spire with Western memorial design traditions. This fusion reflects how a Southeast Asian nation navigated its role in a distant global conflict while maintaining its own identity.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
