If you are travelling in Thailand, staying in Hua Hin or somewhere nearby and you are interested in Thailand’s rich history? Then a visit to Rajabhakti Park is a must, alongside the historic Hua Hin Railway Station and the elegant Mrigadayavan Palace. The impressive Rajabhakti Park opened in 2015 in honour of seven kings who, each in their own era, played a major role in shaping and developing Thailand.
Read this article in DutchWhy and how Rajabhakti Park was created
Rajabhakti Park was built with one clear purpose, to honour the seven kings who played a key role in the formation of Thailand. It was meant to become a national place where Thai people could pay their respects to the monarchy and where future generations could learn about the historical development of the country.
Construction began in 2014 on land belonging to the Royal Thai Army, a location deliberately chosen because of the area’s historical connection to the Thai royal family and because it offered the space needed for a monumental park. Funding came from donations made by citizens, companies, private organisations and state institutions. The name Rajabhakti, which literally means loyalty to the king, also reflects the idea that the park was built with the support and dedication of the Thai people themselves.
The statues in Rajabhakti Park are cast in bronze and stand around fourteen metres tall. They are lined up in a straight row on an elevated platform, with green hills forming a beautiful natural backdrop. In front of the statues lies a vast open square that is used for official ceremonies, military events and national commemorations.
The seven kings in Rajabhakti Park
Thanks to the wide layout of the park you can see all seven figures at a glance. Their posture and clothing clearly reflect the eras in which they ruled and the overall impression is grand and imposing. When you walk past the statues you almost feel small in their presence. The seven kings immortalised in bronze represent the most important periods in Thai history, from the Sukhothai era to the modern Rattanakosin dynasty. They are:
King Ram Khamhaeng the Great
King Ram Khamhaeng the Great is often considered one of the founders of the Thai nation and culture. He is credited with developing the Thai script. He ruled during the Sukhothai period from 1279 to 1298.
King Naresuan the Great
King Naresuan the Great ruled from 1590 to 1605 during the Ayutthaya period. He is famous for his military victories and for restoring the kingdom’s independence after periods of foreign domination.
King Narai the Great
Also during the Ayutthaya period ruled King Narai the Great, from 1656 to 1688. He is known for his diplomacy and for opening the kingdom to trade and contact with Western powers, placing Ayutthaya firmly on the world map.
King Taksin the Great
King Taksin the Great rose to power in 1767 during the Thonburi period and ruled until 1782. He played a crucial role in reunifying Thailand after the fall of Ayutthaya and laid the foundation for what later became the Chakri dynasty.
King Rama I (Buddha Yodfa Chulalok)
The founder of the current Chakri dynasty was King Rama I. He moved the capital to what is now Bangkok and established the basis for modern Thailand. King Rama I ruled from 1782 to 1809 during the Rattanakosin period.
King Rama IV (Mongkut)
King Rama IV ruled from 1851 to 1868 and modernised the kingdom. He maintained international relations and opened the country to Western influences, which brought major changes in the nineteenth century.
King Rama V (Chulalongkorn)
A much loved king who ruled from 1868 to 1910 was King Rama V. He continued the modernisation of Thailand by developing education, improving infrastructure and implementing reforms that strengthened the country and helped it avoid colonisation. One place where the name of King Rama V appears repeatedly is Phraya Nakhon Cave in Khao Sam Roi Yot, where the iconic royal pavilion was built especially for his visit.
How Rajabhakti Park fits into your trip through Thailand
Rajabhakti Park is, in my opinion, absolutely worth a visit, especially if you are interested in Thai history. Admission is free and parking is easy right by the statues. Combine Rajabhakti Park with other sights in and around Hua Hin, or visit it on your way from Bangkok to southern destinations such as Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park, Krabi or the islands of Koh Tao, Koh Pha Ngan and Koh Samui. Thailand is very easy to explore with a rental car. Choosing one with full insurance coverage gives extra peace of mind, especially in a country where people drive on the opposite side of the road.
