Over to Thon Buri Let's make a visit to the Princess Mother Memorial Park in Khlong San district of Thon Buri where you can enjoy peaceful moments and be reminded about the great kindness of the late HRH the Princess Mother whom all Thais fondly call "Somdet Ya". The summer is hot. Turquoise sea and white sandy beach might be the ideal destination. However, if swimming and sunbathing are not your type, how about walking under the shade of century-old trees? Let's make a visit to the Princess Mother Memorial Park in Khlong San district of Thon Buri where you can enjoy peaceful moments and be reminded about the great kindness of the late HRH the Princess Mother whom all Thais fondly call "Somdet Ya". Located behind Wat Anongkharam in Soi Somdet Chaophraya 3, the memorial park was built in 1993 on the initiative of His Majesty the King to preserve old buildings in the area where the Princess Mother resided during her childhood, and to develop its surroundings into a green zone. The park sits on a four rai plot donated by Daeng and Lek Nana. It was developed by the Chaipattana Foundation in cooperation with a committee comprising people from both government and private sectors. After passing the park's main entrance, you will see a broad pavement leading to a white one-storey building that is a museum. Walking along the path is a time to appreciate those towering trees over 100 years old. On the left side of the pavement is a small garden full of flowers and decorative plants. The distinctive feature of the garden is a bronze sculpture of Somdet Ya built to her true height that sits amidst lush blooms and greenery. There is also a big circular fountain and a gazebo. These are pleasant rest areas for visitors. Walk to the end of the path that leads to entrance of the museum and you will learn more about the Princess Mother. The museum decorated in modern Thai-style is divided into two exhibition halls. The first exhibits pictures and information about her life - from her childhood years to her marriage, and to her cremation - as well as pictures of members of the royal family. There is also a photo exhibition featuring history of the area's old community which was made up of Thai, Chinese and Laotian people. The second hall displays pictures of the Princess Mother's activities, her belongings, handicrafts and three sculptures, each showing His Majesty the King playing a musical instrument. There is also a touch screen computer that provides more information on her life and history of the community, but to use it visitors first need to ask permission. Exiting the museum, there is a concrete walkway with an arbour leading to the park's inner zone. There are many stops in this part, one being a model replicating the house in which the Princess Mother lived until she was seven or eight years old, before a relative on her father's side brought her to the royal court. Her original home was among a row of one-storey shophouses, but visitors will only see the actual-size replica of her shophouse complete with household utensils. Its build and decor are in accordance with the description in Mae Lao Hai Fang (As Mother Told Me) by HRH Princess Galyani Vadhana who wrote in the book. This shophouse was both the living and working place of the young Sangwal (the Princess Mother's original name) and her father who was a goldsmith. It's a simple house that only has three sections - a working room with a round stove, a bedroom with no bed but a sleeping mat and small kitchen with old clay pots for cooking. A short walk from the house you will spot a huge sandstone slab weighing 32 tons. It is eight metres long and stands 1.80 metres tall. On one side it has carvings depicting the numerous activities of the Princess Mother in rural areas. The other side has a scene of a northern style celebration held in her honour. Not far from the pavement is a wide green space with an octagonal pavilion. It was built to commemorate the eighth circle of her birth, but she passed away two years earlier at the age of 94. It's built in European style like the buildings at Vimanmek Mansion and serves as a rest area for park visitors. Next to the pavilion is Sririphat (Pae Bunnag) Art Centre. The centre houses a mini-library and features art exhibits that are rotated all year round. Nearby there are also an old well and ruins of old Chinese buildings dating back to the days of King Rama III. Before leaving, don't forget to visit the souvenir shop that sells herbal drinks and products made by various royal projects from around the country, as well as by the park's own staff. MORE INFO The Princess Mother Memorial Park opens daily from 6am to 6pm. The museum and the art centre open from 9am to 4pm, except public holidays. Admission is free. To get there Non-air conditioned buses passing Wat Anongkharam, behind which lies the park, are Nos. 6, 42 and 43. Only boats operated by Chao Phraya Tourist Boat company stop at the pier next to the park. If using service provided by other boat operators, get off at the pier under the Memorial Bridge. From there the park is a good two-kilometre walk. For more information, contact the park at 02-437-7799, 02-439-0902 and 02-439-0896 or visit http://www.theprincessmothermemorialpark.org . Bangkok Post |