Saranrom to become a city cultural park today.
SUPOJ WANCHAROEN
After serving as a green lung for inner Bangkok for decades, Saranrom Park today undergoes a metamorphosis into a city cultural park, in a move aimed at raising the profile of its age-old architectural heritage. Taweesak Detdecho, director of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration
(BMA)'s culture, sports and tourism department, said Saranrom Cultural Park _ as it will be known _ was the brainchild of Bangkok Governor
Apirak Kosayodhin, who wanted to give a distinctive character to each of the capital's public parks.
Benjasiri Park on Sukhumvit road, near the Emporium shopping mall, has now been turned into a sculpture park, while Wachirabenchatat Park better known as Railway Park _ near the Chatuchak weekend market is known as a family park.
Thanks to its architectural and sculptural works, Mr Taweesak said, Saranrom Park was a suitable choice to be promoted as a cultural park.
The park was the first European botanical garden in Bangkok initiated by King Rama IV, which was completed in King Rama V's era.
It is named after its array of flora and Western architectural works, and also houses an historic monument dedicated to King Rama V's beloved consort, Queen Sunantha Kumarirat, who died in a boat accident.
Following the overthrow of absolute monarchy in 1932, Saranrom Park was left in a state of disrepair until the Bangkok municipality restored the park to its former glory in 1960.
Mr Taweesak said cultural exhibitions from the regions, light-and-sound shows on major national holidays, free handicraft workshops, and one-tambon-one-product fairs would be hosted at the park, along with an exhibition in honour of the 60th anniversary of His Majesty the King's accession to the throne.
The exhibition and fair will run until April 14.
Mr Taweesak hopes that Saranrom Park would become a Bangkok cultural tourist magnet and draw domestic and foreign tourists alike.
Bangkok Post
Thursday January 04, 2007
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