The Siam Cultural Park in the Bang Phae district of Ratchaburi Province, about 80 kilometres west of Bangkok, is one the most unique of the province's tourist attractions. Occupying some 16.5 acres, it brings under one roof the cultural values, traditions, and customs native to the four regions of Thailand that uniquely define the Thai way of life.
Operating since 1997, the park —with a wealth of cultural, historical and religious attractions—has a Hall of Fame that features life-size wax and fibreglass statues of famous national and foreign personalities, as well as statues of Lord Buddha and his disciplines set amidst a beautifully landscaped garden and tranquil environment.
This is an unspoiled natural park where visitors can learn art and culture and find peace and tranquility. The owner of the Siam Cultural Park, Madam Ratana Sirirornleart, says the park is a destination for educational tourism not just for schoolchildren, but for anyone who wants to understand Thai culture and history. There is a small nominal entrance charge to cover the maintenance and salary of the staff.
The Hall of Fame houses 10 wax figures of prominent personalities such as Dr Puey Ungphakorn, Ajarn Montree Tramoth, Ho Chi Minh and Mother Teresa - all presented in their customary work settings and in air-conditioned rooms. The workmanship is perfect and every figure had an eerie resemblance to the person it portrayed, the effect accentuated by the matching setting in which they operated in their lifetime.
Set in the landscaped gardens, a short distance from the Hall of Fame, are three giant statues of Buddha, each 3.5 metres tall and crafted from smoked brass representing the art form of the Chiang Saen, Sukhothai and Ayuthaya periods, regarded as the golden age of Thai history. To the casual eye they all appear the same, but if you observe them closely there is no mistaking they represent a smiling Buddha, symbolising the sign of the times.
Next, is a light and sound presentation depicting the story of Vessantara, the reincarnation of Buddha in his previous life, when he was confronted by a malicious Jujaka, who begged him for possession of his children. This particular depiction was selected because it teaches one to be self-content and rid ourself of all worldly attachments.
Another section of the park was dedicated to prominent former monks from four regions of the country, their images cast in fibreglass and set in distinctive kuti or remote abodes connected by a ladder, all replicated from their original kuti. A number of visitors were seen prostrating before the images as a show of respect. Every kuti was connected by a PA system briefing visitors about its occupant and his life's work. And there was a hall featuring life-size wax statues of five monks regarded as exponents of the highest order of dhamma and Buddhism.
From there we moved on to the lifestyle and houses section, the final part of our park tour. The distinctive architectural styles of the houses blend harmoniously with the social and cultural ambience of the region they represent. The houses have wax models of the occupants, each telling the way of life of the people.
The house from the central region is much admired for its sheer style and architecture, influenced in part by religion and the people's belief in the supernatural. It is a simple wooden house with no partitions or bedrooms. No nails or metal were used in its construction, even at the joints, which makes it all the more unique.
Thus, the Siam Cultural Park is a monument to everything Thai and their national identity.
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