NEW-PLAQUE UNVEILING CEREMONY
/Sept 21, 2022 - A Merlion in Thailand? How many Scotties or Singaporeans living in Thailand actually know that there is a “Merlion Park” in Bangkok?
Situated in the heart of Bangkok city at Benjakitti Park, the iconic mascot and national personification of Singapore is standing proudly and majestically in the Land of Smiles. The Merlion structure measures slightly more than 2 metres tall and well-positioned on the left-hand side of the rectangular-shape lake. It is directly facing the busy Ratchadaphisek Road (between Rama IV Road and Sukhumvit Road).
On 21st September 2022, H.E. Mr Kevin Cheok, the Ambassador of the Republic of Singapore to the Kingdom of Thailand had unveiled a new-plaque that was installed adjacently next to the Merlion statue. The ceremony was witnessed by the Chairman and the President from both Singapore-Thai Chamber of Commerce (STCC) and Singapore Club of Thailand (SCOT), respectively; together with some of their key Exco members.
A Brief History – Merlion in Thailand
In 2005, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) began to build the 72 hectares (180 acres) scenic Benjakitti Park. The serene public park in the Khlong Toei District is suitable for joggers, cyclists and park goers. Then, BMA invited all the embassies in Thailand to erect a representative sculpture of their individual national identity to add more colors to the landmark of this park. Parallel to the Merlion, about 50 metres away is a small replica of The Great Pyramid of Giza that was contributed by the Embassy of Egypt.
Mdm Pansy Lim, our Charity Director, mentioned that Mrs Aileen Chan, the wife of ex-Ambassador of Singapore had approached the Singapore Tourist Board (STB) for the contribution of this Merlion statue. Together with the active involvement of STCC and SCOT team, contribution was made in the successful building and establishment of this masterpiece.
In addition to the contribution of a Merlion statue, Singapore Airlines (SIA), our national flag carrier, had also specially flown in a Golden Rain Tree/Yellow Rain Tree, which was donated by the Singapore Botanic Gardens. According to Mrs Chan, this special tree has pink flowers instead of yellow ones.
For any visiting Singaporean or Singaporeans living in Thailand, please feel free to visit this park to check the Merlion and the Benjakitti Park out.
If you’re driving. Parking lots are available inside the park. Drive along Ratchadaphisek Rd (between Rama IV Road and Sukhumvit Road) and turn into gate 1 along Sukhumvit Road.
However, if you prefer to use public transport, the nearest MRT station is Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre, you may use Exit 3.
