Army builds historical park to honour Thai Kings

BANGKOK, May 14 (TNA) - The Royal Thai Army plans to build a historical park to honour all Thai Kings in Hua Hin seaside area of Prachuap Khiri Khan Province in the Upper Thai South, inviting all parties to jointly sponsor the development of the big park. Royal Thai Army Deputy Spokeswoman Colonel Sirijan Nga-thong told journalists of the plan on Wednesday, saying that Army Chief General Udomdet Sitabutr has initiated the project in honour of all Thai Kings for their great contributions to the public and the nation. The deputy spokeswoman stated that His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej has kindly permitted the construction and named it "Rajapakdi Park", which means the park built on loyalty to the Thai Kings Apart from honouring all Thai Kings' contributions, the deputy spokesperson noted, the park, to be situated on a 222-rai plot of land (2.5 rais = 1 acre), will also be a venue for important ceremonies of the Royal Thai Army and other agencies and a destination for tourists and historical education. According to the deputy spokeswoman, the new historical park will consist of three parts, one is an area for the 13.9-meter-tall statues of seven former kings, namely King Ramkhamhaeng the Great, King Naresuan the Great, King Narai the Great, King Taksin the Great, King Rama I, King Rama IV and King Rama V. The second part, covering 91 rais, will be the ceremonial area that can welcome important persons from other countries and the third part will comprise a museum and a historical exhibition hall under the ground of the statues to present the profiles and great work of Thai Kings. Public donations can be transferred to TMB bank, account number 077-1-07474-7 of the Royal Thai Army. (TNA)