Sao
Chingcha area has been the centre of Bangkok since Rattanakosin period to
present. The Giant Swing or Sao Chingcha was constructed in the reign of Rama I
after he had decided to extend the city from the west or Thonburi since King
Taksin's time to the east. There was also a canal excavation surrounded the
city. King Rama I then chose the centre of the city and made it the place for
shrines, temples for Bramanism and the Giant Swing."Sao Chingcha" or
the Giant Swing has become an outstanding symbol of Bangkok until now. It is
two towering red pillars standing on a huge stone at the height of 21.15
metres. The lotus-flower-shaped pedestal is white exposed aggregate concrete.
On the arch of the pedestal, placed an inscribed stone telling a history of Sao
Chingcha. A pair of central pillars and two pairs of stilts with capital were
all made of round lathed teak tree trunks. The frame connecting both capitals
were carved beautifully. They were all painted in red. It is one of the
architecture built for the Swing Ceremony or Ceremony of Tri-yampawai from an
ancient Hindu epic. The Giant Swing seen today is the new one which was rebuilt
during 11th-13th September 2007. The new pillars were made of golden teak tree
trunks from Prae. The Giant Swing has become one of the most historically
important touristattractionin Bangkok well known among Thais and foreigners. The
architectures in the area near the Giant Swing including Phra Nakorn area still
remains in the style of early Rattanakosin period.
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