WPC – A Temporary Splendor in Bangkok

The Crematorium

Always bringing back the good memories of my first solo-trip, I love to travel to Bangkok. Therefore, last week I made an unplanned weekend getaway back to the city that recently held a cremation ceremony for the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej.

I was amazed when arrived at the cremation area which is located in Sanam Luang, -usually just a field park-, adjacent to the Grand Palace complex. All temporary structures there are so amazing, with the shiny golden royal crematorium and supplementary structures that cover almost two-thirds of the 30-acre ground.

This magnificent Royal Crematorium is modeled after the imaginary of Mount Sumeru, the center of the universe in Buddhist cosmology and was influenced by Hinduism as deeply rooted in the ancient Thai kingdom for centuries. In the center, the height of main structure is about 50 meters from the ground, usually made of wood with steel structure inside. The myth heavenly pond is found around the base of royal crematorium and decorated with many mythical creatures and auspicious animals, namely elephants, horses, cows, and lions.

I know the it is subject to change but this grandeur Royal Crematorium and other components will be scheduled to completely dismantled in the end of November 2017.

Fine Myth Lion

Fine Elephant

Temporary Surround Building

Temporary