This huge
public ground in front of the Grand Palace is commonly
also referred to as Phramane Ground, or in pure English
Royal Field. The Weekend Market of Bangkok used to be held
here but was moved to Suan Chatuchak on Phahonyothin Road.
Sanam Luang
is still the site for special activities and ceremonies such as
the Royal Ploughing Ceremony in May as well as the Thai
New Year Festival. From February to April, it's the site
of kite flying competitions.
At the northern
part of Sanam Luang, opposite the Royal Hotel, is a small statue
placed in a white pavilion. This Goddess of the Earth edifice
was built during the reign of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V, reigned
1868-1910) to provide public drinking water.
Located at
the southeast corner of Sanam Luang a graceful, temple-like structure
houses Lak Muang, a stone pillar placed there by King Rama
I, the first monarch of the present Chakri Dynasty, as the foundation
stone for his new capital city of Bangkok. All distances within
Thailand are measured from this point. Lak Muang is believed by
many to have the power of granting wishes. Accordingly,
it's a preferred site for vendors of lottery tickets.
