Even though Thailand’s first constitution was promulgated in 1932, the beginning of the Constitution Pedestal symbol appearing in various forms, such as monuments, carved designs on architecture, and objects, occurred in 1934. This was when Chamras Mahawongnan, a Member of Parliament from Nan Province, proposed that the government bring replicas of the constitution to various provinces as symbols for the people to hold onto. This proposal was agreed upon by the government, leading to the creation of 70 constitution replicas to be distributed throughout the country. The project was overseen by Luang Wichitwathakan, with Luang Praditmanutham (Pridi Banomyong) supervising the design process. The result was a lacquered and gilded Thai manuscript placed on a two-tiered pedestal, known as the "Constitution Pedestal," reflecting the concept of it being an object of worship and a sacred item. This two-tiered pedestal is called “Phan Waen Fa,” typically used to support sacred items like Buddha relics or royal regalia. The idea of making the constitution a sacred object is one of the key reasons why the Constitution Pedestal symbol often appears in architectural elements of temples across the regions. It is not only found in newly created items at the time, such as the backrest of the monk's chair at Wat Choeng Tha in Lopburi Province or the designs on the ceiling of the ordination hall (sim) at Wat Tha Khrok in Loei Province, but also in the restoration and refurbishment of ancient sites that are centuries old to include symbols of the new era. This can be seen in the pediment of the prayer hall at Wat Umong Mahathera Chan in Chiang Mai Province.
Wat Umong Mahathera Chan is located in the old city district of Chiang Mai, in Si Phum Subdistrict, Mueang District, Chiang Mai Province (not to be confused with Wat Umong Suan Buddha Dhamma located behind Chiang Mai University). It is a public temple under the Maha Nikaya sect. Originally named Wat Pho Noi, it is said that this temple was built around the same time as the founding of Chiang Mai in 1296 AD by King Mangrai the Great (however, the National Office of Buddhism states that this temple was established in 1367 AD). Documents show that it was once an abandoned temple around 1918 before it was later restored. The temple features an elegant Lanna-style viharn. The viharn was constructed in the late 19th century and features a multi-tiered roof in front and back, with a single projecting gable on the north side. The finials are adorned with colored glass. The pediment is decorated with carved wood featuring animals and floral motifs inlaid with colored glass, including the image of the "Constitution Pedestal" that shines brightly, surrounded by images of deities. There is also an inscription in Thai and Chinese stating, "1943 Mr. Haseg, Mrs. Kampan Towthailang," who are likely the patrons of the pediment's restoration.
The depiction of the Constitution Tray on the pediment of the vihara at Wat Umong Mahathera Chan stands as evidence of the collaboration between the religious sector (the temple) and the laity (both Thai and Chinese patrons) in celebrating the country's new governance system at a local level. It also clearly reflects the perspective that such a symbol is regarded as both elevated and sacred. This is even more evident considering that the temple permitted patrons to place a modern symbol like the "Constitution Pedestal" within one of the city's oldest historical sites. This underscores the utmost importance of the constitution in the secular world, akin to the significance of the Tripitaka in the religious realm. Additionally, the practice of placing significant symbols in heritage sites can also be seen at Pong Sanuk Temple in Lampang Province, which is over 1,300 years old (built in 1223 BE). Here, a glass-framed painting of the Constitution Pedestal, along with the inscription "BE 82," is found within the Vihara Phra Chao Phan Ong, a Lanna structure recognized as one of the most beautiful in Thailand.