Skip to main content
Name:
Khanaratsadon Association Building
Year Completed:
Late 1930s - Early 1940s
Current Condition:
Existing

To celebrate the promulgation of the first permanent constitution of Siam on December 10, 1932, and to emphasize to the people the change of government from an absolute monarchy to a democracy, the Siamese government led by the People's Party organized a "Constitution Celebration" on December 11-12, 1932. It was a grand celebration throughout the country and was full of many activities such as organizing exhibitions to disseminate knowledge, setting up shops, holding festivities, hosting fine arts competitions, and the Miss Siam or Miss Thailand contest (first held in 1934), etc. In Bangkok, this celebration was held at "Saranrom Park", a European-style park next to the Grand Palace, which was built during the reign of King Rama IV as part of the Saranrom Palace, before becoming the location of the "Thawi Panya Samosorn", a social space for the upper class in the style of English gentlemen during the reign of King Rama V (founded by King Rama VI when he held the title of Crown Prince). After the 1932 revolution, the People's Party transformed the area into a "public park for the people". The Constitution Celebration was continuously held in this area from 1932 to 1958 (although it began to be given less importance since the end of the power of the People's Party in 1947). In 1934, after the People's Party established the "People's Party Association" using the premises of the law school as a temporary office, the People's Party decided to build a permanent building for the association within this park.

     Established on June 23, 1934, the People's Party Club building is a plain concrete structure without traditional decorative patterns. It is a one-story building with a flat roof, featuring a prominent sculpture of the Constitution Tray in the central front opening, and incorporating the 6 key symbols as elements such as columns, window panels, glass panels, and stair steps. As mentioned, the initial purpose was to serve as the office of the "People's Party Association". Luang Phrom Yothi, a member of the People's Party, explained, "So that the association can be used to disseminate understanding and maintain the newly established system of government, which is democracy. In this system of government, there is one principle that is seen as inseparable, which is political parties..." However, soon after, due to political problems between the People's Party and the old power groups, the use of this building was changed to the "People's Party Club Building", with the same purpose as general clubs, as well as being a space for organizing activities to disseminate democratic ideas and the headquarters for organizing the annual Constitution Celebration. Nevertheless, as soon as the People's Party lost power in 1947, subsequent governments tried to eliminate spaces that demonstrated the role of the People's Party, including changing the name of this building to "Ratsadon Saranrom Club", which became a full-fledged social club, before changing its name to "Ratsadon Saranrom Club under Royal Patronage" and being dissolved in the mid-1970s during the era of General Prem Tinsulanonda.

     Currently, this building still stands within Saranrom Park and serves as the office for the park's maintenance staff. Meanwhile, few people who come to jog or relax in this park are aware of its historical significance. However, due to its surviving status from being demolished like many other structures that are the legacy of the People's Party, this former "People's Party Club Building" beautifully reflects the architectural and artistic aesthetics during the era of the change in the system of government. Especially noteworthy is the sculpture of the Constitution Tray located at the front, which is made of a gilded wooden frame and decorated with glass, the same technique found in sculptural decorations in temple halls. It is one of the most beautiful Constitution Trays from the People's Party era that still survives to this day.

Photographs

Coordinates