Maha Sarakham Constitutional Monument

Throughout the late 1930s to the late 1940s, various provinces in Siam constructed "Constitutional Monuments" featuring the central symbol of the Constitution on these monuments. These monuments were built to commemorate the change of government on June 24, 1932, the establishment of the constitutional monarchy, and the six core principles of the People's Party. They were strategically placed in public or significant government areas of the provinces to signify the modernity of localities under the constitutional regime. The provincial Constitutional Monuments are noteworthy not only for their historical significance but also because some were constructed before the monument featuring the Constitution symbol in Bangkok, reflecting the political awareness of citizens in provincial cities after the Siamese Revolution of 1932. Furthermore, these monuments were born out of the initiative and cooperation of local citizens who wished to connect their ideas and experiences with the new political ideology.

The Maha Sarakham Constitutional Monument was the first Constitutional Monument in Siam. Located in front of the Maha Sarakham Provincial Hall, construction began in 1934. This monument was initiated by Luang Angkhana Nurak (Somthawin Thephakham), the governor of Maha Sarakham, to instill awareness and emphasize the importance of the constitutional monarchy among the people of Maha Sarakham following the Boworadet and Holy Man's Rebellions in the Northeastern provinces and Maha Sarakham respectively during 1936-1937. Consequently, the Maha Sarakham Provincial Administration organized activities to enhance local understanding and enthusiasm for the constitutional regime, including the construction of the Constitutional Monument, a Constitutional Poem Contest, and entertainment events. Designed by Khun Apiban Thanthanikorn, the monument was funded through donations from officials, merchants, and citizens. The monument features a Constitution on a two-tiered pedestal and an inscription at the base reading, “Siam Constitution, revered and honored, established in 1934.” Additionally, the central part of the Constitution has a rectangular space for displaying a replica of the Constitution during the province's Constitution Day celebrations. The monument was inaugurated on June 27, 1934, coinciding with the day Siam adopted its temporary constitution. It also served as a prototype for the construction of the Constitutional Monument in front of the Kosum Phisai District Office, completed in 1936.

The Maha Sarakham Constitutional Monument is an example of a memorial related to the constitution during the era of the People's Party, reflecting how local citizens across Siam actively associated themselves with the new regime. The construction of these Constitutional Monuments was driven by the initiative and collaboration of local citizens and officials to commemorate the 1932 change of government, serving as a reminder of the value and importance of the constitutional regime, and as a tool to encourage local support for the new system. These monuments became significant landmarks in the new era across provinces during the People's Party period, contributing to the atmosphere of modernization under the constitutional regime. Additionally, the area around these monuments hosted public celebrations, including Constitution Day and National Day events, allowing local people to interact with the monument through participation in ceremonies and festivities, subtly learning about the new regime's ideologies.

However, as the People's Party's power waned and conservative forces expanded following the 1947 coup, the significance of the Constitutional Monuments and the People's Party's legacy diminished. The national political climate impacted the provincial Constitutional Monuments, leading government and local agencies to cancel related activities, especially Constitution Day celebrations. Consequently, local people lost their connection with these monuments, leading to a gradual erosion of their significance. Many Constitutional Monuments were dismantled, altered, or relocated, affecting their original architectural form and political impact. Currently, the Maha Sarakham Constitutional Monument has been moved from the provincial hall area to the front of the Maha Sarakham Municipality Office, with changes made to the Constitution Pedestal and base. However, the Constitutional Monument in front of the Kosum Phisai District Office, which closely resembles the original Maha Sarakham Constitutional Monument, remains in good condition.