In 1897, King Chulalongkorn of Siam visited the area during his visit to Sweden, where he met King Oscar II of Sweden and Norway. This visit resulted in the creation of a unique memorial. The King Chulalongkorn Memorial Building, also known as the Thai Pavilion, stands as a testament to this exchange. Located in Utanede, Ragunda Municipality, the building is designed in the style of a royal Thai pavilion (prasat). It features a gilded spire, 24 white concrete pillars, and four entrances.
Construction began in August 1997, and the building was inaugurated on 19 July 1998, marking the 101st anniversary of Chulalongkorn's visit. The project was financed through donations and sponsorship in both Thailand and Sweden. Thai royal artisans carried out the decoration, while companies from Jämtland handled the main construction. The project cost approximately ten million Swedish kronor, including about three million kronor for decorative work.
A bronze statue of King Chulalongkorn stands inside the pavilion. Despite its traditional Thai architectural style, the building is not a religious shrine and has no direct connection to Buddhism.
The pavilion offers a glimpse into a bygone era of cultural exchange, showcasing the blending of Thai and Swedish architectural styles.
Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons
Written by Nik Frost
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