The Giant Swing was originally
constructed in 1784 in front of the Devasathan shrine by King Rama I. During the reign
of Rama II the
swing ceremony was discontinued as the swing had become structurally damaged by
lightning. In 1920 it was renovated and moved to its current location in order
to make space for a gas plant. The ceremony was again performed until 1935,
when it was discontinued after several fatal accidents.
The
last renovations were done in 1959, and after 45 years of exposure to the
elements the wooden pillars were showing signs of serious damage. A major
reconstruction began in April 2005. Six teak tree trunks were used. The two
used for the main structure of the swing are over 3.5m in circumference and
over 30m in height. The remaining four are used for support and are 2.30m in
circumference and 20m in height. The
swing was taken down in late October 2006 and the work finished late December
of the same year. The rebuilt swing was dedicated in royal ceremonies presided
over by His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej in September 2007. The timbers of the
original swing are preserved in the National Museum.
In
2005, the Giant Swing, together with Wat Suthat, was suggested as a future
UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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