King Rama the First

Crossing the Chao Phrya River via the Memorial Bridge in to China Town you come upon a large plaza with a massive statue dedicated to King Buddha Yodfa Chulaloke, or Rama I. He took the thrown of Siam in 1782 after political unrest removed King Taksin of Thonburi (you can view a photo of King Taksin's momument in Wongwian Yai here). Rama I is the first king in the house of Chakri, and reigned until his death in 1809.

The plaza is a peaceful break from the surrounding Pak Klong Flower markets, which are beautiful but rather busy.  I stumbled upon this plaza last night.  The statue itself is impressive in size, and I really liked the way the plaza is illuminated at night.  It was nice to practice taking photos at nighttime here.