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The Monument of The First World War Volumteer Force is in the northwest conrer of Sanam Luang or the Phramen Ground.
King Rama VI built it to contain the ashes of the soilders who died in action. In A.D. 1914 World War I broke out. Thailand declared war
and sent volunteers who travelled to Europe to join in the fighting in A.D. 1918. The volunteer troop returned to Thailand on 21st September A.D. 1919.
During the war many brave volunteers lost their lives and were cremated in Europe. Their ashes were returned and a special ceremony
was performed in the Ordination Hall at Wat Mahathat. The the ashes were placed inside this monument where King Rama VI laid a wreath.
This monument is located in the middle of a triangular lawn. It resembles a Javanese religious monument and is made of white
stone. On the lower level of the central part of the monument on all four sides there are inscription in back.
The first side of the inscription says: His Majesty King Vajiravudh (Rama VI) declared was against Germany, Austria and Hungary, and called for volunteers to fight in this war.
The second says: Thai soldiers fought bravely with their allies. Germany agreed to sign and armistice. The Thai soldiers then
returned to Thailand on 1st May, A.D. 1919. His Majesty the King bestowed on them decorations and commanded the construction
of this monument and the ashes of those soldiers who fell during the war were buried here.
The third and forth sides of the inscription give the list of names of those brave soldiers who were killed during the war together with
their birthdays and the day of their deaths. At the end is inscribed the date on which they were buried: 24th September, A.D. 1919.
The pediment above the inscriptions are decorated with stucco in patterns of floral motifs, Kinnari and makara. The spire of the
monument is in the shape of round chedi. At each of the four corners there is a replica of the monument. The monument stands on a 3-tiered base.
The monument is surrounded by polished stone pillars about 1.50 metres high joined by black iron chains. The government cleared
and beautiful the grounds around the monument, with a lawn and pretty flowering bushes. Four concrete pavements lead to the monument.
This monument stands by itself attracting the eyes of passers-by in Sanam Luang,
reminding them of the bravery and sacrifice of those whose ashes are enshrined therein.
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