Somdet Phra Suriyothai Monument
Location : Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya District
Somdet Phra Suriyothai Monument Located on a plain known as Thung Makham Yong on the east bank of the Chao Phraya River at Tambon Ban Mai, approximately 3-4 kilometres to the northeast of the city island of Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya. There is a life-size and a half bronze statue of Queen Suriyothai on the neck of her war elephant as well as another 49 associated sculptures, models of historical events, a huge reservoir and a public park. This plain was once a battlefield for several Thai-Burmese wars in the past. One of the heroic deeds that took place here was Queen Suriyothai's fight to save her husband, King Maha Chakraphat. She was killed on her elephant's neck by the King of Burma. In another later war 2 years after King Naresuan the Great declared independence, the Burmese king sent his son to station here at Thung Makham Yong whereas the king himself led his army to position to the south of the plain. King Naresuan, with a sword in his mouth led his soldiers to climb the wooden pole wall into the Burmese king's camp in many successful plunders. His sword was named "Phra Saeng Dap Khap Khai" in reminiscence of his victories.
As a historical battlefield of such great significance, a monument of Somdet Phra Suriyothai was constructed under Her Majesty Queen Sirikit's suggestion. Funding was provided jointly by the government and Thai people. The monument was constructed in honour of Her Majesty the Queen to mark her sixtieth birthday anniversary in 1992.