SOCIAL INCLUSION AND PARTICIPATION THROUGH TRAVEL IN THAILAND

Accessible tourism enables individuals with disabilities to actively participate in social and recreational activities, fostering a sense of belonging and reducing social isolation.

Travel provides opportunities for people with disabilities to engage with different cultures, communities, and experiences, promoting social inclusion and diversity.

Manique Gunaratne got the opportunity to visit the Giant Swing in Bangkok, Thailand in December 2023.

 The Giant Swing is a religious structure in Bangkok, Thailand. Located in front of Wat Suthat, it was formerly used in an old Brahmin ceremony, and is one of Bangkok's tourist attractions.

The Giant Swing was 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 3.5 m in circumference and over 30m in height. The remaining four are used for support and have a circumference of 2.30 metres and a height of 20 metres.[1] The swing was taken down in late October 2006 and the work finished in December of the same year. The rebuilt swing was dedicated in royal ceremonies presided over by King Bhumibol Adulyadej in September 2007. The timbers of the original swing are preserved in the Bangkok National Museum.

In 2005, the Giant Swing, together with Wat Suthat, was proposed as a future UNESCO World Heritage site.

 

Manique Gunaratne

Tel. – 0094117801801