Khuang Singh Monument (อนุสาวรีย์ข่วงสิงห์; also known as the Twin Lions Monument) is a historical monument of two singhs (lions) in
Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai, sometimes written as Chiengmai or Chiangmai, is the largest city in northern Thailand, the capital of Chiang Mai province and the List of municipalities in Thailand#Largest cities by urban population, second largest city in Thailan ...
, Thailand. It was built by King
Kawila
Kawila (, , , 31 October 17421816), also known as Phra Boromrachathibodi (; ), was the Northern Thai people, Northern Thai ruler of the Kingdom of Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai Kingdom and the founder of the Chet Ton dynasty, Chetton dynasty. Originating ...
in 1801, mirroring the style of the
Chang Phueak Monument
Chang Phueak Monument (อนุสาวรีย์ช้างเผือก; also known as the White Elephant Monument) is a historical monument of two elephants located in Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai, sometimes written as Chiengmai or Chian ...
. Surrounded by a pond, the lions symbolized Chiang Mai's renewed power and deterred future Burmese invasions. The twin lions are considered guardian deities who protect the city and is a sacred site revered by the people of Chiang Mai.
History
The monument was built during the reign of King
Kawila
Kawila (, , , 31 October 17421816), also known as Phra Boromrachathibodi (; ), was the Northern Thai people, Northern Thai ruler of the Kingdom of Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai Kingdom and the founder of the Chet Ton dynasty, Chetton dynasty. Originating ...
in 1801, located about 2 kilometers north of Chiang Mai city. The two lion statues face east and north, respectively. Before going into battle, troops would stop at this site to perform a ceremony to bring good fortune. Later, the intersection became known as ''Khwang Sing Chai Mongkon'' (Auspicious Lion Intersection).
King
Inthawichayanon
Inthawichayanon (; , , IAST: , ; , c. 1817 – 23 November 1897) was the 7th Ruler of Kingdom of Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai and King of Lan Na from 1870 until his death in 1897.Kasetsiri, C. (2022). ''Thailand: A Struggle for the Nation''. Singapore: ...
, the 7th ruler of Chiang Mai (r. 1870–1897), later ordered the construction of a nearby temple, now known as
Wat Khwang Singh. On March 8, 1935, the Fine Arts Department designated the monument as a national historical site. In 1996, to mark the 700th anniversary of Chiang Mai, government and private organizations collaborated to restore and enhance the Khwang Singh Monument and its surroundings. The restoration included excavating a moat and constructing a wide, brick-paved platform with stairs leading up from the east. The lion statues, each standing about 2 meters tall and painted white, are enclosed within the site.
Today, it remains a sacred site where newly appointed governors of Chiang Mai pay their respects to seek blessings. Since its completion, a ceremony has been held annually to invite guardian deities and sacred spirits to reside at this location. Over 300 mediums participated in the ceremony, offering sacrifices and performing traditional dances to honor these guardian spirits.
References
{{reflist
Monuments and memorials in Thailand
Buildings and structures in Chiang Mai
Tourist attractions in Chiang Mai