Benchasiri Park was opened on August 12, 1992, on Queen Sirikit's birthday. Its creation was timed to coincide with the ceremonial celebrations of an event significant for every Thai person - the jubilee year of the fifth cycle of life.
In Thailand and some other countries in Asia, people's jubilees are counted not by round-number dates, as is customary for us, but by 12-year cycles. These cycles are tied to the Eastern calendar, where each year is patronized by a particular animal.
The fifth cycle of a person's life ends at the age of 60, and by tradition, after celebrating this jubilee, Thais retire, withdraw from all affairs, and are considered wise and experienced advisers and mentors for the younger generation.
Of course, no one sent the queen into retirement: she enjoys enormous love and respect from the people, so they simply would not have let her go into seclusion. But the jubilee of Queen Sirikit's fifth cycle was celebrated for a long time, solemnly and lavishly, with the opening of parks and monuments, the issuing of commemorative coins, and the holding of festivals.
The symbolism associated with the 12-year life cycles can be seen in the design of Benchasiri Park. The park is decorated with 12 original works by contemporary Thai sculptors. The largest of the sculptures is made in the form of a huge copy of the commemorative coin issued in honor of Queen Sirikit's birthday.
The sculptures are arranged around an artificial lake and are immersed in the lush greenery of the park. The park has playgrounds for children and areas for quiet relaxation. Small events and celebrations in an open-air format are often held here.
