Sanam Luang landscape sculpted in designs to honour late King

A dike rice field in the shape of the Thai number nine character, with vetiver grass, Chaipattana Aerators, a weir, and royal initiatives such as the Kaem Ling (“Monkey Cheek”) flood-control royal project, have been created. 
Phorntham Thamwimol, the landscape architect of the Office of Architecture, Department of Fine Arts, said the use of water illustrates the late King’s genius. 
“In order to express many royal initiatives significantly, this is the first time that the royal cremation ground of Sanam Luang has been adjusted. 
“The ground level pools have a water circulation system and electric lighting effects at the four corners of the royal crematorium as well as at the front, where an actual rice field is planted,” he said.
“In designing the royal crematorium, the layout focuses on Thai beliefs, the centre of the universe that also links the old city of Rattanakosin and the Grand Palace. 
“There is an invisible axis intersect; one running from the spire of the Phra Si Ratana Chedi pagoda, adjacent to the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, and the other from the middle of the Phra Ubosot in the nearby temple, Wat Mahathat Yuwaratrangsarit.”

The landscape around the Royal Crematorium represents Buddhism and Hinduism’s universe concept of Mount Meru, which comprises four continents; Uttarakuru Thawip in the north, Purvavideha in the east, Jambu Thawip in the south, and Aparagodaniya in the west. 
The Anodard Pond (Heavenly Pond) is decorated with auspicious animals such as 10 species of elephants in the north, four breeds of horses in the west, four types of Singha (lion) in the east, and seven types of cows in the south. There are also sculptures of mythical creatures in the Himmaphan Forest. 

 “The Anodard Pond is inspired by the mural painting of Wat Suthat Theppawararam. The sacred stones and holy soil produced the colour code for the painting, while we have used technology to create lighting effects for day and night and project water effects in emerald green,” he said.
“On the north side of the royal cremation ground, following the water theme, the Rice Department has grown three types of rice in different stages; Pathumthani 1 is seedling, Hom Mali 105 grows to branch off at 40 centimetres high, and Pathumthani 80 is at the cluster phase. Hence, the rice field will be picturesque with these dimensions. 

“Meanwhile, the grounds are also decorated with many plant species, with an emphasis on yellow flowers such as marigolds. Other types of trees are planted including Mahajanaka mango, vetiver, and Yang and topiary. Different types of lotus are also planted for the pond creating coherent layers,” Phorntham said.