King Rama VIII: A New Bridge Fit for Thailand's Kings by Phairath Khampha 11 May 2002 More than 100,000 people flocked to the Rama VIII Bridge on May 6, 2002 on the eve of its official opening in celebration of the addition of another grandiose architectural landmark to Bangkok's rich heritage. In the morning they went to enjoy the panoramic view of the city from the bridge. Some 7,000 participated in a 10-kilometre mini-marathon while others, including Bangkok Governor Samak Sundaravej, joined in a 5km walk that crossed the new structure. In jubilant mood people from all walks of life came to celebrate the inauguration of the grand construction, which has symbolic significance as well as a functional purpose. The opening of bridge was one of the highlights of Bangkok's 220th Anniversary celebrations. And if the Chao Phraya River is truly the "River of Kings", then it is appropriate that regal bridges are built across it to testify to the glory of Rattanakosin kings, who had reigned in the Kingdom continuously since 1782. It stood as a testimony to the monumental construction of Bangkok. His Majesty the King bestowed the name Rama VIII on the bridge in tribute to his beloved brother, who was assassinated after a brief reign by corrupt generals who wanted to do away with Thailand's monarchy in an attempt that they could completely control the country. His Majesty presided over the Foundation Pouring Ceremony for the 2.7 billion baht bridge on May 6, 2000. The asymmetrical cable-stayed bridge links the twin cities of Bangkok and Thon Buri in parallel with Taksin Bridge, the Rama I Bridge, the Pinklao Bridge and Rama IX Bridge. The official opening of the Rama V Bridge was scheduled for June 21, 2002. Apart from its symbolic significance, the Rama VIII Bridge was intended to help residents commute more conveniently. Thailand's King initiated the project in the mid-1990s after he witnessed the traffic congestion in the Pinklao area when he paid regular visits to the late HRH the Princess Mother, who was then receiving medical treatment at Siriraj Hospital. The King has a grand vision for the city, having remarked on one occasion: "Please understand that I think, [am] thinking of building a Heavenly City. Of making this Krung Thep Maha Nakhon [City of Angels] become Krung Thep Muang Sawan. And the new city will also become a Heavenly City, not moving Bangkok to anywhere far, only to renovate it and make it better." Chaiyuth Na Nakhon, director of Bangkok's Public Works Department, said the Rama VIII Bridge would help alleviate traffic congestion around the Pinklao and Thon Buri bridges by 25 to 30 per cent. During rush hour, some 100,000 vehicles cross Pinklao Bridge each hour. Furthermore, the engineering feat of this asymmetrical bridge - only the fifth of its kind in the world - is a formidable sight that will leave you spellbound by its grandeur, whether you walk across it or view it from afar.