Once Upon a Time in Bangkok

A look back at a time when rickshaws and Buddhist temples dominated the city.

BY STEVE VAN BEEK | MAY 22, 2012

The Giant Swing was erected early in the 19th century for an annual ritual to honor the god Siva. Teams swung to great heights to snatch a bag of gold. In 1925, however, the rite was declared perilous and was abolished.

Curator: Steve Van Beek

 

Steve Van Beek is an author based in Thailand. His most recent book is Bangkok: Then and Now.