The Giant Swing – Daredevil Men
Years ago, when I first noticed the red structure made of thick tree trunks in front of Wat Suthat, I had no idea what people meant by “Giant Swing.” I see it differently now, because there’s a fascinating story behind it.
Duration: approx. [3:05]
As of April 2026
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Audio Transcript
When I first saw the Giant Swing , I have to admit I was a little disappointed.
There were just two long red poles with a crossbar, and I thought, well, okay. Only later did I understand the story behind this place. And ever since, I’ve looked at these swings in a completely different way.
From 1784 onwards, a spectacle was held here every year in early December, something hard to imagine today: a ceremony in honor of the Hindu god Shiva.
As a child, I loved the swinging ship ride at the fair. My brother and I would get it swinging higher and higher—maybe a meter or two—and even that felt thrilling.
The Giant Swing was about something entirely different.
The swing was 24 m high.
A long, narrow swing board hung from it, attached only by ropes.
Four young men stood on this board.
One at the front, one at the back, and two in between.
Together, they tried to get the swing going faster and faster. Their goal was daring.
A small pouch containing silver coins was hanging about 15 metres up.
They had to grab this little bag with their teeth.
The first group was paid twelve silver coins, the second ten, and the third eight.
It may not sound like much today, but back then it was a small fortune for ordinary people.
To reach the little pouch, the wobbly plank had to be nearly upright in the air.
Imagine that for a moment.
Four men, a narrow plank, ropes, 15 meters up, and a huge crowd below following every swing. If the swing rose too high, it could suddenly lose its grip. Then the men would plunge to the ground.
And that is exactly what kept happening. There were serious accidents and even fatalities.
It wasn’t until 1935 that it was decided this risk could no longer be justified. The ceremony was banned.
The swing itself, however, remained as a symbol of an ancient royal tradition. Originally made from massive teak trunks, it was repeatedly battered by rainstorms and even struck by lightning.
That’s why it had to be rebuilt several times. In 2007, it was decided to completely rebuild the Giant Swing.
To find them, people searched throughout the country for particularly straight, strong teak trunks.
They were eventually found in the northern province of Phrae. In 2009, the new swing was officially opened by King Bhoumiphol Adulyadej.
Today, the Giant Swing is recognized as a national cultural landmark.
And now, standing in front of it, I no longer see just two red poles.