Picture by Mike's friend The Old Hippy.
The Monument of Phaya Surin Phakdi Si Narong Changwang (Pum). อนุสาวรีย์พระยาสุรินทรภักดีศรีณรงค์จางวาง (ปุม).
This is a statue of Surin’s traditional founder and first mayor, Phaya Surin. The black, brass statue is 2.2 metres high, and was dedicated in 1968.
The statue is located at the southern entrance to the city, at what is now a major traffic round-about, but was in the past, the inner wall of the city.
Pum stands on a high plinth, and is depicted holding a with curve-blade pike in right hand. This is a traditional device used to control an elephant. The pike reflects his legendary skill in controlling war elephants, and recognises the important of the role of elephants in both the history and economy of Surin. (Text taken from Wiki)
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You will notice many Thais from Surin will wai this statue as they pass by it. Pum is revered in Surin and is highly respected. - Mike