Bangkok Airport’s Majestic Samudra Manthan Statue Leaves Indians Spellbound: ‘Why Ours Don’t Have This?’

Last Updated:October 28, 2025, 10:33 IST

Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport isn’t just a travel hub; it is a stunning showcase of Thailand’s spiritual and cultural roots.

Its highlight is the Samudra Manthan sculpture of gods and demons churning the ocean. (Photo Credit: Instagram)

Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport could be one of Southeast Asia’s busiest travel hubs, but it is a striking reflection of Thailand’s cultural heritage. Opened in 2006, the airport’s name, Suvarnabhumi, means “Golden Land", a title given by King Bhumibol Adulyadej to honour the region’s ancient history.

Beyond its sleek design and modern infrastructure, the airport tells a deeper story, one rooted in myth, art and spiritual symbolism.

The first thing many travellers notice isn’t the duty-free stores or departure gates, it is the breathtaking sculpture at the heart of the terminal. The massive artwork depicts Samudra Manthan, also known as the Churning of the Ocean of Milk, a story from Hindu mythology in which gods and demons came together to create Amrita, the nectar of immortality.

The Iconic Samudra Manthan Display

At the centre of the sculpture stands Mount Mandara, with the serpent Vasuki wrapped around it. The gods pull from one side and the demons from the other, while Lord Vishnu presides over the cosmic event, seated on the serpent.

Designed in a Thai artistic style, this grand installation is more than decoration; it is a symbol of balance and faith. The statue not only draws tourists but also reflects the cultural exchange between India and Thailand over centuries. It is a reminder that art and mythology often travel farther than borders, and continue to unite different parts of Asia through shared stories.

Vishnu and Garuda Stand Guard

The airport’s spiritual touches don’t end there. Inside Suvarnabhumi, another grand sculpture, that of Garuda, the divine eagle and mount of Vishnu, stands tall. In Thai culture, Garuda represents strength, protection and authority, which is why it is also the national emblem of Thailand.

Travellers walking through the terminal will notice how Hindu and Buddhist influences blend seamlessly. From murals and carvings to small details in architecture, Suvarnabhumi feels less like a transport hub and more like a gallery celebrating centuries of shared heritage.

How Hinduism Shaped Thai Culture

Though Thailand is now largely Buddhist, its early culture was deeply influenced by Hinduism. Around the first millennium CE, Indian traders and scholars brought Sanskrit, customs and deities to the region. Over time, these ideas mixed with local beliefs, shaping Thai traditions and art.

Even today, Hindu gods such as Vishnu (Phra Narai), Shiva (Phra Isuan), Brahma (Phra Phrom) and Ganesh (Phra Phikanet) are widely respected. In Bangkok, the Erawan Shrine dedicated to Lord Brahma is one of the city’s most popular spiritual landmarks, while Garuda statues appear across government buildings as symbols of divine protection.

Here’s How Social Media Reacted

People were full of praise for the magnificent sculpture at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport. Many admired how beautifully it showcased Hindu mythology.

A user commented, “Jai Shree Krishna," while another wrote, “Jai Shree Hari." Some even compared it to Indian airports, with one remarking, “Why don’t our airports have anything like this? Respect for Bangkok." A person added, “Hope we get to see something like this in an Indian airport in the near future."

News viral Bangkok Airport’s Majestic Samudra Manthan Statue Leaves Indians Spellbound: ‘Why Ours Don’t Have This?’

Read More