Sao Chingcha, the Giant Swing is the imposing red swing in front of Wat Suthat, commissioned in 1784 by King Rama I. A symbol of the God Shiva, the Giant Swing hasn't actually been used since the beginning of the 20th century.

           Sao Chingcha represents the movement of the God Shiva and its usage was reserved purely for a spectacular game performed at grand ceremonies. Due to the danger and number of victims this performance produced each year the tradition was discontinued. Nowadays the red wooden frame is all that's left of this ceremonial apparatus along with the memories and stories of the deadly game.

          Young Brahmans, in teams of four would swing to the height of 25m from the ground in an attempt to grab bags of coins placed on top of the posts with their teeth. In the euphoria of this event, dedicated to the God Shiva and the zealous excesses of trying to be the most skilful, some of the intrepid young men would fall to their death. All traditions have their limits and this ceremony was finally abolished in 1935.
          Let not the end of this age old celebration deter followers of fine art from discovering Wat Suthat. Especially when the temple holds within its walls the largest wihara in Bangkok (Rattanakosin style - beginning of 19th century) a door carved by King Rama II himself and an impressive collection of Buddha images amongst other things.