Hollywood in Los Angeles in Los Angeles County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Gateway to Thai Town
Apsonsi - Thai Angel Statue
Presented to the people of Los Angeles by the Thai Community Development Center and the Thai Town Formation Committee, June 15, 2007, with funding from the Department of Public Works and the Redevelopment Agency of the City of Los Angeles.
The Apsonsi, or Thai angels, are one of the many hybrid creatures depicted in ancient Southeast Asian folklore. These mythical half-woman, half-lion figures are protectors against harm in ancient Thai literature. They stand at the four corners of Thai Town as symbolic guardians of the people.
The installation of this Apsonsi was a gift to the City of Los Angeles from the Royal Thai Government.
Erected 2007 by Thai Community Development Center.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Asian Americans • Settlements & Settlers.
Location. 34° 6.112′ N, 118° 18.498′ W. Marker is in Los Angeles, California, in Los Angeles County. It is in Hollywood. It is on Hollywood Boulevard just east of Western Avenue, on the left when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 5455 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles CA 90027, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in California’s Transverse Ranges. It is also on the American Pacific Coast. Globally, it is in North America, on the Ring of Fire, in the Pacific Rim, in the Western Hemisphere, in the Western World, and in the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain and also Mexicos Alta California.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Hollywood-Western Building (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct
this page online
Regarding Gateway to Thai Town. The statue depicts a 6-foot tall bronze apsonsi "apson" is Thai for "angel" and "si" means "lion". These four apsonsi were all made in Thailand and were transported to Los Angeles by Thai Airways.
The name of the capital of Thailand - Bangkok - is an abbreviated form of a phrase which is translated as "City of The Angels", just like the City of Los Angeles.
Thai Town has the largest concentration of Thai people outside of Thailand.
Photographed by Craig Baker (CC0), June 18, 2023
4. Gateway to Thai Town Statue
Another monument, on the south side of the street.
Photographed by Craig Baker (CC0), June 18, 2023
6. Gateway to Thai Town Statue
Two blocks east, near Hobart Blvd.
Credits. This page was last revised on December 8, 2025. It was originally submitted on June 19, 2023, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. This page has been viewed 1,400 times since then and 88 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on June 19, 2023, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California.
