Bangkok Noi
Encyclopedia
Bangkok Noi is one of the 50 districts (Khet) of Bangkok
, Thailand
. Neighboring districts are (from north clockwise) Bang Phlat
, Phra Nakhon
(across Chao Phraya River
), Bangkok Yai
, Phasi Charoen
, and Taling Chan
.
on 15 October 1915. Originally named Amphoe Ammarin, it was renamed on 11 July 1916 to Amphoe Bangkok Noi to match with the historical name of the area. It became a khet in 1972 when Thonburi and Bangkok were merged together. Later on 9 November 1989 the Bang Phlat
district was created from four of Bangkok Noi's sub-districts, leaving Bangkok Noi with four remaining sub-districts: Siri Rat, Ban Chang Lo, Bang Khun Non, and Bang Khun Si. On 12 December 1991 a small part of Bang Phlat district was moved back to Bangkok Noi, creating the new Arun Amarin sub-district.
The National Museum of Royal Barges on the northern rim of Khlong Bangkok Noi near its mouth to the Chao Phraya River houses the royal barges, used for Thailand's Royal Barge Procession
s on very special events, like 200th anniversary of Bangkok or the 60th anniversary of the accession of King Bhumibol Adulyadej
.
On the other side of the khlong is the Siriraj Hospital
, which was the first western hospital in Thailand. It was originally named Wang Lang hospital, as it was built on the site of a palace (Thai: Wang), it was later renamed after Prince Siriraj Kakuta Bhandu, the beloved son of King Rama V
, who died of dysentery only 18 months old. The hospital also houses several exhibitions, like the forensic museum.
Directly next to the hospital is the Bangkok Noi railway station (or the former Thonburi railway station), which serves the trains to the west, especially to Kanchanaburi
. It was built in 1900 in European style. During World War II the Japanese used it as their logistics base and thus the station was destroyed. It was rebuilt in same style after the war. In 2003 the railway station was moved one kilometer westwards and the old building is now unused. The cleared space is allocated for expansion of the Siriraj hospital, however currently only used as a parking lot.
Wat Suwannaram Ratchaworawihan, also located at the southern rim of the Khlong, was originally called Wat Thong and dates back to Ayutthaya times. King Rama I
had the temple restored and renamed it to its present name. It was a royal cremation site in the early Bangkok period, however the cremation site has been torn down and is now the location of the Bangkok Noi district office. The temple is most famous due to the murals, which are considered the most artistic of that time. In the Suwannaram Witthayakhom School next to the temple is also the district museum.
Wat Rakhang Kositaram Woramahawihan is a major temple near the Chao Phraya river. It dates back to Ayutthaya
times, when it was named Bangwayai. During the renovations done by King Rama I a huge bell was found and moved to Wat Phra Kaew
, five smaller bells were installed in the temple as replacement. The bell also gave the temple its name, as Rakang is the Thai word for bell.
The only major shopping center is Central Plaza Pinklao with a Central Department Store
on Borom Rat Chonnani Road. Across the street from Central Pinklao is Major Cineplex
. The multiplex cinema, which is actually in Bang Phlat
district, is surrounded by many small shops selling low-cost clothes and other fashion items.
Supermarkets in the district include a Foodland and a Makro
store, both on Charan Sanitwong road.
The district is sub-divided into 5 sub-districts (Kwaeng).
Bangkok
Bangkok is the capital and largest urban area city in Thailand. It is known in Thai as Krung Thep Maha Nakhon or simply Krung Thep , meaning "city of angels." The full name of Bangkok is Krung Thep Mahanakhon Amon Rattanakosin Mahintharayutthaya Mahadilok Phop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom...
, Thailand
Thailand
Thailand , officially the Kingdom of Thailand , formerly known as Siam , is a country located at the centre of the Indochina peninsula and Southeast Asia. It is bordered to the north by Burma and Laos, to the east by Laos and Cambodia, to the south by the Gulf of Thailand and Malaysia, and to the...
. Neighboring districts are (from north clockwise) Bang Phlat
Bang Phlat
Bang Phlat is one of the 50 districts of Bangkok, Thailand. Its neighbor, clockwise from north, are Amphoe Bang Kruai of Nonthaburi Province, Bang Sue, Dusit, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok Noi, and Taling Chan districts of Bangkok.-History:...
, Phra Nakhon
Phra Nakhon
Phra Nakhon is one of the 50 districts of Bangkok, Thailand. It is the central district of Bangkok, including the Rattanakosin Island...
(across Chao Phraya River
Chao Phraya River
The Chao Phraya is a major river in Thailand, with its low alluvial plain forming the centre of the country. It runs through Bangkok, the capital city, and then empties into the Gulf of Thailand.-Etymology:...
), Bangkok Yai
Bangkok Yai
Bangkok Yai is one of the 50 districts of Bangkok, Thailand. Neighboring districts are Bangkok Noi, Phra Nakhon , Thon Buri, Phasi Charoen, and Taling Chan.-History:...
, Phasi Charoen
Phasi Charoen
Phasi Charoen is one of the 50 districts of Bangkok, Thailand. The district is bounded by other Bangkok districts : Taling Chan, Bangkok Noi, Bangkok Yai, Thon Buri, Chom Thong, Bang Bon, and Bang Khae.-History:...
, and Taling Chan
Taling Chan
Taling Chan is one of the 50 districts of Bangkok, Thailand. Its neighbor, clockwise from north, are Amphoe Bang Kruai of Nonthaburi Province, Bang Phlat, Bangkok Noi, Bangkok Yai, Phasi Charoen, Bang Khae, and Thawi Watthana districts of Bangkok....
.
History
Bangkok Noi was established as an amphoeAmphoe
An amphoe is the second level administrative subdivision of Thailand. Usually translated as district, amphoe make up the provinces, and are analogous to a county seat...
on 15 October 1915. Originally named Amphoe Ammarin, it was renamed on 11 July 1916 to Amphoe Bangkok Noi to match with the historical name of the area. It became a khet in 1972 when Thonburi and Bangkok were merged together. Later on 9 November 1989 the Bang Phlat
Bang Phlat
Bang Phlat is one of the 50 districts of Bangkok, Thailand. Its neighbor, clockwise from north, are Amphoe Bang Kruai of Nonthaburi Province, Bang Sue, Dusit, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok Noi, and Taling Chan districts of Bangkok.-History:...
district was created from four of Bangkok Noi's sub-districts, leaving Bangkok Noi with four remaining sub-districts: Siri Rat, Ban Chang Lo, Bang Khun Non, and Bang Khun Si. On 12 December 1991 a small part of Bang Phlat district was moved back to Bangkok Noi, creating the new Arun Amarin sub-district.
Places
Thailand's Royal Barge Procession
Thailand's Royal Barge Procession is a ceremony of both religious and royal significance which has been taking place for nearly 700 years. The exquisitely crafted Royal Barges are a blend of craftsmanship and traditional Thai art. The Royal Barge Procession takes place rarely, typically...
s on very special events, like 200th anniversary of Bangkok or the 60th anniversary of the accession of King Bhumibol Adulyadej
60th anniversary of the accession of Bhumibol Adulyadej
The Sixtieth Anniversary Celebrations of HM The King Bhumibol Adulyadej's Accession to the Throne 2006 The Sixtieth Anniversary Celebrations of HM The King Bhumibol Adulyadej's Accession to the Throne 2006 The Sixtieth Anniversary Celebrations of HM The King Bhumibol Adulyadej's Accession to the...
.
On the other side of the khlong is the Siriraj Hospital
Siriraj Hospital
Siriraj Hospital is the oldest hospital in Thailand, located in Bangkok on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River, opposite Thammasat University's Tha Phrachan campus...
, which was the first western hospital in Thailand. It was originally named Wang Lang hospital, as it was built on the site of a palace (Thai: Wang), it was later renamed after Prince Siriraj Kakuta Bhandu, the beloved son of King Rama V
Chulalongkorn
Phra Bat Somdet Phra Poramintharamaha Chulalongkorn Phra Chunla Chom Klao Chao Yu Hua , or Rama V was the fifth monarch of Siam under the House of Chakri. He was known to the Siamese of his time as Phra Phuttha Chao Luang . He is considered one of the greatest kings of Siam...
, who died of dysentery only 18 months old. The hospital also houses several exhibitions, like the forensic museum.
Directly next to the hospital is the Bangkok Noi railway station (or the former Thonburi railway station), which serves the trains to the west, especially to Kanchanaburi
Kanchanaburi Province
- History :Archaeology found in Kanchanaburi dates back to the 4th century which proves of trade with surrounding countries even in that time. Very little is also historically known about the actual Khmer influence in Kanchanaburi but there is evidence of their occupation with Prasat Muang Singh –...
. It was built in 1900 in European style. During World War II the Japanese used it as their logistics base and thus the station was destroyed. It was rebuilt in same style after the war. In 2003 the railway station was moved one kilometer westwards and the old building is now unused. The cleared space is allocated for expansion of the Siriraj hospital, however currently only used as a parking lot.
Wat Suwannaram Ratchaworawihan, also located at the southern rim of the Khlong, was originally called Wat Thong and dates back to Ayutthaya times. King Rama I
Buddha Yodfa Chulaloke
Phra Bat Somdet Phra Poramintharamaha Chakri Borommanat Phra Buddha Yodfa Chulaloke , posthumously titled "the Great", or Rama I , was the founder and the first monarch of the reigning House of Chakri of Siam . He ascended the throne in 1782, after defeating a rebellion which had deposed King...
had the temple restored and renamed it to its present name. It was a royal cremation site in the early Bangkok period, however the cremation site has been torn down and is now the location of the Bangkok Noi district office. The temple is most famous due to the murals, which are considered the most artistic of that time. In the Suwannaram Witthayakhom School next to the temple is also the district museum.
Wat Rakhang Kositaram Woramahawihan is a major temple near the Chao Phraya river. It dates back to Ayutthaya
Ayutthaya kingdom
Ayutthaya was a Siamese kingdom that existed from 1350 to 1767. Ayutthaya was friendly towards foreign traders, including the Chinese, Vietnamese , Indians, Japanese and Persians, and later the Portuguese, Spanish, Dutch and French, permitting them to set up villages outside the walls of the...
times, when it was named Bangwayai. During the renovations done by King Rama I a huge bell was found and moved to Wat Phra Kaew
Wat Phra Kaew
The Wat Phra Kaew is regarded as the most sacred Buddhist temple in Thailand. It is a "potent religio-political symbol and the palladium of Thai society". It is located in the historic centre of Bangkok , within the precincts of the Grand Palace.The main building is the central ubosoth, which...
, five smaller bells were installed in the temple as replacement. The bell also gave the temple its name, as Rakang is the Thai word for bell.
Traditional businesses
Bangkok Noi is known for several traditional goods and handicrafts, though most have disappeared.- In Trok Matoom opposite the Navy Dockyard baelBaelBael Bael (Aegle marmelos) Bael (Aegle marmelos) (Bengal quince, stone apple, Sanskrit : विल्व, Malayalam: കൂവളം, Bengali: বেল, Hindi: बेल (Sirphal), Marathi: बेल or कवीठ (Kaveeth), , Sindhi: ڪاٺ گدرو , Sinhalese: beli, Tamil: வில்வம் is a species of tree native to India...
fruits are boiled in syrup to make a special snack. The small side road (Trok) is named after the fruit, which is Matoom (มะตูม) in Thai. - Nearby Trok Khao Mao (lit. lane of shredded rice) is famous for producing shredded rice. The paddy gets immersed until it is soft, then roasted in a pan. It then get crushed in a mortar and mixed with rain tree leaves to give it green color. Finally it is winnow to separate out the chaffs. Due to the labor-intensive procedure there are only few producers left today.
- Ban Chang Lor is a community renowned for its casting of BuddhaBuddhismBuddhism is a religion and philosophy encompassing a variety of traditions, beliefs and practices, largely based on teachings attributed to Siddhartha Gautama, commonly known as the Buddha . The Buddha lived and taught in the northeastern Indian subcontinent some time between the 6th and 4th...
images. Originally the bodies of the images were made from plaster and covered with black lacquer, until finally gold leaves are put on it. Nowadays the plaster has been replaced with rubber mold, and the lacquer with car paint, but the craftmanship of the community is still unchanged. - Within the Ban Bu community were the only remaining producers of stone-polished bowls, an old technique dating back to Ayutthaya times. Such bowls ceased to be in daily use since the 1950s, thus the technique nearly disappeared. The bowls are now only collectors' items or bought as souvenirs. However, the last remaining shop burned down in 2004.
- A business inherited from the Muslim community of Ayutthaya are mattresses. However, as cotton-stuffed are no longer popular, such only few producers remain.
Shopping
Central Department Store
Central Department Store is a Thai department store chain, owned by Central Group.- History :Started in 1927, 22-year old Nitiang or Tiang Chirathivat, an immigrant from mainland China, travels the sea and settles down in then Siam and started a store in Bangkok named "Keng Seng Lee" or , which...
on Borom Rat Chonnani Road. Across the street from Central Pinklao is Major Cineplex
Major Cineplex
Major Cineplex Group Public Co. Ltd. is the largest operator of movie theaters in Thailand. Combined with its subsidiary, EGV Entertainment, the company has 258 screens in 32 locations. Among its properties is Thailand's largest multiplex, the Paragon Cineplex at Siam Paragon, with 16 screens and...
. The multiplex cinema, which is actually in Bang Phlat
Bang Phlat
Bang Phlat is one of the 50 districts of Bangkok, Thailand. Its neighbor, clockwise from north, are Amphoe Bang Kruai of Nonthaburi Province, Bang Sue, Dusit, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok Noi, and Taling Chan districts of Bangkok.-History:...
district, is surrounded by many small shops selling low-cost clothes and other fashion items.
Supermarkets in the district include a Foodland and a Makro
Makro
Makro is a Dutch chain of Warehouse clubs, also called cash and carries. The first one opened in 1968 in Amsterdam. In the following years more stores opened in the Netherlands and in several other countries within Europe. In the 1970s and 1980s Makro extended its business to the Americas and...
store, both on Charan Sanitwong road.
Symbols
The district seals shows the head of the royal barge Sri Suphunahongsa. The slogan of the district is Resonant Wat Rakang, historical Wang Lang, Royal barges and railway are renowned, lively khlong, inherited stone-polished bowl, Buddha image cast, and abundant ancient wats.Administration
| 1. | Siri Rat Siriraj Sub-district Siriraj is one of the 154 sub-districts of Bangkok, Thailand, covering the area around Siriraj Hospital, located on the southern rim of Khlong Bangkok Noi mouth to the western bank of the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok Noi district... |
ศิริราช |
| 2. | Ban Chang Lo | บ้านช่างหล่อ |
| 3. | Bang Khun Non | บางขุนนนท์ |
| 4. | Bang Khun Si | บางขุนศรี |
| 5. | Arun Ammarin | อรุณอมรินทร์ |