Tag: Phra Racha Wang Derm (Thon Buri Palace) and Wichai Prasit Fort

Bangkok attractions: Khlong Bang Luang (Khlong Bangkok Yai), Phra Racha Wang Derm (Thon Buri Palace) and Wichai Prasit Fort, Wat Hong Rattanaram Ratcha Woravihara, Wat Ratcha Orasaram Ratchawora Vihara, Kudi Charoen Phat, Tonson Mosque, Khun Luang Rit Narongron Museum, Wat Sai Area Wat Nang Rajaworawihan Wat Nang Nong Woravihara. Khlong Bang Luang (Khlong Bangkok Yai) Photo credit: sarakadee.com It was an old community since the Ayutthaya period. Khlong Bang Luang was a part of Chao Phraya River until there was canal dredging in the Ayutthaya period between 1534-1546. It became a canal the same as Khlong Bangkok Noi and Khlong Chak Phra. Photo credit: bkknowconnect .com The other name of Khlong Bangkok Yai is Khlong Bang Luang that comes from the nobleman who moved to live near Khlong Bangkok Yai that is near the Thon Buri, the new capital in Somdet Phra Chao Taksin period. Villagers called it Khlong Bang Ka Luang and shorten the name to Khlong Bang Luang and we can see the ways of old life such as one--floor homes and old temples in this area. Phra Racha Wang Derm (Thon Buri Palace) and Wichai Prasit Fort Photo credit: ข่าวสด The fort was built before the palace. It was formerly named Wichayen after Chao Phraya Wichayen (Constantine Phaulkon), the Greek who closely served King Narai of Ayutthaya. Phraya Wichayen was the one who begged the King to build the fort as a defensive measure against Hollanda marine force. When King Taksin ascended the throne, he built the palace near the fort, and renamed it as 'Wicahi Prasit Fort', where he later was executed. The palace became the residence for many generations of Chakri dynasty royal family. In King Rama V's period, the palace became Royal Thai Naval Academy. In 1955, Royal Thai Navy renovated the palace to be the Royal Thai Navy