Lost in translation? The name Bangkok is actually a shortened version. Its full ceremonial name holds the Guinness World Record for the longest place name in the world. But today, we are not going to pronounce it, since we are here at Wat Mali.
Welcome to Wat Mali. It is a Buddhist temple in Bangkok. Wat Mali offers a serene escape from the city’s hustle.
Wat Mali’s story begins in the 1770s. This was a time when Bangkok was becoming the capital in 1782. General Chao Phraya Chakkri founded the ruling Chakkri dynasty. He assumed the throne as Rama I after King Taksin’s deposition. Rama I moved the court to the east bank of the Chao Phraya River.
Bangkok was originally modeled on Ayutthaya. Rama I built the new city on the previous capital. The Grand Palace, government offices, the Front Palace and the Royal Temples reflect this. They were built by the river, next to the royal field, now Sanam Luang.
Centuries later, King Chulalongkorn modernized Bangkok. The city saw the introduction of electricity. Bangkok evolved into a modern metropolis.
Bangkok has been the cultural and commercial center of Thailand for a long time. Protests and coups have taken place on its streets throughout the years.
The city was once divided into two municipalities. Krung Thep was on the east bank. Thon Buri was on the west. They joined together as a city-province in 1971. By 1972, the city and two surrounding provinces united. They called it Krung Thep Maha Nakhon or Bangkok Metropolis.
During World War II, Allied forces bombed Bangkok. The Japanese were using Thailand to invade Malaysia and Burma. The attacks targeted installations used by the Japanese military. They aimed to pressure the Thai government to relinquish its alliance with Japan.
Originally, Bangkok’s transportation was water-based. Canals earned it the name Venice of the East. But as cars appeared, canals were filled to build roads. This led to more frequent flooding in the city.
In contrast to canals and congested roads, the BTS Skytrain launched. The Skytrain was the first mass transport system to combat traffic. It opened in December 1999.
The Metropolitan Rapid Transit or MRT subway system opened in 2004. It runs under Bangkok. The MRT Blue Line was the first to open as part of Bangkok’s second major metro system.
Remember to dress respectfully when visiting Wat Mali. This means covering your shoulders and knees. Remove your shoes before entering the temple’s buildings.
Take a moment to appreciate the intricate details. Notice the craftsmanship. Think about the history that has unfolded within these walls. Wat Mali is a testament to Bangkok’s rich cultural heritage. It offers a glimpse into the heart and soul of Thailand.