How long do you think it took to build this bridge? Today we are standing before the magnificent Phra Sit 1 Bridge. It is a bascule bridge over the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok.
Phra Sit 1 Bridge links Phra Nakhon and Thonburi districts. The bridge’s history is quite interesting. It officially opened on April 6, 1932. King Prajadhipok Rama VII opened it. This commemorated the Chakri dynasty’s 150th anniversary. It also marked the foundation of Bangkok. This happened shortly before the Siamese coup. It was a very turbulent time.
The Phra Sit 1 Bridge is known as Memorial Bridge in English. However, in Thai it is most commonly called Phra Phutthayotfa Bridge. This is after King Phutthayotfa Chulalok. He was also known as Rama 1. He was the first king of the Chakri dynasty. Locals often shorten the name to Saphan Phut. It is also known as Phut Bridge or Buddha Bridge. Each name reflects its cultural significance.
Construction on Phra Sit 1 Bridge began on December 3, 1929. Dorman Long from Middlesbrough, England built it. Italian technicians from SNOS oversaw the work. The Società Nazionale Officine Savignano played a crucial role. The bridge featured a double-leaf bascule lifting mechanism. Sadly, it is no longer used.
World War II impacted the Phra Sit 1 Bridge. On June 5, 1944, Bangkok was bombed. B-29 Superfortresses targeted the bridge. These were tests before deployment against Japan. The bombs missed. They landed over two kilometers away. Some tram lines were damaged. A Japanese military hospital and secret police headquarters were destroyed. It was not until 1947 that Thai authorities learned of the bridge being the target. The Allies eventually struck and the bridge was rebuilt in 1949.
The Phra Sit 1 Bridge stretches 678 meters. Its longest span measures 78 meters. The clearance below is 7.3 meters. It accommodates three lanes of roadway and pedestrians.
Locals often visit Phra Sit 1 Bridge to relax. They enjoy the sunset or feel the breeze. The unique steel architecture makes it special. People sit and watch the sunset through the steel spokes. It connects people and districts and provides scenic views. The Phra Sit 1 Bridge remains a vital link in Bangkok. It is a testament to history, engineering, and community.