A question hangs in the air here in Phaya Thai District. How can a place be so central yet hold so many stories within its boundaries? Phaya Thai District is a key part of Bangkok. It is a district that has evolved significantly over time.
Phaya Thai was established in 1966. It was formed from parts of Dusit and Bang Kapi Districts. The district gets its name from Phaya Thai Palace. King Rama V ordered its construction in 1909.
Over the years, Phaya Thai has seen many changes. In 1973, Huai Khwang became its own district. In 1978, there were boundary adjustments among Phaya Thai, Huai Khwang and Bang Kapi. Then in 1989, Ratchathewi District was created from Phaya Thai’s southern part. In 1993, eastern sections became part of Din Daeng. Now, Phaya Thai has one sub-district which is Sam Sen Nai.
Phaya Thai Road is now located in Ratchathewi and Pathum Wan. Phaya Thai BTS Station is also in Ratchathewi. It sits on Phaya Thai Road. During King Rama VI’s reign, Phaya Thai hosted many military cantonments. The area was also known as “Sanam Pao”. This name came from the original name of Phaholyothin Road. This road is a main route through the area.
Phaya Thai today is home to important government offices. These include the Government Savings Bank and the Ministry of Finance. Also located here are the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment. The Royal Thai Army occupies a large eastern section. This area includes the Army Stadium and Channel 5. Channel 5 is a military-owned television station. Wat Phai Tan is Phaya Thai’s only Buddhist temple.
Saphan Khwai is a populated area within Phaya Thai. You will find many shops, apartments and a BigC shopping center here. The Thai Philatelic Museum is behind the Samsen Nai post office. It was renovated and moved here in December 2004. The museum displays awards won by Thai philatelists. These awards are from international competitions. You can also see copies of winning entries, posters of rare Thai stamps and winning stamp designs.
Getting around Phaya Thai is easy. There are three BTS skytrain stations. These are Sanam Pao, Ari and Saphan Khwai. The Bang Sue MRT station is in the district’s northwest corner. Sam Sen railway station is also in Phaya Thai. Every train, except those on the Eastern Line, passes through here. They pass before arriving at or departing from Hua Lamphong railway station. The rail tracks divide Phaya Thai’s Phaya Thai Sub-district and Dusit’s Thanon Nakhon Chai Si Sub-district.
Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra started his career at Phaya Thai Police Station. However, the Phaya Thai Police Station is actually in Ratchathewi.
Phaya Thai District is more than just a place on a map. It is a place where history, government, military and everyday life come together. As we leave Phaya Thai, remember its dynamic history. Also remember how it has shaped and been shaped by Bangkok.