Do you see those five-headed Naga sculptures? They mark each corner of the Charoen Rat 32 Bridge. This bridge has a story to tell. It stands over Khlong Maha Nak canal. The canal cuts across Khlong Phadung Krung Kasem. This area is known as Bobae. Bobae is a hub for cheap clothes in Bangkok.
Charoen Rat 32 Bridge is more than just a crossing. It is a piece of Bangkok’s history. Khlong Maha Nak becomes Khlong Saen Saep past this point. Khlong Saen Saep is Thailand’s longest man-made waterway.
King Rama VI ordered the building of the Charoen Rat 32 Bridge. It was for the benefit of the public. The bridge was built on the occasion of his birthday. It was the second in the Charoen bridge series. The first was Charoenrat 31 Bridge. It is in the Pak Khlong Talat area.
From Charoen Rat 32 Bridge, you can see Wat Saket’s Golden Mount. You also see the mustard-yellow and green roof of Masjid Mahanak. The Masjid stands out. It is amid half-timbered and concrete houses. This Islamic house of worship has a long history. Its communities are among Bangkok’s oldest Muslim communities. Their ancestors helped dig Khlong Maha Nak and Khlong Saen Saep. This was over 200 years ago during the early Rattanakosin period.
The Charoen Rat 32 Bridge is 30 meters long and 10.73 meters wide. The bridge is made of concrete. It is decorated with steel.
Look closely at the five-headed Naga sculptures. They stand proudly on the bridge. These mythical creatures add a touch of magic. They reflect Thai art.
Charoen Rat 32 Bridge opened on December 31 1912. It was built about 100 years after the reign of King Rama V. Prince Devawongse Varopakar helped to build it. He was in charge of the foreign affairs.
As you stand on Charoen Rat 32 Bridge, take in the sights. Notice the Golden Mount and Masjid Mahanak. Think about the people who built this bridge. They shaped Bangkok’s waterways. The Charoen Rat 32 Bridge connects history culture and faith.