Immortal path. That’s what Sommot Amon Mak Bridge means. It is a bridge with a divine name. The Sommot Amon Mak Bridge stands before you now. It crosses the Khlong Bang Lamphu canal. This bridge links the Samran Rat and Ban Bat districts of Bangkok.
Let’s journey back to the late 19th century. The original bridge here was made of steel. It was built around 1901. This design allowed it to be removed. Boats needed to pass through the canal.
Locals called it “Saphan Lek Pratu Phi”. This translates to “Iron Bridge at Ghost Gate”. The nearby area was known as “Pratu Phi”. This was a gate used to transport dead bodies. Corpses were moved from the inner city. They also came from within the Grand Palace. The west was considered the direction of the dead.
King Chulalongkorn, Rama V, saw the bridge’s deterioration. He ordered its restoration. The Department of Public Works rebuilt it. It became a concrete bridge. The king officially named it Sommot Amon Mak. This honored Prince Sawasdiprawat. The name means “way of the divine king”.
Look closely at the banisters. They showcase Ionic architecture. This is a striking feature. The Sommot Amon Mak Bridge is now a registered ancient monument of Bangkok.
Consider the area near the bridge in Pom Prap Sattru Phai. It’s known as Men Pun Intersection. This translates to “cement crematorium intersection”. This area is close to Wat Saket.
During the reigns of King Rama II and King Rama III, cholera epidemics struck Bangkok. Many people died. Cremations couldn’t happen fast enough. Bodies were left along roads and temple grounds. Vultures fed on them, a horrifying sight. Wat Sa Ket became the main cremation site. A cement crematorium was built nearby. The crematorium is gone now. But the name “Men Pun Intersection” remains.
The Sommot Amon Mak Bridge is more than just a crossing. It connects different parts of Bangkok. It eases traffic through the Samran Rat intersection. It stands as a testament to Bangkok’s history. The bridge has seen royal decrees and devastating epidemics. It has evolved from steel to concrete. Its name reflects both the practical and the sacred.
As you cross the Sommot Amon Mak Bridge, remember its story. It’s a story of iron and ghosts. It is also a story of kings and cholera. This bridge is a symbol of Bangkok’s enduring spirit.