Here stands the Thon Buri District Office. It is more than just a place for paperwork. It is a landmark in a district with a rich and complex past.
The Thon Buri District Office serves one of Bangkok’s 50 districts. Thon Buri sits on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River. It was once part of Thon Buri province. The province was merged with Bangkok in 1971.
Let’s take a quick look at Thon Buri’s story. This area became home to many foreigners quite early. First came Chinese merchants. Then came the Portuguese after Ayutthaya fell in 1767. Muslims and Mon people from Burma also settled here. French priests arrived too. They settled particularly in the Kudi Chin area. Today you can still find Chinese shrines and mosques here. You can also visit Santa Cruz Church. It was the second Catholic church built in Thailand.
Now about the name. This district was first called Ratchakhrue. This was due to a nearby wat of the same name. On July 11, 1916 it was renamed Bang Yi Ruea. This name came from the location of the new district office. Finally on April 17, 1939 it became Thon Buri.
The Thon Buri District is further divided into seven sub-districts called khwaeng. These include Wat Kanlaya. There is also Hiran Ruchi and Bang Yi Ruea. Other sub-districts are Bukkhalo, Talat Phlu, Dao Khanong and Samre.
Look around. Note that the Thon Buri District Office isn’t the only notable place here. Close by you can find the Taksin Monument and Wongwian Yai. You can also visit Wat Kanlaya and Wat Intharam. Santa Cruz Church is another interesting landmark.
Getting around Thon Buri is pretty easy. Wongwian Yai is a major bus hub on the Chao Phraya River’s west side. The Bangkok Skytrain also serves the district. You can use the Pho Nimit, Talat Phlu and Wutthakat stations. The Wongwian Yai station is just outside the district in Khlong San.
The Thon Buri District Office plays an important role. It helps to administer a place with a vibrant past. From its early foreign settlers to its modern Skytrain lines, Thon Buri is a blend of old and new. As you continue your journey through Bangkok, remember the story of Thon Buri. Remember how it grew from a garrison town to a key part of Thailand’s capital.