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Wat Yannawa, an ancient temple situated along the Chao Phraya River on Charoen Krung Road in the Yannawa District, traces its origins back to the Ayutthaya period. Originally named Wat Khok Khwai, the temple was elevated to the status of a royal monastery during the Thonburi era and renamed Wat Khok Krabue. During the reign of King Rama I, a new ordination hall was constructed within its grounds.
During the reign of King Rama III, His Majesty commanded the restoration of the temple and commissioned the construction of a Chinese junk-shaped chedi, replacing the traditional stupa design. This was intended to preserve the memory of Chinese junks, which were becoming obsolete in Thailand. Consequently, Wat Khok Krabue was renamed Wat Yannawa, or "The Junk Temple."
The ordination hall, built during the reign of King Rama I, features significant murals behind its doors. In the reign of King Rama III, additional murals were painted, depicting a large Krathong (floating basket) used in the royal Loi Krathong ceremony and a ceremonial rice dish (Thoy Ya Khu), served during royal merit-making rituals in His Majesty’s era.
The Sampao Yannawa (Yannawa Junk) measures 21 wa and 2 sok in length from the figurehead to the stern on its upper structure and 18 wa and 1 sok at its base on the ground. It is 4 wa and 3 sok wide at its center and 2 wa and 3 sok in height. The vessel houses two chedis—one large and one small—within its frame. In the junk’s cabin, statues of Prince Vessantara and his children, Kanha and Jali, are enshrined. These figures reflect the essence of the Mahachat Kham Luang, a significant Buddhist scripture. The story narrates how Prince Vessantara inspired his children to dedicate themselves to noble deeds alongside their father, symbolizing the junk as a grand vessel guiding humanity across the turbulent ocean of suffering toward Nirvana.
The Central Post Office Building in Bang Rak, Bangkok, stands as an architectural landmark imbued with deep symbolic meaning. At the front façade of this historic building, six pillars on both wings flank the central entrance. These pillars represent the six core principles of the Khana Ratsadon (People's Party), namely Independence, Security, Economy, Equality, Liberty, and Education.
Atop the central pediment of the building, two Garudas, prominently positioned at the northern and southern corners, capture attention. These sculptures, known as Garuda Yut Traengon, were crafted by students of the sculpture department at Silpakorn School of Fine Arts under the supervision of Professor Silpa Bhirasri. The Garudas are grand three-dimensional plaster sculptures, three times the size of a human figure. They are a creative adaptation of the Garuda Pha, a royal emblem from the reign of King Rama III, combined with the Traengon, a symbol of the Department of Posts and Telegraphs. Designed with anatomical precision, the Garudas stand in a powerful stance with outstretched wings, exhibiting muscular strength and commanding presence, embodying the idealized physical form of the era.
Constructed in the modernist Neo-Classical architectural style popular in the West at the time, the Central Post Office Building eschews elaborate decorations and intricate details characteristic of earlier Thai architecture. Its construction began on March 1, 1935, with a clean, rectangular design that highlights simplicity and functionality.
This building holds significant historical value in the Bang Rak district of Bangkok. It once served as the British Consulate and the headquarters of the Department of Posts and Telegraphs. The structure, a remarkable example of international architectural style and grandeur, was designed by Jitrasen Aphaiwong (Mew Aphaiwong), the architect of the Thammasat University Dome, and Phrasarot Rattananimman (Sarot Sukayang), the co-designer.
Today, the Central Post Office Building functions as a venue for exhibitions organized by Thailand Post, a local post office for the Bang Rak district, and as the headquarters of the Thailand Creative and Design Center (TCDC).
Talad Noi, An Ancient District in Bangkok's History
Talad Noi, a historic neighborhood in Bangkok, emerged from the commercial expansion of the Sampeng area during the early Rattanakosin period. Originally, this area was home to a Chinese community that had established their residences along the Chao Phraya River. As trade and commerce flourished, the neighborhood transformed into a bustling marketplace known among the Chinese as “Talak Gia” or “Talad Noi” (Little Market).
Approximately 300 years ago, during the early Rattanakosin era, Talad Noi served as an economic hub for Bangkok. Its residents were initially separated from the Kudi Chin neighborhood, having migrated aboard Chinese junks. At that time, the population was relatively sparse. However, as the Sampeng and Yaowarat areas flourished and developed into major trade centers, Chinese immigrants of various origins, including Hainanese, Teochew, Hakka, Cantonese, and Hokkien, began settling in the adjacent Talad Noi area.
These settlers primarily engaged in trade and commerce, establishing family-run businesses that were passed down through generations. Over time, some descendants of these pioneering families remained in the area, preserving its cultural heritage, while others relocated to different parts of the city. Today, Talad Noi stands as a testament to the vibrant history and enduring legacy of Bangkok's Chinese community.
These settlers primarily engaged in trade and commerce, establishing family-run businesses that were passed down through generations. Over time, some descendants of these pioneering families remained in the area, preserving its cultural heritage, while others relocated to different parts of the city. Today, Talad Noi stands as a testament to the vibrant history and enduring legacy of Bangkok's Chinese community.
Asiatique The Riverfront, was originally the site of Wat Phayakai, which was later transformed into a port operated by the Danish East Asiatic Company during the reign of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V). The area was developed with warehouses, a sawmill, and the installation of large machinery. A cargo port was also constructed, serving as a gateway for international trade between Thailand and Europe. During the Greater East Asia War, the Japanese military seized the port and warehouses of the East Asiatic Company to use as a military base and armory, remnants of which still exist today.
In 2012, the site underwent redevelopment into a shopping and lifestyle destination under the concept of a "Festival Market and Living Museum." It has since become a popular tourist attraction and shopping venue, celebrated for its scenic riverfront location. A highlight of the site is the "Asiatique Sky," the largest Ferris wheel in Thailand, standing at 60 meters tall. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of Bangkok’s skyline from its heights, offering a unique perspective of the city.
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