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Description: |
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Khlong Phadung Krung Kasem is a canal (khlong) in Bangkok. It
was dug in 1851 in order to serve as a new outer moat for the
expanding city, extending its boundaries from the Rattanakosin
Island to the north and east.
When the city of Rattanakosin
(the formal name of the capital city today known as Bangkok) was
founded by King Phutthayotfa Chulalok (Rama I) in 1782, it was
set within fortified walls, and Khlong Rop Krung was constructed
as a moat to protect the city's eastern flank. The Chao Phraya
River formed a natural barrier to the west. By the time of King
Mongkut (Rama IV)'s reign, the city had outgrown its original
area, and in 1851 the King ordered the digging of another canal,
roughly parallel to the old moat, from Wat Thewarat Kunchon to
Wat Kaeo Fa. The construction, headed by Chaophraya Si
Suriyawong, was completed the following year, and the King named
the canal Khlong Phadung Krung Kasem, roughly meaning "the canal
upholding the city's happiness". As the political climate and
military practices had vastly changed by then, defensive walls
were no longer deemed necessary, although seven forts were
nevertheless built along the canal (plus one on the western bank
opposite the canal's mouth). The expansion more than doubled the
city area, to 5,552 rai (8.883 km2; 3.430 sq mi). |
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