Ratchawong Road

Ratchawong Road between Suea Pa and Ratchawong Intersections, where the white Grand China Hotel stands on the corner

Ratchawong Road (Thai: ถนนราชวงศ์, RTGS: Thanon Ratchawong, pronounced [tʰā.nǒn râːt.tɕʰā.wōŋ], lit. 'dynasty road') is a road in Bangkok, Thailand. It is located in the area of Bangkok's Chinatown, or more locally known as Yaowarat.

History

Ratchawong Road was constructed during the reign of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V). It connects to Charoen Krung Road (also known as New Road) at its junction with Suea Pa Road, and continues past Yaowarat Road at a point officially known as Ratchawong Intersection. From there, the road leads to Ratchawong Pier on the bank of the Chao Phraya River, with a total length of approximately 700 m (0.4 mi).

In the past, Ratchawong Pier served as a major port for both passenger and cargo ships traveling between Bangkok and other provinces. The buildings along Ratchawong Road were owned by foreign merchants, including Chinese, Indian, and European nationals, who ran wholesale businesses in the area. Near Yaowarat Road, the area was once home to shopping centers and restaurants, many of which were famous for dishes like boiled rice and ice cream. These venues were popular among members of the noble class who came to dine regularly. One of the restaurants was even used as a planning site by a group of naval officers involved in the 1932 revolution.[1][2]

Today, some of the historic shops from that era can still be seen at the beginning of the road.[3] In contrast, the end of the road near the pier is now occupied by companies and commercial banks. In 1944, just before the end of World War II, this area became the first location of Bangkok Bank, which was founded and operated by Chin Sophonpanich. It continues to operate today as the Bangkok Bank, Ratchawong Branch.[4]

At that time, Ratchawong Road was considered the true commercial heart of Bangkok. Many major banks were located here, and the area's economic activity later expanded into nearby districts such as Suea Pa and Suan Mali, even reaching as far as Silom and Sathon, which were not yet the thriving business hubs they are today.[4]

In addition, the end of the road serves as the terminal point for BMA bus line (2-52) 204, which runs from Mo Chit 2 to Ratchawong Pier.

In early 2016, Ratchawong Road was ranked the best pedestrian street in Bangkok by the Urban Design and Development Center (UddC), thanks to its shaded sidewalks, lively street stalls, and vibrant shophouses that line both sides of the street.[5]

References

  1. ^ Peesalee, Virayudh (2016-08-05). "เมื่อในอดีต"คนชั้นสูง"ไม่กินอาหารค่ำนอกบ้าน และทำไมย่าน"ราชวงศ์"เป็นแหล่งดินเนอร์กลุ่มผู้ดี" [When in the past, "noble people" didn't eat dinner outside the house and why the "Ratchawong" neighbourhood was dinner place for gentry]. Prachachat (in Thai).
  2. ^ Nai Hon Huai (November 2012). ทหารเรือปฏิวัติ [Naval Revolt] (in Thai). Bangkok: Matichon Press. p. 53. ISBN 978-974-02-1025-2.
  3. ^ "เส้นทางท่องเที่ยว ถนนทรงวาด ท่าน้ำราชวงศ์ ย่านเยาวราช แหล่งการค้าเก่าแก่ และวัฒนธรรม ไทย จีน อิสลาม" [Travel routes, Song Wat road, Ratchawong pier, Yaowarat district, the old trade area and Thai, Chinese, Islamic cultures]. Chinatownyaowarach (in Thai).
  4. ^ a b Phanwiroj, Prawit (2002). คู่มือท่องเที่ยวไชน่าทาวน์ เสน่ห์เมืองจิ๋ว ทำเลมังกรทอง [Chinatown guidebook: charming small town, golden dragon location] (in Thai). Bangkok: Plan Printing. p. 74. ISBN 9747041278.
  5. ^ "ถนนราชวงศ์ อันดับ 1 น่าเดินมากที่สุดใน กทม" [Ratchawong road, no. 1, most worth walking in BKK]. MCOT (in Thai).

13°44′32.49″N 100°30′25.13″E / 13.7423583°N 100.5069806°E / 13.7423583; 100.5069806

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