Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
WALK 5
RAT TANAKOSIN INNER ISLAND 2
Along the Riverb-
ank
Along the Rattanakosin Island riverfront we find two universities, a couple of busy river
piers, two of the city's leading temples, and some classic late nineteenth century shophouses.
Duration: 1 hour
From Sanam Luang, facing the river, look for the narrow lane named Phra Chan Road,
which runs between Thammasat University and Wat Mahathat. Thammasat was foun-
ded in 1932 to service the new political system that was transforming the country, and at its
core are four old military buildings that once formed part of the Front Palace Outer Court.
Linked by a single roof the buildings are topped by an unmistakable tower, the symbol of
the university, taking its design from ancient Siamese forms that are to be found in the
north of the country. Underneath the tower is a clock, and the room directly beneath the
clock was the office of the founder, Pridi Banomyong, who was one of the leaders of the
People's Party that overthrew the absolute monarchy. At the entrance to Phra Chan Road is
a massive gate, and running along the entire northern side of the road is a white crenelated
wall that looks as if it belongs to the Grand Palace but which had originally surrounded the
palace of Prince Prachak Silpakorn, a son of Rama
IV
, who founded Udon Thani in the
northeast of Siam at a time when French colonialists were forcing the Siamese to concede
large areas of Laos that had been under the rule of Bangkok. The road itself is one of the
city's oldest thoroughfares, with little shops on the south side selling temple artefacts,
Buddhist amulets and civil service uniforms. On a Sunday morning the street, and indeed
