Khlong Prem Prachakon
| Khlong Prem Prachakon | |
|---|---|
 The starting point that connects Khlong Phadung Krung Kasem | |
| Specifications | |
| Length | 50 km (31 miles) |
| History | |
| Construction began | Rama V's reign |
| Geography | |
| Start point | Bangkok |
| End point | Ayutthaya |
| Connects to | Khlong Phadung Krung Kasem, Chao Phraya River |
Khlong Prem Prachakon (Thai: คลองเปรมประชากร, pronounced [kʰlɔ̄ːŋ prēːm prā.t͡ɕʰāː.kɔ̄ːn]) is a khlong (คลอง; canal) in central Thailand. It's considered to be the first canal dug in the reign of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V). It connects between Bangkok and Ayutthaya total distance 50,846 m. (about 50 km.).
Its name meaning "delighted citizen", it was canalize in 1869 completed in 1870, it takes 18 months[1], connecting Chao Phraya River from Khlong Phadung Krung Kasem in front of Wat Sommanas Rajavaravihara beside the Government House to Tambon Ko Yai, Ayutthaya Province. This canal flows through many districts comprising Dusit, Bang Sue, Chatuchak, Lak Si, Don Mueang of Bangkok and Mueang Pathum Thani, Sam Khok of Pathum Thani, until ending in Bang Pa-In in Ayutthaya. The aim of this canal is to have two reasons viz shorten the route between Rattanakosin (now Bangkok) and Ayutthaya, with expand the area of cultivation. Because in those days it was a jungle area, no people dare to cultivate or live. It's full of fierce wild elephants.
Once completed, His Majesty the King gave the official name and graciously have a celebration.[1] It's considered a canal that is dug up without any fees or taxes for the excavation of the canal for the benefit of the public.[2]
Moreover, the name of Lak Si is derived from the milestone along the canal in the past. There are periodic milestones[1] and their numbering sequence has become the places name of its present location.[3]
References
- ^ a b c Baray (2011-11-24). "เรื่องของคลองเปรมฯ" [Story about Khlong Prem]. Thairath. Retrieved 2018-06-19.
- ^ "คลองเปรมประชากร" [Khlong Prem Prachakon]. Daily News (in Thai). 2015-03-20. Retrieved 2018-06-19.
- ^ "คลองเปรมฯถนนการค้า ที่มาเขตหลักสี่...หลักหก" [Khlong Prem the trade road origin of Lak Si District...Lak Hok]. Thairath (in Thai). 2019-07-06. Retrieved 2019-07-07.