Bangyiruea Sub District

DISTRICT: Thon Buri

AREA:  1.523 km2

POSTCODE: 10600

Bang Yi Ruea sub-district sits along Khlong Bangkok Yai. Its border ends near Wongwian Yai, and the Pho Nimit BTS Skytrain station is just over the border. At 1.523 km2 it occupies about 17.5% of the total area of its parent district Thon Buri.

The area occupied by Bang Yi Ruea was originally known as Bang Sakae. This roughly means hamlet of combretum. The combretum is small tree often planted along waterways. The trees when densely populated make a good place to hide.

So, this was then a hiding place used to fire at the Burmese army’s boats. The name was changed to Bang Ying Ruea which literally means “hiding to fire a boat” The name was later changed to Bang Yi Ruea.

The sub-district is home to the Mon. These people came to escape the war in Burma. The Mon are well and truly a part of Thailand. The current Royal Family of Thailand are of eastern Mon ancestry.

The area of Bang Yi Ruea that borders Khlong Bangkok Yai is the location of the Thonburi District office and the Bang Yi Ruea Metropolitan police station. The area also includes Wat Intharam and Wat Werurachin.

Wat Intharam dates back to the time of King Taksin. It is believed that it may contain his relics. It was certainly an important place in his life as his mother was cremated at this Wat. It was a place of meditation for King Taksin, and many people come here to pay their respect.