Bowonniwet Sub District

POPULATION: 4,837 (2017)

POSTCODE: 10200

One of twelve sub-districts of Phra Nakhon District is Bowon Niwet. It is irregularly shaped with a population of 4,837. This represents 9.4% of the districts total population. Bowon Niwet has many distinctive places, but perhaps none is more important than Wat Bowonniwet Vihara as it is the final resting place of King Bhumibol Adulyadej.

This historic temple was opened in 1829. A number of Thai Kings resided here during there monkhood years including King Rama VI, King Rama VII and King Rama IX. The ashes and artifacts of Thai royals are housed in a golden chedi at the shrine of the temple.

If you are interested in viewing the works of Thai artists then be sure to visit the Queen Sirikit Gallery or Queens Gallery. It officially opened in 2003 and occupies some 3,700 square metres over five floors. The gallery showcases works by established Thai artists as well as next generation artists. The gallery is open from 8:30 am to 15:30 pm and there is a nominal entry fee of 20 THB.

Democracy Monument is located near the centre of Bowon Niwet. The Monument which opened in 1939 to celebrate the Siamese Revolution of 1932. The revolution is what let to the formation of the a constitutional monarchy in the then Kingdom of Siam. Many people were unhappy with the works carried out to build the monument. Many residents and business owners were forced to vacate following a 60 day notification. Additionally, hundreds of shade trees were felled in order to widen the road.