Samranrat Sub District

POSTCODE: 10200

Samran Rat is one of twelve sub-districts that constitute Phra Nakhon District. Phra Nakhon has the most sub-districts of any district in Bangkok. Unlike some of the other sub-districts in Phra Nakhon, Samran Rat sits in the middle between four canals including Rop Krung Canal well away from the Chao Phraya River.

Samran Rat is sometimes referred to as Pratu Phi or ghosts gate. This is because during the time of Rattanakosin, dead bodies were transported through here for cremation at Wat Saket which is located on the other side of the Rop Krung Canal. The area was later renamed to Samran Rat which means something like happy resident but the name Pratu Phi is still in use by people to this day.

Samran Rat is thought to be where the first pawnshop in Thailand opened. It first opened during the reign of King Rama IV.

Sitting on one corner of the rectangular shaped sub-district is Rommaninat Park. It is sometimes referred to as Khuk Kao or old prison as it is located where Klong Prem Prison previously stood. It is bordered by canals on two sides and can be reached from Pom Prap over the canal by taking Luang Road. The park occupies around 29 rai or 11 acres.

Inside the park are the remains of what was the Bangkok Corrections Museum. What remains are some of the guard towers part of the main wall and a cell block. There is no confirmation when or even if it will be reopening.