Thonburi District

SUB DISTRICTS: Wat Kanlaya, Hiran Ruchi, Bang Yi Ruea, Bukkhalo, Talat Phlu, Samre, Dao Kanong

AREA: 8.551 km2 (3.302 sq mi)

POPULATION: 109,482 (2017)

POSTCODE: 10600

Thon Buri District is on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River and was once part of the Thon Buri Province until it merged with Bangkok Province in 1971. Initially named Amphoe Ratchakhrue associating itself to a nearby wat of that name. Following an administrative move, it was renamed in 1916 to Amphoe Bang Yi Ruea and then Thon Buri in 1939

The first non-Thai settlers in this area were Chinese merchants. After the fall of Ayutthaya in 1769, additional setters including Portuguese and Muslims and Mon from Burma. French priests settled mostly in and around the neighborhood of Khudi Chin. The district still has many Chinese shrines, mosques as well as the Sanat Cruz Catholic Church which was the second Catholic Church to be built in Thailand.

Wongwian Yai is one of the most well known features in Thon Buri. It features a statue of King Thaksin - King of Thonburi Kingdom, and is a major traffic intersection in Bangkok. In addition to being a hub for buses and minivans, Wongwian Yai is served by the BTS Skytrain and Wongwian Yai Railway station. There are several markets, shops, cinemas and department stores and restaurants as well as Thai leather traders positioned opposite the railway station.

There are many things to do in Thon Buri including taking a tour on the Thon Buri Canals or Khlongs. For something completely different, consider visiting the Foensic Museum in Siriraj Hospital. This features some graphic though interesting content with exhibits and specimens used by medical students in their studies.