Watsamphraya Sub District

DISTRICT: Phra Nakhon

POSTCODE: 10200

Wat Sam Phraya is one of the twelve sub-districts of Phra Nakhon. It runs along the Chao Phraya from Khlong Phadung Krung Kasem to Khlong Banglamphu. It shares a border with two sister sub-districts in Ban Phan Thom  and Khlong Phadung Krung Kasem. Wat Sam Phraya is also a temple located in the sub-district.

In the centre between the two canals is the Rama VIII bridge that goes across the Chao Phraya River to Bang Yi Khan. The bridge is an asymmetrical cable stayed bridge with single pylon. The pylon is shaped like an upside down letter Y and stands 160 metres tall. The bridge is 475 metres long with the longest span being 300 metres. It took three years to build the bridge which officially opened on 7 May 2002.

Bang Khun Phrom Palace is a 20’th century palace of European style architecture. The palace originally consisted of three buildings. Tamnak Yai is the main mansion. Tamnak Somdej was at one time the residence of Princess Sukhumala Marasri. The third building, Tamnak Ho Residential Hall held the marriage of HRH Prince Paribatra Sukhumbhand. In 1998, this wooden building was moved to its current location at Dusit Palace.

Currently, the main mansion is home to the Bank of Thailand Museum. There are different displays across two floors. One of the most interesting might be the currency discovery room. Here you will see displays of ancient currency such as sea shells. You will also see bullet coins which date back to the 13’th century. FInally you will see early flat coins from Thailand going back to the early 19’th century.