Chao Phraya River
Figure 6 Chao Phraya River Map source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Chaophrayarivermap.png#filelinks
In this chapter, I will investigate the multiple layers – physical configuration, politic, economic, culture, publicity, and privatisation - imposed and juxtaposed on the Chao Phraya River and its context, particularly in the Bangkok area, to reveal the complexity of the river and the city.
agriculture, and transportation (Figure 6). The river begins at the confluence of the Ping and Nan rivers in Nakhon Sawan province, a lower northern province. It flows south to Bangkok and the Gulf of Thailand. Initially, the Chao Phraya River in the Bangkok area was curve and devious. This configuration obstructed and delayed the sailing from Ayutthaya to the Gulf of Thailand, or back and forth. Consequently, King Chairachathirat’s (1534-1546) ordered the construction of many Khlongs (canals) to shortcut the river. In 1542, the construction of “Klong Lat Bangkok” was completed. The
Chao Phraya River is a significant river in Thailand. The capitals in the past and the present kingdoms - Sukhothai (1238-1438), Ayutthaya (1351-1767), Thonburi (17681782), and Rattanakosin (1782-present) - are located along the river and has exploited and benefited primarily for the consumption, 11
