Bangkok Noi District

Bangkok Noi (, ) is one of the 50 districts ("khet") of Bangkok, Thailand. Neighboring districts are (from north clockwise) Bang Phlat, Phra Nakhon (across Chao Phraya River), Bangkok Yai, Phasi Charoen, and Taling Chan.
History.
Bangkok Noi was established as an amphoe on 15 October 1915. Originally named Amphoe Ammarin, it was renamed on 11 July 1916 to Amphoe Bangkok Noi to match with the historical name of the area. It became a khet in 1972 when Thon Buri and Bangkok were merged. Later on 9 November 1989 the Bang Phlat district was created from four of Bangkok Noi's sub-districts, leaving Bangkok Noi with four remaining sub-districts: Siri Rat, Ban Chang Lo, Bang Khun Non, and Bang Khun Si. On 12 December 1991 a small part of Bang Phlat district was moved back to Bangkok Noi, creating the new Arun Ammarin sub-district.
Symbols.
The district seals shows the head of the royal barge Sri Suphunahongsa. The slogan of the district is "Resonant Wat Rakang, historical Wang Lang, Royal barges and railway are renowned, lively khlong, inherited stone-polished bowl, Buddha image cast, and abundant ancient wats".
Administration.
The district is sub-divided into 5 sub-districts ("khwaeng").
Places.
The National Museum of Royal Barges on the northern rim of Khlong Bangkok Noi near its mouth to the Chao Phraya River houses the royal barges, used for Thailand's Royal Barge Processions on very special events, like 200th anniversary of Bangkok or the 60th anniversary of the accession of King Bhumibol Adulyadej.
On the other side of the khlong is the Siriraj Hospital, which was the first western hospital in Thailand. It was originally named Wang Lang hospital, as it was built on the site of a palace (Thai: "Wang"), it was later renamed after Prince Siriraj Kakuta Bhandu, the beloved son of King Rama V, who died of dysentery only 18 months old. The hospital also houses several exhibitions, like the forensic museum in the Siriraj Medical Museum.
Directly next to the hospital is the Bangkok Noi Railway Station (or the former Thon Buri Railway Station), which serves the trains to the west, especially to Kanchanaburi. It was built in 1900 in European style. During World War II the Japanese used it as their logistics base and thus the station was destroyed. It was rebuilt in same style after the war. In 2003 the railway station was moved one kilometer westwards and the old building is now unused. The cleared space is allocated for expansion of the Siriraj hospital, however currently only used as a parking lot.
Wat Suwannaram Ratchaworawihan, also located at the southern rim of the Khlong, was originally called Wat Thong and dates back to Ayutthaya times. King Rama I had the temple restored and renamed it to its present name. It was a royal cremation site in the early Bangkok period, however the cremation site has been torn down and is now the location of the Bangkok Noi district office. The temple is most famous due to the murals, which are considered the most artistic of that time. In the Suwannaram Witthayakhom School next to the temple is also the district museum.
Wat Rakhang Khositaram Woramaha Wihan is a major temple near the Chao Phraya river. It dates back to Ayutthaya times, when it was named Bangwayai. During the renovations done by King Rama I a huge bell was found and moved to Wat Phra Kaew, five smaller bells were installed in the temple as replacement. The bell also gave the temple its name, as "Rakang" is the Thai word for bell.
Economy.
Traditional businesses.
Bangkok Noi is known for several traditional goods and handicrafts, though most have disappeared.
Shopping.
The only major shopping center is Central Plaza Pinklao with a Central Department Store on Borommaratchachonnani Road. Across the street from Central Pinklao is Major Cineplex. The multiplex cinema, which is actually in Bang Phlat District, is surrounded by many small shops selling low-cost clothes and other fashion items.
Supermarkets in the district include a Foodland and a Makro store, both on Charan Sanit Wong Road. Tesco Lotus store, both on Borommaratchachonnani Road.
The striking markets of the district are Pran Nok Market, Bang Khun Si Market and Wang Lang Market, especially Wang Lang Market, a daily bustling market by Chao Phraya River flanked by Siriraj Hostipal and Prannok Pier. The name means ‘rear palace market’ because of its close proximity to the Rear Palace, a palace belonging to the nephew of King Rama I which is no longer standing. The Wang Lang Market is popular with local workers and local students, particularly from the nearby Siriraj Hospital. Adjacent Wang Lang Pier is both pier to the Chao Phraya Express Boat and the ferry pier to Tha Phra Chan in the Phra Nakhon side which is full of people and foreign tourists throughout the day.
Transportation.
Charan Sanit Wong Road is the main route of the area, it ran through the entire district from the south (Bangkok Yai) to the northern area (Bang Phlat). Borommaratchachonnani Road is another main road in the district, the road is also a route to neighboring districts, Taling Chan and Bang Phlat. While Arun Amarin and Itsaraphap with Pran Nok Roads considered as the minor road.
Since 2015, the expansion of Phran Nok–Phutthamonthon Sai 4 Road from Taling Chan to Fai Chai Intersection in Bangkok Noi making it easier to travel by road to this district.
The district is served by the Fai Chai and Bang Khun Non Stations of the MRT Metro, whose Blue Line runs above Charan Sanit Wong Road.
The piers of the Chao Phraya Express Boat consist of Prannok (N10) and Thonburi Railway Piers (N11) both are in the area of Siriraj Hospital.
Popular culture.
Moreover Bangkok Noi is also referred to in the masterpiece tragedy novel Thommayanti's "Khu Kam" (คู่กรรม) as the backdrop of the whole story, because it is the location of the Imperial Japanese Army base during World War II period. This novel has been adapted into TV drama, stage plays and movie many times, such as "Sunset at Chaophraya" in 1996 lead role by superstar Thongchai "Bird" McIntyre etc.