Bangkok Fortifications

• The City of Bangkok emerged from the total destruction of Ayutthaya City by the Burmese invaders in 1767. A city of over 1 million people was totally destroyed and those of its inhabitants who did not escape were killed or made slaves and taken back to Burma [ Myanmar ]. Accordingly war and invasion dominated the psyche of the Siamese people and all the new leaders were military men. Bangkok was chosen to be the new capital of Siam for strategic military reasons. The fortifications reflected more modern war fare and no longer were moats and narrow walls to stop elephants. The following remains of the fortifications made from 1768 are still there to be seen now.

[1] The City Wall of Rama I

• These walls were started in 1782 and ran parallel to the Chao Phraya River as it is today and was 7 kilometers long, 3.6 meters high and 2.7 meters think. At every 400 meters there was a fort complex and in total it had 63 gates although 47 of these were very narrow entrances. Most of these forts and the walls were subsequently removed as the city expanded and threats of Burmese invasion ceased. Similarly war fare become such with advanced canons that they become ineffective in protecting the population behind them. The modern benefit of being a tourist attraction was never contemplated, as is the case in Beijing and other great fortified cities. Part of the wall and a canon and other artefacts can be seen in the outdoor museum in the grounds of Bangkok's Thammasart University adjacent to the Chao Phrao River Bank.

[2]  Wichaiprasit Fort

• Wichayen Fort as it was first named was constructed during the reign of King Narai. There was also another fort on the east bank of the Chao Phraya River. At times these two Forts were joined by a metal chain which crossed the river just below the water level to prevent unauthorized vessels traveling upstream and in land.

[3] Phra Sumen Fort

• Phra Sumen Fort was built on what is now the north end of Phra Athit Road running a long side the Chao Phraya River and was one of the first 14 Forts constructed on the outer wall. The surrounding area is now a public park with views over the Chao Phraya River. The other remaining Fort of the original 14 is Fort Mahakan.