Rattanakosin was founded when King Rama the First ascended the throne in 1782. The King shifted the area on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River, where the former Thonburi Palace was located, to the opposite side because the new site had more strategic advantages to be the capital of Thailand. Rattanakosin has been developed over time and is well-known as Bangkok, one of the most significant cities in the world today.

While Bangkok is growing and expanding rapidly, the old fabric is now restored through the government conservation plan. Old buildings in Thai, Chinese and European-influenced styles have been conserved and many historic places have been reconstructed for Thais and foreigners to understand the history and evolution of Bangkok.

Realizing the precious value of Rattanakosin heritage, the TOA Group of Companies has supported the production of this Rattanakosin Town Trail Book to promote the remaining historic sites by tracing along the historic streets. The purposes of the book are to raise public awareness and to strengthen ideas of old town conversation which will contribute to the implementation of Rattanakosin conservation project. The production of this book has never been accomplished without financial support from various sponsors and the dedication of Dr. Yongtanit Pimonsathean, an architect planner who spent his time on collecting data, conducting field survey and preparing for book publishing.

The TOA Group of companies hopes that this Rattanakosin Town Trail Book will more or less encourage the value of Thai history which is essential for younger generations to appreciate the works of their ancestors.

Prachak Tangkaravakoon
Executive Chairman & C.E.O.
TOA Group of Companies

Bangkok has been the capital of Thailand since 1782. The origin of the great city of Bangkok today is located in the city centre, and called " Koh Rattanakosin" or "Rattanakosin Island". The area of Rattanakosin Island is about 414.2 hectares.

In Rattanakosin Island, there are numerous historically significant structures like palaces, temples, private shops, bridges and shrines. Some of these significant structures have already been registered as national heritage while some are in the waiting list. The entire Island has also been declared "conservation area" with some protective measures attempting to safeguard the whole environment of the townscape from the government.

However, to improve the environment of a historic area in inner city, the public sector is not able to accomplish without private co-operation. But working together on this matter is difficult because it needs mutual understanding.

This small book is produced to encourage both Thais and foreigners to have more understanding about the remaining historic elements in Rattanakosin area by self walking-and-learning along the proposed five routes. According to the hot weather, strong sunshine and the worst, severe air and noise pollution, it is

recommended to walk on Sunday morning or holiday when road traffic is minimal.

The author is grateful to the TOA Group of Companies for the massive supports on research, field survey and book publishing. Without the great help from the TOA, this book is never made possible.

The author would also like to thank Miss Jarunee Charoensedtasin, a lecturer of Faculty of Architecture, King Mongkut's Institute of Technology Ladkrabang, who assisted in the field survey, photo taking and picture sketching.

With five routes and brief information in this book, it is hoped that local people as well as tourists will enjoy visiting historic sites and this will eventually bring more public-private co-operative effort to help save the environment of Rattanakosin.

Yongtanit Pimonsathean
Department of Urban and Regional Planning
Faculty of Architecture
King Mongkut's Institute of Technology, Ladkrabang
Bangkok 10520