Khlong Chak Phra

Khlong Chak Phra (Thai: คลองชักพระ, pronounced [kʰlɔ̄ːŋ t͡ɕʰák pʰráʔ]) is a khlong (canal) in Bangkok's Thonburi area. It separates from Khlong Bangkok Noi near Wat Suwan Keree and terminates at the confluence of khlongs Mon and Bangkok Yai. It serves as a demarcation line between Bangkok Noi and Taling Chan Districts all the length. It is about 10-15 m (36-49 ft) wide and 5.45 km (about 3 mi) long. Khlong Chak Phra is a natural khlong, which was the result of canalization of the Chao Phraya River's original route through Bangkok during the middle of the Ayutthaya period like Khlong Bangkok Yai and Khlong Bangkok Noi.[1]

Khlong Chak Phra
Khlong Chak Phra near Taling Chan floating market
Specifications
Length5.45 km (3.39 miles)
Geography
Start pointBangkok Noi
End pointTaling Chan
Connects toBangkok Noi, Ban Sai, Bang Ramat, Bang Phrom, Mon and Bangkok Yai canals

Its name means 'pulling the Buddha canal'. It is a venue that is used for the annual tradition called Chak Phra, in which the Buddha's relics and Buddha statues are invited from Wat Nang Chi in Phasi Charoen District onto a flowered barge. The barge procession then sails from Khlong Dan, turning left into Khlong Bangkok Yai, entering Khlong Bangkok Noi, passing Wat Kai Tia at Khlong Chak Phra before ending at the Taling Chan District Office. The tradition is held annually on the second day of the waning moon of the twelfth Thai lunar month, and is regarded as the only Chak Phra observed in Bangkok.[2]

Another interesting feature of the khlong is that it is home to paired temples. Where they are on the opposite side each – Wat Pak Nam Fang Neua and Wat Pak Nam Fang Tai. It is said that the people who built these two temples are brothers. Originally, they are considered the same temple. Not long after, brothers quarrel therefore separated to build each temple.[3]

Its other names were Khlong Bang Khun Si (คลองบางขุนศรี) and Maenam Bang Khun Si (แม่น้ำบางขุนศรี).

Along the khlong is Taling Chan floating market, the floating market next to Taling Chan District Office and the Southern railway line. It is the largest market in this area. In addition, its name has become the administrative district of Taling Chan District, namely Khlong Chak Phra Subdistrict.[4]

References
  1. ""รายชื่อคลองในพื้นที่เขตบางกอกน้อย"" [List of canals in the Bangkok Noi District area]. Bangkok Noi District Office (in Thai).
  2. Culture Division. "มรดกภูมิปัญญาทางวัฒนธรรมกรุงเทพมหานคร" [Cultural Wisdom of Bangkok]. facebook (in Thai).
  3. Thongdaeng, Wityada; Thongpan, Saran (September 2012). ชุมทางตลิ่งชัน ย่านเก่า [ก่อน] กรุงเทพฯ [Taling Chan junction old neighbourhood [before] Bangkok] (in Thai). Bangkok: Muang Boran Journal. p. 97. ISBN 978-974-7727-93-7.
  4. "เดินเพลินฉ่ำอุรา พร้อมนานาของกินรสดีที่ "ตลาดน้ำตลิ่งชัน"" [Enjoy walking with a variety of tasty food at 'Taling Chan Floating Market']. ASTV Manager (in Thai). 2017-07-14.

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