Central
Thailand / Samut Sakhon
Like many
Thai towns, Samut Sakhon, 28km (18mi) from Bangkok along Highway
35 (the Thonburi - Pak Tho Highway), had its name changed
several times during its history. More than 450 years ago, the
place was known as Muang Tha Chin (Town of the Chinese
Pier) probably due to its dealing with a vast number of Chinese
junks in the old days. In 1548 King Phra Maha Chakrapat commanded
the settlement to function as the center for recruiting troops
from various seaside towns. He changed the name from Tha Chin
to Sakhon Buri.
In 1704 King
Sua (Sanphet VIII) made a visit by Ekkachai (the royal barge)
through the Klong Khok Kham (Khok Kham Canal) which had many curves.
Phanthai Norasing, the coxswain, could not operate the
steering properly thus causing damage to the prow when it hit
the limb of a tree. To maintain the majesty of the palace law,
Phanthai Norasing begged the king to have him executed. The plead
was accepted.
However, in
commemoration of Phanthai Norasing, King Sua commanded that a
new canal be dug to eliminate the sharp curves of Klong
Khok Kham. This new canal was completed in the reign of King Thaisa
and named Klong Mahachai thus causing the people to call the town
Muang Mahachai.
The town received
its current name, Samut Sakhon, during the reign of King Rama
IV (King Mongkut, reigned 1851-1868) but is still popularly
called Mahachai.
Samut Sakhon
Province is divided into three districts: the town of Samut
Sakhon, Krathum Baen, and Ban Phaeo; it has an area of only 872sqkm
(337sqmi), making it one of Thailand's smallest provinces.
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