Samphanthawong สัมพันธวงศ์ |
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Khet | |
Chinatown gate
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Khet location in Bangkok |
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Coordinates: 13°43′53″N 100°30′51″E / 13.73139°N 100.51417°ECoordinates: 13°43′53″N 100°30′51″E / 13.73139°N 100.51417°E | |
Country | Thailand |
Province | Bangkok |
Seat | Talat Noi |
Khwaeng | 3 |
Area | |
• Total | 1.416 km2 (0.547 sq mi) |
Population (2013) | |
• Total | 26,932 |
• Density | 22,638.4/km2 (58,633/sq mi) |
Time zone | ICT (UTC+7) |
Postal code | 10100 |
Geocode | 1013 |
Samphanthawong (Thai: สัมพันธวงศ์; IPA: [sǎm.pʰān.tʰā.wōŋ]) is one of the 50 districts (khet) of Bangkok, Thailand. Regarded as Bangkok's Chinatown, it is the smallest district in area but has the highest population density of Bangkok's districts. Neighboring districts are (from north clockwise) Pom Prap Sattru Phai, Bang Rak, Khlong San (across Chao Phraya River), and Phra Nakhon.
The area has been a Chinese community since the early days of Bangkok. Originally living in what is now the Phra Nakhon District, they were relocated here when the capital was set up. The narrow Sampheng Lane (สำเพ็ง, now called Wanit I Road, วานิช 1) was the district's main street until Yaowarat Road was constructed in 1892 during the reign of King Chulalongkorn. Sam Peng is depicted on the back of series 15 20 baht banknotes, to commemorate an important post-World War II visit by young king Rama VIII (accompanied a pace behind by HM's brother, Prince Bhumibol, with his ever-present camera.) Nowadays, Yaowarat Road remains the heart of Bangkok's Chinatown.
The area now in the Samphanthawong District was once three separate amphoes, Samphanthawong, Sam Yaek, and Chakkrawat established on 15 October 1915 where old districts were overhauled and replaced by 25 new districts to cover inner part of Bangkok. Amphoe Sam Yaek and Amphoe Chakkrawat were later merged into Amphoe Samphanthawong. The amphoe became Khet Samphanthawong in 1972. It is believed that the name Samphanthawong was derived from Wat Samphanthawongsaram, the temple near the district office when it was first built. Now the district office has moved to Yotha Road in Talat Noi Sub-district.