Banthat Thong Road

{{Short description|Road in Bangkok, Thailand}} [[file:Banthat Thong Road.jpg|thumb|Banthat Thong Road in the area of Saphan Lueang at dawn]] '''Banthat Thong Road''' ({{langx|th|ถนนบรรทัดทอง}}, {{IPA|th|tʰā.nǒn bān.tʰát tʰɔ̄ːŋ|pron}}) is a street in [[Bangkok]].<ref>{{Cite news |last= |first= |title=Bangkok to celebrate Car Free Day with walking street on Banthat Thong Road |url=https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2868492/bangkok-to-celebrate-car-free-day-on-banthat-thong-road |access-date=2024-09-26 |work=Bangkok Post |language=en}}</ref> It runs {{convert|2.2|km}} from its junction with [[Rama IV Road]] at Saphan Lueang Intersection, through [[Pathum Wan District|Pathum Wan]] and [[Ratchathewi District|Ratchathewi]] districts, north to Phet Phra Ram Intersection, where it meets [[Phetchaburi Road]].<ref>{{Cite news |last= |first= |title=Street food paradise |url=https://www.bangkokpost.com/life/social-and-lifestyle/1727263/street-food-paradise |access-date=2024-09-26 |work=Bangkok Post |language=en}}</ref> It crosses [[Rama I Road]] at Charoen Phon Intersection, near the [[National Stadium (Thailand)|National Stadium]], and the area is home to a large number of sporting goods shops. The southern section of the road runs parallel to the canal Khlong Suan Luang, which also gives its name to the neighbourhood. The area's land is owned by [[Chulalongkorn University]], whose [[Property Management of Chulalongkorn University|Office of Property Management]] (PMCU) redeveloped most of the neighbourhood in the 2010s. The area is host to a variety of street food vendors and restaurants, and is a popular tourist attraction.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-09-26 |title=Banthat Thong: Bangkok's new street food paradise |url=https://www.nationthailand.com/blogs/life/travel/40041810 |access-date=2024-09-26 |website=nationthailand |language=en-US}}</ref> In 2024, [[Time Out (magazine)|Time Out]] ranked Ban Tad Thong as the world's 14th coolest street.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-07-01 |title=Global rankings reaffirm Thailand’s allure as top travel destination |url=https://www.nationthailand.com/news/tourism/40039295 |access-date=2024-09-26 |website=nationthailand |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Bloom |first=Laura Begley |title=The World’s 30 Coolest Streets, Ranked By Time Out (5 U.S. Cities Made The List) |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/laurabegleybloom/2024/03/24/time-out-ranks-the-worlds-30-coolest-streets-5-us-cities-made-the-list/ |access-date=2024-09-26 |website=Forbes |language=en}}</ref> In 2025, Thai media reported that visitor numbers to Banthat Thong had plunged from a peak of 15,000 to 30,000 per day to just 2,000 to 5,000 visitors daily, amidst complaints about inauthentic food in the area and how the neighbourhood has lost its soul, now catering mostly to Chinese tourists.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Bangkok's clean streets, empty souls |url=https://www.bangkokpost.com/opinion/opinion/3134058/bangkoks-clean-streets-empty-souls |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title= Rising rents threaten the vibrant street food scene of the once-booming Banthat Thong Road|url= https://www.bangkokpost.com/life/social-and-lifestyle/3045181/rising-rents-threaten-the-vibrant-street-food-scene-of-the-once-booming-banthat-thong-road |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Rescuing a foodie paradise|url= https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/special-reports/3051225/rescuing-a-foodie-paradise |language=en}}</ref> ==History== The original section of the road, running from Saphan Lueang to Charoen Phon, was built in the 1910s and formed the southernmost part of Prathat Thong Road, which continued north towards [[Samsen Water Treatment Plant]].<ref>{{Cite map |year = 1925 |title = Map of Bangkok |scale = 1:20,000 |location = Bangkok |publisher = Siam Electricity Co, Ltd}}</ref> ''Prathat thong'' ({{langx|th|ประทัดทอง}}) is the Thai name for the ''[[Quassia amara]]'' plant, and the road was named for the plant's appearance as a pattern in Chinese porcelain, as was a common trend at the time.<ref name="Name Origins" /> King [[Vajiravudh]] renamed the road as [[Rama VI Road]] in 1920.<ref>{{cite book|title=พจนานุกรมวิสามานยนามไทย : วัด วัง ถนน สะพาน ป้อม |trans-title=Dictionary of Thai Proper Nouns: Temples, Palaces, Bridges, Forts |publisher=Royal Institute of Thailand}} Cited in {{cite web |author1=น้าชาติ ประชาชื่น |title=รู้ไปโม้ด: ถนนพระรามต่างๆในกรุงเทพฯ |url=https://www.matichon.co.th/youth/youth.php?tagsub=031100&tag950=03you20080342&show=1 |accessdate=8 October 2020 |work=Matichon |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20060526204400/https://www.matichon.co.th/youth/youth.php?tagsub=031100&tag950=03you20080342&show=1 |archivedate=26 May 2006 |language=th}}</ref>

In 1912, as preparations were being made for the establishment of the Civil Service College of King Chulalongkorn (later to become Chulalongkorn University) in the area near the then-newly built road, [[Chao Phraya Yommarat (Pan Sukhum)]], the Minister of the Capital, voiced opposition to the plan, noting that the location of Prathat Thong Road—secluded yet not far from residential areas—was ideal for prostitute dens, which at the time were legal and served as a revenue source for the government. However, his opposition came too late for any action to be altered, and prostitution was later criminalized.<ref>{{cite web |author1=พล อิฏฐารมณ์ |title=ขุนนางสยามชี้ "ย่านปทุมวัน" เหมาะทำเป็น "นครโสเภณี" มากกว่า "เมืองมหาวิทยาลัย" |url=https://www.silpa-mag.com/history/article_150 |website=www.silpa-mag.com |publisher=Silpa Wattanatham |accessdate=9 October 2020 |language=th |date=12 June 2020}}</ref>

Sometime later, the road became split: the section north of Uruphong Intersection continues to be known as Rama VI, while the section south of Charoen Phon became known as Banthat Thong, a corruption of its original name.<ref name="Name Origins">{{cite conference |author1=ปนิตา จิตมุ่ง |title=ที่มาและความหมายของชื่อถนนในกรุงเทพมหานครกับความสัมพันธ์ทางสังคมวัฒนธรรมไทย |trans-title=Name Origins and Name Meanings of Roads in Bangkok: Socio-cultural Relationship in Thai Community |conference=The 1st National/International Silpakorn Graduate Study Conference 2011 |date=2011 |pages=1046–1063 |url=http://www.proceedings.su.ac.th/e1/files/human/p_10.pdf |accessdate=8 October 2020 |language=th}}</ref> The road now continues north from Charoen Phon Intersection, crossing [[Saen Saep Canal]] at Charoen Phon Bridge toward Phetchaburi Road. From Saphan Lueang to the bridge, the road forms the boundary between Pathum Wan District's Rong Mueang and Wang Mai subdistricts.

==Neighbourhoods== ===Saphan Lueang=== [[file:Saphan_Lueang.jpg|thumb|Saphan Lueang intersection at dawn (taken from Banthat Thong side)]]

'''Saphan Lueang''', also written as '''Saphan Luang''' ({{langx|th|สะพานเหลือง}}, {{IPA|th|sā.pʰāːn lɯ̌a̯ŋ|pron}}), is a [[crossroads (road)|four-way intersection]] and a neighbourhood at the end of Banthat Thong Road. It is located within [[Rong Mueang]] sub-district, [[Pathum Wan]] district. It shares a border with [[Maha Phruttharam]] sub-district, [[Bang Rak District|Bang Rak]] district and [[Wang Mai, Bangkok|Wang Mai]] sub-district in its district, where [[Rama IV Road|Rama IV]] meets Banthat Thong Roads and the [[Sirat Expressway]]. The next intersection on Rama IV Road is [[Sam Yan]].

The term ''Saphan Lueang'' means yellow bridge, and was named for a yellow bridge crossing over a canal called "Khlong Luang" (คลองหลวง) that had been nearby. Later on the bridge was demolished and Rama VI Road was built over the canal, but the road's name stayed "Saphan Lueang".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.soccersuck.com/boards/topicstore/1243338|trans-title=The origin of the names of various locations in Bkk|title=ที่มาของชื่อสถานที่ต่างๆในกทม.|date=2015-06-25|author=OreO019|language=thai|work=soccersuck.com}}</ref>

Saphan Lueang is an area close to [[Hua Lamphong]], Sam Yan and [[Si Phraya Road|Si Phraya]] Road. It's also the site of one of oldest Protestant churches in Bangkok, Sapanluang Church, and had many famous restaurants as well.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pptvhd36.com/news/%E0%B9%84%E0%B8%A5%E0%B8%9F%E0%B9%8C%E0%B8%AA%E0%B9%84%E0%B8%95%E0%B8%A5%E0%B9%8C/41879|work=[[PPTV (Thailand)|PPTV]]|date=2016-12-17|trans-title=120 years Sapanluang Church, a tale of story through exhibition "corrugated paper" (clip)|language=thai|title=120 ปี คริสตจักรสะพานเหลือง เรื่องเล่าผ่านนิทรรศการ "กระดาษลูกฟูก" (คลิป)}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ryoiireview.com/article/goo-food-sapanluang-bkk/|work=Ryoiireview|trans-title=Compilation of 12 cool shops in the Saphan Lueang quarter, you can say that you shouldn't miss even one shop!|title=รวม 12 ร้านเด็ด ย่านสะพานเหลือง บอกได้เลยว่าไม่ควรพลาดแม้แต่ร้านเดียว! มีหลายร้านมาก แต่ปัจจุบัน ร้านนั่นน้อยลงไปแล้ว เนื่องจากมีการก่อสร้าง คอนโด|language=thai}}</ref> Among the many restaurants in the area, two noodles shops received the [[Bib Gourmand]] from Michelin Guide in 2018.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://guide.michelin.com/th/en/bangkok/bib-gourmand/restaurants/page/1?max=30&sort=relevance&order=desc|title=Discover Michelin Restaurants in Bangkok|work=[[Michelin Guide]]}}</ref>

===Suan Luang=== Named for the canal that runs parallel to the road to the west, the '''Suan Luang''' area lying between the road and the [[campus of Chulalongkorn University]] is owned by the university and rented out for revenue. The northern part of the area lies adjacent to the National Stadium complex, and is home to many sporting goods shops. The southern area, which lies adjacent to the [[Sam Yan]] neighbourhood, used to be home to a large number of Chinese-run shophouses, many dealing primarily in car parts (similarly to the [[Sieng Kong]] area of [[Talat Noi]]).<ref>{{cite news |last1=Sukphisit |first1=Suthon |title=Sam yan's savoury smorgasbord |url=https://www.bangkokpost.com/life/social-and-lifestyle/315834/sam-yan-s-savoury-smorgasbord |accessdate=8 October 2020 |work=Bangkok Post |date=7 October 2012}}</ref> In the 2010s, PMCU redeveloped most of the neighbourhood, creating the [[Chulalongkorn University Centenary Park]] as well as several shopping arcades. The redevelopment has transformed the neighbourhood into a gastronomic destination, with many new shops as well as longstanding establishments lining the shopfronts of Banthat Thong.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Sriangura |first1=Vanniya |title=Street food paradise |url=https://www.bangkokpost.com/life/social-and-lifestyle/1727263/street-food-paradise |accessdate=8 October 2020 |work=Bangkok Post |date=9 August 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Koaysomboon |first1=Top |title=Cool things to do in Chula-Samyan |url=https://www.timeout.com/bangkok/things-to-do/cool-things-to-do-in-chula-samyan |website=Time Out Bangkok |accessdate=8 October 2020 |language=en |date=17 September 2020}}</ref> The neighbourhood, together with Sam Yan, was named the "coolest neighbourhood" in Bangkok by ''[[Time Out (magazine)|Time Out]]'' in 2020.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Manning |first1=James |title=The 40 coolest neighbourhoods in the world |url=https://www.timeout.com/coolest-neighbourhoods-in-the-world |website=Time Out Worldwide |accessdate=8 October 2020 |language=en |date=6 October 2020}}</ref> However, the re-development has also prompted criticism of gentrification from conservation groups and students, especially [[Netiwit Chotiphatphaisal]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Katharangsiporn |first1=Kanana |title=University plans B4.6bn project |url=https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/339961/university-plans-b4-6bn-project |accessdate=8 October 2020 |work=Bangkok Post |date=12 March 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Marukatat |first1=Saritdet |title=Chulalongkorn students struggle to save old shrine |url=https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/1977579/chulalongkorn-students-struggle-to-save-old-shrine |accessdate=8 October 2020 |work=Bangkok Post |date=31 August 2020}}</ref>

===Charoen Phon=== '''Charoen Phon''' is the name of the intersection where Banthat Thong crosses Rama I Road, as well as the nearby bridge where the road crosses Khlong Saen Saep into [[Ratchathewi District]]. The National Stadium complex lies just east of the intersection on Rama I Road. In addition to the area's many sporting goods shops, Stadium One, a large fitness complex and sports-oriented shopping mall, opened in the intersection's southeastern corner in 2018.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Jitpleecheep |first1=Pitsinee |title=Sports community mall Stadium One nears open |url=https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/1326811/sports-community-mall-stadium-one-nears-open |accessdate=8 October 2020 |work=Bangkok Post |date=19 September 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Day |first1=Jesse |title=Here's why you should live in National Stadium |url=https://bk.asia-city.com/city-living/news/heres-why-national-stadium-where-its |website=BK Magazine |publisher=Asia City |accessdate=8 October 2020 |language=en |date=10 October 2019}}</ref> The area is reachable by the [[National Stadium BTS station]].

From Charoen Phon Bridge, the historic [[Ban Khrua]] community extends along the banks of Saen Saep Canal. It is one of Bangkok's oldest Muslim communities, first settled around the turn of the 18th–19th centuries during the reign of King [[Rama I]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.lonelyplanet.com/thailand/bangkok/attractions/baan-khrua/a/poi-sig/408056/357640|title=Baan Khrua|work=Lonely Planet|accessdate=4 January 2021}}</ref>

From the 1960s to the early 1980s, Charoen Phon was known as a centre for clothing tailors. <ref>{{cite web|work=Facebook|accessdate=2026-04-15|date=2023-01-28|author=เฮียเซ้งเล่าเรื่อง|title=#ถนนเจริญผล? #สี่แยกเจริญผล #ย่านเจริญผล|language=thai|url=https://www.facebook.com/share/p/14SnNfQwzE6/}}</ref>

==References== {{reflist}}

[[Category:Streets in Bangkok]] [[Category:Neighbourhoods of Bangkok]] [[Category:Pathum Wan district]] [[Category:Property Management of Chulalongkorn University]]