Watthana district

{{redirect|Wattana|the snooker player|James Wattana}} {{Infobox settlement | official_name = Watthana | native_name = วัฒนา | native_name_lang = th | settlement_type = [[List of districts of Bangkok|Khet]] | image_seal = | image_skyline = Sukhumwit Road with BTS Asok and Asok Montri Rd.jpg | image_alt = | image_caption = Sukhumwit Road intersection with the Asok Montri Road in Watthana District to the right | image_map = Amphoe 1039.svg | map_caption = Khet location in [[Bangkok]] | pushpin_map = | pushpin_map_caption = | coordinates = {{coord|13|44|32|N|100|35|9|E|type:adm2nd_region:TH|display=inline,title}} | subdivision_type = [[Country]] | subdivision_name = Thailand | subdivision_type1 = [[Provinces of Thailand|Province]] | subdivision_name1 = [[Bangkok]] | subdivision_type2 = Seat | subdivision_name2 = [[Khlong Tan Nuea]] | subdivision_type3 = ''[[Khwaeng]]'' | subdivision_name3 = 3 | established_title = Khet established | established_date = 6 March 1998 | leader_title = | leader_name = | area_total_km2 = 12.565 | population_total = 84,967<ref>{{cite web|url=http://stat.dopa.go.th/stat/statnew/statTDD/views/showDistrictData.php?rcode=10&statType=1&year=60|title=Population and House Report for Year 2017 (see page 2 for data of this district)|publisher=Department of Provincial Administration, Ministry of Internal Affairs|access-date=2018-04-01}} ([http://stat.dopa.go.th/stat/statnew/statTDD/ Search page])</ref> | population_as_of = 2017 | population_density_km2 = 6,762.19 | timezone = [[UTC+07:00|ICT]] | utc_offset = +7 | postal_code_type = [[Postal code]] | postal_code = 10110<br />{{small|parts of Phra Khanong Nuea: 10260}} | geocode = 1039 | website = | footnotes = }}

'''Watthana''' or '''Vadhana''' ({{langx|th|วัฒนา}}, {{IPA|th|wát.tʰā.nāː|pron}}) is one of the [[Districts of Bangkok|50 districts]] (''khet'') of [[Bangkok]], [[Thailand]]. Neighbouring districts are (from the north clockwise): [[Ratchathewi district|Ratchathewi]], [[Huai Khwang district|Huai Khwang]], [[Suan Luang district|Suan Luang]], [[Phra Khanong district|Phra Khanong]], [[Khlong Toei district|Khlong Toei]], and [[Pathum Wan district|Pathum Wan]].

==History== {{stack|[[File:Map Watthana src eng.svg|right|220px|thumb|District map]]}} Watthana became a separate district by splitting from Khlong Toei in 1998 to provide better service to its population. The district obtained its name from Princess [[Galyani Vadhana]], the elder sister of King [[Bhumibol Adulyadej]]. Watthana or Vadhana means 'development'. The area is among the most developed parts of Bangkok.

On 1 January 2009, Watthana was the location of the [[Santika Club fire]], which killed 66 and injured 222.

==Administration== The district is divided into three sub-districts (''[[khwaeng]]''), from west to east: {| ||1.||[[Khlong Toei Nuea]]|| คลองเตยเหนือ|| from the railway to Soi Sukhumvit 31 (Sawatdi) |- ||2.||[[Khlong Tan Nuea]]|| คลองตันเหนือ|| from Soi Sukhumvit 31 to Soi Sukhumvit 63 (Ekkamai) |- ||3.||[[Phra Khanong Nuea]]|| พระโขนงเหนือ|| from Soi Sukhumvit 63 to Soi Sukhumvit 81 (Siri Phot) |} They are all named by adding Nuea, meaning North, to the corresponding subdistricts in Khlong Toei district.

==Places== Encompassing the area between [[Sukhumvit Road]] and [[Khlong Saen Saep]], Watthana is one of the commercial districts in Bangkok, with many [[Condominium (living space)|condominium]]s and hotels. [[Expatriate]]s of many nationalities reside there.

* [[Sukhumvit Road]] - Vendors selling various goods, mostly food and drinks from Soi 3 to Soi 15. * [[Terminal 21]] is a [[Mixed-use development|mixed-use complex]] near Sukhumvit Road 21, near the [[Asok Montri Road|Asok]] intersection. It opened in October 2011 and is now one of the major shopping centers. * [[EmQuartier]] - a shopping center opened in 2015. It is opposite of [[Emporium (Bangkok)|Emporium]] (which is in [[Khlong Toei district]]) and is operated by the same owner, [[The Mall Group]]. * Villa Plaza - Between the Sukhumvit 33 nightlife area and Soi 31, the plaza is a shopping and entertainment area anchored by supermarkets. * [[Thong Lo]] - This street has become trendy in recent years, with a number of upscale restaurants and "boutique" shopping centres. * Major Sukhumvit - A large branch of the [[Major Cineplex]] cinema chain near [[Ekkamai BTS Station]], with a bowling alley, restaurants and shops.

===Dining and entertainment=== * "Little Africa" - Near the Grace Hotel, there's a network of alleys between Nana Nuea or Sukhumvit Soi 3 and Soi 5 that is home to many [[Middle Eastern]] restaurants. * [[Soi Cowboy]] - Nightlife strip with go-go bars is off [[Asok Montri Road|Asok]], near the intersection with Sukhumvit.

===Hospitals=== * [[Bumrungrad International Hospital]] - Major medical center that caters to tourists on Soi Sukhumvit 3. * Samitivej Hospital - An up-scale hospital, on Soi Sukhumvit 49. * [[Camillian Hospital]] - A small Catholic hospital on Thong Lo. * Sukhumvit Hospital - Near the [[Bangkok Skytrain]] Ekkamai station.

==Transportation==

===Roads=== [[File:Soi_Thong_Lor_26_Sep_2012.JPG|thumb|Thong Lo]]

Besides the eastbound Sukhumvit, prominent roads in the district include several odd-numbered [[soi]]s (branch roads) from Sukhumvit: Nana Nuea (Sukhumvit 3), [[Asok Montri Road|Asok Montri]] (Sukhumvit 21), Phrom Phong (Sukhumvit 39), [[Thong Lo]] (Sukhumvit 55), Ekkamai (Sukhumvit 63), Sukhumvit 71 (Pridi Banomyong) and a small portion of On Nut (Sukhumvit 77).

===Public transportation=== * [[BTS Skytrain]] - Stations in the district are Nana, Asok, Phrom Phong, Ekkamai, and Phra Khanong on the [[Sukhumvit Line]] * [[MRT (Bangkok)|MRT]] - [[Sukhumvit MRT Station|Sukhumvit Station]] on the [[MRT Blue Line|Blue Line]] * [[Khlong Saen Saep boat service]] - Borders the district; piers for the express boat service are Nana Nuea, Nana Chat, Asok, Prasan Mit, Ital-Thai, Wat Mai Chong Lom, Thong Lo, Chan Issara, and Khlong Tan.

==Symbols== The emblem of the district shows a pavilion, which refers to the residence of Princess Galyani Vadhana, the name patron of the district. Also the red colour refers to the princess, as red is the [[Thai solar calendar|day colour]] of her birthday. The golden rays of light extending from the roof of the pavilion are said to symbolise her divine grace to all Thais. The lotus shape is supposed to be an offering to pay respect to the princess.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2008/01/07/national/national_30061361.php|title=Vadhana district was named by Princess|last=Phetdee|first=Wannapa|date=7 January 2008|work=[[The Nation (Thailand)|The Nation]]|access-date=2018-02-15|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140421064059/http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2008/01/07/national/national_30061361.php|archive-date=2014-04-21}}</ref>

==Education== [[File:มศว ประสานมิตร ตึกสูง.jpg |thumb|[[Srinakharinwirot University]] Prasarnmitr]]

Several international schools are in Watthana District, including [[The American School of Bangkok]]'s Sukhumvit campus; [[Anglo Singapore International School]]'s Anglo campus; [[Ekamai International School]]; [[NIST International School]]; and Wells International Kindergarten's Thong Lor campus.<ref>{{cite web|title=Welcome to Wells International School|url=https://wells.ac.th/|website=Wells International School|access-date=6 November 2017}}</ref>

===Higher education=== * [[Srinakharinwirot University]] - Prasarnmit Campus is on Sukhumvit 23. * [[Siam Society]] - Established in 1904, it offers lectures, exhibits and trips for Thai and foreign residents who are interested in the study of artistic, scientific and cultural affairs of Thailand. On [[Asok Montri Road|Asok]], near [[Sukhumvit MRT station]]. * Japan Foundation - On the 10th Floor of Sermmit Tower on [[Asok Montri Road]], the foundation has a library, art exhibits, lectures and film screenings, primarily designed to teach Japanese culture to Thais. * [[Accademia Italiana Thailand]]

==Diplomatic missions== * Embassy of Argentina<ref>{{cite web|title=Embajada en REINO DE TAILANDIA|url=http://www.etail.mrecic.gov.ar/en|website=Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores y Culto de la República Argentina|access-date=6 November 2017}}</ref> * Embassy of Bangladesh<ref>{{cite web|title=Diplomatic and Consular List|url=http://www.mfa.go.th/main/contents/files/information-20190813-113820-599955.pdf|access-date=16 August 2019|archive-date=16 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190816083610/http://www.mfa.go.th/main/contents/files/information-20190813-113820-599955.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref> * Embassy of Brunei<ref>{{cite web|title=Diplomatic and Consular List|url=http://www.mfa.go.th/main/contents/files/information-20190813-113820-599955.pdf|access-date=16 August 2019|archive-date=16 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190816083610/http://www.mfa.go.th/main/contents/files/information-20190813-113820-599955.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref> * Embassy of Egypt<ref>{{cite web|title=Diplomatic and Consular List|url=http://www.mfa.go.th/main/contents/files/information-20190813-113820-599955.pdf|access-date=16 August 2019|archive-date=16 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190816083610/http://www.mfa.go.th/main/contents/files/information-20190813-113820-599955.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref> * Embassy of India<ref>{{cite web|title=Diplomatic and Consular List|url=http://www.mfa.go.th/main/contents/files/information-20190813-113820-599955.pdf|access-date=16 August 2019|archive-date=16 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190816083610/http://www.mfa.go.th/main/contents/files/information-20190813-113820-599955.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref> * Embassy of Iran<ref>{{cite web|title=Diplomatic and Consular List|url=http://www.mfa.go.th/main/contents/files/information-20190813-113820-599955.pdf|access-date=16 August 2019|archive-date=16 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190816083610/http://www.mfa.go.th/main/contents/files/information-20190813-113820-599955.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref> * Embassy of Israel<ref>{{cite web|title=Diplomatic and Consular List|url=http://www.mfa.go.th/main/contents/files/information-20190813-113820-599955.pdf|access-date=16 August 2019|archive-date=16 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190816083610/http://www.mfa.go.th/main/contents/files/information-20190813-113820-599955.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref> * Embassy of Kenya<ref>{{cite web|title=Diplomatic and Consular List|url=http://www.mfa.go.th/main/contents/files/information-20190813-113820-599955.pdf|access-date=16 August 2019|archive-date=16 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190816083610/http://www.mfa.go.th/main/contents/files/information-20190813-113820-599955.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref> * Embassy of Mongolia<ref>{{cite web|title=Diplomatic and Consular List|url=http://www.mfa.go.th/main/contents/files/information-20190813-113820-599955.pdf|access-date=16 August 2019|archive-date=16 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190816083610/http://www.mfa.go.th/main/contents/files/information-20190813-113820-599955.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref> * Embassy of Nepal<ref>{{cite web|title=Embassy of Nepal, Bangkok, Thailand|url=http://th.nepalembassy.gov.np/|website=Government of Nepal|access-date=6 November 2017}}</ref> * Embassy of Nigeria<ref>{{cite web|title=Diplomatic and Consular List|url=http://www.mfa.go.th/main/contents/files/information-20190813-113820-599955.pdf|access-date=16 August 2019|archive-date=16 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190816083610/http://www.mfa.go.th/main/contents/files/information-20190813-113820-599955.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref> * Embassy of Norway<ref>{{cite web|title=Norway in Thailand|url=https://www.norway.no/en/thailand|website=Royal Norwegian Embassy in Bangkok|access-date=6 November 2017}}</ref> * Embassy of Pakistan<ref>{{cite web|title=Embassy of Pakistan, Bangkok, Thailand|url=http://www.mofa.gov.pk/thailand/|website=Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Pakistan|access-date=6 November 2017}}</ref> * Embassy of Peru<ref>{{cite web|title=Diplomatic and Consular List|url=http://www.mfa.go.th/main/contents/files/information-20190813-113820-599955.pdf|access-date=16 August 2019|archive-date=16 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190816083610/http://www.mfa.go.th/main/contents/files/information-20190813-113820-599955.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref> * Embassy of Sri Lanka<ref>{{cite web|title=Diplomatic and Consular List|url=http://www.mfa.go.th/main/contents/files/information-20190813-113820-599955.pdf|access-date=16 August 2019|archive-date=16 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190816083610/http://www.mfa.go.th/main/contents/files/information-20190813-113820-599955.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref>

==References== {{reflist}}

==External links== {{Portal|Thailand}} * [http://www.bma.go.th/bmaeng/vadhana/ BMA website with the tourist landmarks of Watthana] * [http://www.bangkok.go.th/vadhana Watthana district office] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190729141407/http://www.bangkok.go.th/vadhana |date=2019-07-29 }} (Thai only) * [http://cpd.bangkok.go.th/db/doc/khetmap_A3/watthana.pdf Official map] {{Khet Bangkok}}

[[Category:Watthana district| ]] [[Category:Districts of Bangkok]]