PHRA ATHIT ROAD An important community which grew with the Royal city, it is a centre of government, art and culture. The road lines the Chao Phraya river bank with the palaces of nobles and courtiers and ordinary houses on both sides of the road. The prosperity of the Phra Athit Road community has been intertwined with the history of Bangkok up to the present. The building of large palaces started in the reign of King Rama III, with architectural influences from China and Europe. Some palaces have been converted into offices and modern buildings, and the community's way of life has been completely transformed from before.
Phra Sumen(Sumeru) Fort: It was built in the reign of King Rama I on the city's outer wall, which ran along the canal to the Chao Phraya River. At first, 14 forts were built, but in time they became dilapidated. Eventually, all were demolished, with the exception of Phra Sumen Fort and Mahakan Fort, both of which stand today. Recently this area were Sumen Fort stands has been open to the public as a public park.
Ban Chao Phraya: It was originally the palace of HRH Prince Sathit-Thamrongsawat, a son of the Second King, Phra Pinklao. The government of King Rama V subsequently purchased the land and built offices for the Police Department. When HH Prince Khamrob entered government service as the Director General of the City Police Department, he requested the house and land as a donation from King Rama VI. It therefore became known as "HH Prince Khamrob's Palace."	Ban Phra Athit: It was formerly the site of the Goethe Institute, and a meeting place for those interested in literature, film, and art. Originally it was the house of Chao Phraya Worapongpipat (MR Yen Issarasena), an important civil servant during the reigns of King Rama V, VI and VII. It is now the office of a private company. A part of this building has been converted to a coffee shop. You can enjoy coffee and cakes here.
	Lamphu tree (Duabanga grandiflora): This used to be an area of densely-growing Lamphu trees, so it was called "Banglamphu." At present, there are only two trees left behind Phra Sumen Fort.

Historical place listed by the fine art department:
Phra Sumen Fort: 1949
Ban Phra Athit: 1989

Parking:
Some Alongside Phra Athit Road
Difficult to find parking in this area; the neariest parking space is at wat Chanasongkhram

Near by Attractions:
Banglamphu
College of Dramatic Arts Khaoson Road
National Gallery
National Theatre
Wat Chanasongkhram Wat Sangwet

More Infomatin
• Web Board & Gallery Bangkok
• Google Earth Thailand Map Bangkok
Important numbers
Police emergency: 191
Tourist Police: 0 7742 1281
Tourist Police - Emergency: 1155
Fire Department: 106
Bangkok Hospital: 0 7742 9500
Samui Hospital: 0 7742 1232
Immigration: 0 7742 1069