Ubonrat Bridge, sometimes written as Ubolratana Bridge (Thai: สะพานอุบลรัตน์, pronounced [sā.pʰāːn ʔùʔ.bōn.rát]) is a historic bridge spanning Khlong Khu Mueang Doem (old city moat) in Rattanakosin Island or Bangkok's old town zone.

Ubonrat Bridge

สะพานอุบลรัตน์
Coordinates13°44′43.51″N 100°29′46.63″E / 13.7454194°N 100.4962861°E / 13.7454194; 100.4962861
CrossesKhlong Khu Mueang Doem
LocalePhra Borom Maha Ratchawang & Wang Burapha Phirom sub-districts, Phra Nakhon district, Bangkok
Official nameUbonrat Bridge
Other name(s)Ubolratana Bridge
Maintained byBangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA)
History
Opened27 April 1913 (1913-04-27)
Location
Map

Background

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The bridge was built in 1912 as a memorial to Princess Ubolratana Narinaga, the consort of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V). It was built on a former bridge called "Hua Takae" (หัวตะเข้, pronounced [hǔa̯ tā.kʰêː]), which means "the head of a crocodile".[1]

The plaster banisters were designed in the Thai style with the name plate of the bridge set at the middle. It is now a recognised ancient monument since 1988 by the Fine Arts Department.[1]

It serves to connect two roads along Khlong Khu Mueang Doem, Atsadang and Rachini Roads. At both ends of the bridge, there are two short roads named Phra Phiphit (west end) and Phra Phithak (east end), which are all named after King Phutthaloetla Naphalai (Rama II)'s son, because there used to be their residence in the vicinity during the early Rattanakosin period. It is considered a bridge over Khlong Khu Mueang Doem as well as other nearby bridges, such as Mon Bridge, Saphan Hok, Pi Kun Bridge, etc.[2]

References

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  1. ^ a b Your Key to Bangkok. International Affairs Division, Bangkok Metropolitan Administration. 2006. p. 16. ISBN 9789749565728.
  2. ^ Chusap, Daorat (August 2002). Rattanakosin Island (in Thai). PSP. p. 78. ISBN 9748402967.