Phitthaya Sathian Bridge

Phitthaya Sathian Bridge (Thai: สะพานพิทยเสถียร) is a historic bridge in the Bangkok's Talat Noi sub-district, Samphanthawong district. It's considered as another iron bridge of Bangkok counterpart with the Damrong Sathit Bridge, popularly known as Saphan Lek, which site in the area of Khlong Thom. Phitthaya Sathian Bridge is the bridge on Charoen Krung road across Khlong Phadung Krung Kasem and considered to be the end of Samphanthawong. The next district is Bang Rak's Maha Phruettharam and Bang Rak sub-districts.

Phitthaya Sathian Bridge สะพานพิทยเสถียร
Phitthaya Sathian Bridge as seen from Maha Phruettharam road
Coordinates
Carries	Charoen Krung Road
Crosses	Khlong Phadung Krung Kasem
Locale	Talat Noi Sub-District, Samphanthawong District, Bangkok, Thailand
Official name	Phitthaya Sathian Bridge
Other name(s)	Saphan Lek Lang (Lower Iron Bridge)
Maintained by	Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA)
Characteristics
Design	Venetian Gothic
Location

When the new construction in the reign of King Mongkut (Rama IV), the structure was iron and can be separated from each other for the boat pass similar to lifting bridge. Hence the named "Saphan Lek" in Thai, and was often called "Saphan Lek Lang" (สะพานเหล็กล่าง; lit: lower iron bridge). While Damrong Sathit Bridge was called "Saphan Lek Bon" (สะพานเหล็กบน; upper iron bridge). Later during the reign of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) in 1899 it was restored and completed in 1900 includes received the official name in honour of Prince Sonabandit (พระเจ้าบรมวงศ์เธอ พระองค์เจ้าโสณบัณฑิต กรมขุนพิทยลาภพฤฒิธาดา), the owner of palace in the vicinity named Wang Talat Noi (วังตลาดน้อย; Talat Noi Palace).[1][2]

Charoen Krung road at the end of the bridge (Samphanthawong side)

In the reign of King Vajiravudh (Rama VI), it has been restored again and still the condition as today. The bridge is reinforced cement built with beautiful Venetian Gothic architecture. The lower beam is curved, this bridge is decorated with exquisite decoration especially balustrades, all eight lampposts, as well as the lion head sculptures at the end. And is now a recognised ancient monument since 1975 by the Fine Arts Department along with Damrong Sathit Bridge.[1][2]