Tha Chang, Bangkok

Its name meaning "Elephant Pier" (Tha is jetty, pier and Chang is elephant), it was built in the reign of King Phutthayotfa Chulalok (Rama I), who was the first monarch of Chakri Dynasty and the founder of Rattanakosin Kingdom. At that time, elephants from the Grand Palace were brought to this area to take a bath, therefore making it called "Tha Chang" in Thai. At present, Tha Chang is a pier that provides Chao Phraya Express Boat that runs between Bangkok and the north ends in Nonthaburi Province, including a ferry pier that crosses to Thonburi side at the Wat Rakhang in Bangkok Noi District and Tha Wang Lang in the area of Siriraj Hospital as well. In addition, it also has a number of retail shops and eateries. At the corner of the Tha Chang area, there are old shophouses built during King Chulalongkorn (Rama V)’s reign with beautiful plaster pediment, pilasters and stucco. They are all buildings that have been registered as archaeological sites by the Fine Arts Department since 2001 and have been renovated and maintained at present.[1][2]

Besides, there is another Tha Chang, Tha Chang Wang Na (ท่าช้างวังหน้า), another place provided for the elephants to bathe as well. Located in the area of Wang Na (Front Palace), it is currently located under the Phra Pinklao Bridge at the head of Phra Athit Road near Wat Phra Kaew Wang Na. Originally, Tha Chang Wang Na was a royal pier and a ferry pier to Bangkok Noi Railway Station with Bangkok Noi Canal include other places in Thonburi side, but now it doesn't have that role anymore. But its name still appears to this day.[3] Moreover, Tha Chang Wang Na quarter is the location of Phra Arthit Mansion, or unofficially known as "Tham Niab Tha Chang" (ทำเนียบท่าช้าง, "Tha Chang House"), it was the residence of senior statesman Pridi Banomyong during his regent tenure in World War II period.[4]

• "3. Chao Phraya Pier Guide". BANGKOK.COM.