| Pak Praek: Walking street initiative a boon for visitors | |||
| UPDATE : 15 January 2010 | |||
While it was an important, strategic location for the Japanese military during World War II, since then Kanchanaburi has become a popular draw in general among visitors to the kingdom. But the province's links to World War II are still relevant today since it's estimated that the bodies of about 7,000 Allied prisoners of war (PoWs) are buried there. Indeed, relatives still travel from countries as far away as Britain, Canada, and New Zealand to pay their respects at the graves of their lost loved ones, or simply as tourists wishing to learn more about the infamous ‘Death Railway’ or the bridge featured in the classic war movie Bridge Over the River Kwai. Communities developed alongside the Kwae Yai, Kwae Noi and Mae Klong rivers during the reign of King Rama III (1824-1851), while local people, trade and transportation continue to rely heavily upon the three waterways. The Pak Praek community, located in Muang district's Baan Meau sub-district, was one of the earliest communities to emerge. Pak Praek Road, the main thoroughfare, which leads to the city pillar shrine, is now quite a busy street whereas in days gone by water transportation dominated. Even then, however, the street would have experienced a fair amount of commercial activities given that bamboo, timber and other commodities would regularly be transported through the area. Most single-story and two-story homes in the community were built during the reign of King Rama V (1868-1910), Boonpong and Brothers store being the only building to boast a third floor. During its glory days, Pak Phaek Road was where locals could get anything they needed, such as medicines, or food from local eateries. There was even a photo-processing shop with its own darkroom.
Boonpong Sirivejjabhandu, a local merchant who owned the Boonpong and Brothers store, began his business by supplying Japanese troops with food, medicine and other necessities. Worayut Suwanarit, an expert on the history of Kanchanaburi, said that by doing business with the Japanese military, Boonpong was able to talk with Allied PoWs and learned about their hellish living conditions. Boonpong risked his life to smuggle lifesaving supplies, including medicines, batteries, toothpaste, clothes, radios and letters to the PoWs based at the Tamarkan camp, who were forced to build the Death Railway. These supplies would be hidden in goods ordered by the Japanese troops, he said.
Wichai Losiri, chairman of the Kanchanaburi Tourism Promotion Association, said Kanchanaburi has a very long history and many parts of this history, such as the story of the Pak Preak community had too easily been forgotten. The 117-year old community also features some interesting examples of 'East-meets-West architecture, and the Boonpong and Brothers store sits within this category. The Sumitrakan Hotel, the very first hotel to open in Kanchanaburi, is also located on Pak Praek Road. It is a two-story building that occupies give terraced houses. The hotel initially consisted of 12 rooms but seven more were added during a major renovation. Japanese soldiers were stationed at the hotel during WWII, but the hotel finally closed in 1979. Chuan Panich House is another interesting building located in the area. A two-story building covering two terraced houses, the entrance is framed with thick, wooden accordion doors, while the windows feature Chinese-style rails. Close by is a store called Boon Yiam Jaranai, which is a two-story building with a balcony supported by Roman-style columns. Sittisang House is another two-story building that occupies three terraced houses. Originally painted using a combination of soil and the water used to cook khao nieow (sticky rice), the condition of the exterior remains in excellent condition when you consider that the building has never undergone any major renovation work. Wichai said the interesting history and architectural features along this road inspired the association to join hands with several governmental and private agencies to preserve its unique characteristics. The cooperation has also lead to the organization of a 'walking street', which is aimed at telling visitors its remarkable story. The walking street, which officially opened in September, consists of stores selling local foods, traditional music performances and handicraft products, including loincloths made by the Nong Kaw community and bamboo products. Prasit Opasthipakorn, the mayor of Kanchanaburi, says that the walking street would provide visitors with greater convenience. “Kanchanaburi has many historical attractions, such as the City Gate, the City Pillar Shrine and the King Rama III Monument. Once we promote tourism within the community, all these destinations will be linked,” he said. “The walking street is a project that will allow tourists to visit these destinations more easily in a single trip, while also helping the community to preserve its culture and historical buildings.” The 117-year old Pak Praek walking street can be accessed during 4-10 pm from Friday through Sunday. Transport connections: Pak Praek Road is located near Kanchanaburi's City Gate, while the City Pillar Shrine is in the downtown area. Bus: First-class air-conditioned buses leave Bangkok's Southern Bus Terminal every 25 minutes during 4 am-8 pm. Regular (non air-conditioned) buses operate from the same location, departing every 15 minutes. The trip takes about three hours. For further information, visit http://www.transport.co.th. Car: There are two main routes you can use to reach Kanchanaburi by car. You can leave Bangkok on Highway 4 (Phetkasem) passing through Nakhon Chaisi province, Nakhon Pathom province, Ban Pong, Tha Maka and Tha Muang (of Ratchaburi province) before arriving in Kanchanaburi. Alternatively, you can take Highway 338 from Bangkok to Nakhon Chaisi province, where you can switch to Highway 4 and continue as above. source : manager.co.th | |||
วันพฤหัสบดีที่ 11 กุมภาพันธ์ พ.ศ. 2553
Pak Praek: Walking street initiative a boon for visitors
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