Ratchaprasong
Encyclopedia
Pathum Wan
Pathum Wan or Pathumwan is one of the 50 districts of Bangkok, Thailand. The district is bounded by six other districts : Ratchathewi , Watthana, Khlong Toei, Sathon, Bang Rak, Pom Prap Sattru Phai , and Dusit.-History:The district was established in 1914...
District, Bangkok
Bangkok
Bangkok is the capital and largest urban area city in Thailand. It is known in Thai as Krung Thep Maha Nakhon or simply Krung Thep , meaning "city of angels." The full name of Bangkok is Krung Thep Mahanakhon Amon Rattanakosin Mahintharayutthaya Mahadilok Phop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom...
, adjacent to Siam District. Located at the BTS Skytrain's Chit Lom Station
Chit Lom Station
Chit Lom station is a BTS skytrain station, on the in Pathum Wan District, Bangkok, Thailand. The station is located on Phloen Chit Road at Chit Lom intersection to Lang Suan and Chit Lom Road...
and the intersection of Phloenchit, Rama I and Ratchadamri Roads. The area is home to many shopping malls and hotels.
Attractions
- Erawan ShrineErawan ShrineThe Erawan Shrine is a Hindu shrine in Bangkok, Thailand that houses a statue of Phra Phrom, the Thai representation of the Hindu creation god Brahma. A popular tourist attraction, it often features performances by resident Thai dance troupes, who are hired by worshippers in return for seeing...
– A HinduHinduismHinduism is the predominant and indigenous religious tradition of the Indian Subcontinent. Hinduism is known to its followers as , amongst many other expressions...
/BuddhistBuddhismBuddhism is a religion and philosophy encompassing a variety of traditions, beliefs and practices, largely based on teachings attributed to Siddhartha Gautama, commonly known as the Buddha . The Buddha lived and taught in the northeastern Indian subcontinent some time between the 6th and 4th...
shrineShrineA shrine is a holy or sacred place, which is dedicated to a specific deity, ancestor, hero, martyr, saint, daemon or similar figure of awe and respect, at which they are venerated or worshipped. Shrines often contain idols, relics, or other such objects associated with the figure being venerated....
in BangkokBangkokBangkok is the capital and largest urban area city in Thailand. It is known in Thai as Krung Thep Maha Nakhon or simply Krung Thep , meaning "city of angels." The full name of Bangkok is Krung Thep Mahanakhon Amon Rattanakosin Mahintharayutthaya Mahadilok Phop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom...
, ThailandThailandThailand , officially the Kingdom of Thailand , formerly known as Siam , is a country located at the centre of the Indochina peninsula and Southeast Asia. It is bordered to the north by Burma and Laos, to the east by Laos and Cambodia, to the south by the Gulf of Thailand and Malaysia, and to the...
that houses a statue of four-faced Brahma SahampatiBrahma (Buddhism)' in Buddhism is the name for a type of exalted passionless deity , of which there are several in Buddhist cosmology.-Origins:The name originates in Vedic tradition, in which Brahmā appears as the creator of the universe...
has regular dance performances put on by a troupe paid by worshippers whose prayers at the shrine were answered. Five other shrines are located in the area as well: Phra-mae Lakshmi, Phra Tri Murati, Phra Bighanesh (Ganesh), Phra Indra and Phra Narayana song suban. - Festive season lights – Every year around ChristmasChristmasChristmas or Christmas Day is an annual holiday generally celebrated on December 25 by billions of people around the world. It is a Christian feast that commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ, liturgically closing the Advent season and initiating the season of Christmastide, which lasts twelve days...
and New YearNew YearThe New Year is the day that marks the time of the beginning of a new calendar year, and is the day on which the year count of the specific calendar used is incremented. For many cultures, the event is celebrated in some manner....
, Ratchaprasong is heavily decorated with lights. The decorations were started by Peninsular Plaza and The Regent hotel (now Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok), and later expanded to SogoSogoSogo Co., Ltd. is a department store chain that operates an extensive network of branches in Japan. It once owned stores in locations as diverse as Beijing in China, Causeway Bay in Hong Kong, Taipei in Taiwan, Jakarta, Medan, Bandung & Surabaya in Indonesia, Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia, Singapore,...
(now a part of Amarin Plaza), CentralWorldCentralWorldCentralWorld is a shopping plaza and complex in Bangkok, Thailand. It is the third largest shopping complex in the world. The complex, which includes a hotel and office tower, is owned by Central Pattana...
, Central Chidlom and Gaysorn. Bangkok Metropolitan Administration also provides lights along the BTS Skytrain pillars. During the period, it is the brightest lit area of Bangkok. - Foreign Correspondents' Club Thailand – Located in the penthouse of the Maneeya Building, the FCCT hosts guest speakers, talks on current events, movie screenings and art and photographic exhibitions.
Shopping
- Central ChidlomCentral ChidlomCentral Chidlom is a large department store located in Bangkok, Thailand.It is the flagship store of the Central Group and opened it doors in 1973.The store has a total of 8 floors and sells many luxury products....
– Flagship department store of Thailand's biggest retail chain. - CentralWorldCentralWorldCentralWorld is a shopping plaza and complex in Bangkok, Thailand. It is the third largest shopping complex in the world. The complex, which includes a hotel and office tower, is owned by Central Pattana...
– Southeast Asia's second largest shopping mall. - GaysornGaysornGaysorn Plaza is a shopping mall located on the Ratchaprasong shopping district, in Bangkok, Thailand.The mall contains international high-end brands such as, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Prada, Givenchy, La Perla, Christian Dior, Loewe, Fendi and Hugo Boss.Gaysorn has five levels with more than 100...
– An upscale shopping centre devoted to designer-label luxury goods. - Amarin Plaza – Formerly the Sogo Department Store, has shops devoted to Thai traditional arts and handicrafts as well as restaurants and other retailers.
- Big C Ratchadamri – Has shops, fitness centre and 10-screen EGV Metropolis cineplex.
Hotels
- Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok – Built on the site of the original Erawan Bangkok; also has a shopping arcade
- Holiday Inn Bangkok
- Intercontinental Bangkok – Has connecting bridge to Gaysorn through its President Tower shopping arcade.
- Four Seasons Hotel – Formerly The Regent Bangkok, at BTS Ratchadamri Station.
- Sawasdee Langsuan Inn (Chidlom - Sukhumvit) 93/4 Soi Lang Suan 5, Ploenchit Road, Bangkok 10330.
- Arnoma Hotel, Bangkok
Transportation
- BTS Skytrain
- Chit Lom StationChit Lom StationChit Lom station is a BTS skytrain station, on the in Pathum Wan District, Bangkok, Thailand. The station is located on Phloen Chit Road at Chit Lom intersection to Lang Suan and Chit Lom Road...
connects to Central ChidlomCentral ChidlomCentral Chidlom is a large department store located in Bangkok, Thailand.It is the flagship store of the Central Group and opened it doors in 1973.The store has a total of 8 floors and sells many luxury products....
, Maneeya Center, Grand Hyatt Erawan, GaysornGaysornGaysorn Plaza is a shopping mall located on the Ratchaprasong shopping district, in Bangkok, Thailand.The mall contains international high-end brands such as, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Prada, Givenchy, La Perla, Christian Dior, Loewe, Fendi and Hugo Boss.Gaysorn has five levels with more than 100...
and CentralWorldCentralWorldCentralWorld is a shopping plaza and complex in Bangkok, Thailand. It is the third largest shopping complex in the world. The complex, which includes a hotel and office tower, is owned by Central Pattana...
. The walkway extends to Siam StationSiam stationSiam Station is the cross-platform interchange station for the BTS Skytrain in Pathum Wan district, Bangkok, Thailand. The largest and busiest station on the BTS with 40,000 - 50,000 passengers per day, it is where passengers on the and change trains....
. - Ratchadamri StationRatchadamri StationRatchadamri station is a BTS skytrain station, on the in Pathum Wan District, Bangkok, Thailand. The station is located on Ratchadamri Road between Ratchaprasong intersection and Lumphini Park. It is among the luxury condominiums, office towers and hotels, with green scenery of horse racecourse...
– a few metres walk to the Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok and Royal Bangkok Sports Club.
- Chit Lom Station
- MRT SubwayBangkok MetroThe MRT , sometimes referred to as the Bangkok Metro, is Bangkok's underground metro system in Thailand. It was constructed under a concession concept...
- Lumphini Station a few metres walk to Lumphimi Park.
- Silom Station a few meters walk to Lumphimi Park, Dusit Thani Hotel and Chulalongkorn Hospital.
- Sam Yan StationSam Yan Station (Bangkok Metro)Sam Yan Station is a Bangkok MRT Blue Line rapid transit station in Thailand, located underground between Sam Yan intersection on Rama IV Road near Chulalongkorn University.-Station Map:- Exits:* 1 Wat Hua Lamphong, Si Phraya Road, Surawong Road....
a few meters walk to The Thai Red Cross, Wat Hua LamphongWat Hua LamphongWat Hua Lamphong is a Royal Buddhist temple, third class, in the Bang Rak District of Bangkok, Thailand.It is located on Rama IV Road, with Si Lom Road and Suriwong Road in Bangkok's modern business district to the southeast, and Si Phraya Road to the northwest. It is a block from The Montien...
and Chulalongkorn UniversityChulalongkorn UniversityChulalongkorn University is the oldest university in Thailand and is the country's highest ranked university. It now has nineteen faculties and institutes. Regarded as the best and most selective university in Thailand, it consistently attracts top students from around the country...
. - Hua Lamphong StationHua Lamphong Station (Bangkok Metro)Hua Lamphong Station is a Bangkok MRT Blue Line rapid transit station in Thailand, located underground on Rama IV Road in front of Bangkok Railway Station which is unofficially known as Hua Lamphong Railway Station.-Station Map:-Exits:...
connects to Hua Lamphong Central Train Station.
- Khlong Saen Saep Express BoatKhlong Saen Saep Express BoatThe Khlong Saen Saep Express Boat service operates on the Khlong Saen Saep in Bangkok, providing fast, inexpensive transportation through the city's traffic-congested commercial districts...
service – Pratu Nam Pier is nearby. - BMTA city buses – more than 20 bus lines pass through the area.
Incidents
In 2008, the Ratchaprasong intersection was one of the sites of protests of the "Yellow Shirts"People's Alliance for Democracy
The People's Alliance for Democracy also called the National Liberation Alliance - กลุ่มพันธมิตรกู้ชาติ, Thai Patriots Network or the Yellow Shirts - เสื้อเหลือง - was originally a coalition of protesters against Thaksin Shinawatra, the former Prime Minister of Thailand. Its leaders include...
against the government under Thaksin Shinawatra
Thaksin Shinawatra
Thaksin Shinawatra is a Thai businessman and politician, who was Prime Minister of Thailand from 2001 to 2006, when he was overthrown in a military coup....
. Thaksin Shinawatra was eventually forced out of office by this political campaign.
In 2010, the Ratchaprasong intersection was one of the main sites of the 2010 Thai political protests
2010 Thai political protests
A prolonged series of political protests occurred in Bangkok, Thailand in 2010 from March to May against the Democrat Party-led government. The protests were organized by the National United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship...
. From March to May the "Red Shirt" protesters occupied a large area around Ratchaprasong intersection in an opposing political campaign aimed at reinstalling the government under Thaksin Shinawatra
Thaksin Shinawatra
Thaksin Shinawatra is a Thai businessman and politician, who was Prime Minister of Thailand from 2001 to 2006, when he was overthrown in a military coup....
. The stage area and the surrounding tent city became knas "the red city." The major shopping malls and five-star hotels in the central area of Bangkok were forced to closed down during the occupation. Most civil residents of the area moved out for security concerns, after protesters started firing M-79 grenades into the neighbouring Silom district causing civilian deaths (e.g, attack on Sala Daeng Station
Sala Daeng Station
Sala Daeng station is a BTS Skytrain station, on the in Bang Rak District, Bangkok, Thailand. The station is located on Si Lom Road to the southwest of Sala Daeng Intersection...
on April 22 ). After weeks of failed negotiations, the Thai army moved in to clear the Ratchaprasong intersection on May 19, 2010. The violent government crack-down
2010 Thai military crackdown
On 10 April and 13–19 May 2010, the Thai military cracked down on the National United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship protests in central Bangkok, the capital of Thailand. The crackdown was the culmination of months of protests that called for the Democrat Party-led government of Abhisit...
against the "Red Shirt" protesters resulted in the deaths of about 90 civilians. Protestors set fire to the buildings in the area, this included the destruction of Bangkok largest shopping mall, the CentralWorld
CentralWorld
CentralWorld is a shopping plaza and complex in Bangkok, Thailand. It is the third largest shopping complex in the world. The complex, which includes a hotel and office tower, is owned by Central Pattana...
shopping complex
Pathum Wan
Pathum Wan or Pathumwan is one of the 50 districts of Bangkok, Thailand. The district is bounded by six other districts : Ratchathewi , Watthana, Khlong Toei, Sathon, Bang Rak, Pom Prap Sattru Phai , and Dusit.-History:The district was established in 1914...
District, Bangkok
Bangkok
Bangkok is the capital and largest urban area city in Thailand. It is known in Thai as Krung Thep Maha Nakhon or simply Krung Thep , meaning "city of angels." The full name of Bangkok is Krung Thep Mahanakhon Amon Rattanakosin Mahintharayutthaya Mahadilok Phop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom...
, adjacent to Siam District. Located at the BTS Skytrain's Chit Lom Station
Chit Lom Station
Chit Lom station is a BTS skytrain station, on the in Pathum Wan District, Bangkok, Thailand. The station is located on Phloen Chit Road at Chit Lom intersection to Lang Suan and Chit Lom Road...
and the intersection of Phloenchit, Rama I and Ratchadamri Roads. The area is home to many shopping malls and hotels.
Attractions
- Erawan ShrineErawan ShrineThe Erawan Shrine is a Hindu shrine in Bangkok, Thailand that houses a statue of Phra Phrom, the Thai representation of the Hindu creation god Brahma. A popular tourist attraction, it often features performances by resident Thai dance troupes, who are hired by worshippers in return for seeing...
– A HinduHinduismHinduism is the predominant and indigenous religious tradition of the Indian Subcontinent. Hinduism is known to its followers as , amongst many other expressions...
/BuddhistBuddhismBuddhism is a religion and philosophy encompassing a variety of traditions, beliefs and practices, largely based on teachings attributed to Siddhartha Gautama, commonly known as the Buddha . The Buddha lived and taught in the northeastern Indian subcontinent some time between the 6th and 4th...
shrineShrineA shrine is a holy or sacred place, which is dedicated to a specific deity, ancestor, hero, martyr, saint, daemon or similar figure of awe and respect, at which they are venerated or worshipped. Shrines often contain idols, relics, or other such objects associated with the figure being venerated....
in BangkokBangkokBangkok is the capital and largest urban area city in Thailand. It is known in Thai as Krung Thep Maha Nakhon or simply Krung Thep , meaning "city of angels." The full name of Bangkok is Krung Thep Mahanakhon Amon Rattanakosin Mahintharayutthaya Mahadilok Phop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom...
, ThailandThailandThailand , officially the Kingdom of Thailand , formerly known as Siam , is a country located at the centre of the Indochina peninsula and Southeast Asia. It is bordered to the north by Burma and Laos, to the east by Laos and Cambodia, to the south by the Gulf of Thailand and Malaysia, and to the...
that houses a statue of four-faced Brahma SahampatiBrahma (Buddhism)' in Buddhism is the name for a type of exalted passionless deity , of which there are several in Buddhist cosmology.-Origins:The name originates in Vedic tradition, in which Brahmā appears as the creator of the universe...
has regular dance performances put on by a troupe paid by worshippers whose prayers at the shrine were answered. Five other shrines are located in the area as well: Phra-mae Lakshmi, Phra Tri Murati, Phra Bighanesh (Ganesh), Phra Indra and Phra Narayana song suban. - Festive season lights – Every year around ChristmasChristmasChristmas or Christmas Day is an annual holiday generally celebrated on December 25 by billions of people around the world. It is a Christian feast that commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ, liturgically closing the Advent season and initiating the season of Christmastide, which lasts twelve days...
and New YearNew YearThe New Year is the day that marks the time of the beginning of a new calendar year, and is the day on which the year count of the specific calendar used is incremented. For many cultures, the event is celebrated in some manner....
, Ratchaprasong is heavily decorated with lights. The decorations were started by Peninsular Plaza and The Regent hotel (now Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok), and later expanded to SogoSogoSogo Co., Ltd. is a department store chain that operates an extensive network of branches in Japan. It once owned stores in locations as diverse as Beijing in China, Causeway Bay in Hong Kong, Taipei in Taiwan, Jakarta, Medan, Bandung & Surabaya in Indonesia, Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia, Singapore,...
(now a part of Amarin Plaza), CentralWorldCentralWorldCentralWorld is a shopping plaza and complex in Bangkok, Thailand. It is the third largest shopping complex in the world. The complex, which includes a hotel and office tower, is owned by Central Pattana...
, Central Chidlom and Gaysorn. Bangkok Metropolitan Administration also provides lights along the BTS Skytrain pillars. During the period, it is the brightest lit area of Bangkok. - Foreign Correspondents' Club Thailand – Located in the penthouse of the Maneeya Building, the FCCT hosts guest speakers, talks on current events, movie screenings and art and photographic exhibitions.
Shopping
- Central ChidlomCentral ChidlomCentral Chidlom is a large department store located in Bangkok, Thailand.It is the flagship store of the Central Group and opened it doors in 1973.The store has a total of 8 floors and sells many luxury products....
– Flagship department store of Thailand's biggest retail chain. - CentralWorldCentralWorldCentralWorld is a shopping plaza and complex in Bangkok, Thailand. It is the third largest shopping complex in the world. The complex, which includes a hotel and office tower, is owned by Central Pattana...
– Southeast Asia's second largest shopping mall. - GaysornGaysornGaysorn Plaza is a shopping mall located on the Ratchaprasong shopping district, in Bangkok, Thailand.The mall contains international high-end brands such as, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Prada, Givenchy, La Perla, Christian Dior, Loewe, Fendi and Hugo Boss.Gaysorn has five levels with more than 100...
– An upscale shopping centre devoted to designer-label luxury goods. - Amarin Plaza – Formerly the Sogo Department Store, has shops devoted to Thai traditional arts and handicrafts as well as restaurants and other retailers.
- Big C Ratchadamri – Has shops, fitness centre and 10-screen EGV Metropolis cineplex.
Hotels
- Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok – Built on the site of the original Erawan Bangkok; also has a shopping arcade
- Holiday Inn Bangkok
- Intercontinental Bangkok – Has connecting bridge to Gaysorn through its President Tower shopping arcade.
- Four Seasons Hotel – Formerly The Regent Bangkok, at BTS Ratchadamri Station.
- Sawasdee Langsuan Inn (Chidlom - Sukhumvit) 93/4 Soi Lang Suan 5, Ploenchit Road, Bangkok 10330.
- Arnoma Hotel, Bangkok
Transportation
- BTS Skytrain
- Chit Lom StationChit Lom StationChit Lom station is a BTS skytrain station, on the in Pathum Wan District, Bangkok, Thailand. The station is located on Phloen Chit Road at Chit Lom intersection to Lang Suan and Chit Lom Road...
connects to Central ChidlomCentral ChidlomCentral Chidlom is a large department store located in Bangkok, Thailand.It is the flagship store of the Central Group and opened it doors in 1973.The store has a total of 8 floors and sells many luxury products....
, Maneeya Center, Grand Hyatt Erawan, GaysornGaysornGaysorn Plaza is a shopping mall located on the Ratchaprasong shopping district, in Bangkok, Thailand.The mall contains international high-end brands such as, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Prada, Givenchy, La Perla, Christian Dior, Loewe, Fendi and Hugo Boss.Gaysorn has five levels with more than 100...
and CentralWorldCentralWorldCentralWorld is a shopping plaza and complex in Bangkok, Thailand. It is the third largest shopping complex in the world. The complex, which includes a hotel and office tower, is owned by Central Pattana...
. The walkway extends to Siam StationSiam stationSiam Station is the cross-platform interchange station for the BTS Skytrain in Pathum Wan district, Bangkok, Thailand. The largest and busiest station on the BTS with 40,000 - 50,000 passengers per day, it is where passengers on the and change trains....
. - Ratchadamri StationRatchadamri StationRatchadamri station is a BTS skytrain station, on the in Pathum Wan District, Bangkok, Thailand. The station is located on Ratchadamri Road between Ratchaprasong intersection and Lumphini Park. It is among the luxury condominiums, office towers and hotels, with green scenery of horse racecourse...
– a few metres walk to the Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok and Royal Bangkok Sports Club.
- Chit Lom Station
- MRT SubwayBangkok MetroThe MRT , sometimes referred to as the Bangkok Metro, is Bangkok's underground metro system in Thailand. It was constructed under a concession concept...
- Lumphini Station a few metres walk to Lumphimi Park.
- Silom Station a few meters walk to Lumphimi Park, Dusit Thani Hotel and Chulalongkorn Hospital.
- Sam Yan StationSam Yan Station (Bangkok Metro)Sam Yan Station is a Bangkok MRT Blue Line rapid transit station in Thailand, located underground between Sam Yan intersection on Rama IV Road near Chulalongkorn University.-Station Map:- Exits:* 1 Wat Hua Lamphong, Si Phraya Road, Surawong Road....
a few meters walk to The Thai Red Cross, Wat Hua LamphongWat Hua LamphongWat Hua Lamphong is a Royal Buddhist temple, third class, in the Bang Rak District of Bangkok, Thailand.It is located on Rama IV Road, with Si Lom Road and Suriwong Road in Bangkok's modern business district to the southeast, and Si Phraya Road to the northwest. It is a block from The Montien...
and Chulalongkorn UniversityChulalongkorn UniversityChulalongkorn University is the oldest university in Thailand and is the country's highest ranked university. It now has nineteen faculties and institutes. Regarded as the best and most selective university in Thailand, it consistently attracts top students from around the country...
. - Hua Lamphong StationHua Lamphong Station (Bangkok Metro)Hua Lamphong Station is a Bangkok MRT Blue Line rapid transit station in Thailand, located underground on Rama IV Road in front of Bangkok Railway Station which is unofficially known as Hua Lamphong Railway Station.-Station Map:-Exits:...
connects to Hua Lamphong Central Train Station.
- Khlong Saen Saep Express BoatKhlong Saen Saep Express BoatThe Khlong Saen Saep Express Boat service operates on the Khlong Saen Saep in Bangkok, providing fast, inexpensive transportation through the city's traffic-congested commercial districts...
service – Pratu Nam Pier is nearby. - BMTA city buses – more than 20 bus lines pass through the area.
Incidents
In 2008, the Ratchaprasong intersection was one of the sites of protests of the "Yellow Shirts"People's Alliance for Democracy
The People's Alliance for Democracy also called the National Liberation Alliance - กลุ่มพันธมิตรกู้ชาติ, Thai Patriots Network or the Yellow Shirts - เสื้อเหลือง - was originally a coalition of protesters against Thaksin Shinawatra, the former Prime Minister of Thailand. Its leaders include...
against the government under Thaksin Shinawatra
Thaksin Shinawatra
Thaksin Shinawatra is a Thai businessman and politician, who was Prime Minister of Thailand from 2001 to 2006, when he was overthrown in a military coup....
. Thaksin Shinawatra was eventually forced out of office by this political campaign.
In 2010, the Ratchaprasong intersection was one of the main sites of the 2010 Thai political protests
2010 Thai political protests
A prolonged series of political protests occurred in Bangkok, Thailand in 2010 from March to May against the Democrat Party-led government. The protests were organized by the National United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship...
. From March to May the "Red Shirt" protesters occupied a large area around Ratchaprasong intersection in an opposing political campaign aimed at reinstalling the government under Thaksin Shinawatra
Thaksin Shinawatra
Thaksin Shinawatra is a Thai businessman and politician, who was Prime Minister of Thailand from 2001 to 2006, when he was overthrown in a military coup....
. The stage area and the surrounding tent city became knas "the red city." The major shopping malls and five-star hotels in the central area of Bangkok were forced to closed down during the occupation. Most civil residents of the area moved out for security concerns, after protesters started firing M-79 grenades into the neighbouring Silom district causing civilian deaths (e.g, attack on Sala Daeng Station
Sala Daeng Station
Sala Daeng station is a BTS Skytrain station, on the in Bang Rak District, Bangkok, Thailand. The station is located on Si Lom Road to the southwest of Sala Daeng Intersection...
on April 22 http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/security/36462/bomb-terror-grips-silom). After weeks of failed negotiations, the Thai army moved in to clear the Ratchaprasong intersection on May 19, 2010. The violent government crack-down
2010 Thai military crackdown
On 10 April and 13–19 May 2010, the Thai military cracked down on the National United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship protests in central Bangkok, the capital of Thailand. The crackdown was the culmination of months of protests that called for the Democrat Party-led government of Abhisit...
against the "Red Shirt" protesters resulted in the deaths of about 90 civilians. Protestors set fire to the buildings in the areahttp://pratunamo.twoday.net/stories/6345464/, this included the destruction of Bangkok largest shopping mall, the CentralWorld
CentralWorld
CentralWorld is a shopping plaza and complex in Bangkok, Thailand. It is the third largest shopping complex in the world. The complex, which includes a hotel and office tower, is owned by Central Pattana...
shopping complex
Pathum Wan
Pathum Wan or Pathumwan is one of the 50 districts of Bangkok, Thailand. The district is bounded by six other districts : Ratchathewi , Watthana, Khlong Toei, Sathon, Bang Rak, Pom Prap Sattru Phai , and Dusit.-History:The district was established in 1914...
District, Bangkok
Bangkok
Bangkok is the capital and largest urban area city in Thailand. It is known in Thai as Krung Thep Maha Nakhon or simply Krung Thep , meaning "city of angels." The full name of Bangkok is Krung Thep Mahanakhon Amon Rattanakosin Mahintharayutthaya Mahadilok Phop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom...
, adjacent to Siam District. Located at the BTS Skytrain's Chit Lom Station
Chit Lom Station
Chit Lom station is a BTS skytrain station, on the in Pathum Wan District, Bangkok, Thailand. The station is located on Phloen Chit Road at Chit Lom intersection to Lang Suan and Chit Lom Road...
and the intersection of Phloenchit, Rama I and Ratchadamri Roads. The area is home to many shopping malls and hotels.
Attractions
- Erawan ShrineErawan ShrineThe Erawan Shrine is a Hindu shrine in Bangkok, Thailand that houses a statue of Phra Phrom, the Thai representation of the Hindu creation god Brahma. A popular tourist attraction, it often features performances by resident Thai dance troupes, who are hired by worshippers in return for seeing...
– A HinduHinduismHinduism is the predominant and indigenous religious tradition of the Indian Subcontinent. Hinduism is known to its followers as , amongst many other expressions...
/BuddhistBuddhismBuddhism is a religion and philosophy encompassing a variety of traditions, beliefs and practices, largely based on teachings attributed to Siddhartha Gautama, commonly known as the Buddha . The Buddha lived and taught in the northeastern Indian subcontinent some time between the 6th and 4th...
shrineShrineA shrine is a holy or sacred place, which is dedicated to a specific deity, ancestor, hero, martyr, saint, daemon or similar figure of awe and respect, at which they are venerated or worshipped. Shrines often contain idols, relics, or other such objects associated with the figure being venerated....
in BangkokBangkokBangkok is the capital and largest urban area city in Thailand. It is known in Thai as Krung Thep Maha Nakhon or simply Krung Thep , meaning "city of angels." The full name of Bangkok is Krung Thep Mahanakhon Amon Rattanakosin Mahintharayutthaya Mahadilok Phop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom...
, ThailandThailandThailand , officially the Kingdom of Thailand , formerly known as Siam , is a country located at the centre of the Indochina peninsula and Southeast Asia. It is bordered to the north by Burma and Laos, to the east by Laos and Cambodia, to the south by the Gulf of Thailand and Malaysia, and to the...
that houses a statue of four-faced Brahma SahampatiBrahma (Buddhism)' in Buddhism is the name for a type of exalted passionless deity , of which there are several in Buddhist cosmology.-Origins:The name originates in Vedic tradition, in which Brahmā appears as the creator of the universe...
has regular dance performances put on by a troupe paid by worshippers whose prayers at the shrine were answered. Five other shrines are located in the area as well: Phra-mae Lakshmi, Phra Tri Murati, Phra Bighanesh (Ganesh), Phra Indra and Phra Narayana song suban. - Festive season lights – Every year around ChristmasChristmasChristmas or Christmas Day is an annual holiday generally celebrated on December 25 by billions of people around the world. It is a Christian feast that commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ, liturgically closing the Advent season and initiating the season of Christmastide, which lasts twelve days...
and New YearNew YearThe New Year is the day that marks the time of the beginning of a new calendar year, and is the day on which the year count of the specific calendar used is incremented. For many cultures, the event is celebrated in some manner....
, Ratchaprasong is heavily decorated with lights. The decorations were started by Peninsular Plaza and The Regent hotel (now Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok), and later expanded to SogoSogoSogo Co., Ltd. is a department store chain that operates an extensive network of branches in Japan. It once owned stores in locations as diverse as Beijing in China, Causeway Bay in Hong Kong, Taipei in Taiwan, Jakarta, Medan, Bandung & Surabaya in Indonesia, Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia, Singapore,...
(now a part of Amarin Plaza), CentralWorldCentralWorldCentralWorld is a shopping plaza and complex in Bangkok, Thailand. It is the third largest shopping complex in the world. The complex, which includes a hotel and office tower, is owned by Central Pattana...
, Central Chidlom and Gaysorn. Bangkok Metropolitan Administration also provides lights along the BTS Skytrain pillars. During the period, it is the brightest lit area of Bangkok. - Foreign Correspondents' Club Thailand – Located in the penthouse of the Maneeya Building, the FCCT hosts guest speakers, talks on current events, movie screenings and art and photographic exhibitions.
Shopping
- Central ChidlomCentral ChidlomCentral Chidlom is a large department store located in Bangkok, Thailand.It is the flagship store of the Central Group and opened it doors in 1973.The store has a total of 8 floors and sells many luxury products....
– Flagship department store of Thailand's biggest retail chain. - CentralWorldCentralWorldCentralWorld is a shopping plaza and complex in Bangkok, Thailand. It is the third largest shopping complex in the world. The complex, which includes a hotel and office tower, is owned by Central Pattana...
– Southeast Asia's second largest shopping mall. - GaysornGaysornGaysorn Plaza is a shopping mall located on the Ratchaprasong shopping district, in Bangkok, Thailand.The mall contains international high-end brands such as, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Prada, Givenchy, La Perla, Christian Dior, Loewe, Fendi and Hugo Boss.Gaysorn has five levels with more than 100...
– An upscale shopping centre devoted to designer-label luxury goods. - Amarin Plaza – Formerly the Sogo Department Store, has shops devoted to Thai traditional arts and handicrafts as well as restaurants and other retailers.
- Big C Ratchadamri – Has shops, fitness centre and 10-screen EGV Metropolis cineplex.
Hotels
- Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok – Built on the site of the original Erawan Bangkok; also has a shopping arcade
- Holiday Inn Bangkok
- Intercontinental Bangkok – Has connecting bridge to Gaysorn through its President Tower shopping arcade.
- Four Seasons Hotel – Formerly The Regent Bangkok, at BTS Ratchadamri Station.
- Sawasdee Langsuan Inn (Chidlom - Sukhumvit) 93/4 Soi Lang Suan 5, Ploenchit Road, Bangkok 10330.
- Arnoma Hotel, Bangkok
Transportation
- BTS Skytrain
- Chit Lom StationChit Lom StationChit Lom station is a BTS skytrain station, on the in Pathum Wan District, Bangkok, Thailand. The station is located on Phloen Chit Road at Chit Lom intersection to Lang Suan and Chit Lom Road...
connects to Central ChidlomCentral ChidlomCentral Chidlom is a large department store located in Bangkok, Thailand.It is the flagship store of the Central Group and opened it doors in 1973.The store has a total of 8 floors and sells many luxury products....
, Maneeya Center, Grand Hyatt Erawan, GaysornGaysornGaysorn Plaza is a shopping mall located on the Ratchaprasong shopping district, in Bangkok, Thailand.The mall contains international high-end brands such as, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Prada, Givenchy, La Perla, Christian Dior, Loewe, Fendi and Hugo Boss.Gaysorn has five levels with more than 100...
and CentralWorldCentralWorldCentralWorld is a shopping plaza and complex in Bangkok, Thailand. It is the third largest shopping complex in the world. The complex, which includes a hotel and office tower, is owned by Central Pattana...
. The walkway extends to Siam StationSiam stationSiam Station is the cross-platform interchange station for the BTS Skytrain in Pathum Wan district, Bangkok, Thailand. The largest and busiest station on the BTS with 40,000 - 50,000 passengers per day, it is where passengers on the and change trains....
. - Ratchadamri StationRatchadamri StationRatchadamri station is a BTS skytrain station, on the in Pathum Wan District, Bangkok, Thailand. The station is located on Ratchadamri Road between Ratchaprasong intersection and Lumphini Park. It is among the luxury condominiums, office towers and hotels, with green scenery of horse racecourse...
– a few metres walk to the Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok and Royal Bangkok Sports Club.
- Chit Lom Station
- MRT SubwayBangkok MetroThe MRT , sometimes referred to as the Bangkok Metro, is Bangkok's underground metro system in Thailand. It was constructed under a concession concept...
- Lumphini Station a few metres walk to Lumphimi Park.
- Silom Station a few meters walk to Lumphimi Park, Dusit Thani Hotel and Chulalongkorn Hospital.
- Sam Yan StationSam Yan Station (Bangkok Metro)Sam Yan Station is a Bangkok MRT Blue Line rapid transit station in Thailand, located underground between Sam Yan intersection on Rama IV Road near Chulalongkorn University.-Station Map:- Exits:* 1 Wat Hua Lamphong, Si Phraya Road, Surawong Road....
a few meters walk to The Thai Red Cross, Wat Hua LamphongWat Hua LamphongWat Hua Lamphong is a Royal Buddhist temple, third class, in the Bang Rak District of Bangkok, Thailand.It is located on Rama IV Road, with Si Lom Road and Suriwong Road in Bangkok's modern business district to the southeast, and Si Phraya Road to the northwest. It is a block from The Montien...
and Chulalongkorn UniversityChulalongkorn UniversityChulalongkorn University is the oldest university in Thailand and is the country's highest ranked university. It now has nineteen faculties and institutes. Regarded as the best and most selective university in Thailand, it consistently attracts top students from around the country...
. - Hua Lamphong StationHua Lamphong Station (Bangkok Metro)Hua Lamphong Station is a Bangkok MRT Blue Line rapid transit station in Thailand, located underground on Rama IV Road in front of Bangkok Railway Station which is unofficially known as Hua Lamphong Railway Station.-Station Map:-Exits:...
connects to Hua Lamphong Central Train Station.
- Khlong Saen Saep Express BoatKhlong Saen Saep Express BoatThe Khlong Saen Saep Express Boat service operates on the Khlong Saen Saep in Bangkok, providing fast, inexpensive transportation through the city's traffic-congested commercial districts...
service – Pratu Nam Pier is nearby. - BMTA city buses – more than 20 bus lines pass through the area.
Incidents
In 2008, the Ratchaprasong intersection was one of the sites of protests of the "Yellow Shirts"People's Alliance for Democracy
The People's Alliance for Democracy also called the National Liberation Alliance - กลุ่มพันธมิตรกู้ชาติ, Thai Patriots Network or the Yellow Shirts - เสื้อเหลือง - was originally a coalition of protesters against Thaksin Shinawatra, the former Prime Minister of Thailand. Its leaders include...
against the government under Thaksin Shinawatra
Thaksin Shinawatra
Thaksin Shinawatra is a Thai businessman and politician, who was Prime Minister of Thailand from 2001 to 2006, when he was overthrown in a military coup....
. Thaksin Shinawatra was eventually forced out of office by this political campaign.
In 2010, the Ratchaprasong intersection was one of the main sites of the 2010 Thai political protests
2010 Thai political protests
A prolonged series of political protests occurred in Bangkok, Thailand in 2010 from March to May against the Democrat Party-led government. The protests were organized by the National United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship...
. From March to May the "Red Shirt" protesters occupied a large area around Ratchaprasong intersection in an opposing political campaign aimed at reinstalling the government under Thaksin Shinawatra
Thaksin Shinawatra
Thaksin Shinawatra is a Thai businessman and politician, who was Prime Minister of Thailand from 2001 to 2006, when he was overthrown in a military coup....
. The stage area and the surrounding tent city became knas "the red city." The major shopping malls and five-star hotels in the central area of Bangkok were forced to closed down during the occupation. Most civil residents of the area moved out for security concerns, after protesters started firing M-79 grenades into the neighbouring Silom district causing civilian deaths (e.g, attack on Sala Daeng Station
Sala Daeng Station
Sala Daeng station is a BTS Skytrain station, on the in Bang Rak District, Bangkok, Thailand. The station is located on Si Lom Road to the southwest of Sala Daeng Intersection...
on April 22 http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/security/36462/bomb-terror-grips-silom). After weeks of failed negotiations, the Thai army moved in to clear the Ratchaprasong intersection on May 19, 2010. The violent government crack-down
2010 Thai military crackdown
On 10 April and 13–19 May 2010, the Thai military cracked down on the National United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship protests in central Bangkok, the capital of Thailand. The crackdown was the culmination of months of protests that called for the Democrat Party-led government of Abhisit...
against the "Red Shirt" protesters resulted in the deaths of about 90 civilians. Protestors set fire to the buildings in the areahttp://pratunamo.twoday.net/stories/6345464/, this included the destruction of Bangkok largest shopping mall, the CentralWorld
CentralWorld
CentralWorld is a shopping plaza and complex in Bangkok, Thailand. It is the third largest shopping complex in the world. The complex, which includes a hotel and office tower, is owned by Central Pattana...
shopping complexhttp://firecritic.com/2010/05/world-trade-center-bangkok-central-world-mall-burns. As of May 2011, reconstruction at the Ratchaprasong intersection is still ongoing.