Travel like the wind – Suchart Choolee
“Sam Khok” may seem like just the name of a small district along the Chao Phraya River in Pathum Thani province, known to many for its old-style market, temples, and the enduring charm of traditional Thai life. However, when we look deeper, Sam Khok is far more than an ordinary historic community — it is a place that has played a significant role in Thai history and culture since before the Ayutthaya period.
According to historical evidence found in the “Northern Chronicles” compiled around 1807 (B.E. 2350), there is mention of a figure known as Phra Chao Sai Nam Phueng (“Lord of the Honey Waters”), who, according to legend, built Wat Phanan Choeng in memory of his Chinese consort, Nang Suay Dok Mak. He had once intended to establish a new city at Bang Toei, located in what is now Sam Khok, but was advised against it by a monk due to the brackish water, which was seen as inauspicious. This story highlights how the area was once considered a strategically important site for settlement—close to the river mouth, ideal for transport and trade.
Khlong Bang Toei, mentioned in the chronicles, serves as geographic evidence of changes in the region’s water ecology. In the dry season, seawater used to reach as far as Bang Toei—something not so surprising, given that today, salty water can still reach as far as Pak Kret.
Nearby areas, such as Khog Yai Man Ban Kao and the now-abandoned Wat Mahingsaram, were once vibrant centers of habitation and trade. Archaeological finds like ceramics and pottery from China (Yuan dynasty), Vietnam, Sukhothai, Si Satchanalai, Suphanburi, and others, reflect a thriving trading network and the prosperity of this community in past centuries.
As time progressed, so did patterns of settlement. A large influx of Chinese immigrants led to expansion from the riverside into inland areas, with the establishment of permanent markets, piers, and organized trade structures. Sam Khok became a local economic hub of considerable importance.
However, with the development of land-based transportation and the construction of Bang Toei Canal’s floodgate, the waterway was effectively sealed off. This led to a gradual decline in river-based trade and the once-bustling riverside markets.
Despite this economic decline, Sam Khok has managed to preserve its cultural identity and traditional way of life. The government has since initiated projects to revitalize Sam Khok’s Waterside Market as a cultural tourism destination and a place for learning about local history. This has helped bring renewed attention to this historic community.
One of the most distinctive features of Sam Khok is its traditional Thai riverside houses, reflecting the wisdom of Thai architectural design. These homes are built on stilts to avoid flooding, with the space underneath used for relaxation, raising animals, or storage. Their steep roofs provide excellent ventilation, and wood is the main building material—perfectly suited to Thailand’s hot and humid climate.
In summary:
Sam Khok is more than just an old riverside community. It is a place rich in history, layered with cultural significance, and once played a key role in regional trade and settlement. Today, it remains a proud symbol of Thai heritage and traditional living.
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