Watthana

Infobox_Amphoe
name=Watthana
province=Bangkok
thai=วัฒนา
capital=Khlong Tan Nuea
coordinates=coord|13|44|32|N|100|35|9|E|type:adm2nd_region:TH
population=82,582
population_as_of=2003
area=12.565
density=6,572
postal_code=10110
parts of Phra Khanong Nuea: 10260
geocode=1039

Watthana (or Vadhana, _th. วัฒนา) is one of the 50 districts ("Khet") of Bangkok, Thailand. Neighbor districts are (from the north clockwise): Ratchathewi, Huai Khwang, Suan Luang, Phra Khanong, Khlong Toei, Sathon, and Pathum Wan.

History

Watthana was a separate district following the split from Khlong Toei in 1998 to provide better service to its population. The district obtained its name from Princess Galyani Vadhana, the elder sister of King Bhumibol Adulyadej. Watthana or Vadhana means development. The area is among the most developed part of Bangkok.

Places

Comprising the area between Sukhumvit Road and Khlong Saen Saeb, Watthana is one of the commercial districts in Bangkok with lots of condominiums and hotels. A lot of expatriates of many nationalities live there.

hopping

* Sukhumvit Road - Vendors selling counterfeit DVDs, T-shirts and tourist trinkets clog the sidewalks from Soi 3 to Soi 15.
* Foodland - One of the branches of the Thai grocery chain is located on Soi 5. It also has a 24-hour coffee shop.
*Villa Plaza - Located between the Sukhumvit 33 nightlife area and Soi 31, the plaza is a shopping and entertainment area anchored by the Villa (open 24 hours) and Fuji supermarkets. It also has some Japanese-only clubs, as well as British-style pubs.
*Thong Lo - This street has become trendy in recent years, with a number of upscale restaurants and "boutique" shopping centers.
*Major Sukhumvit - A large branch of the Major Cineplex theater chain is located near the Bangkok Skytrain Ekkamai station, with a bowling alley, restaurants and shops.

Dining and entertainment

* "Little Africa" - Near the Grace Hotel, there's a network of alleys between Nana Nuea (means Northern Nana) or Sukhumvit Soi 3, and Soi 5 that is home to many Middle Eastern restaurants.
*Soi Cowboy - Nightlife strip with go-go bars is located off Asok, near the intersection with Sukhumvit.

Higher education

*The Siam Society - Established in 1904, it offers lectures, exhibits and trips for Thai and foreign residents who are interested in the study of artistic, scientific and cultural affairs of Thailand. On Asok, near Bangkok Metro Sukhumvit station.
*Japan Foundation - On the 10th Floor of Sermmit Tower on Sukhumvit 21, the foundation has a library, art exhibits, lectures and film screenings, primarily designed to teach Japanese culture to Thais.
*Srinakharinwirot University - Prasarnmit Campus is on Sukhumvit 21.
*Pridi Phanomyong Institute - Established in honor of the late Thai statesman Pridi Phanomyong, the institute houses a library and holds lectures, film screenings and other events. On Soi Thong Lo.

Hospitals

*Bumrungrad International Hospital - Major medical center that caters to tourists is on Sukhumvit Soi 3.
*Samitivej Hospital - Another upper-class hospital, it's located on Sukhumvit Soi 49.
*Camillian Hospital - A small Catholic hospital on Thong Lo.

Transportation

Roads

Besides the east-bound Sukhumvit, prominent roads in the district include several odd-numbered soi's (branch roads) from Sukhumvit: Nana Nuea (Sukhumvit 3), Asok (Sukhumvit 21), Phrom Phong (Sukhumvit 39), Thong Lo (Sukhumvit 55), Ekkamai (Sukhumvit 63), Phra Kanong-Khlong Tan or Khlong Tan or Pridi Phanomyong Road (Sukhumvit 71), and a small portion of On Nut (Sukhumvit 77).

Public transportation

*Bangkok Skytrain - Stations in the district are Nana, Asok (links to Bangkok Metro), Phrom Pong, Ekkamai and Phra Kanong.
*Bangkok Metro - The subway's Sukhumvit station is in Watthana district.
*Khlong Saen Saeb - Borders the district; piers for the express boat service are Nana Nua, Asok, Prasan Mit, Ital-Thai, Wat Mai Chong Lom, Thong Lo, Chan Issara and Khlong Tan.

Administration

The district is sub-divided into three sub-districts ("Kwaeng").

ymbols

The emblem of the district shows a pavilion, which refers to the residence of Princess Galyani Vadhana, the name patron of the district. Also the red color refers to the Princess, as red is the day color of her birthday. The golden rays of light extending from the roof of the pavilion symbolizes her divine grace to all Thais. Also the lotus shape is supposed to be an offering to pay respect to the Princess. [cite news|url=http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2008/01/07/national/national_30061361.php|publisher=The Nation|date=January 7, 2008|title=Wattana was named by Princess]

References

External links

* [http://www.bma.go.th/bmaeng/vadhana/ BMA website with the touristical landmarks of Watthana]
* [http://www.bangkokcity.com/community/dist/vadhana/index/index.php Watthana district office] (Thai only)
* [http://www.siam-society.org/ Siam Society]
* [http://www.jfbkk.or.th/ Japan Foundation, Bangkok]
* [http://www.bumrungrad.com/ Bumrungrad International Hospital]