Chom Thong (Bangkok)

Infobox_Amphoe
name=Chom Thong
province=Bangkok
thai=จอมทอง
capital=Bang Mot
coordinates=coord|13|40|38|N|100|29|5|E|type:adm2nd_region:TH
population=167,794
population_as_of=2004
area=26.265
density=6,389
postal_code=10150
geocode=1035

Chom Thong ( _th. จอมทอง) is one of the 50 districts ("Khet") of Bangkok, Thailand. The district is bounded by the districts (clockwise from north) Phasi Charoen, Thon Buri, Rat Burana, Thung Khru, Bang Khun Thian, and Bang Bon. The district, together with Thung Khru, are well known for its tangerines, the Bang Mot tangerine. There is a giant tangerine sculpture at the junction between Rama II Road and Suk Sawat Road.

History

Chom Thong was part of Bang Khun Thien district until an announcement on 9 November 1989. On 14 October 1997, parts of Bang Pakok sub-district of Rat Burana and parts of Bukkhalo sub-district of Thon Buri were transferred to Chom Thong during the administrative reform which rearranged the 36 Bangkok districts into 50 districts.

Places

Wat Ratchaorasaram (วัดราชโอรสาราม), originally called Wat Chom Thong dated back to Ayuthaya period, was renamed to its present day title when it became the royal temple of King Nangklao. The temple is unique because of the blending of Chinese architecture style into Thai buddhist temple.

Wat Sai (วัดไทร) is another old wat from Ayuthaya kingdom. It belongs to the Mahayana branch of Buddhism. The nearby Wat Sai floating market was once a busy and lively floating market where farmers came and sold products on boat. The original market disappeared around 1977 now it is very small and only targets tourists.

Wat Nagnong Worawihan (วัดนางนองวรวิหาร), also from Authaya period, was renovated by King Nangklao. Among the highlights include mother-of-pearl inlaid ubosot panels and the mixed of Thai, Chinese and European style in its architectures.

Administration

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

External links

* [http://www.bma.go.th/bmaeng/chomthong/ BMA website with the touristical landmarks of Chom Thong]
* [http://203.155.220.217/jomthong/ Chom Thong district office] (Thai only)