Thonburi – The geographical significance and present status
Thonburi – The Town
Located in Thailand, Thonburi was the Capital of Thailand until 1785 and rightfully so due to its economical importance and its function as a tax collecting gateway town.
Even though Thonburi was the capital city for only a mere 15 years, this place had long been an old city community. It has also been a fertile land for agriculture. Moreover, Thonburi has long been a multi-cultural community of different ethnic groups of people: The Chinese, Mon, Indian, Japanese and Dutch merchants since the Ayutthaya period. The Dutch Warehouse in Bang Pakok district of Thonburi is still a cultural reminder from that time period and is being called New Amsterdam.
Geographical importance
Geographically, Thonburi covers an area of not more than 25 square kilometers which translates into 9.7 square miles. The neighboring province in the North is Nonthaburi, on the West is Nakorn Pathom, the Eastern province is Samutprakran where some parts reach the Gulf of Siam. Thonburi is in the tropical zone, therefore, high temperatures are typical all year round and humidity is a constant factor for most of the year.
Being located in the delta on the mouth of the Chao Phraya River, the soil is extremely fertile and suitable for agriculture. As a result, the old typical careers of the people in Thonburi are agriculture- and orchard owners.
Millions of years ago the river-delta where Thonburi is located today was once a shallow sea and later became a fertile zone with several waterways, which made constructing canals in this area easily possible. Consequently, the vast amount of canals in Thonburi made this city known as the “Venice of the East”.
Present Status
Thonburi is now mainly a residential area and the close distance to Bangkok offers the comforts and tranquility of a small town to volunteers, while still being convenient for the many urban placements for work for its communities. In Thonburi, the traveler will witness the strong community links that are a result of the importance placed on personal relationships in Thailand.
It is widely known that the Thai people embody the sentiments of orthodox Buddhism. Friendliness and warm hospitality are ranking high on the scale of proper human interaction. Visitors will always be greeted with a smile and maintaining a calm equilibrium and enjoying some mutual fun are of the utmost importance and on the flipside, raising your voice or any display of anger is considered extremely rude. Due respect is granted for everyone, regardless of social standing.
Developing relationships is the best and the recommended way to immerse yourself in Thai culture but you will have to be proactive. Possibly only out of respect, Thai people are unlikely to tell you your behavioral mistakes and what to do instead. Once you take your first steps in adhering to their culture in various ways, the people you meet will welcome you, sharing their most intimate thoughts and feelings and you can be sure to enjoy their endless generosity.
Thonburi features a breathtaking landscape with beautiful, vibrant flowers and the water-canals are also a great contrast to the busy streets and skyscrapers of the city. As one walks throuh the wide streets of Thonburi, a visit at the nearby “Wat Arun” (the Temple of Dawn) will be certainly provide a lasting impression of the elaborate and mystical Thai-Architecture and you will be greeted by everyone you pass while you enjoy the scenery.
Thonburi – The Ship
Most of even well informed travelers may not know that there also was a now sunken ship named “Thonburi”. The ship is actually an attraction for divers today. The Thornburi sunk during the Thai-French-Indochina war and now lies in the shallow water of a rather unknown river at the southern edge of Koh Chang. Strong currents decrease the visibility for divers drastically and one has to time the dive carefully and on occasions you won’t be able to see your hand in front of your face. It is nevertheless a thrill-ride for scuba fans.
Thornburi “The Ship” and Thornburi “The Town” share not only the name but also a common faith and destiny. Both have their glory days in history to look back at and also an uncertain future to look forward to, on the bottom of the sea as the remains of a once proud ship and as the old capital of Thailand and now being one of the poorest districts in Bangkok. A complete contrast in all ways for both, the Ship and the Town.
