Dusit District

Dusit
ดุสิต
Khet
Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall in dawn on August 12th, 2017, on the occasion of Mother's Day in Thailand

Khet location in Bangkok
Coordinates: 13°46′37″N 100°31′14″E / 13.77694°N 100.52056°E / 13.77694; 100.52056Coordinates: 13°46′37″N 100°31′14″E / 13.77694°N 100.52056°E / 13.77694; 100.52056
Country Thailand
Province Bangkok
Seat Dusit
Khwaeng 5
Area
 • Total 10.7 km2 (4.1 sq mi)
Population (2017)
 • Total 95,852[1]
 • Density 8,958.13/km2 (23,201.5/sq mi)
Time zone UTC+7 (ICT)
Postal code 10300
Geocode 1002

Dusit (Thai: ดุสิต; IPA: [dù.sìt]) is one of the 50 districts (khet) of Bangkok, Thailand.

The district is the administrative centre of the kingdom, as both the National Assembly and royal palace are in this district, as are several ministries. It is connected to Rattanakosin Island by Ratchadamnoen Avenue (literally, "royal way for travelling").

Neighbouring districts are, clockwise from north, Bang Sue, Phaya Thai, Ratchathewi, Pathum Wan, Pom Prap Sattru Phai, Phra Nakhon, and across the Chao Phraya River, the district of Bang Phlat.

History

Vimanmek Mansion

The district was established by King Chulalongkorn, who wanted to escape the confines of Rattanakosin Island. Vimanmek Mansion was constructed in 1900 completely out of teak, and was used as a royal palace for a short time, but was abandoned in 1908. Reconstructed in 1992, it is now a major tourist attraction of the district. Chitralada Royal Villa was built by King Vajiravudh (Rama VI), and was a residence of King Bhumibol Adulyadej. The large park around the palace was used by the King for agricultural research.

Buildings

Other important buildings in the district include the Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall, which was another former residence of King Chulalongkorn, and was later used as the first parliament building. It was built 1907-1915 by the Italian architects Annibale Rigotti and Mario Tamagno.

Next to the building is the Suan Amporn Park, and across the street the Dusit Zoo. The vast space in front of Ananta Samakom Throne Hall is the Royal Plaza. At the middle of the plaza is the equestrian statue of King Chulalongkorn. Various events are held in Suan Amporn Park and Royal Plaza. Yearly events include commencements for many universities in Bangkok, and the Red Cross Fair which takes place for nine days from the end of March till the first week of April.

Important administrative offices such as Government House are also in Dusit. Wasukri Pier is the pier to board and store royal barges, which sail in Thailand's Royal Barge Procession. Near the pier is the National Library of Thailand. In addition, it is also home to several military camps under Royal Thai Army (RTA) such as 1st Cavalry Regiment, King's Guard, 4th Cavalry Division King's Guard, 1st Field Artillery Battalion, King's Guard, Air Defense Artillery Division, Department of Army Transportation, Army Ordnance Department, Army Ordnance Learning Center, Command And General Staff College, and some parts of Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) such as Directorate of Aeronautical Engineering etc., which makes Dusit was named as "Military District".[2]

Several other palaces have been converted into facilities for other purposes. Chan Kasem Palace was initially built for the crown prince by King Rama V, but was never used by King Rama VI and later became the office of the Ministry of Education. Suan Sunandha Palace was built for the queen, consorts, princes and princesses, but is now home to Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University.

The most famous Buddhist temple of the district is Wat Benchamabophit, built by Prince Naris as the royal temple of King Chulalongkorn.

District map

Transport

Train

The Bang Sue MRT Station of the MRT is a short distance outside Dusit District at its extreme northeast corner in Bang Sue District.

The Yommarat Railway Halt of the SRT is on the border Dusit District and Ratchathewi District.

Water taxis

Piers for the Chao Phraya Express Boat service for Dusit District, are Thewes Pier, Payap Pier, Kiak Kai Pier.

Administration

The district is divided into five sub-districts (khwaeng).

1.Dusitดุสิต
2.Wachiraphayabanวชิรพยาบาล
3.Suan Chitladaสวนจิตรลดา
4.Si Yaek Maha Nakสี่แยกมหานาค
5.Thanon Nakhon Chai Si ถนนนครไชยศรี

References

  1. ↑ "Population and House Report for Year 2017". Department of Provincial Administration, Ministry of Internal Affairs. Retrieved 2018-04-01. (Search page)
  2. ↑ "19 กันยา 2549: 11 ปี "ทหารแตงโม" "ตำรวจมะเขือเทศ" ยังไม่หมดไทย". BBC Thai (in Thai). 2017-09-22.
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