Thon Buri District


Thon Buri is one of the 50 districts of Bangkok, Thailand. On the west bank of Chao Phraya River, it was once part of Thon Buri Province. Neighboring districts are Bangkok Yai, Phra Nakhon, Khlong San, Bang Kho Laem, Rat Burana, Chom Thong, and Phasi Charoen.

History

In addition to the native inhabitants, the district was settled relatively early by foreigners, first Chinese merchants, then the Portuguese after the fall of Ayutthaya to the Burmese in 1769. In addition to the Chinese and Portuguese, there were also Muslims and Mon, from Burma, as well as French priests, particularly in the neighbourhood called Kudi Chin. The area still retains many Chinese shrines, mosques, and Santa Cruz Church, the second Catholic church to be built in Thailand.
The district used to be called Ratchakhrue due to a nearby wat of the same name. It was renamed Bang Yi Ruea on 11 July 1916, and finally Thon Buri on 17 April 1939. The district then belonged to Thon Buri Province. In December 1971 the province was merged with Bangkok to form the present day Bangkok metropolitan area.

Administration

The district is divided into seven sub-districts.

Places