Pa Than Bridge

Saphan Pa Than, or the Bridge of the Charcoal Market, was built over Khlong Pratu Khao Pluak, which connected the old Lopburi River to the Chao Phraya River in the south. This canal was filled in the last century and, thus, is inexistent at present, except for a small stretch of water between Wat Tha Sai and Wat Ratcha Praditsathan. Only some brickwork of the former bridge remains a witness of the past. The foundations of the Pa Than Bridge are still visible. The European-style brick bridge can be used as a model for all the other bridges in the city. It was an arched construction with three sharply curved bows, the middle one higher and wider than the two others, making it possible for boats to pass underneath. The construction dates likely from King Narai's reign (r. 1656-1688). Pa Than bridge stood at a road crossing of two brick roads; one running north-south along the Khlong Pratu Khao Pluak - Pratu Jin, the other running east-west towards the Chao Phrom market.

Ayutthaya Historical Research