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| KHLONG NAM YA (คลองน้ำยา) |
| Text & photographs by Tricky Vandenberg - May 2011 |
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| Khlong Nam Ya is situated off the city island in the northern area in Suan Phrik sub- district; an area formerly called "Thamle Ya" or the "grass locality". The canal is situated north of Wat Borommawong and connects the monastery with the present new Lopburi River. On the map of the Ayutthaya City Administration we read Khlong Satharana (คลองสาธารณ) or public canal. The waterway is also sometimes referred to as Khlong Borommawong. Next to Wat Borommawong, which sits on the south bank of the canal, there was Wat Nak on its northern bank, at present a brick mound with commemoration vihara. There are indications on the aerial map that this canal was once connected to the old Lopburi River; as has been confirmed by the abbot (Chao Awat) of Wat Borommawong, who added that people in former times used the canal to go to Hua Ro on the northeastern corner of the city. [1] The canal has an historical value as it was in 1760 a defense line of the Siamese against the Burmese attack of King Alaungpaya. It was here that Mun Thep Sena with 1000 Siamese troops reinforced the Chinese Brigade of Luang Aphai Phiphat which got the order to erect a stockade, north of the city in the area of Pho Sam Ton. [2] The full event can be read on the web page of Wat Borommmawong. Khlong Nam Ya was widened between 1901 and 1908 over 200 m to make it easy accessible for boats. The canal, though not well maintained, is still in existence and has been partly closed by a small water gate at its confluence with the new Lopburi River. In the Ayutthayan era there was a market along Khlong Nam Ya; one of the thirthy markets outside the city. [3] References: [1] Interview with Chao Awat of Wat Borommowong on 17 April 2011. [2] The Royal Chronicles of Ayutthaya - Richard D. Cushman (2006) - page 481, 482 / Source: Phan Canthanumat, British Museum, Reverend Phonnarat & Royal Autograph. [3] พรรณนาภูมิสถาน พระนครศรีอยุธยา เอกสารจากหอหลวง (ฉบับความสมบูรฌ์) - Geographical description of Ayutthaya: Documents from the palace - Dr Vinai Pongsripian - Bangkok (2007) - page 84. |
| (View of Khlong Nam Ya from the road to Bang Pahan) |
| (Mouth at the new Lopburi River) |
| (View of Khlong Nam Ya from Wat Borommawong) |
| (Khlong Nam Ya from the road) |
