KHLONG SENASANARAM |
Text & photographs by Tricky Vandenberg - August 2010 |
Khlong Senasanaram was named after the temple Wat Senasanaram as it was dug in the post-Ayutthayan era during the reign of King Rama IV to provide a better access to the monastery. The canal had its mouth with the Front city canal (Khlong Khue Na) in the Hua Ro area, just south of the Elephant landing of the Front Palace. It can be considered as a side-canal from Khlong Pratu Ho Ratana Chai. The canal runs south towards Wat Senasanaram where it joins Khlong Pratu Ho Ratanachai and Khlong Nai Kai (presently called Khlong Makham Riang). Wat Khamin and Wat Senasanaram stand on its eastern bank. Wat Racha Pruek and Wat Nang (both defunct) were situated on its western bank. The canal created in fact a loop of the Front city canal, surrounding the main Front Palace area. On one of the oldest post-Ayutthayan era maps we even find Wat Senasanaram fully encircled by the canal. In May 2010, the mouth of Khlong Senasanaram has been filled in until the sluice on the north side of the old prison, during canal bank reinforcements at Hua Ro. The main part of this canal, although heavily polluted, still can be seen. The canal is presently referred to as Khlong Maha Chai. |
(View of Khlong Senasanaram) |
(View of Khlong Senasanaram) |