Phan Fa Lilat Bridge

About

Phan Fa Lilat Bridge (RTGS: Saphan Phan Fa Lilat, pronounced [sā.pʰāːn pʰàːn fáː līː.lâːt], lit. 'the bridge where the king passes through the heavens', referring to "King's Cross Bridge", commonly known as "Phan Fa Bridge") is a historic bridge crossing Khlong Bang Lamphu on Ratchadamnoen Avenue, at the boundary between Ban Phan Thom and Bowon Niwet sub-districts in Phra Nakhon District, and Ban Bat sub-district in Pom Prap Sattru Phai District, inner Bangkok. It is located near Mahakan Fort, Queen Sirikit Gallery, and the King Prajadhipok Museum. The bridge divides Ratchadamnoen Avenue into two sections: Ratchadamnoen Klang ('Central Ratchadamnoen') and Ratchadamnoen Nok ('Outer Ratchadamnoen'). It is considered a pair with Phan Phiphop Lila Bridge, which lies on Ratchadamnoen Nai ('Inner Ratchadamnoen') near the Royal Rattanakosin Hotel and Sanam Luang. The exact date of construction is unknown, but it is believed to have been built during the construction of Ratchadamnoen Avenue (1899–1901), under the reign of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V). Due to its central location between the Democracy Monument and the Royal Plaza, the bridge has been a frequent site for major political gatherings in Thai history, including the October 14 uprising (1973), Black May (1992), and protests by the People's

Adapted from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA). Photography via Wikimedia Commons.