Misplaced Pages

Bang Nok Khwaek (Thai: บางนกแขวก, pronounced [bāːŋ nók kʰwɛ̀ːk]) is a subdistrict (tambon) of Bang Khonthi district, Samut Songkhram province, central Thailand.

History

Originally, this area was called "Ban Pho Ngam" (บ้านโพธิ์งาม), but because there are many black-crowned night herons (Nycticorax nycticorax) to live. The locals therefore changed the name to "Bang Nok Khwaek" like today, which means "place of black-crowned night herons". In addition, this species of bird is also used as a seal of the district.

Later, during World War II, the Imperial Japanese Army had bombed Bang Nok Khwaek Watergate, in order not to transfer oil through, but did not damage anything. This is believed to be a miracle from the local sacred Buddha image namely Luang Pho To (หลวงพ่อโต) that provides protection.

Geography

Most of the area consisting of lowlands along the Mae Klong River with rivers and khlongs flowing through thus making the soil fertile suitable for planting. Most areas are orchards. Bang Nok Khwaek regarded as the northernmost part of the district.

Neighboring subdistricts are (from the north clockwise): Si Muen of Damnoen Saduak district, Ratchaburi province, Bang Khonthi, and Bang Yi Rong of its district, respectively.

Administration

Provincial government

The administration of Bang Nok Khwaek subdistrict is responsible for an area that covers 3.73 square kilometres (1.44 sq mi) and consists of seven villages (muban), as of December 2023: 1,280 people and 678 households.

Local government

As of December 2023 there is Bang Nok Khwaek subdistrict municipality (thesaban tambon),
which covers the whole subdistrict and village 6 of Bang Khonthi subdistrict.

Sights

At present, Bang Nok Khwaek is well known as a tourist attraction in Samut Songkhram province. There are many interesting places include:

• Nativity of Our Lady Cathedral, one of the most beautiful and highest Catholic churches in Thailand, located on the bank of Mae Khlong River, it is more than 100 years old, using the French Gothic style of art.
• Bang Nok Khwaek Floating Market, a local market and historic community, with over 100th years of history on the Mae Klong River. Considered the only floating market in Thailand that is adjacent to the main river.
• Wat Charoen Sukaram Worawiharn, a royal Thai temple which is a sacred Buddha image enshrined, Luang Pho To, located about 18 km (11 mi) away from the downtown Samut Songkhram. Another interesting thing here is its natural fish sanctuary, a habitat of hundreds of thousands of Java barb (Barbonymus gonionotus), and red tailed tinfoil (B. altus), including some giant gourami (Osphronemus goramy). The giant gourami here are special abilities, they can eat rice noodles or pork balls from the vendor's hand.

Local products

• Thai sweets
• Biodiesel
• Fruit preserves
• Authentic coconut oil

Notable people

• Apidej Sit-Hirun, former Muay Thai kickboxer and professional boxer

References

1. ^ "Official statistics registration systems". Department of Provincial Administration (DOPA). Retrieved 10 January 2025, >year 2023 >village level >Excel File >no.75020500 - 75021000 >Excel line 79987-79996{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: postscript (link)
2. ^ "ข้อมูลตำบลบางนกแขวก อำเภอบางคนที สมุทรสงคราม" [Information of Bang Nok Khwaek Subdistrict, Bang Khonthi District, Samut Songkhram]. ThaiTambon (in Thai).
3. "Nativity of Our Lady Cathedral". ThailandTourismDirectory.
4. ONE HD (2018-09-14). "ตลาดเก่า 100 ปี บางนกแขวก" [100 year old market, Bang Nok Khwaek]. youtube (in Thai).
5. "วัดเจริญสุขารามวรวิหาร" [Wat Charoen Sukaram Worawiharn]. Baanplatabtim (in Thai).
6. "แม่ค้าตะลึงทั้งตลาด!!! แม่ค้าใจดี เอาลูกชิ้นให้ปลากิน แต่พอกินเสร็จปลาไม่ยอมไปไหน สุดท้ายถึงรู้ว่าที่ไม่ยอมไป เพราะลืมน้ำจิ้ม!!! (ชมภาพ)" [The vendors stunned whole market !!! The generous vendor took the meatballs for the fish to eat. But when finished eating, the fish didn't go anywhere. Finally, knowing that he refused to go, because forget the dipping sauce !!! (see pictures)]. Tnews (in Thai). 2018-02-19.
7. Thairath TV (2018-05-14). "Promo เปิดเรื่องแปลก ปลาแสนรู้" [Promo Purd Rueang Plaek Clever fish]. facebook (in Thai).

• Tambon of Samut Songkhram province