The City Wall of Nakhon Si
Thammarat The City Wall of Nakhon Si Thammarat is the emblem of the
ancientness, fortitude, prosperity, and the long history of the province. It is
located along Khlong Na Muang Canal, Moom Pom Road, Amphoe Muang, Nakhon Si
Thammarat. According to the legend of Nakhon Si Thammarat, the city wall was
built during the reign of Phra Chao Sithamma Sokarat when founding the city on
Had Saai Kaew. He constructed the rampart surrounded by a ditch. It is assumed
that the wall and many parts of the city have been renovated several times.
Still, the old line of the city wall was well-preserved. In King Narai
Maharat's era, French engineers and architects visited Thailand. Therefore,
Thai city wall during that time was built in Chateau style, including the City
Wall of Nakhon Si Thammarat nowadays. Subsequently, during the reign of King
Rama II, which Phraya Nakhon Si Thammarat (Pat) ruled the city, the wall was
given a renovation again.When Chao Phraya Yommarat (Pan Sukhoom) was appointed
as Phraya Sukhoom Vinai (Samuha Tesa Piban) or the regent of Nakhon Si
Thammarat. He pulled down the dilapidated wall (the sema stones still clearly
seen though), and used those bricks to build roads along the inner city
wall.The Fine Arts Department of Thailand has renovated some parts of the
northern wall. The sema stones and the old fort line still remain, and are
easily seen. However, other parts of the wall had tumbled down, only the brick
ruins are left. The City Wall of Nakhon Si Thammarat is the emblem of the
ancientness, fortitude, prosperity, and the long history of the province.The
City Wall of Nakhon Si Thammarat has the shape of a rectangle, with the
territory details as the followings;1.The North: 11 sen and 10 wa wide. (sen:
unit of length equals 40 meters/ wa: equals 2 meters) Nowadays, the east side
of the fort line is attached to Wat Moom Pom, and the west is adjoining to
Nakhon Si Thammarat Prison. There is a canal at the front as the ditch.2.The
South: 11 sen and 10 wa wide. Nowadays, the east side of the fort line is
attached to Sopon Wittaya School, and Technic Sopon Panit Chayakarn School. The
west side is next to the pier, with Khlong Pa Lao as the ditch.3.The East: 55
sen and 5 wa long. Presently, the north side of the fort line is attached to
Wat Moom Pom. The south side of the fort line is attached to Sopon Wittaya
School, and Technic Sopon Panit Chayakarn School. The ditch on this side is
quite shallow, so populations settle here.4.The West: 55 sen and 5 wa long.
Presently, the north side of the fort line is adjoining to Nakhon Si Thammarat
Prison. The south is attached to the pier, from which a canal runs along the
city wall. The canal turns it stream at the right corner of the prison, acting
as a city ditch.The City Wall of Nakhon Si Thammarat in the east side is still
well-preserved, and remains almost in the original condition. There are two
ways to enter the City Wall area as the followings;1.From the Hua Tanon 4-way
intersection, drive onto Ratchadamnoen Road until you reach Nakhon Si Thammarat
Prison. Then, turn right onto Moom Pom Road, and enter the City Wall area.
2.From Nakhon Si Thammarat Railway Station, drive straight to Ta Wang 4-way
intersection. Turn right onto Ratchadamnoen Road. Pass Talad Kaek junction,
Sanam Na Muang, and cross Nakhon Noi Bridge. Then, turn left onto Moom Pom
Road. You will finally enter the City Wall area.