Saphan Han

About

Saphan Han (pronounced [sā.pʰāːn hǎn]) is a small bridge over Khlong Rop Krung (also known as Khlong Ong Ang), located in Bangkok's Chakkrawat sub-district, Samphanthawong district, and Wang Burapha Phirom sub-district, Phra Nakhon district. The name also refers to the surrounding area. The bridge was built along with the excavation of Khlong Rop Krung at the beginning of the Rattanakosin period, during the reign of King Phutthayotfa Chulalok (Rama I). At that time, Saphan Han was a single wooden plank laid across the canal to connect the outer city with the inner city. One end was fixed, while the other rested freely on the opposite side, allowing it to be moved aside to let boats pass. This design gave the bridge its name; Saphan Han, meaning "turning bridge" or "swing bridge." In the Ayutthaya period, similar bridges were noted at Khlong Takhian and Khlong Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon, assumed to be near Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon temple based on its name. This type of movable bridge was once a common sight in both Bangkok and other provinces. Later in the reign of King Phutthaloetla Naphalai (Rama II), when Saphan Han was in poor shape, it was rebuilt with two planks, though it could no longer turn as it once did. During the reign of King Mongkut (Rama IV), a steel frame was added, and the bridge floor remained movable with the aid of a pulley system to allow boats to

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