 Bangkok 200th Anniversary Drum Tower, Sanam Chai Road, Bangkok
The Bangkok 200th Anniversary Drum Tower along Sanam Chai Road is a replica of the original Drum Tower constructed by King Rama I in 1782. The three-storey structure was modelled after the Drum Tower of Ayutthaya. There is a drum at each level and they each issue a different sound. This enable different messages to be conveyed. The first drum is called Yam Phra Surasri. It is used to signal the coming of dawn and dusk. The second drum is called Akki Phinat and is used to as a fire alarm. The third drum, called Phi Khat Phairi is only used to signal if the city is about to be attacked.
During the reign of King Rama III, the roof of the Drum Tower was changed. From the original Mondop style roof, like the scripture library of Buddhist temples, it was changed to the Chinese style. Later, King Rama IV changed it back to the original. King Rama V had the tower demolished. What we see today is a replica built in 1982 in conjunction with the 200th anniversary of the founding of Bangkok.
Getting there
The Bangkok 200th Anniversary Drum Tower is located along Sanam Chai Road, a short distance from the 200th Anniversary Clock Tower. It is across the road from Wat Pho. The easiest way to reach this part of Bangkok is by taxi. Otherwise, you can also take the BTS Skytrain to the Saphan Taksin Station (S6)) and then catch a ferryboat to Chang Pier (N9).
Nearby Sights
200th Anniversary Clock Tower
King Vajiravudh Museum
Ministry of Defence Building
Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew
Sanam Luang
Lak Muang (City Pillar)
Wat Ratchapradit
Wat Ratchabophit
Mae Toranee
National Museum
Wat Mahathat
Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha)
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Drum Tower (29 August 2006)
© Timothy Tye using this photo
Location Map of Drum Tower in Bangkok
Another view of the Drum Tower (29 August 2006)
© Timothy Tye using this photo
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