pakkret happiness

The canalization of Khlong Lut Kret took 10 thousands of people and a bit more than a month to complete. In La Loubere’s records, he reported that fruit orchards in Bangkok took up a vast area of land along the bank and was 4 li (distance measurement unit) from the starting point up to the city ending at Taladkwan. The land was rich in fruit and vegetation that primarily constituted a local diet. Khlong Kret Noi was later named Khlong Lut Kret, and its mouth was called Pak Kret. Later, the canal was scoured in large area and finally became the river with the existence of Koh Kret. In 1764 (B.E. 2307), Myanmar invaded Thailand many times and took a couple years before a complete vanquish and further penetration into Ayutthaya on April 7, 1767 (B.E. 2310). A large number of people died. Like other cities, the bank of the Chao Phraya River and Baan Pak Kret were occupied by Burmeses, causing massive famine and death. To ensure its stability, Myanmar established a checkpoint to inspect ships and vessels of all kinds to prevent Thai people of the south from mobilizing support for Ayutthaya. Prior to Myanmar’s acquisition of the territory, Baan Pak Kret was distinguished with a presence of ships, vessels and sophisticated temples. Under the rule of Myanmar, Baan Pak Kret and its artistic beauty were left abandoned. Before Myanmar’s withdrawal as Phra Chao Taksin regained his control over the area. Since then, Baan Pak Kret has resumed its prosperity and continued to rise. The Role of Darn Kha Nhon (Custom House) in Ayutthaya In the reign of Somdej Phra Naresuan Maharaj, after Ayutthaya’s victory over the Burmeses, Thailand’s trade was thriving until the period of Somdej Phra Chao Prasat Thong. Foreign officials and royalty from many countries such as Arab, Japan, Malayu, Portugal, Holland and England coming to the country with a purpose to foster friendly relationship. It could be said that Ayutthaya was one of the largest central markets in South East Asia. Trading reached its peak in the reign of Somdej Phra Narai Maharaj. Baan Pak Kret was one of the three places where major custom houses of Ayutthaya were located. The other two places include Thonburi and Baan Tanao (or Luang Bang Pa In) The architectural structure of Pak Kret custom house resembled a pavilion with high roof. The place was established to collect customs duties and taxes, as well as to conduct an inspection over import and export goods of Ayutthaya. In Pak Kret, there existed a big market “Baan Bang Talat” where lots of goods were brought for sale. In addition to Darn Kha Nhon, there were 3 sub-custom houses including Darn Yoi Pak Khlong Baan Lam, Darn Yoi Bang Pood and Darn Yoi Khlong Bang Luang. 23