A Historical Journey Through Bangkok's Ancient Chinese Community
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Talad Noi, meaning "Small Market," is one of Bangkok's oldest Chinese settlements. Located on the east bank of the Chao Phraya River, connected to the major trade hubs of Sampheng and Yaowarat. The pier in Talat Noi developed into a logistics hub especially because it was the furthest upstream dock on the Chao Phraya River accessible by large vessels.Its location provided both water and land transportation routes made it a vital economic center in the old day.
Talad Noi, meaning "Small Market," is one of Bangkok's oldest Chinese settlements. Located on the east bank of the Chao Phraya River, connected to the major trade hubs of Sampheng and Yaowarat. The pier in Talat Noi developed into a logistics hub especially because it was the furthest upstream dock on the Chao Phraya River accessible by large vessels.Its location provided both water and land transportation routes made it a vital economic center in the old day.
The Foundations (Late 18th Century – Mid-19th Century)
The Talad Noi community developed concurrently with the establishment of Bangkok as the capital in 1782. The Chinese community which was on the proposed site for the Royal Palace, was ordered to relocate to the south at Samphaeng district. Main ethnic groups were Hokkien (Fujian) people and Hakka people. They were blacksmiths, noble officials, merchants, artisans, and laborers. The area was known as "Ban Rong Kratha" (House of the Pan Factory) because many settlers engaged in blacksmithing and iron casting. Blacksmith business has been developed from producing pan to carriage, including selling used automobile parts.
Luang Aphai Wanit(Jat) is an important Hokkien person. He was a government official in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which was in charge of trade. He made his fortune through a successful business supporting the junk ship trade. He built the "So Heng Tai", a traditional Chinese architecture that has been preserved to this day.
Historical sites by Hokkien people
Chow Sue Kong Shrine (one of the oldest shrines in the area)
So Heng Tai (a traditional Chinese architectural complex)
Historical sites by Hokkien people
Hon Wong Shrine (an old shrine built in 1888)
Modern Trade and Diversity (1855 – Early 20th Century)
Siam, the old name of Thailand, has opened up free trade causing economic expansion. A new canal and roads were made and new groups of immigrants streamed into the area to take part in the construction projects. This area was flourished with various businesses such as rice mills, sawmills, ice factories, cold storage, and bottling factories.
Teochew people moved to this area to fill the needs of labor for the construction projects. They also engaged in various industries including established trading companies to develop their business. They were Chinese Catholics and built Holy Rosary Church (Wat Kalwar), a gothic style church. This church became the center of the Chinese Catholics in Thailand. And it engaged in social welfare activities including establishing a school.
Hainan people were wise merchants who migrated to this area to take advantage of the economic opportunities during the expansion. Hainan people were wise merchants. They established businesses such as bank and marine transportation. Nai Pin(นายปิน) made a big market to promote the economic activity of Talat Noi and his family became wealthy.
Historical site by Teochew people
Holy Rosary Church (Wat kalwar)
Used auto parts and development as a touristic spot (After WW II to the present)
After World War II, Talat Noi was known throughout Thailand for its used auto parts market, known as "Xiang Kong”, fueled by the trade in vast quantities of vehicles and military equipment left behind by the Allied and Axis forces. Many Chinese became rich due to the prosperity of Xiang Kong market
After World War II, Talat Noi was known throughout Thailand for its used auto parts market, known as "Xiang Kong”, fueled by the trade in vast quantities of vehicles and military equipment left behind by the Allied and Axis forces. Many Chinese became rich due to the prosperity of Xiang Kong market
Xiang Kong Market declined due to eviction orders and regulations of the government. The local community sought an alternative path to prosperity.
Nowadays, this area attracts many tourists with the combination of the scenery of pile of used automobile parts, preserved old buildings renovated as a modern café or hotel, arts like galleries and wall paintings or street art.
Nowadays, this area attracts many tourists with the combination of the scenery of pile of used automobile parts, preserved old buildings renovated as a modern café or hotel, arts like galleries and wall paintings or street art.
Wall painting
Chow Sue Kong Shrine
So Heng Tai
( a traditional Chinese house)
Hory Rosary Church (Wat Kalwar)
Local business in Talat Noi
Old scenery of Talat Noi in 20th century
Talat noi faces the mouth of the Klong Padung Krung Kasem River to the south.
Charoen Krung Road is located to the east, serving as a vital transportation route connecting the communities of Sampeng, Yaowarat, and Bang Rak.
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