Phra Sumen Fort: A Defensive Fortification of Bangkok
Site at a Glance
- Country
- Thailand
- Primary era
- Early Modern
- Eras represented
- Early Modern
- Civilizations
- Unclassified
- Site type
- Military
- Remains
- Fort
History
Phra Sumen Fort is a fortification in Bangkok, Thailand, built in 1783 under King Rama I as part of the capital’s defenses. Rama I, also known as Phutthayotfa Chulalok, was the first king of the Chakri dynasty. The fort belongs to the Rattanakosin period, the era and architectural tradition of Bangkok’s Chakri-era kingdom, and was one of 14 forts built to defend the city.
Decline and restoration
As the forts became unnecessary, they were dismantled over time. Phra Sumen Fort and Mahakan Fort are the two that remain. By 1981, Phra Sumen Fort had deteriorated. Thailand’s Fine Arts Department repaired and restored it to its earlier form, using photographs from the reign of King Rama V, the dynasty’s fifth monarch, as a guide. The area around the fort was developed as a public park, and the fort’s name was also given to Phra Sumen Road.
Remains
The restored fort follows Rattanakosin architecture and measures 31.5 metres high and 45 metres long. Its defensive features include a parapet, a protective wall along the fort’s edge, and gun ports, openings through which guns could be fired. Chambers were provided for storing black powder, a traditional gunpowder propellant, alongside weapons and military equipment. The surrounding public park includes a pavilion.
