Wongwian Yai

The bridge from old Bangkok conducted 11 new road projects to be built on Thonburi side of the Chao Phraya River, also with the circle.

The area is also known for its large cluster of Thai leather traders on Charoen Rat Road opposite the railway station.

The intersection was named after the local Thai-Shia Muslim community known in Thai as Khaek Chao Zen, who have inhabited in the area since Thonburi period.

Their ancestors came from Persia, the famous community figure is Sheikh Amad who came to Ayutthaya as a trader in the reign of King Songtham.

When they perform their daily ritual, the men wear white shirts and hats with five folds representing five people respected by the Shia Muslim.

Next to Ban Khaek up north before reaching the Chao Phraya River is Wongwian Lek, the traffic circle intersection, constructed during the reign of King Prajadhipok (Rama VII) in 1943 after the opening of the Memorial Bridge has made the area and communities in the vicinity progress commercially.

The bridge connects Thonburi and Bangkok where many business areas such as Phahurat, Saphan Han, Sampheng, Ratchawong and Song Wat are situated.

In the vicinity of the circle, there were shops and parking areas for horse-drawn carriages and tricycles waiting for passengers to commute over to the Bangkok side.