The Prawet Burirom canal is a crucial canal of Bangkok that was dug during the reign of King Rama V in AD 1877. After it was built, he granted it the name Prawet Burirom (คลองประเวศบุรีรมย์) which means the pleasant journey. The main purpose of extending this canal to the eastern outskirts of Bangkok was to expand the agriculture area for Bangkokians.

Historical accounts show that there was financial support from the Royal Treasury Department as well as support from local people in the form of donations and physical assistance in exchange for land ownership along both sides of the canal. This arrangement caused a change in the local population, especially Thai-Muslims as well as the Buddhists and Thai-Chinese who were assisting in digging the canal so they could reserve the spaces along the canal. Therefore, the diversity of cultures from different groups of people who have their settlements along the canal led to uniqueness in cultural townscape.

Even though 140 years have passed, this cultural stream constantly flows to the future. The way of living and the surroundings in the area adapted to the evolution of the society. Along the banks of the canal are diverse ways of livings, traditions, new and old occupations, including the historical traces such as fine arts and the architecture of both dwelling and religious places, which is the result of the cultural diversity of the existing neighbourhood, which is fascinating in the present time.

On Saturday 23 November, The Siam Society under Royal Patronage cordially invites you to join afloat along the historic canal route of Prawet Burirom. The course of the canal presents the tradition and cultural diversity of the local people in the area, both Thai-Muslim and Thai-Buddhist. The trip includes a workshop to learn how to make desserts from Muslim villagers, boat sightseeing, and a visit to a local gemcutter. The program will finish with a visit to religious places, both Mosque and Temple.

Dr Rasita Sin-ek-iem; an independent scholar in History of Art, History of Architecture, Cultural Heritage Management and Tourism, will lead this journey for us. She had worked on a research project, exploring cultural knowledge of Prawet Burirom Canals at Prawet District, Bangkok Metropolis, for many years.