Samut Prakan: Gateway to Thailand's Coastal Charm

• Helloสวัสดี
  [sawasdee]
• Goodbyeลาก่อน
  [laa kon]
• Yesใช่
  [chai]
• Noไม่
  [mai]
• Please/You're welcomeโปรด/ไม่เป็นไร
  [proht/mai bpen rai]
• Thank youขอบคุณ
  [khob khun]
• Excuse me/Sorryขอโทษ
  [khaw toht]
• How are you?คุณสบายดีไหม
  [khun sabai dee mai]
• Fine. And you?สบายดีค่ะ คุณล่ะ
  [sabai dee ka khun la]
• Do you speak English?คุณพูดภาษาอังกฤษได้ไหม
  [khun poot pah saa ang grit dai mai]
• I don't understandฉันไม่เข้าใจ
  [chan mai khao jai]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseฉันอยากดูเมนู โปรด
  [chan yak doo menu proht]
• I don't eat meatฉันไม่กินเนื้อ
  [chan mai gin neuua]
• Cheers!ชนเหยาะ
  [chon yao]
• I would like to pay, pleaseฉันต้องการจ่ายเงิน โปรด
  [chan tong gaan jaai ngern proht]

• Help!ช่วยด้วย
  [chuai duay]
• Go away!ไปไกลๆ
  [bpai glai glai]
• Call the Police!โทรตำรวจ
  [toh tamruat]
• Call a doctor!โทรหมอ
  [toh mor]
• I'm lostฉันหลงทาง
  [chan long tang]
• I'm illฉันไม่สบาย
  [chan mai sabai]

• I'd like to buy...ฉันอยากซื้อ...
  [chan yak seuu...]
• I'm just lookingฉันกำลังดูอยู่
  [chan gam lang doo yuu]
• How much is it?ราคาเท่าไร
  [raa kha thao rai]
• That's too expensiveแพงเกินไป
  [paeng geern bpai]
• Can you lower the price?ลดราคาได้ไหม
  [lot raa kha dai mai]

• What time is it?ตอนนี้กี่โมง
  [dton nee gee mong]
• It's one o'clockเวลาหนึ่งโมง
  [welaa neung mong]
• Half past (10)10 นาทีครึ่ง
  [sip naa tee khrung]
• Morningเช้า
  [chao]
• Afternoonบ่าย
  [bai]
• Eveningเย็น
  [yen]
• Yesterdayเมื่อวาน
  [meua waan]
• Todayวันนี้
  [wan nee]
• Tomorrowพรุ่งนี้
  [proong nee]
• 1หนึ่ง
  [neung]
• 2สอง
  [song]
• 3สาม
  [sam]
• 4สี่
  [see]
• 5ห้า
  [ha]
• 6หก
  [hok]
• 7เจ็ด
  [jet]
• 8แปด
  [baet]
• 9เก้า
  [gao]
• 10สิบ
  [sip]

• Where's a/the...?...อยู่ที่ไหน
  [...yuu tee nai]
• What's the address?ที่อยู่อยู่ที่ไหน
  [tee yuu yuu tee nai]
• Can you show me (on the map)?คุณแสดงให้ฉันดูได้ไหม
  [khun sa daeng hai chan doo dai mai]
• When's the next (bus)?รถปัจจุบันตรวจหน้าเมื่อไหร่
  [rote pat chu ban truat naa meua rai]
• A ticket (to ....)ตั๋วถ้ำไป....
  [dtua tam pai....]

Samut Prakan, often referred to as Pak Nam, is a coastal province in central Thailand. It was founded in 1620 during the reign of King Prasat Thong of the Ayutthaya Kingdom. The city was strategically established at the mouth of the Chao Phraya River, serving as a key defensive outpost against potential invasions from the sea.

In the late 19th century, King Rama V (King Chulalongkorn) recognized the need for modern defenses to protect the kingdom. He commissioned the construction of Phra Chulachomklao Fortress, completed in 1893. The fortress played a significant role during the Franco-Siamese War of 1893, particularly in the Paknam Incident where it helped defend against French naval forces.

Samut Prakan is home to the world's largest crocodile farm, established in 1950 by Utai Youngprapakorn. The farm was originally created to conserve the dwindling population of crocodiles in Thailand and has since become a major tourist attraction, offering visitors both educational and entertaining experiences with these ancient reptiles.

In the early 2000s, the Erawan Museum was constructed in Samut Prakan. The museum, known for its giant three-headed elephant sculpture, was initiated by Lek Viriyaphant. It houses a vast collection of Thai cultural artifacts and serves as a symbol of the artistic and spiritual heritage of Thailand.

Established in 1937, Bang Pu Recreation Center is a popular seaside destination in Samut Prakan. It was originally developed as a health and wellness retreat for Thai citizens. Known for its scenic views and large population of migratory seagulls, it remains a favored spot for both locals and tourists seeking relaxation and natural beauty.

Samut Prakan is located just south of Bangkok and is easily accessible from the Thai capital. The nearest airport is Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK), which is about a 30-minute drive from Samut Prakan. From the airport, you can take a taxi or use ride-hailing services like Grab. Alternatively, you can take the BTS Skytrain to the Bearing Station and then a taxi or a local bus to reach Samut Prakan.

Getting around Samut Prakan can be done via various modes of transportation. Local buses and songthaews (shared pickup trucks) are available and relatively inexpensive. Taxis and motorbike taxis are also widely available. For a more comfortable and quicker option, consider using ride-hailing apps like Grab. The BTS Skytrain extension to Kheha Station makes it convenient to travel between Bangkok and Samut Prakan.

The official currency in Thailand is the Thai Baht (THB). Credit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and larger shops, but it's advisable to carry cash for smaller establishments and local markets. ATMs are widely available, and currency exchange services can be found at banks and exchange kiosks.

Samut Prakan is generally safe for tourists, but it's always wise to take standard precautions. Avoid isolated areas at night, and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. While crime rates are relatively low, areas around tourist attractions can attract pickpockets. Always use registered taxis or ride-hailing services to avoid scams.

In case of an emergency, dial 191 for police, 1669 for medical emergencies, and 199 for fire services. Most hospitals have English-speaking staff. It's advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are readily available for minor health issues, and they often carry over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting temples and religious sites. Avoid revealing clothing. Religion: Do show respect when visiting temples. Remove your shoes and cover your shoulders and knees. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to monks, the elderly, and pregnant women. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a 'wai' (a slight bow with hands pressed together). A handshake is less common. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and street food, but ensure your food is cooked thoroughly. Don't refuse food or drink offerings, as it can be considered impolite.

To experience Samut Prakan like a local, visit the local markets such as Bang Phli Floating Market for fresh produce and traditional Thai goods. Engage with the locals, who are often friendly and willing to share stories about the area. Don't miss the Ancient City (Muang Boran), a large open-air museum showcasing replicas of Thailand's historical sites. For a unique experience, visit the Erawan Museum, famous for its giant three-headed elephant statue.