Kasat Suek refers to an intersection and its corresponding bridge on the periphery of Pom Prap Sattru Phai and Pathum Wan districts, Bangkok. The intersection is also known by the names Bobae Intersection and Yotse Intersection.
Characteristics & history
Kasat Suek Intersection is a four-way intersection between Rama I, Krung Kasem, and Bamrung Mueang roads, considered to be the end of Bamrung Mueang and the beginning of Rama I. It takes its name from Kasat Suek Bridge, which is located on Rama I Road just next to the intersection. Kasat Suek Bridge is composed of two sections, one across the railway from the nearby Hua Lamphong railway station and the other across Khlong Phadung Krung Kasem towards the intersection. Formerly a wooden bridge called "Yotse",. In 1928, during the reign of King Prajadhipok, the deteriorated wooden bridge was rebuilt as a reinforced concrete bridge, with the name being officially changed to Kasat Suek. The King presided over the opening ceremony on April 6, 1929. The bridge is also the first overpass in Thailand. The word "Kasat Suek" translates as king of war, and comes from the title Somdet Chaophraya Maha Kasatsuek, which belonged to King Phutthayotfa Chulalok, founder of the Chakri dynasty and namesake of the road the bridge is on, before he became king. It is believed that he had passed through this area while returning from war. In the past, the intersection was known as the location of a movie theater, named "Chaloem Khet" after Princess Chalermkhetramongmol, Prince Bhanurangsi Savangwongse's youngest daughter. The theater was later demolished, though the name still exists with the alleys in this area being called Soi Chaloem Khet. In 1907, Kasat Suek saw the first bus route in Bangkok, developed by Phraya Bhakdi Noraset, which ran from the bridge along Rama I Road and led up to Pratunam in Pathum Wan district, totaling a distance of about. The bus was however not very successful, as the vehicle used was not an automobile but a horse-drawn carriage.
