Trat history

Trat is a city with a rich past, and its history is closely interwoven with the destiny of the Thai nation. Known since the Ayutthaya Kingdom era, it has always played a vital role due to its strategic location on the eastern coast of the Gulf of Thailand. Although the exact date of the settlement's founding is not recorded in documents, the region is mentioned in historical chronicles as an important settlement named Bang Phra. Over time, the city received the name Trat, which, according to one theory, is derived from the name of a tree common in this area that was used to make brooms.

The development of the city as an administrative and trading centre was largely defined by its geography. Situated on the border with Cambodia and having access to the sea, Trat served as a natural buffer and a strategic outpost for protecting the kingdom's eastern frontiers. A crucial phase occurred during the events of the early 20th century: during the reign of King Rama V, the city was temporarily under French control but was returned to Siam in 1907 in exchange for other territories. This return became a symbol of maintaining national sovereignty, and local ports continued to play a key role, providing anchorage and supplies for merchant vessels navigating along the Indochina coast.

The economy of old Trat differed significantly from the modern one and was based on unique natural resources. The region was historically famous for rich deposits of rubies and sapphires, particularly in the Bo Rai district, which attracted prospectors and traders from all over the world. Furthermore, Trat was known as a major supplier of cardamom and other forest products, which were highly valued in Asian markets, shaping the commercial character of the province long before the development of mass tourism.

Major Historical Milestones

• Mid-17th Century (approx. 1652) — Founding of Wat Buppharam (Wat Plai Khlong), which is recognized today as the oldest surviving religious structure in the province.
• 1767 — After the fall of Ayutthaya, King Taksin the Great uses the cities of the eastern coast as a strategic stronghold to assemble a fleet and restore the country's independence.
• Late 19th Century — Trat gains fame as a major trading centre thanks to rich deposits of rubies and sapphires, attracting merchants from across the globe.
• 1904 — The city passes under the temporary administration of the French as part of territorial negotiations in Indochina.
• 23 March 1907 — The historic date of Trat's return to Siamese (Thai) sovereignty, which is celebrated annually as the province's Independence Day.
• 17 January 1941 — The Battle of Ko Chang takes place in the waters of the archipelago; the memory of this naval engagement is immortalised in a special memorial in the Laem Ngop district.
• 31 December 1982 — Official establishment of the Mu Ko Chang National Park, placing the nature of over 50 islands under protection and promoting the development of eco-tourism.
• 1994 — Completion of the new City Pillar Shrine, the architecture of which uniquely combines Thai and Chinese motifs.
• 18 April 2003 — Opening of Trat Airport by Bangkok Airways, which significantly simplified access to the region's resorts for tourists.
• 2006 — Opening of the Trat Museum in the historic wooden building of the former city hall, featuring an exhibition on the culture and lifestyle of local residents.

Stages of City Development and Transformation

The evolution of Trat is a journey from a remote border outpost and mining centre to a modern tourism hub and the "gateway" to Eastern Thailand. Below are the key stages that formed the modern appearance of the city and province.

• The "Gemstone Rush" Era

  In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the region experienced an economic boom thanks to rich deposits of rubies and sapphires. This turned Trat into an international trading centre, attracting capital and migrants, laying the financial foundation for the further development of urban infrastructure.

• Integration into the National Road Network

  The construction and modernisation of Sukhumvit Road (Route 3), connecting Trat with Bangkok and other regions, brought the city out of transport isolation. This gave a powerful impetus to the trade of agricultural products (fruits, rubber) and simplified logistics.

• Creation of the Marine National Park

  Assigning protected status to the Chang archipelago reoriented the region's economy from resource extraction to the service sector. Trat City became the main transit hub for travellers heading to the islands, which stimulated the growth of the hotel business and services on the mainland.

• Opening of the Airport

  The launch of its own airport radically changed the region's tourism profile. Reducing travel time from Bangkok from 5–6 hours by bus to a 1-hour flight attracted more affluent tourists and made the province's resorts accessible for short weekend trips.

• Development of Border Trade (Ban Hat Lek Market)

  The organisation of an official checkpoint and trade zone on the border with Cambodia turned Trat into an important logistical node for international trade. This strengthened economic ties in Indochina and provided the city with a constant flow of goods and merchants.

• Revitalisation of the Historic Centre

  The cultural heritage preservation programme in the canal area (the Rak Khlong Bang Phra community) allowed for the preservation of unique wooden architecture. Transforming old buildings into museums, boutique hotels, and cafes created a new centre of attraction for cultural tourism within the city itself, not just on the islands.

Architectural Appearance and Urban Design

The architecture of Trat reflects its history as a trading port and border outpost. The city's urban structure formed around waterways, particularly the Bang Phra Canal, which was historically the main transport artery. The urban development is predominantly low-rise, combining traditional Thai wooden stilt houses, Chinese shophouses, and colonial-era buildings that recall the times of King Rama V and the brief French presence.

Architectural Styles and Eras

In the appearance of Trat, one can trace a blend of several cultural traditions, where the functionality of a trading city intertwines with religious art.

• Traditional Thai Style (Ayutthaya and Early Rattanakosin Period)
  Characterised by the use of teak wood, high gable roofs with elongated finials (chofah), and stilt constructions for flood protection.
  Example: The Wat Buppharam (Wat Plai Khlong) temple complex, which has preserved a unique wooden viharn (assembly hall) from the 17th century with wall murals.
• Chinese Style (19th–20th Centuries)
  Associated with the active immigration of Chinese merchants. Manifested in bright colours (red and gold), curved roofs with dragon figures, and rich stone and wood carving.
  Example: City Pillar Shrine — a vivid example of Chinese temple architecture, rebuilt in a modern form but maintaining Feng Shui canons.
• Colonial and "Gingerbread" Style (Era of Rama V)
  Adaptation of Western architectural trends to the tropical climate. Buildings are distinguished by verandas, louvered windows for ventilation, and decorative wood carving (so-called "gingerbread houses").
  Example: The Trat Museum building — the former city hall. This is a wooden structure on stilts with a hip roof ("Manila" or "Panya" style), restored to its original appearance.
• Vernacular Architecture (Folk Architecture)
  Simple wooden houses by the water with open terraces, adapted for the daily life of fishermen and traders.
  Example: The historic district along the Bang Phra canal.

Iconic Buildings and Districts

Trat's appearance is shaped by several key landmarks that serve as the city's architectural focal points:

• Rak Khlong Bang Phra Historic District
  The oldest district of the city, where rows of wooden shophouses have been preserved. Here, one can see how the city developed along the water before the advent of modern roads. The district's architecture is distinguished by authenticity and a lack of mass modern development.
• Trat Museum
  The museum building is an exhibit in itself. Built in the early 20th century, it serves as a rare example of administrative wooden architecture of that time that has survived to this day.
• Wat Yodhanimit
  The temple, known as Wat Bot, played an important role in ceremonies where government officials pledged allegiance. Its architecture is more strict and monumental, characteristic of royal monasteries.

Distinguished Figures in Trat's History

The history of Trat Province is inextricably linked with the names of great monarchs, commanders, and heroes whose decisions and feats defined the fate of this border region. Here are the key figures who left an indelible mark on the city's chronicles.

• King Chulalongkorn (Rama V)
  King of Siam, Reformer
  The most revered figure in the province. It was thanks to his diplomatic efforts and the "great exchange" of territories with France in 1907 that Trat was returned to Siam after foreign occupation. The King visited the city multiple times, caring for the well-being of local residents. A monument to him is erected in front of the city hall, where solemn ceremonies take place annually.
• King Taksin the Great
  King of Thonburi, Liberator of Siam
  After the fall of Ayutthaya in 1767, Taksin retreated to the eastern coast. Trat and neighbouring provinces became his strategic base, where he gathered provisions, built a fleet, and united people for the subsequent liberation campaign that restored the country's independence.
• Commander Luang Phrom Wiraphan
  Officer of the Royal Navy
  Hero of the Battle of Ko Chang (1941) during the Franco-Thai War. He commanded the coastal defence ship "Thonburi". Despite falling in battle, his actions and the crew's bravery inflicted damage on superior enemy forces and protected Trat's coastal waters.
• King Nangklao (Rama III)
  King of Siam
  During a period of threatened conflicts with neighbouring states (Annam), he ordered the strengthening of the eastern frontier defences. On his initiative, the Wat Yodhanimit temple was founded and rebuilt, becoming a place for gathering troops and for government officials to pledge their allegiance.
• Chao Phraya Bodindecha (Sing Singhaseni)
  General and Statesman
  An outstanding commander of the Rama III era. He led Siamese armies in military campaigns in the east and oversaw the creation of defensive infrastructure in Trat and Chanthaburi, ensuring the security of the kingdom's borders against invasions.