Mahakan Fort & Community

The Mahakan Fort (Pom Mahakan) was once one of fourteen similar octagonal shaped watchtowers built to defend the old walled city in 1783 under King Rama I. It is now one of two remaining; the other is Pra Sumen Fort (Pom Pra Sumen) next to the Chao Phraya River. They look identical with white-washed walls and mounted cannons. Equally if not more interesting is the Mahakan community village of wooden houses that has lived beside the fort for 200 years. The old community village has been in a dispute with City Hall wanting to evict them since the 1990’s, their plan is to demolish the village and turn the area in to a public park. Equally if not more interesting is the Mahakan community village of wooden houses that has lived beside the fort for 200 years. City Hall has been trying to evict the village residents since the 1990’s, with the plan demolishing the village and turning the area into a public park. This has been disputed by its residents but in April 2016 they were given a final deadline of the 30th April 2016 to relocate. The community put forward a suggestion of paying City Hall a rental fee and essentially turning the place into a more tourist friendly attraction by keeping it clean and well organised. At present, it is unclear what action is to be taken against any that refuse to leave. To get to the village (if you still can) walk to the far end of the fort where you will find stairs leading to the village, visitors welcome. This is not a real draw on its own but is right next to the Golden Mount, so you can easily combine a visit to the two. Address: Ratchadamnoen Klang Rd, Rattanakosin, Bangkok