Changwat Samut Sakhon (Ocean City) was formerly called Muang Tha Chin probably due to its dealing with a vast number of Chinese
junks in the old days. It is about 28kms. towards the south-west of Bangkok.
Later, in the year 1548 during King Phra Maha Chakkraphat reign, he commanded Muang Tha Chin to he used as the center
for recruiting troops from various seaside towns. He changed the name from Tha chin to Sakhon Buri.
In the year 1704 King Sua made a royal visit by Ekkachai (the royal barge) through Khok Kham Canal which is very curvy.
Phanthai Norasing, the coxswain, could not operate the proper steering thus causing damage to the prow due to hitting
the limb of a tree. To forster the steadiness of the palace law, Phanthai Norasing begged the king to slaughter him King Sua
then commanded to have a new canal be dug to eliminate the sharp curves of Khok Kham Canal and the mouth of the new
canal meets the Tha Chin River in front of Mahachai Town. However, this new canal was completed in the reign of King Thaisa
and named Khlong Mahachai thus causing the people to call this town Muang Mahachai. Still later it was renamed Samut Sakhon
during the reign of King Rama IV but is tilll popularly called Mahachai by the villagers.
Samut Sakhon is administratively divided into three Amphoes: Muang Samut Sakhon, Krathum Baen, and Ban Phaeo;
it occupies a total area of 872 square kilometers, It is located 28 kilometers from Bangkok along Highway No. 35, the
Thon Buri-Pak Tho Highway and 38 kilometers along Highway No.4, the Petchakasem Highway through Setthakit I Road
passing Amphoe Krathum Baen township area before reaching the city site.
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