Lat Phrao and Phahon Yothin MRT stations
Last issue we ended at the Ratchadaphisek MRT station, and so, heading now on the loop we move on to a major station in Lat Phrao. It is the interchange station for the planned Yellow Line of the BTS (Skytrain). Just when work will actually start on the quite lengthy line is yet to be determined, although some reports suggest it may be effectively tendered by the end of 2016 and work could begin the following year. Until such time as the sods are turned, everything remains speculation. Nonetheless, Lat Phrao will, at some point in the future, be a major station.
The weekend is a good time to visit the Lat Phrao area, especially for anyone keen on doing their own home decoration. There is the Crystal Design Center Weekend Market as well as a large second-hand furniture market and shops flogging antiques as well as modern designer furniture.
If you happen to be in the area on a weekday though, why not drop in for a look at the Court Museum of Thailand, as well as the Archives Hall, both of which are located on the fifth floor of the Judicial Training Institute. OK, it’s all in Thai, as might be expected, but both offer a glimpse into how the courts have functioned down through the centuries.
The next station along the line is Phahon Yothin, and this station is close by St John’s University (via Exit 1), the Catholic institution which was founded in 1961 and has garnered a strong reputation for excellence.
Heading out of Exit 3 you can make a right turn and head down towards Central Plaza Lat Phrao. This shopping centre was opened in December 1982 by the Central Group and was, at the time, one of the few major integrated shopping complexes in Bangkok. Of course, it’s now just one of many. With something like 295 stores operating inside the complex, there should be something for every keen shopaholic.
Instead of heading off to the shops, yet again, you can make a left turn and make your way into the top end of Chatuchak Park. This park is one of Bangkok’s finest sections of greenery, albeit not as large in area as Lumpini Park, but it is definitely worth spending a lot of time wandering about its expanses, whether it’s a weekday or weekend.
Chatuchak Park was created on land donated by the State Railways of Thailand and opened in December 1980, making it one of the oldest parks in the city. It has an artificial lake running along much of its expanse and bridges which link it with two smaller parks.
