Monday, November 17, 2025
Walk Around the Moat 2: West

I am now at the southwest corner of the moat, starting the walk north along the west side. A photo looking north as I start walking northward. A little of the wall remains here, seen on the right of the photo.

Over time, a road inside the wall evolved. The city outside the moat had grown up to the moat. Because there was a need, in the 1930s (as best as I can tell from some research), the moat was narrowed, and the reclaimed land outside the moat became what is now called the outer-moat road. Then, in the 1950s or maybe later, a few cross-overs were built, connecting the inner-moat road to the outer-moat road. Later, a few pedestrian bridges were added, allowing pedestrians to cross the moat without mixing with cars and motorbikes. The pedestrian bridges are almost always decorated with flowers. Here is one I passed that has what look like pansies along the side.

As I walked north along the west side of the moat, I saw two large banners honoring the Queen Mother Sirikit. Just as in Bangkok, they are mostly black in this time of mourning.

“Her Majesty is forever in the hearts of Thai People”
“Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother.”

Further north, at Suan Dok Gate, there was another, larger banner honoring the Queen Mother.

“Remains in my heart forever.”
“I bow my head and pay homage at your feet.”
“With deepest gratitude for Her Majesty’s boundless grace.”

Further north, across the road, is the entrance to Wat Pan Sao, an obscure and interesting temple I have visited many times. No time to stop today – I’m only halfway through the walk.

And close to the northwest corner, across the road, is Chiang Mai Ram, an upscale private hospital and a place dear to my heart. I had stitches in my forehead there after stumbling into the edge of a metal sign three years ago, and I had what turned out to be a corneal abrasion treated there two years ago. I don’t make it a habit of going to the hospital, but it is good to know they are there if needed.

I have now reached Hua Lin Corner, the northwest corner of the wall and moat.

Next: Chiang Mai Around the Moat 3: North and East