The history of Chanthaboon Waterfront Community

ริมน้ำจันทบูร

The forefathers of the community gathered here 300 years ago since King Narai the Great of
Ayudhaya’ s reign. Because of the fertile land and proper location , The community increased their
significance as the center of agriculture, transportation and trade. The population of the community
consisted of many tribes like Thais, Chineses and Vietnameses. Most Vietnameses were Catholics.
These people lived along the banks of the Chanthaburi River for 1 kilometer long. Their houses
stood in rows and became the first road of the community which nowadays is known as
“Sukhaphiban Road ” This road was divided into 3 parts : the beginning started from Tha Luang
as the main point of transportation and official center. Its name was “ Talad Nua ” which meant
the north market. The middle “ Talad Klang ” (the middle market) was the big center for both
wholesale and retail trade with many little piers along the river. At the end of the road was
“Talad Lang ” (the last market) which the center of handicrafts and local products such as ;
mat weaving , lapidary, gems market, fishery products, local food and desserts. Most Vietnameses
and Chineses lived in this area.

Religion
Most people are Buddhists and the rest are Catholics. There are 4 Chinese Shrines, 1 Buddhism temple
and 1 Vietnamese Buddhism temple in the community.

Art and architecture
The houses in the community are ancient Chinese wooden town houses, Thai - Chinese buildings,
European buildings and Chino-Portuguese buildings decorated with very splendid and unique wood
cutting or plaster carved in European, Chinese, Vietnamese and Thais styles. At present as the people
in Chanthaboon Waterfront Community gradually realize the importance of their forefather‘s way of life,
the history of their homeland, art, and the special style in architecture, they decided to found " The
Committee of Chanthaboon Waterfront Community Development ”
formally on February, 2009. The purpose of the committee is to conserve their community ‘ s heritage
for the next generations with the support and participation of every member in the community.