✅CHIT LOM | PHLOEN CHIT | Two Classy Bangkok Skytrain Neighbourhoods | Exploration & History

Chit Lom and Phloen Chit, between Nana & Siam are great are next to eachother in Bangkok's downtown. It's awesomely historic, expensive, classy, tragic and very adventurous. I explored these two places and found so much history, so many stories, such unusual sights and streets that are almost paved with gold. Shopping around here isn't cheap at Central Embassy but Central Chitlom has been one of Bangkok's top department stores since 1973. A lot has gone down in this area over the years, foiled terrorist attacks, huge fires, loss of many lives and landmarks that have stood for well over a century. Wanna rent or buy property here? Expect to pay a premium, but you can see why. Would I want to live around one of those high end avenues? Find out in this video. Enjoy!
00:00 Start/Video info
01:16 Phloen Chit Road / History / Old Footage / News
03:39 Former TOT HQ demolition
04:57 Wireless Road & How it got its name
05:44 Bike Taxi hero/Central Chit Lom history & fire / Mater Dei School & unwanted BTS station
08:59 New Petchaburi Road & Gas tanker explosion tragedy & walking under the flyover
12:56 Soi Ruam Rudee & Green Mile & Soi Tonson
18:07 The old Foodland Supermarket
18:44 The Old British Embassy / Nai Lert the landowner
22:06 Langsuan Road
23:30 The area after dark / last word
Full story of foiled truck bombing in 1994: www.thebigchilli.com/feature-...
Locations map: www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mi...
TOUR INFO: Email: [e-mail] Line ID: pat.mck
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MY PHOTO COLLECTIONS from video shoots: www.flickr.com/photos/1385953...
Filmed, produced, edited and researched by me.
Email: [e-mail]

[@BangkokPat]

LINKS & MAP: www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1AS8E-OZ6-sMf6rrMm9fQq2OUdBWlRrk&usp=sharing Book a very unique bespoke walking tour: Contact Email: [e-mail] Line ID: pat.mck Full story of foiled truck bombing in 1994: www.thebigchilli.com/feature-stories/a-massive-truck-bomb-in-central-bangkok-was-defused-after-lucky-accident

[@Jefe_Perro]

It's great you did another remake of this fascinating area. Your video production really makes me feel like I'm there. Excellent work.

[@BangkokPat]

Thanks Jefe, glad you enjoyed it.

[@benjaminchen5715]

I took my American friend, John Davey, to Bangkok. On the BTS Green Line, the pleasant voice announced that the next station was Phloen Chit. As we traveled along, the next station was Chit Lom. John turned to me and whispered, "Lots of Chit." Lo and behold, after a few more stops, the pleasant voice announced the next station, "Mor chit.""

[@richardtownsends3187]

Another great historical video, with old photos to bring back memories. When first moving to Thailand it took 3-4 months to get land line installed in my house, no mobiles back then. So only place to make international calls (other than hotels) was at the TOT office. Used it many times. Finally it was wild seeing those kids swimming in what is without a doubt some nasty water, as anyone who has walked passed it knows.

[@BangkokPat]

Those kids do it all the time, jumping into the canals all over bkk regardless of the fiilthy water!

[@mlh4711]

spot on, that canal is disgusting!

[@BangkokPat]

@@mlh4711 Those kids won't need many vaccines in their lifetime that's for sure...

[@KH_Ong]

If I say Pat's channel is the Wikipedia of Thailand, nobody would object 😎 I almost forget to say " salute "👍🏼

[@BangkokPat]

Cheers ,👍

[@moa3810]

I admire your display of fellow street cats i your videos no matter what the occasion or subject matter.

[@BangkokPat]

Everywhere I film around this city and for whatever topic or theme, there is always a cat nearby. So why not!!!

[@smallpotato4281]

Many thanks for your video. Chit Lom is my favor because of Big C.

[@iand4252]

Watching this with my wife and she was at central world when the president tower fire was happening. She saw someone jumping out of windows! Interesting conversation starter. Thank you Pat.

[@paulkonye8380]

Stellar video, as usual, Pat. Right back in the heart of the action. I really did enjoy your remixed and revitalised take on Central Bangkok. Although it seems a bit cursed. What with all of those fires. Ghosts abound no doubt. All of this has extra resonance too, as I have finally returned to Thailand with my family after 4 years. A one month holiday, but boy, it feels good to be back. Belated merry Xmas, and keep up the good work.

[@GinoG63]

You've nailed this KZbin channel thing in this video, perfection.

[@BangkokPat]

Thanks Gino!

[@awmsinaaa6975]

I really like your senses of humor on those covered cars parking in that old small motel!

[@BangkokPat]

What other reason could there be for those cars???? Thank you very much😇

[@vanhalen45]

I am very impressed with the historical value of your content. It does make a difference in knowing a bit about the background and case history of a given place in Bangkok. I feel that your work has made me a tiny bit more discerning about my living choices once I get there. Bravo to your supurb narratives and vivid imagery. Thank you.

[@BangkokPat]

Thanks Van, it would only be half a video if I didn't do a bit of research! There's always history to be found in every street...Thank you.

[@MasterDag8825]

Another great story. I was particularly interested in Nailert as in my working days, I used to visit the British Embassy on numerous occasions and stayed in the Swiss Hotel which later morphed into the Hilton in what was then in Nailert Park. Lovely gardens and a fine swimming pool. On my last stay I was upgraded to a suite as It was my 50th stay.

[@BangkokPat]

Thanks David, too right they should be upgrading you!

[@phillneal9]

Thank you, I now know at last where the Statue of Queen Victoria went. You are correct it should have gone to The British Club. Years ago ladies who had difficulty having children put flowers over Queen Victoria as she had lots of kids. So much history if you look, thank you for teaching me so much more. Not long now, just over a week and I too will be in the land of smiles. So sad the British ambassador,s residence has not been saved, such a beautiful building like the British Club.

[@tlam9228]

I love to stay in Chitlom, v convenient n great shopping, my friend has a service apartment n I always stay there

[@pannachawangkul585]

Thanks for the time and effort you put in to give us this thoroughly enjoyable clip. Here's for coffee or smoothie for you and May.

[@BangkokPat]

Thanks for being so kind!.

[@vmurmis]

This is one of the most valuable videos I've seen about Bangkok. Thank you very much, Sir. This is great work.

[@BillonBass]

Lived in the Chitlom area at The Address condos about 14 years ago when I first came here for work. Great area! Very quiet sitting back off the main road quite a bit and close to everything! Didn’t know all this great history though! Now we are looking to buy a getaway condo in BK and definitely an area we are considering!

[@terryjames6713]

I enjoy these kind of videos every time I come to Bangkok I'm only there for 2 to 3 days before I move on and never leave the Nana area maybe a typical tourist will do a week or 2 in Bangkok in the future 👍

[@paulseoighemcgee5772]

Love your channel , Pat . So well produced and laid back . Top one !

[@BangkokPat]

Thanks Paul 😍

[@_Alfa.Bravo_]

Fantastic pictures , fantastic music , fantastic speaker !!! Thank you for another masterpiece in cold winter , Pat !!! Cheers from Germany

[@BangkokPat]

Thanks, really glad you enjoyed the video, can't change the weather but have a happy new year!

[@rawhide154]

Your videos are a trip bro.

[@TrevsTravelTales]

I stayed at the old President in late 80's, I stayed at the Manorha Hotel and booked a Restaurant All Gangs on the night when the Gas tanker rolled and Caught fire, Never made it luckily, might of been in it. Good Vid Mate, A few good Memories. Thanks Pat.

[@alipontiac]

Man I really appreciate the time & effort you put to make these beautiful videos.

[@gingerdeol3474]

Loved, loved this video just like all the others you make.

[@aussie-kiwi]

I stopped going to the Chit Lom mall when they stopped selling take away roast dinners in the grocery section. Broke my heart. Paid the security guard to drive though very expensive apartments for a fast exit. Late evening you could see many housekeepers on the way home. And the residents in their whites playing tennis.

[@BangkokPat]

Sounds like the late 70s or early 80s.....they did roast dinners? I'm sure they still do!

[@aussie-kiwi]

Okay so I'm getting elderly. Good to see you introduce your lady friend, she's a nice lady Reminds me of my Thai wife of 35 years I've been very lucky fellow.

[@ksyu415]

Nice meeting and chatting with you in Chinatown yesterday. Always enjoy your insightful videos and stories of BKK. Keep up the good work and happy New Year! Kenny & Patrick

[@BangkokPat]

Thanks and nice to meet you too, it's always nice meeting subscribers while out "in the field" Hope you have a great new year.

[@PatrickLamont1]

Very nice video indeed. So much information you only get on your channel. Congrats.

[@BangkokPat]

Thanks Patrick, glad you enjoyed it!

[@ewooll]

Really enjoyable video. I'm going to watch the lot!

[@BangkokPat]

Great to hear that! Glad you enjoyed it😍

[@fredhespe8878]

Well that was great and acurate,keep up the great content .

[@okiethais5015]

Again awesome, and thank you.

[@tjmctube]

Thanks Pat. Love your use of the street scenes and sounds in your video transitions. Back in the late 80s I had to hoof it many a time from the Nana area to the US Embassy to work on my Thai wife's green card. Traffic was horrendous in those days and walking was the best option. There used to be a translation service conveniently located at the intersection of Phloen Chit and Wireless that translated all our documents.

[@brunner2000]

and again a Super Video thank you

[@BangkokPat]

Thanks Rolf!

[@Mozzie635]

Enjoy your channel good perspective interesting

[@BangkokPat]

Thanks Erin, glad you discovered the channel!

[@thestaffrockband]

Wow; just another 5 star/2 thumbs up video - absolutely fascinating!!! (And for the record, I'd be personally honored to have you a neighbor and to be able to buy and drink a coffee with you from time to time before you left to do ANOTHER great video of this tremendously fascinating city

[@BangkokPat]

Cheers and thank you for the kind words!

[@Maipenrai55]

Thanks! It must be an interesting feeling coming from a country where so much attention is put into preserving the past, and being in a place where newer is seen as better. Thanks for these stories.

[@BangkokPat]

Thanks a lot Matt, glad you enjoyed it and really appreciate the support!

[@lukerabin5079]

Mate! Inspired, to say the least. One of your longest if I’m not mistaken, but one of your most deftly crafted pieces, which I really hope you’re admitting to yourself. Well done, that man!

[@BangkokPat]

Thanks Luke, I was excited at the prospect of adding all these extras to an existing fairly short video, because it became a case of ''I wish I knew than what I know now'' after the first one so very happy to finally get it all in!

[@williamhartz8707]

Pat, your presentations have improved with your voice more lively, and the the episodes always full of new information done with research and old photos. There are so many new BKK “travel blogger-wanna he’s” - all covering the same boring topics ( common tourist sites, Thai cuisine, cultural differences) along with their fancy music and drone shots but we full time residents appreciate your simple style and getting deeper into Bangkok’s history. Thanks for your time producing these episodes. ❤

[@BangkokPat]

Drone shots do not automatically mean great content. For what l do they aren't necessary and l have no intention of getting one just to get one over on other channels. Don't get me wrong, certain channels it compliments the content for sure.

[@fuzzieist]

Great video Pat I was last in wireless road 2014 and the embassy assistant had to extend my passport, It was like going in to fort Knox but very grand cheers pat for the memory

[@BangkokPat]

Thanks Stephen, glad you enjoyed it mate.

[@scottDchicago]

Brilliant episode! Greetings from Bangkok.

[@BangkokPat]

Thanks Scott! Seeing you sooner than you think.....!!

[@shackelfordleslie3196]

I have have an apartment on soi Langsuan for 18 years, and it is great to live there. You are not surrounded by the elite, as the elite have maids that shop for them or have it brought round directly from Villa. It is so EASY. Walk out your door and you can hail a cab asap, very handy in the rain/heat, or you can walk toward ChitLom BTS OR Rachidamri BTS in minutes. On a slow day you can taxi to Paragon for a movie or food, for 50 B. You can taxi back from Chatuchak with all your stuff via highway. AND the food right down the street is fabulous. To save money, hop the BTS to all over or have your groceries delivered from Villa. AND the park is right there, and the green belt is right there. Everything one needs is mostly a few minutes walking. The people are mostly very nice and friendly and people speak English in this area especially well. It is such a pleasant street to walk on as well! WIDE sidewalks with trees, with street vendors near the top. While there might be more character elsewhere, you have to actually try it, as the assumptions you have made about the “kind of people” is completely off. Several times over the years there might be a stray cat or dog on the street. If I ran back to my place to get food and water, by the time I get back there are usually 4,5,6 other dishes there for the animal , as many others had the same idea. People are people, rich or not, and also the really rich only occupy the brand new buildings for a few years, then move on to the newer one. The rents are not that bad in the older buildings. Really. You should check some of them out. The convenience of this location is notable, and the street is beautiful.

[@SebastianLarsen]

I've never been to Bangkok but I find these videos endlessly entertaining and interesting. I'll be very knowledgeable when I do arrive. Thank you for making these, this is what the internet should be

[@BangkokPat]

Thanks for the kind words Sebastian, I love doing all the videos I make for this channel, and I hope it shows as you watch!

[@martinascot5477]

Brought back memories of 1995....wow the changes.

[@jazzpianoman01]

Nice piece of historical history Pat, really enjoyed it.

[@BangkokPat]

Thanks Mark, glad you like it mate.

[@jazzpianoman01]

@@BangkokPat Nice one, yeah interesting stuff there; I’ve visited Bangkok three times, very vibrant city and I took a trip out to Ayayataya, might have spelt it wrong, but it’s day trip out from Bangkok with many ancient temples.

[@danieltalbot749]

Another great one Pat, we walked through some of this area on our tour last month, keep up the great Videos and Unique history of Bangkok, it's always a pleasure to watch, Happy holidays and all the best to you and yours in 2023 ! Dan

[@danieltalbot749]

just to add, yes Central BKK has lost a bunch of it's old world charm and it's a shame, but time marches on and unfortunately all the old stuff gets torn down, thanks again for the awesome video, top notch stuff BKK Pat 🙂

[@BangkokPat]

Thanks Dan, I've found myself in that area quite a lot recently finding out new things and I just though let's update the old video and give it a makeover! Old stuff will always gradually crumble away, it's not like back in London where old Victorian buildings from 200yrs ago are still standing firm, Bangkok's urban growth in the 50s/60s didn't put up structures as good as that. Cheers for the supporting gesture, really appreciate it.

[@francescogermi9872]

Fantastic video Pat, thank you for doing this.

[@BangkokPat]

Cheers Francesco, glad you liked it!

[@meganpapa1]

Great video as always! Thanks for sharing the historical tidbits of this area, my favorite part of Bangkok.

[@BangkokPat]

Glad to hear that, thank you!

[@shane0traveller451]

Great explanations of the area!!

[@daviderinaldi329]

Thanks!

[@BangkokPat]

Thanks very much for the support 😻😻

[@daviderinaldi329]

@@BangkokPat Keep up the great work, your historical insights in particular are awesome! :)

[@eddie4701]

Great video Pat. Really enjoy watching these videos about the history of Bangkok. However, I must admit it does make me very sad to see the accelerating rate of change in Bangkok. Every time I come back to Bangkok, it does lose more and more of what I first saw of it on my first visit. Though I am happy to see new developments in Thailand, I love to relive the moments when I first came to Thailand and learnt the meaning of true happiness.

[@abdulrahmanshiker3357]

My 2 favorites areas, great vid thanks

[@coleennoble6492]

Love the history lessons! Thank you

[@BangkokPat]

Thanks Coleen.

[@itcfan]

Another splendid video Pat. It's really great to get this historical background to districts of BKK. Fascinating old footage and photo's. Highly enjoyable and informative.

[@BangkokPat]

Thanks very much, glad you enjoyed it mate.

[@1tomannyvip604]

Great vlogg thanks ..and happy new year for you..best regards from Norway🤩

[@cannon1156]

Another great history video of an area I have stayed in several times

[@Superjet701]

Thanks once again Pat.

[@jonhobson3592]

Really enjoyed this 😊

[@RolandPer]

Interesting history from our very own, Pat!

[@altbinhax]

Thanks for an interesting history; I lived there in the 70s at one time in an apartment opposite the US ambassador's residence. Nothing remains, so quite interesting seeing the dynamic aspect of the city.

[@profiterdupresent4322]

Amazing effort in this video travelling around and your time and creativity is really good Pat. Thoroughly enjoyed. Now my thai wife watches. She likes May as she likes meditation. Thank you so much. May & my Ning would get along!

[@BangkokPat]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for the kind words!

[@lovinthailand921]

Great video as always! Love the music and the history/ exploration. A video on “short time “ places architecture and history/time lines would be interesting especially any vintage ones! 🎉❤🇹🇭🌶

[@ThailandBound]

Great bit history there Pat, enjoyed the old photographs.

[@BangkokPat]

Thanks Peter, great but pricey area to live!

[@terencegraham8414]

Really nice information here Pat. Cheers

[@terry1311]

Thanx for yet another informative and entertaining video. I worked for a brief while out of an office in President Tower, so this area holds many fond memories.

[@nn.roberts]

Again, thanks for an interesting video from Bangkok. Have a wonderful Christmas season. J, Norway.

[@markmorgan8763]

Happy New Year to you and your beautiful May . As you would say "cheers mate !" 🥂

[@BangkokPat]

Happy new year from myself and May, cheers Mark!

[@brianpoffley1771]

Love your content, got two nights in Silom and then home after two wonderful months in the wondrous north.

[@jimjanlekha891]

Another great video Pat. Been fascinated with khun Nai Lerd and his entrepreneurship for awhile. I remember using his famous White Buses as a kid growing up in Bangkok. He also had a nice hotel on Wireless road near the Petchburi intersection that I visited about 7 years ago maybe.

[@BangkokPat]

He had his hand in many different businesses as you know, very oppourtunistic and smart man.

[@jimjanlekha891]

@@BangkokPat Yes, you’re right. Definitely smart, a risk taker and was born in the right age with many new opportunities. Exciting time back then for new businesses.

[@landanmasuda2539]

Another good video Pat! Never a dull moment. I stayed in Chitlom at the Bliston Suwan Park View on Soi Tonson Road in 2009. It was a very good area in the middle of 2 busy roads. Happy Holidays! 🎄🎁🎉

[@AnimalsOnMars]

Awesome video, keep it up.

[@panidaboonthavevej5209]

Thank you for the historical tour 😊

[@BangkokPat]

Glad you enjoyed it, a really interesting area.

[@pongsatornpreechanuwat5385]

Love your great story telling video!

[@wytchend]

Excellent video Pat. So much I didn't know. Cheers, Tony

[@BangkokPat]

Glad you enjoyed it Tony, thanks 😇

[@jimreynolds1540]

Another great one Pat. Very informative. Thanks

[@jaitenmaini]

Wishing you and your loved ones Happy Holidays! Thanks for always sharing quality content.. Have a smashing one and stay blessed

[@mikeyboy3054]

Interesting video! Definitely makes me want to explore the city more outside the usual areas next time I'm there.

[@muhamedzain]

I like this channel ..one of few that tells a story of Thailand in a nice way and good old and new footages ..I live in huahin myself .. keep up with the good work hope to meet in BKK

[@BangkokPat]

I wouldn't do my videos any other way! You gotta be thorough with the facts and info!

[@billsimpson2392]

Most enjoyable Pat. Thank you.

[@BangkokPat]

Glad you enjoyed it Bill, cheers mate.

[@nickhubbard3671]

Great video! Sok dii pii mai 2023!

[@germanbeer2466]

Great details. Thx.

[@JohnMitch]

My oh my how Bangkok has changed since I lived there fm 1983 to 1991... great video, you brought back a lot of old fading memories for me

[@paulsz6194]

Thanks for another great video, with the history of the Ploen Chit & Chit Lom districts. 👍🏼

[@BangkokPat]

Glad you enjoyed it, a lot went down around here over the years!

[@caseywarren7426]

Keep up the great work!

[@damianforsyth39]

Love the 96 wireless apartment building it is stunning!

[@supreeyakritsaneephaiboon2304]

Whoa! I lived, studied and worked in and around this area, back in the day! Definitely a blast from the past! Thanx!

[@markwils5042]

Pat, I love how you present the History of BKK.

[@ahsankhan-hu2ct]

Excellent

[@helen9543]

Thanks for making this amazing video! Plus very cute cats 🐈‍⬛ 🐈 and nice dogs 🐕 🐩

[@BangkokPat]

The cats were cute in this video! Didn't see many...maybe they all live in posh penthouses....

[@nsiva8798]

Nice history lesson. Thanks. 💕💕💕

[@BangkokPat]

Glad you enjoyed it, cheers 😎

[@geraldod3166]

Thank you for the history.

[@mikestravelshow]

Happy new year pat. Blessings for 2023 & keep up the good work👍 🙏

[@BangkokPat]

Same to you! Have a fruitful 2023!

[@TheGregsponge]

Another well done video. After having lived in Thailand for a few years and lots of visits with my Thai wife I went over ten years without going back. It was finding your channel that reminded me how much I enjoyed that city and had me going back there this past August.

[@BangkokPat]

Glad you discovered the channel, l like to think l'm archiving the city so the kids of the future can look back and say "l prefer the old days when it had more character" !!

[@mvnorsel6354]

Dear Mr Pat, maybe you can do a video on Warrachuk, the car, electronics and bike area of Bangkok. I love walking from Khao San Rd to wander around. Always on the look out for Thai cats. Happy NY.

[@BangkokPat]

Great suggestion, l've been through it a few times but not stopped for a good look, l've always planned to so l have a good excuse now you mention it....

[@viktor.egelund]

Great research and discovery of the neighbourhood. Thanks. 🌸 I always look down on the American Ambassador's Residence from the BTS. Looks like an impressive lot of land.

[@lesgortat7534]

My favourite blogger

[@DaSharedVideos]

Nice views and history. I remember walking from the Hyatt Erawan to Soi Zero (aka Buckskin Joe's Alley) back in circa 1997 before the BTS Skytrain was finished, so before Chitlom and Ploenchit Stations were in. Very sunny and HOT during the day without the shade from the overhead BTS Skytrain line overhead and something like a scene out of Blade Runner at night under the expressway at Soi Zero at night. Quite an introduction to Bangkok...Fun memories! It was during one of my first trips to Bangkok. Unfortunately, I wasn't paying too much attention to the architecture or street scenes at the time and didn't take many photos since film and developing photos was expensive. I still have a bottle of white pepper and tumeric powder with a Sogo label that I bought at Amarin Plaza in the cupboard. Left Bangkok on 24 December to be home in Seattle/Bellevue for Christmas. Nice to see things almost back to pre-Covid times. Didn't know that was the TOT that was being demolished. Will be interesting to see how things "develop" on the vacant land. Should be back just after Songkran next year to take a break from the chilly Seattle weather. 55555

[@BangkokPat]

I just read that potential tenants are bidding on the lease for the TOT land, it's crown property. No real surprises what they'll build of course, definitely won't be a park! That SOGO pepper and tumeric must be a few years old....Cheers!

[@brianstreet5223]

nice one Pat happy new year chok dee 2023

[@BangkokPat]

Thanks Brian, same to you mate, have a great 2023.

[@davechow704]

Wow ! Did I hear that Mozart Serenade No.13 for the background music ? 👍👍

[@BangkokPat]

Yes 😁 A classic and fits well! Cheers!

[@davidcase1286]

Pat, love it, I always stay at the Sindhorn properties so you are right in my neighborhood. The street food vendors leading up to Chitlon intersection are great,

[@electrolinks]

Good video...