Huai Khwang district

Huai Khwang (Thai: ห้วยขวาง, pronounced [hûa̯j kʰwǎːŋ]) is one of the 50 districts (khet) of Bangkok, Thailand. It is east of the city centre. Neighbouring districts are Chatuchak, Wang Thonglang, Bang Kapi, Suan Luang, Watthana, Ratchathewi, and Din Daeng.

Huai Khwang ห้วยขวาง
Khet
Building of Praram 9 Hospital
Khet location in Bangkok
Coordinates: 13°46′36″N 100°34′46″E
Country	Thailand
Province	Bangkok
Seat	Huai Khwang
Khwaeng	3
Area
• Total	15.033 km2 (5.804 sq mi)
Population  (2017)
• Total	81,515[1]
• Density	5,422.40/km2 (14,044.0/sq mi)
Time zone	UTC+7 (ICT)
Postal code	10310
Geocode	1017

History

Huai Khwang district was established in an area formerly part of Phaya Thai in 1973. Adjustments to the district were made in 1978, adjusting boundaries with neighboring districts Phaya Thai and Bang Kapi, and again in 1993, creating the new Din Daeng District.

The name "Huai Khwang" literally means "barricaded creek" (huai meaning creek, and khwang meaning barricaded), as the area was once made up of wetlands and small waterways; in the past, canals were the primary means of transport.^[2]

Today, the district has become a popular destination for a new generation of Chinese immigrants, earning it the nickname "New Chinatown", to distinguish it from Bangkok’s traditional Chinatown in Yaowarat, located in the Samphanthawong district.^[2]

Administration

The district is divided into three sub-districts (khwaeng).

No.	Name	Thai	Area (km2)	Map
1.	Huai Khwang	ห้วยขวาง	5.342
2.	Bang Kapi	บางกะปิ	5.408
4.	Sam Sen Nok	สามเสนนอก	4.283
Total			15.033

The missing number 3 belongs to the sub-district which was split off to form Din Daeng district.

Places

Ganesha Shrine at Huai Khwang Intersection (indeed, it is located in Din Daeng District)

• Thailand Cultural Centre (ศูนย์วัฒนธรรมแห่งประเทศไทย), a venue consisting of two auditoriums and one outdoor stage, used for live performances throughout the year. It was built with a grant from Japan, and opened on 9 October 1987. It can be reached via Thailand Cultural Centre MRT Station of the Blue Line.
• Ratchada Grand Theatre, the site of the Siam Niramit show.
• Royal City Avenue (RCA), a nightlife area.
• CentralPlaza Grand Rama IX
• The Esplanade, a shopping mall
• Ganesh Shrine, a shrine of Ganesha at the corner of Huai Khwang near the Huai Khwang MRT station, where many worship (it is just over the border in Din Daeng District).^[2]
• Praram 9 Hospital, a leading private hospital

Transportation

The MRT passes along the west side of Huai Khwang, providing six stations: Phetchaburi, Phra Ram 9, Thailand Cultural Centre, Huai Khwang, Sutthisan and Ratchadaphisek.

The Huai Khwang MRT station is at the intersection of Ratchadaphisek Road with Prachasongkroa and Pracharat Bamphen Roads. From this station, several entertainment complexes are within walking distance, including some belonging to the famous Davis Group of massage parlours.

The main depot of the Metro is in Huai Khwang District, covering an area of 0.48 square kilometres (120 acres).

Economy

Nok Mini (formerly SGA Airlines) has its headquarters in the district.^[3]

Thai Sky Airlines formerly had its head office in Room 708 of the 7th floor of the Le Concorde Tower in Huai Khwang District.^[4][5]

Education

• KIS International School, Thai-Japanese Association School and Modulo Language School are in Huai Khwang District.^[6][7][8]
• Triamudomsuksapattanakarn Ratchada School