Bang Pla Soi (Thai: บางปลาสร้อย, pronounced [bāːŋ plāː sɔ̂j]) is a tambon (sub-district) of Mueang Chonburi district, Chonburi province, eastern Thailand. Bang Pla Soi can be regarded as the downtown Chonburi. Because it is the location of various infrastructures such as the Provincial Hall, the Provincial Court, etc.[1]
History
As an important trading town of the eastern coastline since ancient times. Notable for its location in the centre of the ocean trading route between India and ancient civilizations like Greeks, Romans and Arabs as well as ancient China, and an abundance of natural resources including plants and herbs. Phaya Re, an important trading post for forest products and wood. Phra Rot, where the products were sent on the internal harbour, and finally coastal Si Palo where they were exported. Trade continued in this manner until the Ayutthaya period, sometime around the 13th–14th century, when the main coastal trading hub was relocated to Bang Pla Soi. Eventually, Bang Pla Soi, Bang Phra and Bang Lamung districts to form Chonburi province as know it at present.[2]
Its name "Bang Pla Soi" translates to "place of pla soi". "Pla soi" is a Thai common name for small edible freshwater fish in the carp family (Cyprinidae), similar to minnow distributed in many genera such as Cirrhinus , Henicorhynchus, Labiobarbus, Lobocheilus, etc.[3]
It got its name from a khlong (canal) that flows through an area rich in this species of fish.[1]
In the past, Bang Pla Soi was also the name used to refer to the entire downtown Chonburi.
Geography
Bang Pla Soi borders Ban Suan to the east and to the south, Bay of Bangkok (upper Gulf of Thailand) to the west and Makham Yong to the north.[1]
Administration
The entire area of Bang Pla Soi is administered by the Chonburi City Municipality.