114 Years of "Makkasan Factory": Valuable History and Progress of Thai Railways Source - Prachachat Turakij Website
Thursday, June 27, 2024 12:15
Marking the 114th anniversary of "Makkasan Factory", the origin of current railway progress
On June 27, 2024, when speaking of historically significant places that gave rise to the advancement of present-day railway operations, one cannot overlook "Makkasan Factory". This place is steeped in historical atmosphere, full of stories and tales, with a history spanning over 114 years.
The origin of "Makkasan Factory" dates back to its construction beginning in 1907 and completion in 1910. Initially, the Makkasan Factory was a relatively small building, primarily responsible for the maintenance of important locomotives and rolling stock. However, due to the Pacific War, Makkasan Factory suffered four air raids, causing significant damage to many factory buildings and structures. This necessitated restoration and rebuilding, with only a few buildings unaffected by the bombs. One of these is the "Passenger Car Repair Shop, Makkasan Factory" or "Building R.F.P. 2465", which remains with the factory to this day. It has become a historically valuable structure, a precious piece of architecture, and an industrial heritage site hidden within the hundreds of rai of land belonging to Makkasan Factory.
Currently, "Makkasan Factory" is considered a crucial part of the State Railway of Thailand, serving as the maintenance center for the State Railway of Thailand. Its functions include heavy maintenance of diesel locomotives, diesel railcars, passenger cars, production and repair of modified rolling stock and various components, and supporting maintenance work in the regions. This factory was once the largest railway factory in ASEAN, not just a factory but an important cog in driving the organization forward smoothly.
No matter how much time passes, "Makkasan Factory" continues to hold great value and importance for the railway. It stands as clear evidence of the emergence and continuity of large-scale industry in Thailand since 1910, demonstrating the potential of railway employees who must use specialized skills in repairing and producing equipment, locomotives, and various rolling stock. The surrounding environment of "Makkasan Factory" also has unique characteristics including buildings, factories, machinery, Makkasan Railway Station, Makkasan Railway Housing Estate, and Burachat Chaiyakorn Hospital.
"Makkasan Factory" is considered a long-standing and valuable historical site worthy of conservation, especially the architectural work of various buildings such as the locomotive shed, passenger car repair building, foundry building, pattern shop, wheel lathe shop, as well as the shrine of Luang Por Nak Prok, revered by people within Makkasan Factory and the surrounding Makkasan community. Additionally, there are many large trees of various species providing shade and coolness to this place. These elements have been passed down through the memories of people in Makkasan Factory from the past to the present, serving as a historical learning resource with valuable stories of the "State Railway of Thailand" to be passed on to future generations, preserving the importance of this factory.
"Goosebumps Festival" has begun at Makkasan Factory!
Source - Daily News Website
Saturday, October 26, 2024 15:52
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has transformed over 20,000 square meters of the SRT's Makkasan Factory, a historical site over 100 years old and the origin of Thailand's railway prosperity, into a spooky atmosphere. The area is divided into 8 zones:
Shop Zone: Find mystical items to enhance your fortune, such as amulets, charms, and mystical accessories. There's also a flea market with secondhand goods, clothing, and home decor. Special! Traditional Thai massage service from Wat Pho.
Eat Zone: Enjoy a variety of delicious and spooky food! Try amulet meatballs, sun-dried buffalo jerky, blood-colored popcorn, and red "Kumanthong" drinks. Special! Cafe lovers shouldn't miss the "Bogie Café" where you can sip coffee on a historic train over 100 years old.
Fun Zone: Enjoy a retro temple fair with a Ferris wheel, carousel, water shooting game, and ring toss.
Worship Zone: Pay respects and ask for blessings for luck and career success from the sacred sites of Makkasan Factory, including King Rama V, Luang Por Nak Prok, the hermit of the Bodhi tree, and the twin Takian trees. Participate in coffin donation to turn bad luck into good. Donate old clothes to the "Leave Me to Be Reborn" project, where old clothes are recycled into new sportswear for students in remote communities.
Charm Zone: Get a forehead blessing, listen to the conch shell, and ask for blessings from the Ganesha deity at the Da Tian Xian Shrine.
Fortune Zone: Get your fortune told by 5 famous fortune tellers.
Horror Zone: Watch a Thai ghost movie outdoors. Try the "spirit cup game." Dare to walk the haunted path with scares along the way.
Dance Zone: Enjoy dark music performances on stage.
Special Zone: Exclusively for this event, visit the historic train depot. Special! Register at the event to receive a sacred thread blessed by Luang Pu Sila Sirichanto from Wat Phra That Muen Hin (limited quantity). On October 31, 2024, coinciding with Halloween, there will be a ghost costume contest with prizes.
Join the "Goosebumps Festival" for free today until October 31, 2024, at the SRT Makkasan Factory from 4:00 PM to 11:00 PM.
To get to the event, you can take bus numbers 113, 140, 514, 539, 60, 72, and 99, the BTS Sukhumvit Line, or the Airport Rail Link to Ratchaprarop Station (A7). Exit at Exit 1 and walk about 300 meters. For those driving, parking is available at the Airport Rail Link Makkasan parking building. See more details on the Facebook page: Thailand Goosebump Festival or call 1672 Travel Buddy.
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