Recognized as an important trading center since the reign of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V), Bang Rak is one of Bangkok's famous commercial areas, where Thais, Chinese, and Westerners are engaged in their businesses. It is also the location of many government offices and embassies, in addition to a residential area.
There is no clear evidence on the origin of the name of the district of Bang Rak. Interestingly, people have always said that Bang Rak comes from the name of a hospital where missionaries provided modern medical treatment. This hospital was said to be very popular in the past.
A fresh market has existed in this area since the reign of King Chulalongkorn. The original owner was Luang Nawakenikon (To), who built a row of stalls for vendors to rent for selling goods. Because of a business slump, he decided to sell the market.
King Chulalongkorn bought the land with funds from the Kingdom's treasury and gave it to his son Prince Yugala Dighambara, who demolished the stalls and built modern buildings for rent there. At that time, this area was a subdistrict and the market was called Bang Rak Market in accordance with the name of the subdistrict.
Bang Rak Market was crowded from two o'clock in the afternoon until twilight. Everything was available, such as vegetables and fruits and other things. As many foreigners stayed in this area, many kinds of food were offered, such as salted beef and lamb, bird, rabbit, and other kinds of meat. This food was very expensive; apart from Westerners, only the wealthy aristocrats and wealthy Chinese could afford to buy it.
In addition, Bang Rak was the location of the Customs Department, known in those days as rong phasi. Since the district's name literally means the 'love' area, many couples come to register their marriage at Bang Rak district each year.
