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The History of Khao San Road ::
When Bangkok was established in1782, the center of the town was
the Grand Palace area. For two centuries Khao San Road, which is
20 minutes' walk from the Palace, remained a quiet residential area
for the locals. Thailand's most prominent lawyer/senator, Mr. Marute
Bunnag and a billionaire medicine doctor/member of the House of
Representatives, Dr. Decha Sukharom, started their careers in this
prestigious area decades ago with small offices near the Police
Station on Khao San Road.
How did the tranquil road turn out to be a Mecca
for travelers? On the brink of Some backpackers, unable to get an
overpriced room, successfully convinced local residents on Khao
San Road to rent out vacant rooms in their houses, reasoning that,
in return, the guest house owners could earn some extra income and
it was convenient for them to travel to their destinations. The
guest house business generated more profits than any amateur entrepreneur
ever expected. Before long, more guesthouses, restaurants and souvenir
shops sprouted along the road in full bloom.
Thailand's economic boom in 1982, the Thai Government
issued its policy to commemorate Bangkok's bicentennial anniversary
and celebrate the Buddhist calendar's lucky year "2525",
by launching festive ceremonies in Bangkok to bring in tourist dollars.
Tourists poured in from around the world, causing Bangkok's hotels
to overflow with bookings. The most spectacular festivities were
performed in the Grand Palace.
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