North West Fort |
Kamphaeng Phet is named the town that specialises in the battle against the enemies by the fortress and military valor, through the history both Sukhothai and Ayutthaya era.
Why?
The wise construction of
the walls is the answer. The walls are
strong and located at the advantageous position over the intruders. Blockade of
enemies cannot put pressure on people in the town. Because water system and food supply from the surrounding moats
are well equipped.
Unlike most of other
towns, their walls are made from soil. The strength of the construction of Kamphaeng
Phet town walls is the laterite. By placing the laterite blocks stacked into
walls approx 3 meters high, then scoop out the
soil against the inside town walls. Hence, laterite walls
could accommodate more resistant to destruction.
Line of Moat and Wall |
Pra Tu Phi, Gate for the Dead |
When the enemies attempt
to penetrate the outer town walls across the moats into a vertical walls, using
ladders leaning on the walls and then climb out. The people on the ramparts and forts can take advantage from the higher
location. To overcome is the difficulties.
The use of guns or artillery bombardment faced with laterite walls with soil support cannot break the walls. If to besiege the town for a long time, the people can use the moats as a source of drinking water and food without trouble.
If the enemy army have settled
too long, troops from the capital and, or reliance can be raised to help at a
later time. The enemies have to retreat because
they cannot cope with the two sides of the battle.
Outside the walls, surrounded by moats 30
meters wide and has 10 gates. One of the gates I have remembered since I was
kid is Pratu Phi (ghost gate) the exit to move dead bodies to cremate outside
the town.
H.R.H Prince Damrong Rajanupab, the father of Thai history said Kamphaeng Phet's citadel is the most beautiful and strongest in Thailand.
Don't miss
The town walls and moats with
parallel roads along the walls.
Both routes are on the inside and outside. Good to take a bike ride to visit each spot.
Both routes are on the inside and outside. Good to take a bike ride to visit each spot.
Chao In Fort, it is the
perfect condition.
The North West Fort is seen
from the road outside the wall,
You will see the real strength and beauty of
the ancient fortress.