Lat Krabang district
Lat Krabang is one of the eastern districts of Bangkok.
Geography & history
Lat Krabang is the second largest district of Bangkok. The meaning of the name is uncertain. One hypothesis suggests that it refers to a "field of krabang". The word krabang can also mean a type of fishing device once used by local people.Neighbouring districts are : Bang Bo, Bang Sao Thong and Bang Phli ; Prawet, Saphan Sung, Min Buri and Nong Chok and Mueang Chachoengsao.
About two-thirds of the district is farmland. Other areas include industrial parks and residential neighbourhoods. As a result, the landscape is dotted with ditches and canals. One of the main waterways is Khlong Prawet Burirom. The district is known for its strong local identity and a way of life shaped by canal culture, especially in areas that remain inaccessible by road. In some places, people still use boats and walkways along the canal banks.
Today, Lat Krabang continues to be one of the few districts in Bangkok where rice farming is still practiced, alongside nearby areas such as Min Buri and Nong Chok. In the past, rice was commonly traded by boat. Farmers would use large baskets to manually load and unload the rice at mills. With limited tools and labour, they could only grow rice once a year. Harvest typically began in late November or December, and without machinery, the process was labour-intensive. After harvesting, farmers had to carry the rice home, which could take six, seven, or even ten days of hard work, often with help from their buffaloes. The rice fields in Lat Krabang are known for their wide range of rice varieties.
Before 1992, the rowboat was a key mode of local transportation. It was commonly used not only for daily travel but also for important ceremonies. When someone died, rowboats were used to transport the coffin to the temple. They also played a significant role in religious events such as monk ordinations.
In October 2005, the plan to create the special administrative area Nakhon Suvarnabhumi around Suvarnabhumi Airport became public. Lat Krabang was among the five districts that were to be included in this new administrative area.
Administration
file:หัวตะเข้ - panoramio.jpg|thumb|250px|A bridge crossing Hua TakheThe district is divided into six sub-districts.