Tha Chalom
Tha Chalom is a historic subdistrict of Samut Sakhon, Mueang Samut Sakhon district, Samut Sakhon province, central Thailand. Its name is also a name of surrounding area.
History
Tha Chalom has a history dating back to the mid-Ayutthaya period, during the reign of King Maha Chakkraphat, when he established Ban Tha Chin as a town. At that time, Tha Chalom and Mahachai were predominantly Chinese communities, with many Chinese piers along both banks of the Tha Chin River. The river was thus named Tha Chin, which means "Chinese pier".Tha Chalom is regarded as the first sukhaphiban in Thailand. It was established in 1905 by King Chulalongkorn, after observing the unsanitary conditions in Nakhon Khuan Khan, reportedly said, "As dirty as Mahachai market". The Ministry of Interior, under Prince Damrong Rajanubhab, then cleaned up the town and built new roads for the King. Upon completion, the King presided over the official road opening ceremony on March 18, 1905, and named it "Thawai Road".
Toponymy
The name "Tha Chalom" means "pier of Chalom".Tha Chalom in the reign of King Chulalongkorn was the capital of the province and more prosperous than Mahachai side.
Geography
The general topography of the subdistrict is a coastal lowland about 1 meter above sea level. There are no islands, mountains or minerals. The main watercourse of Samut Sakhon, Tha Chin River flows into the Gulf of Thailand at Bang Ya Phraek subdistrict. Tha Chalom is a peaceful enclave in Samut Sakhon city.Neighboring subdistricts are : Mahachai, Krokkrak and Tha Chin of Mueang Samut Sakhon district of Samut Sakhon province.
Administration
Central government
The administration of Tha Chalom subdistrict is responsible for 7,570 people from 2,470 households.| No. | Subdistrict | Thai | Communities | Population |
| 2. | Tha Chalom | ท่าฉลอม | 6 | 7,570 |
Local government
As of December 2024 there is ฺSamut Sakhon city municipality which covers the combined area of Mahachai, Tha Chalom and Krokkrak subdistricts.There are 6 communities in Tha Chalom, although not directly chosen by the local citizens, which provides advice and recommendations to the local administrative organization.
Education
There is Wat Suwannaram municipal school.Healthcare
There is no health promoting hospital in Tha Chalom subdistrict. But there is Metropolitan Hospital Tha Chalom.Economy
Most locals work in fisheries. Miniature fishing boat models and dried seafood are local products.Religion
Temples
The following active temples, where Theravada Buddhism is practised by local residents:Chinese shrine
There is Chaopho Guan Yu in Tha Chalom.Roman Catholic church
There is Saint Anne Catholic church in Tha Chalom.Transportation
Presently, Tha Chalom residents still preserve their traditional way of life, old buildings with chic graffiti can still be seen on the streets. Pedicabs serve the area.There is Maeklong Railway a Tha Chalom - Mae Klong train service, starting from Ban Laem station, Tha Chalom subdistrict, to Maeklong station, Samut Songkhram.
Traveling between Tha Chalom and Mahachai must rely mainly on the Tha Chin River Ferry.