It is smelly, dirty – a polluted canal. It flows from the Mahanak canal in Bangkok and runs all the way to Bang Pa Kong River in Chasoengsao province and it is the most important canal of Thailand. This canal is called San Saeb canal (Klong San Saeb).
 |
Commuters use the fast boat service to the cities suburbs in order to avoid traffic jams. |
San Saeb canal was built under King Rama III. The construction started in 1837 which was led by Phraya Sri Phiphat (That Bunnak) - later by Somdet Chao Phraya Borrommahaphichai Yat. The length is 72 kilometers, with a width of 6 wa (Wa is a Thai measurement equal to 2 meters) and a depth of 4 sork ( Sork is a Thai measurement equal to 50 cm). Its width was extended from 6 wa to 9 wa on the top of the canal and 6 sork was widened for each site of the canal.
This abandoned canal was established with intent for economy and transporting the weapons and soldiers during the time when Thailand was at war with Vietnam and Cambodia.
For more than one hundred years that San Saeb canal has been dug up and with gradually changing day by day, from the past until present day. There have been many stories and activities happened along this canal.
 |
| Most housings are simple, partly or entirely wooden with very limited living space, some with more, some with less quality of living. |
“Thirty years ago, the water in this canal was clean. It was as clean as we could use for drink and cooking and took shower. We also could get vegetables and catch fish from this canal,” says Sanan Singsom, a 67-year-old San Saeb canal’s resident. “Nowadays, it’s so bad. Garbage is everywhere.”
By the time when population increases and so do buildings, the problems have begun!
The dumping of industrial wastes that contain harmful chemicals, toxins, metals and oil is a major problem. The inappropriate disposal of resident wastes is another. Fumes from express boat service which runs all day round, is another.
As the canal suffers, so do the people. “Not like the past, when we hungry we just go along the canal and we find things easily,” Lumyai Sawangthong said with her hopeless voice to see beautiful environment again. “I can survive today because of food from the temple, I help clean the temple’s campus so that I can get some food from there.”
 |
| Fast and inexpensive boat carries its commuters all-day round. |
The problems carry on…
Each day, from dawn until late at night, San Saeb canal routes from Wat Sri Boonrueng to Phan Fa, is not covered with the mist filled with fog that it used to be. If, however, it’s covered with polluted smoke that no one cares about.
The sound of boat’s machine blares and the water clatters, which means a busy day, is begun. The fast and inexpensive express boat transportation starts from 5.30am to 8.30pm daily to carry its commuters to their destination.
 |
| A ticket staff on the edge of the boat. |
The ports and the signs are too old to be used.
During the rushed hour, it’s always crowded. At Pratunam pier, numerous numbers of people stand in crowded waiting for the boat to their destination. Stood crowded together on the dock, it is clear that no one to answer whether the port is strong enough to support the weight of the passengers.
 |
| A senior ticket staff at Pratunam Pier. |
Despite the polluted water in the canal and the haphazard nature, the express boat is still operating and there is no sign of development of the water dilution.
