Taksin Maharaj Bridge, locally known as Laem Sing Bridge, is a major bridge spanning the Chanthaburi River. It is located in Pak Nam Laem Sing and Bang Kachai Subdistricts, Laem Sing District, Chanthaburi Province, and forms part of the Chalerm Burapha Chonlathit Road. The bridge features two traffic lanes and is managed by the Department of Rural Roads. With a total length of 1,060 meters, it is the longest bridge in Eastern Thailand.

 

The primary purpose of constructing Taksin Maharaj Bridge was to address the difficulties of crossing the Chanthaburi River in the past. Before the bridge existed, locals and farmers relied on ferries to communicate or transport goods, which was time-consuming, particularly for agricultural and fisheries products that required long detours to reach the city. The bridge significantly reduces travel time and improves transportation efficiency, while also promoting tourism along the Eastern seaboard by providing easy coastal access.

 

Construction began on May 20, 2005, and was completed in 2007, with a total budget of 179,570,000 Baht. The bridge officially opened on May 2, 2008, at 16:09, with the Minister of Transport presiding over the opening ceremony. During the inauguration celebrations from May 1–5, 2008, Laem Sing District organized various activities, including concerts, boat races, kayaking, mini-marathons, mountain biking, and local product fairs, allowing both residents and tourists to participate. The bridge was officially named “Taksin Maharaj Bridge” on June 26, 2009.

 

Constructed from reinforced concrete, the bridge is 8 meters wide with a 3-meter pedestrian walkway, capable of accommodating significant traffic. In 2022, the bridge recorded an average of 6,577 Passenger Car Units (PCU) per day. Its height allows fishing boats to pass underneath, and the central elevated section features pull-off areas for scenic viewing. Tourists can enjoy panoramic views of the Chanthaburi River mouth, fishing ports, and local fishing village life in Laem Sing.

 

Taksin Maharaj Bridge plays a vital role in connecting Eastern Thailand’s coastal tourism routes. Visitors can easily access Laem Sing Beach and continue to Chao Lao Beach, while the bridge also provides quick and safe access to Rayong, Chanthaburi, and Trat Provinces, replacing previous travel routes that required detours of over 50 kilometers.

 

Beyond transportation and tourism, the bridge is located near numerous cultural and tourist attractions, including Red Building Historic Site, Kook Kee Kai Prison, Laem Sing Beach, Oasis Sea World, Wat Khao Laem Sing, Laem Sing Shrine, Phra Phireepinas Fort, Ao Krating, Khao Laem Sing Forest Park, and the Chumphon Khet Udomsak Mansion. This makes the bridge not only a key travel route but also a landmark and scenic viewpoint, offering insight into local coastal fishing communities.

 

Taksin Maharaj Bridge is thus more than infrastructure—it is a symbol of coastal development, facilitating transportation, supporting the local economy, and preserving traditional fishing village lifestyles. It also serves as a tourist attraction, drawing visitors to experience the natural beauty and culture at the mouth of the Chanthaburi River and along the Eastern seaboard, making it a structure of economic, social, and cultural significance for Chanthaburi Province.

 

How to get there The bridge is approximately 31 km from Chanthaburi town. Travel along Sukhumvit Road towards Trat Province until km 347, then turn right onto Highway 3149 to reach Laem Sing Bridge.