Page 134 - The International Journal of the Royal Society of Thailand Vol.XIII-2021

The International Journal of the Royal Society of Thailand
Volume XIII – 2021

Ratchaburi and Samut Songkhram are included together with interviewing with

local people.

Topography and Land Use

The terrace extending from Kanchanaburi to the Gulf of Thailand is thought

to be formed from accusation of alluvium sediments for more than 10,000 years
(Pongsi and Thiva, 1981). Ancient cities whose architectural style is thought to be

of the Dvaravati style are found on the terrace area at the height of 3 – 4 meters
above the sea level. Later, an urban settlement emerged in this floodplain which is
surrounded by rivers, canal networks and tributaries. Ku Bua in Ratchaburi on the

Mae Klong River had been a trading center related with several ports in lower
Southeast Asia in Java Sea during Dvarati Period 6th – 11th century (Thida, 1989).

The topography and land use along the Mae Klong can be divided into 3 phases:

1) The upper Mae Klong covers the area from Amphoe Muang Kanchanaburi
down Tha Muang District of Kanchanaburi. This area is formed by a confluence of

the Khwai Noi River and the Khwai Yai River at Pak Praek. The sources of the rivers
are in the hills to the north, the east and the west of the Mae Klong, the hilly area
of which is about 400 meters high from the sea level and the plain area at the foot

of the hills is about 21 - 24 meters high from the sea level. Sugar cane, corn, fruit
trees, homegrown vegetables and rice are found there.

2) The central Mae Klong covers the area from the southern part of Tha

Muang District. Tha Maka District, Kanchanaburi and four districts of Ratchaburi -
Bang Pong and Photharam including Phleng and Damnoen Saduak. This alluvial fan
is 5 - 20 meters high from the sea level. The river meanders causing undercutting

such as Khung Payom in Ban Pong. Field crops and rice are grown here.

124 Urban Settlements, Religion and Spirit of Places along the Mae Klong River, Thailand