The “Three Lanterns Intersection” is the intersection of Charansanitwong and Phran Nok Roads. During World War II, the anti-aircraft unit of the Royal Thai Army installed large illumination devices to observe American and British bombers that were expected to bomb Bangkok and Thonburi.
Three Lanterns Intersection Bangkok Historical
The large green-colored illumination devices, locally referred to as “lanterns,” became the namesake of the intersection. Before the Asia-Pacific War, the naval forces had prepared defenses against potential air attacks on Bangkok. However, the defenses in the Sattahip area were insufficient, prompting the establishment of an anti-aircraft unit on July 16, 1941. The unit procured 12 guns and three observation vehicles from Showa Toyo Gas K.K., a Japanese company.
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When the war broke out on December 8, 1941, the anti-aircraft unit had to relocate to the field of Chindarasat High School on Issaraphap Road in Thonburi. In September 1945, the unit purchased eight 150 cm lanterns with small built-in speakers from Japan, along with 20 mm machine guns for close-range defense against the lanterns.
Throughout the war, the anti-aircraft unit played a role in suppressing enemy aircraft, making it challenging for them to carry out low-level attacks easily.
Remnants of the lanterns, which were once a symbol of protection for the residents of Bangkok and Thonburi, still exist. Fragments of the curved glass are preserved as a memorial in front of the headquarters of the Anti-Aircraft Command and Coastal Defense Unit in Sattahip, Chonburi.
The lanterns and anti-aircraft guns at the Three Lanterns Intersection were known to have shot down one enemy plane. The aircraft crashed in the middle of Phlu Garden, near Wat Bangsakae and the current location of the Phlu Market BTS station. The plane was shot down during the night and was discovered by locals the following morning. The pilot had lost his life in the incident.
Three Lanterns Intersection 2017
Thank ims from wikipedia and NationPhoto
