When Bangkok was established in1782, the center
of the town was the Grand Palace area. For two centuries
Khao San Road, which is 20 minutes' walk from the
Palace, remained a quiet residential area for the
locals. Thailand's most prominent lawyer/senator,
Mr. Marute Bunnag and a billionaire medicine doctor/member
of the House of Representatives, Dr. Decha Sukharom,
started their careers in this prestigious area decades
ago with small offices near the Police Station on
Khao San Road.
How did the tranquil road turn out to be a Mecca
for travelers? On the brink of Thailand's economic
boom in 1982, the Thai Government issued its policy
to commemorate Bangkok's bicentennial anniversary
and celebrate the Buddhist calendar's lucky year
"2525", by launching festive ceremonies in Bangkok
to bring in tourist dollars. Tourists poured in
from around the world, causing Bangkok's hotels
to overflow with bookings. The most spectacular
festivities were performed in the Grand Palace.
Some backpackers, unable to get an overpriced room,
successfully convinced local residents on Khao San
Road to rent out vacant rooms in their houses, reasoning
that, in return, the guest house owners could earn
some extra income and it was convenient for them
to travel to their destinations. The guest house
business generated more profits than any amateur
entrepreneur ever expected. Before long, more guesthouses,
restaurants and souvenir shops sprouted along the
road in full bloom.
