Phra Chulachomklao Fort is a historical attraction of Samut Prakan Province (29 km south of Bangkok). It is located on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River on Suksawat Road. The fort is worth visiting as you will get to know another aspect of Thailand besides its cultural and architectural facets.The Naval History Park at Chulachomklao Fortress is situated at the mouth of Chao Phraya River, Tambon Laem Fa Pha. The fortress' compound houses a magnificent standing monument of King Rama V, which is located in the front of the fortress. Chulachomklao Fortress is a modern fort and has played an important role in protecting the sovereignty of Thailand during 1893 against unfriendly forces. During King Rama Vs reign, there was a period during which England and France were hunting for colonies. All neighbouring countries around Thailand were colonised by England and France. The king commanded that the fortresses at the rivers mouth be renovated and re-equipped, and also hired a foreigner who was a naval specialist as a consultant for planning the development of the Thai navy.
The seven Armstrong guns only saw action that one time. However, they are still in good working order as they fired a seven gun salute to celebrate their 105 th anniversary in 1998. The fort is now open to the public. Below a statue of King Rama V there is an interesting museum about the conflict with France. Also on show to the public is HTMS Maeklong, a warship commissioned from the Japanese shipyards, pre-World War II. The ship was in service for 60 years, including duty as a royal ship for King Rama IX. There is a gun park showing the history of guns and also an interesting mangrove forest walk.
HTMS Mae Klong
Under the statue, there stands an air-conditioned museum exhibiting the military conflict with France. Also on display is the HTMS Mae Klong, an old warship of the Royal Thai Navy preserved as an open-air museum. HTMS Mae Klong was commissioned in 1937. She had been deployed in several missions such as taking part in World War II. The ship also served as a training ship for naval cadets and technical navy students.

She was in service for 59 years, including the prestigious duty as a royal ship for King Rama VIII and King Rama IX ( His Majesty King Bhumibol, the present King ). The ship was decommissioned in 1996

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