Koh Kret (เกาะเกร็ด)

Thai. ‘Splinter Island’. Name of a small island in the Chao Phraya River, in Nonthaburi, just North of Bangkok. The island was created in 1721, when King Thai Sra (1708-1733) had a canal dug, cutting off a large twist in the Chao Phraya River (fig.), in order to create a quicker way into the then capital Ayutthaya. The island is accessible only by a local ferry, which shuttles people to and from the island in what is called in Thai a reua mail (fig.). The island is inhabited by Mon people and is best known for its production of moh non(th) pottery (fig.), especially terracotta water pots (fig.) with a detailed pattern (fig.) and from which the name of Nonthaburi is derived. Whereas a Koh Kret water pot is depicted on the provincial emblem (fig.), the island's actual icon is a leaning pagoda located on its northeastern corner and known as the Mutao Pagoda (map - fig.). Also transcribed Koh Kred, Ko Kred and Ko Kret. See also POSTAGE STAMPS (1) and (2), THEMATIC STREET LIGHT, and MAP. 回