The road is named after Sanam Chai ("field of prosperity"), a field formerly located in front of Saranrom Palace and used for military exercises. The field, together with Sanam Luang, was named by King Mongkut (Rama IV) in 1855, in order to follow the naming previously used in Ayutthaya. Sanam Chai is overlooked by the Grand Palace's Sutthaisawan Prasat Hall, which is used by the king for public appearances.[1]
In terms of politics, Sanam Chai Road during the 1960s and 1970s was often used as a keynote address for various political parties in each election. Most often start the campaign at Sanam Luang and ends at Sanam Chai.[2]
References
^Naenna, Oranee (2002). นามนี้มีที่มา [These names have origins] (in Thai). Bangkok: Praphansan. pp. 42–43. ISBN9789742308483.