Square Chimney

A square base supports an octagonal brick chimney rising roughly 30 metres above the school grounds of Ban Plong Liam in Krathum Baen — all that remains of the first large steam-powered factory in Siam. Entry is free, daily 08:30-16:30.

The chimney was built in 1870 during the reign of Rama V (King Chulalongkorn) as part of the Indo-China Sugar Company, a British enterprise known locally as Rong Hip Nakhon Chai Si. General manager John Kosteker and factory manager G.F. Hicks oversaw the installation of imported British steam machinery to process sugar from the surrounding lowlands. For a brief period this was among the most technologically advanced manufacturing sites in the kingdom.

The factory closed around 1875 when falling domestic demand and cheaper imported sugar made the venture unviable. The chimney survived while the rest of the complex was demolished, and it was eventually incorporated into the grounds of Ban Plong Liam School, where it still stands beside the Tha Chin River in Samut Sakhon.

The chimney shaft is octagonal, built of brick and mortar, set on a square plinth roughly four metres per side and two metres high. Weathering and smoke staining mark the brickwork after more than 150 years.

Insider Tip: The chimney itself takes only 10-15 minutes to see properly, so it pairs naturally with a longer stop nearby — Wat Yai Chom Prasat and Phanthai Norasing Historical Park are both a short drive away and fill out a half-day of Samut Sakhon history.

Watch out: The chimney stands inside an active school compound — visiting is easiest on a weekday during school hours, and calling ahead (0 3447 4037) avoids arriving when the gate is shut for a break or event.