Pathum Wan or Pathumwan is one of the 50 districts ( Khet ) of Bangkok, Thailand. The district is bounded by six other districts ( from north clockwise ) Ratchathewi (across the canal Khlong Saen Saeb), Watthana, Khlong Toei, Sathon, Bang Rak, Pom Prap Sattru Phai ( across the canal Khlong Phadung Krung Kasem ), and Dusit. The district was established in 1914. It is named after a Buddhist temple Wat Pathum Wanaram (literally meaning lotus forest temple) and the nearby Sa Pathum Palace ( means lotus pond palace ). Both were built to the order of King Mongkut ( Rama IV ) and named so because of an abundance of lotus in Khlong Saen Saeb during his reign. Pathum Wan is best known for it's shopping centres. Siam Centre is the oldest one in the area. Opened in 1973, it is now flanked by Siam Discovery Centre and Siam Paragon ( opened December 2005 ). One of the most crowded and popular to both local people and tourists is MBK Centre ( also known as Mah Boon Krong ). It is packed w! ith shops offering fashion items, mobile phones and souvenirs. A covered, air-conditioned pedestrian bridge over Phaya Thai Road connects to a congested sister shopping centre, the Bonanza Mall, which mostly sells inexpensive clothing and fashion accessories. Siam Square, unlike others, is a shopping area consists of a block of buildings and many small roads full of shops, attracting mostly teenagers. There are three cinemas in Siam Square, built in the 1970's and run by the Apex chain: the Scala and
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