Amok Tower in Lampang is a monument less known to foreign tourists. Nevertheless, for people passionate about history, this facility may turn out to be an interesting place. So what role did the tower play, and what importance did it have for the city?
Amok Tower – a strategic defense point
Amok Tower was built in 1808 during the reign of Phra Chao Duangthip, the fifth ruler of Lampang of the Thipphachak (Chet Ton) dynasty. This facility was part of the third generation of walls and served as an observation point and artillery fortress protecting against Burmese raids.
The fort is 13 m wide, 17 m long, and 10.5 m high. The upper part of the wall is 1.50 m high. There is only one entrance/exit from the west with cannons on both sides of the door.
Only this tower remains of the former fortifications in this place. The rest of the walls and battlements were deconstructed as modern Lampang expanded significantly beyond the river and the boundaries of the fortified city.
In 2011, the tower was damaged by an earthquake. The Fine Arts Department restored it to its original condition.
The tower was entered into the Royal Journal as a historic building on March 8, 1935.
Meaning of the name Amok Tower
In Thai, the name is haaw amok (หออะม็อก). The word haaw (หอ) means tower. However, amok is not a Thai word but of Burmese origin and means an ancient cannon. So in translation, it is the Cannon Tower.
Location
The monument is located in Hua Wiang Sub-District of Lampang District at 65 Thanon Robwiang.
Nearby is the popular Kad Kong Ta Night Market (approx. 1 km), as well as Ratsada Phisek Bridge (1 km) and Wat Chetawan (350 m).
Additionally, it is close to Museum Lampang and City Pillar Shrine. The distance to these attractions is 400 m.
Amok Tower – summary
This place will certainly be of interest to history enthusiasts. It is also an opportunity to better learn about the city’s past and its former borders. Another advantage is the convenient location of Amok Tower, close to other tourist attractions. This way, you can visit many interesting places in Lampang at one time.
