Bangkok Library Digital library and information center for Bangkok, Thailand

Saphan Phan Fa Lilat (สะพานผ่านฟ้าลีลาศ) or more simply Phan Fa was registered by the Thai Fine Arts Department as a site of national heritage. The bridge was built over the old moat at Bang Lamphu Canal to link Ratchadamnoen Klang and Ratchadamnoen Nok Avenue and still carries a large volume of vehicular and pedestrian traffic every day.

Phan Fa Lilat Bridge has been modified several times and was rebuilt during King Rama V’s reign to match Ratchadamnoen Avenue. Its balustrades are made of cast iron featuring a sunflower design. The bridge also features carved white marble pillars at both ends.

Although interesting for its wrought ironwork and design, Phan Fa Lilat Bridge had attracted little attention until it became the center of the red shirt protests during March 2010. The protests attracted (and continue to attract at the time of writing this article) huge crowds of pro-democracy demonstrators, many of whom are loyal to Thaksin Shinawatra.