The term “Venice of the East” was once used to called the kingdom of Siam (the former name of the present Thailand) by the European who perceived it as another waterborne civilization they felt similar to the one they were familiar with in the west. In fact, Siam and Venice, though their origins were based on the powerful influence of water, are different in many aspects. One is that while Venice is situated in a lagoon full of saline water, Siam is nourished with fresh water from the river system originated from mountains covered with lush blue green tropical forest. The city in the past was then one of the most prosperous cities in Asia for its massive agriculture and all kinds of products from inland jungles as well as from the water. Watery network was built (some were existing natural channels) throughout the city and its vicinity to facilitate agricultural and transportation purpose. And, because of the location of the city that was closed to the sea, the city became flooded with foreign traders from all over the globe.
At present time, both Bangkok and Venice are confronting a problem of land subsidence. While Bangkok has its elevation at almost sea level, Venice is experiencing the fluctuation of high tides, which causes the city to be flooded several times daily. Some say that Venice is a “sinking beauty”.