Long prior to year 1900, everyday life in Bangkok centered around rivers and canals. People preferred to install their homes on stilts along the riverbanks and in boathouses (Korff, 1986). This lifestyle can still be seen throughout Bangkok’s waterway network. The built-up area was densest along the riverbanks and sparser elsewhere. Life was simple. Thai culture and all the living standards and needs were naturally based on the provisions from the river. People developed their ways of life and built up their skills, knowledge, culture and even their wisdom by learning from the river. It was felt that the river had significant influences on people’s everyday life. Moreover, for security reason, the rivers and canals served as the main barrier protecting the city capital (Beek, 1995). The Chao Phraya River that runs through the heart of Bangkok also served this purpose for some time.