In 1912, as preparations were being made for the establishment of the Civil Service College of King Chulalongkorn (later to become Chulalongkorn University) in the area near the then-newly built road, Chao Phraya Yommarat (Pan Sukhum), the Minister of the Capital, voiced opposition to the plan, noting that the location of Prathat Thong Road—secluded yet not far from residential areas—was ideal for prostitute dens, which at the time were legal and served as a revenue source for the government. However, his opposition came too late for any action to be altered, and prostitution was later criminalized.
