Samut Prakan, a historically strategic city in Thailand, has served as a critical defensive point along the Chao Phraya River for over 800 years. The name "Samut Prakan," meaning "sea fortress," highlights its original purpose as a fortified coastal city. Its roots trace back to the Khmer, who established a settlement in the area now known as Phra Pradaeng. During the Ayutthaya period in the early 17th century, King Songtham established Samut Prakan as a fortified trading port, naming it "New Amsterdam" to attract Dutch merchants.

Under King Rama I of the Rattanakosin era, Samut Prakan was revitalized to strengthen defenses against potential naval invasions, leading to the construction of forts and strategic military outposts along the river. The region saw further development during King Rama V’s reign, who facilitated the first railway line from Bangkok to Samut Prakan, opened in 1893. King Rama VI later officially named the province "Samut Prakan" in 1916, integrating the historic areas of Phra Pradaeng and Samut Prakan.

Following the Great Depression, administrative consolidations took place, merging Phra Pradaeng and Samut Prakan into a single province in 1932 to reduce costs. Despite administrative changes, Samut Prakan remains a symbol of Thailand's historic water defense and today is known for its maritime significance and rapidly expanding urban areas.