The once self-described half-businessman, half-gangster insists he is now a reformed man, especially given his position as mayor of Saen Suk municipality in Chonburi.

CNN: No More Mr. Tough Guy

About 18km of the lengthy Khlong Saen Saeb are serviced by public motorboat as it slices through the centre of the city, making it convenient for shopping and sightseeing.

BBC: Exploring Bangkok��s canals

When travelling Khlong Saen Saeb from east to west, motorboat buses terminate at Wat Saket, a late 18th-century temple topped by a golden stupa, and it takes about an hour to ride directly from the first stop at Wat Si Bunrueang.

BBC: Exploring Bangkok��s canals

Three of the most central and historically significant places to explore the canals are Khlong Saen Saeb, a canal in the centre of the city, Khlong Phadung Krung Kasem, one of the original canals around the Grand Palace, and Thonburi, a neighbourhood on the west side of the Chao Praya.

BBC: Exploring Bangkok��s canals