Historical Ambassadors’ Residences in Bangkok

Aug 11, 2023

H
Back to Study Trips

Historical Ambassadors’ Residences in Bangkok

Nowadays, amidst the crowded and bustling business districts of Bangkok occupied by modern office buildings, several European Ambassadors’ Residences are well hidden in serene and lush embassy compounds. These Ambassadors’ Residences are fine examples of well-preserved historical buildings with charming colonial architecture. Built during the 19th and 20th centuries, these residences represent the long-standing diplomatic relationship between Thailand and different European countries and the blend of European architecture and inspiration from Siamese-style buildings. Moreover, different European Ambassadors who have been stationed in Thailand have also contributed several elements to these residences to make them unique in their own way and to create a home far away from home.

As the European Heritage Days will take place during the month of September, The Siam Society will take this opportunity to arrange an exclusive one-day study trip for members to visit three significant Historical Ambassadors’ Residences in Bangkok which are the Residences of the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, the Embassy of Portugal, and the Embassy of the Kingdom of Belgium. The visit will also aim to provide an insight into the works carried out by European architects, engineers, sculptors, and painters.

When

Friday, 29 September 2023

Leader

Dr Navamintr Vitayakul

Former Council Member and Chairperson of the Lecture Committee of The Siam Society

Booking

See information below

Or contact Khun Thun

studytrips@thesiamsociety.org

 

The tentative programme will be as follows:

 

Friday, 29 September 2023
– Meet at The Siam Society, 131 Asoke Montri Road, Sukhumvit 21, Bangkok.
08:30

 

–

 

 Depart The Siam Society to the Ambassador’s Residence of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, located in the middle of the green area of more than 20 rai on Witthayu Road. It received The Architectural Conservation Award from the Association of Siamese Architects in 1987.

Visit the Ambassador’s Residence of Portugal, a light-coloured two-storey house that faces the Chao Phraya River. It is the oldest embassy in Bangkok that represents a European nation that has been present in Siam since the Ayutthaya period. One of the last remaining warehouse buildings has now turned into the Embassy’s office which still retains the original wooden structure.
Noon: Lunch at Paii, The House on Sathorn, a colonial mansion and Thai national heritage building on Sathorn Road which was built around 1889.
Afternoon: Visit the Ambassador’s Residence of the Kingdom of Belgium, located on Soi Phipat, just off North Sathorn Road. After a few relocations, the Ambassador’s Residence has remained in this original building since 1935, highlighting the presence of Belgians in Thailand for over a century.
16:00 Return to The Siam Society.

The Siam Society reserves the right to change the programme as necessary.

Important notes:

– This trip will be reserved for The Siam Society’s members only. For those who are interested, please apply for the membership before booking. Please follow the link below to download the application form: https://thesiamsociety.org/get-involved/. Kindly be informed that the Bank Account for the membership and the study trips are not the same account. Please follow the payment instructions on the membership application form.

– The Siam Society may utilise photos taken from study trips, lectures, performances, and other activities as  part of its public relations and marketing campaign. These photos, which may sometimes contain image(s) of activity participants, can also be featured on the Society’s website and other online social media channels.

Booking:

Contribution of THB 6,000, a photocopy of the identification page on your passport or ID card along with a membership number must accompany the booking. The contribution will cover transportation, lunch, gratuities and other costs incurred to make this trip possible. In addition, basic accident insurance is included. There is a 3% surcharge for credit/debit card payment to cover bank charges. Please pay by cash or cheque payable to “The Siam Society”. Transfer can also be made to The Siam Society travel account at TMBThanachart Bank (ttb), saving account no. 053-2-18000-7 or by scanning the QR code on your right. Once payment has been made, please e-mail the transfer docket to us.

We kindly ask that you confirm your reservation by Friday, 15 September 2023

For further information and bookings, please contact Khun Thun at 02-661-6470-3 ext. 205 or studytrips@thesiamsociety.org. The Society office is open from 09:00 to 17:00, Tuesday to Saturday.

More upcoming study trips