The construction of the Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall (1907–1917) marked a pivotal moment in Siamese architecture with the early adoption of the Hennebique system of reinforced concrete. While this innovation introduced advanced structural techniques, it also imposed proprietary constraints that strictly controlled design and construction processes, curtailed the Siamese government’s decision-making authority in contractor selection, and relegated Public Works Department (PWD) engineers to supervisory roles. These obligations sparked concerns among Siamese leadership about the loss of autonomy in modernization efforts.

The project faced further challenges when the building’s foundation began to sink, exposing the limitations of the Compressol pile system, another proprietary technology under Hennebique’s control. In response, PWD engineer E.G. Gollo devised an innovative caisson foundation system, stabilizing the structure and ensuring its completion. Gollo’s intervention not only rescued the project but also marked a turning point in reducing reliance on foreign systems like Hennebique. This shift demonstrated the emergence of local agency in Siam’s modernization and signaled the eventual decline of the Hennebique system in the country.

By examining this critical episode, this talk explores the interplay between architectural development, power dynamics, and technological adaptation in early 20th-century Siam. The research presented in this talk has been accepted for publication in the Journal of the Siam Society (JSS) and will be forthcoming in the June 2025 issue.