Alert Info
Built Heritage Bangkok Buildings and Development
Address
, Lumphini, Pathum Wan, Bangkok, 10330
Coordinates
Latitude : 13.739903854106545
Longitude : 100.54528747552365
General environment and accessibility
Accessible by permission only
Historical and local significance
The Dutch Embassy Residence is a colonial house, 2-storey, with gable roofs and a 3-storey tower. Distinguished features are the double roof of the tower and the decorative gable corners made of woodcarvings. The first owner of the house was Dr. Alphouse Poix, a French doctor who was a royal physician to King Rama V. Dr. Poix move out in 1913, then Prince Bowpradet took up the place until 1933, that he fled to foreign country for political reasns. The house, however, was still his family's possession and had been used as a residence for Roman Catholic priests, the British Alumni Association, and occupied by members of the British armed forces by the end of WWII. After the war, the Dutch Government bought the house in 1948 to be used as a residence for the Ambassador, thus the permanent Dutch Embassy was firstly establish in Thailand, for there dad only been a consulate in former times.
Threats type
Buildings and Development
Threats details
The Siam Society Under Royal Patronage has been notified of a ‘Heritage Alert’ submitted by representatives of the Dutch community in Thailand expressing deep concern over the proposal by the Government of the Netherlands to sell the premises of the Embassy of the Netherlands in Thailand.
"Help Save the Dutch Embassy in Bangkok – A Cultural and Diplomatic Landmark at Risk
The Dutch community in Thailand—and many others around the world—are deeply concerned by the Dutch Government’s proposal to sell the Embassy of the Netherlands in Thailand
This is not just real estate. The embassy compound is a unique cultural and historical treasure in the heart of Bangkok. Its sale would mark an irreversible loss—not only for Thailand and the Netherlands but for the global community. Once it's gone, it can never be recovered. Any short-term profit from the sale will be eclipsed by the long-term costs of leasing new embassy premises, acquiring a new ambassadorial residence, and renting venues for cultural and diplomatic events—many of which have long thrived within the current grounds.
The embassy is not only a functioning diplomatic space but also a symbol of more than 400 years of shared history and friendship between our two nations. Its presence enhances soft power, fosters cultural exchange, and serves the public good in countless tangible and intangible ways. We urge the Dutch Government to reconsider this decision and protect this irreplaceable site. Please sign the petition below to support this cause. You do not need to be Dutch or living in Thailand to sign—this is an issue of shared heritage and global significance."
Those who share the concerns of the Dutch community in Thailand are invited to support the campaign by signing the petition at the link below.
https://secure.avaaz.org/community_petitions/en/casper_veldkamp_minister_of_foreign_affairs_of_net_dont_sell_the_dutch_embassy_in_bangkok/?tSbDqub&fbclid=IwY2xjawKlEIJleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHvcIXh3HkvZIiyrhyUwQVqn0YMpn9xhrN3jI8BlEJMl4rPtfGFCQzkaQBHc1_aem_d1XuaW2raEzJpN3wjutSJA
Owner
The Netherlands Government
Responsible or associated agencies
The Netherlands Embassy
The Netherlands Government
