Demolishing Bangkok’s historic British Embassy to make way for a shopping center
Pictures: ICOMOS Thailand Association
A heritage organisation posted a question on Facebook following work at the British Embassy compound in Bangkok.
How can you demolish the British Embassy?
The International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS Thailand Association) said they had contacted the Thai Department of Fine Arts after two historical buildings had been demolished and the Famous Queen Victoria monument had been moved.
They were considered “obstacles” in the multi billion baht sale of one of Bangkok’s most prime tracts of real estate on Withayu (Wireless) Road.
The embassy has been sold to Central to make way for retail space.
ICOMOS said the Fine Arts Department had indicated that the buildings were not listed and were owned by the British who it appears could do whatever they wanted with them.
ICOMOS intimated that irrespective of who owned them it was a crime to knock down such beautiful heritage.
Three historical and beautiful buildings remain on the site and ICOMOS are concerned what will happen to them in the name of progress.
The British foreign office said last year that they had sold the embassy’s 25 rai plot for 420 million pounds.
Last week, the UK in Thailand Facebook page shared a video montage of significant and memorable moments from the past.
Source: ICOMOS Thailand Association & Thaivisa forum
