European Heritage Days on September 15 were an opportunity for the European Union to present Bangkok and Ayutthaya’s first European Heritage Map which lists 70 buildings and sites with a European history.
BANGKOK- it could not have been a better place to present Bangkok and Ayutthaya European Heritage Map than the prestigious Mandarin Oriental Hotel. The property was itself created by Danes back to the 1870s; it became rapidly the premier hotel address offering luxury western standards to distinguished travellers.
The Oriental is not the only place in Bangkok which can be proud of a European history. They are probably some 150 to 200 buildings and locations in the Thai capital which bear traces of a European heritage. The modernization of Siam from the mid-19th century translated into an influx of European architects, engineers or artists who became heavily involved to provide to the Thai capital a cosmopolitan feeling. And 100 years ago, the best way to impress visitors was to look European.
In contrary to other countries in the region –which were all part of a colonial empire- the will of Siam Kings gave to Bangkok an eclectic architectural style. Baroque, rococo or neo-classical Italian style palaces, German Art Nouveau style palaces and villas, British Tudor style buildings as well as a French neo-roman cathedral are all testimonies of this unique blend of styles in the capital.
But not only! Bangkok can also be grateful to Europeans to have helped building bridges over the Chao Praya River, rail lines, canals or warehouses around the port. Visitors will be amazed about the wealth of preserved structures showcasing the history between Bangkok and Europe. North of the capital, Ayutthaya also preserved the first European settlements back to the 16th/17th century. Recently, the Netherlands opened a museum “Baan Hollanda” modeled after the first trade house belonging to the VOC.
The map was financed by nine Embassies based in Thailand, EUNIC (European Union National Institutes for Culture) and the European Union Delegation in Thailand. The map will be available in various institutions of the capital, such as museums, cultural institutes or offices of tourism, free of charge.
Luc Citrinot a French national is a freelance journalist and consultant in tourism and air transport with over 20 years experience. Based in Paris and Bangkok, he works for various travel and air transport trade publications in Europe and Asia.
