Landmark · Bang Rak

Old Customs House

ศุลกสถาน

The 1880s front door of Siam, left to crumble beautifully by the river.

Jing ler? — no way

Every ship entering Siam once paid duty at this Palladian riverfront palace. When customs moved out in 1949, Bangkok's fire brigade moved in — firefighters and their families lived in the decaying ballroom halls for 70 years.

Jing ler? — no way

Its photogenic decay made it a movie star: Wong Kar-wai shot scenes of In the Mood for Love here. After decades of failed rescue plans, it's now slated to become — inevitably — a luxury hotel.

Source & further reading: Wikipedia · District guide: Bang Rak

Explore it in the 3D city →

Share this guide