30/09/2025
The French Embassy An Old Riverside Residence That Still Stands Firm
Back in the days when Siam began opening up to Western influence, many foreign nations established their embassies in Bangkok. A key area was Bang Rak, a district known for its international communities and its convenient location along the Chao Phraya River, where travel by boat was easy. Over time, many embassies relocated to new sites in the city’s business districts. However, two embassies have remained in their original locations: the French Embassy and the Portuguese Embassy.
During the recent European Heritage Week, we had the chance to visit several embassies. Unfortunately, we missed the registration for the Portuguese Embassy, so we visited the French Embassy instead. This marked the first time in years that Western-style heritage buildings in Thailand reopened to visitors after the long pause caused by the pandemic.
The historic building of the French Embassy, which today serves as the ambassador’s residence, is a three-story colonial-style structure with neoclassical elements. It is fronted by a spacious garden that stretches down to its very own pier—making it the only embassy in Bangkok today that has its own private riverside landing. Inside, the spaces are divided for different uses: the ground floor hall, the reception rooms, library, and dining hall for banquets on the second floor, while the third floor remains a private residence for the ambassador and family.
The building was designed with ample ventilation. On the pediment above the second floor, the emblem of the French Republic is prominently displayed. Inside, one finds a collection belonging to the embassy, including porcelain, paintings, prints, and woven textiles. The wooden flooring is especially striking—large, old teak planks far bigger than what is commonly used in houses today.
As a private residence, this historic building of the French Embassy is generally not open to the public. However, in keeping with European tradition, it opens its doors during European Heritage Week each year. For those who missed it this time, the chance will come again next year.
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