Historic Dutch Ambassador’s Residence Demolished in Bangkok
A historic colonial-style residence that once served as the Dutch ambassador’s residence in Bangkok has been demolished, following the sale of the Netherlands Embassy’s former site on Wireless Road. The residence was located on the embassy’s former compound at 15 Soi Ton Son, on a nearly 20-rai (3.2-hectare) plot connecting Wireless Road and Ploenchit Road. […]
A historic colonial-style residence that once served as the Dutch ambassador’s residence in Bangkok has been demolished, following the sale of the Netherlands Embassy’s former site on Wireless Road. The residence was located on the embassy’s former compound at 15 Soi Ton Son, on a nearly 20-rai (3.2-hectare) plot connecting Wireless Road and Ploenchit Road. Images posted on Facebook by Henriette Jansen show the former residence has now been demolished. The building was more than 100 years old and was known for its colonial architecture and distinctive tower. It received an outstanding building conservation award from the Association of Siamese Architects in 1987. The residence had a long history before becoming the Dutch ambassador’s residence. It was once the home of Dr. Alphonse Poix, a French royal physician who came to Siam in 1897 and served King Chulalongkorn. Prince Boworadet The property later became a residence of Prince Boworadet, a grandson of King Mongkut. After selling part of the land and later going into political exile, the house was left vacant. The Netherlands Embassy purchased the property, including the house, in 1949 and used it as the ambassador’s residence. The embassy moved to Central Park Offices at Dusit Central Park in August 2026 and subsequently put the former embassy land up for sale as a freehold property. The nearly 20-rai site is considered a rare development plot in central Bangkok, with access from both Wireless Road and Soi Ton Son. The land has been reported as potentially worth more than 20 billion baht, while reports have said an investment group has already acquired the property. The demolition has drawn attention because of the historic significance of the former ambassador’s residence.
