History dispensable

There was another piece of interesting news recently. A real estate developer has been granted the concession to turn a historic riverside property by the Chao Phraya into a luxurious six-star hotel.

The news didn't make waves because the decision only affected a few people, mostly families of marine police and firemen who had lived in the building, constructed in 1890 during the reign of King Rama V, for ages and were forced to move elsewhere.

The building's neo-classical architecture signifies an important period in Thai history, a time when the kingdom was opening up to Western influence.

Very soon the news, like the building, will slip from public scrutiny and fade into insignificance and return to the headlines once again after the building is renovated and resurrected as a posh six-star riverside property.

Given its historical value, the building should have been turned into a public property.

From a conservationist and historical perspective, the building should have been preserved as a historical site and developed into a museum for educational purposes.

But if you see it from the business side, the site was perfect for a hotel.

Where financial rewards are concerned, landmarks of social or historical significance have to give way. Now that's another case of money talking.
Bnagkok Post May 2005 www.bangkokpost.com