Royal Thai Survey Department Building (29 August 2006)
Royal Thai Survey Department Building occupies a piece of land fronting Sanam Chai Road, between Thanon Kanlayana Maitri and Thanon Saranrom. It is across Sanam Chai Road from the
Grand Palace. It is also standing on land that was previously a royal palace - the Saranrom Palace, which includes the Suan Saranrom Royal Park. Although the palace has since been demolished, the park still exists.
A wooden building was built here in 1887 for the Military Academy. The present two-storey concrete building was constructed in 1892 for the Military Academy. After it relocated, the premises was taken over by the Royal Thai Survey Department. The building, although essentially European in design, has an eclectic mix of Thai elements to it.
At the time I photographed it, the building in boarded up and may be undergoing restoration. In front of it is a pedestal on which a statue once stood (I do not know whose statue it is, and am keen to find out.)
Getting there
The Royal Thai Survey Department Building is located along Sanam Chai Road, opposite the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. It is not a tourist sight of considerable interest, but if you are in the neighborhood, it is good to take a look at it.
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