Next to the Faculty of Law building at Chiang Mai University and the Ang Kaew Reservoir stands a derelict building overgrown with weeds, covered in moss stains, cracked, and showing signs of broken louvered windows and structural decay. Shrouded beneath the shadows of mature trees and vines, this scene evokes an archaeologist discovering the ruins of an ancient Khmer temple. However, this building is not millennia old but a modernist structure serving as student housing called "Ang Kaew Dormitory," designed by Amorn Srivong. Having self-taught design skills through construction site experience, Amorn was dubbed a "rogue architect," referring to those without formal training, in an era when professional licensing was lax. This dormitory was Chiang Mai University's first to break from traditional Thai-style architecture, embracing modern architecture as part of the campus in 1965, a peak year for modernist buildings.
Photo: Amorn Srivong ArchiveThe university's demolition announcement alarmed people nationwide, especially alumni and students of Chiang Mai University, who petitioned against demolition and to protect the architecture. Local architects and the Association of Siamese Architects under Royal Patronage issued statements opposing the demolition, urging the university to recognize the building's importance as part of Thailand's modern architectural history. Previously, the university had demolished other old dormitories and the former student union building.
On 22 Aug 2026, Chiang Mai University issued a statement citing "structural stability" as the primary reason for demolishing Ang Kaew Dormitory, suggesting its architectural value could be preserved in other forms. The next day, Assoc. Prof. Dr. San Suwajcharaphinan from the Faculty of Architecture at Chiang Mai University rebutted, stating the dormitory's structure remains 100% intact, with only exterior aging from paint and lack of maintenance; internally, the structure is still strong. Similarly, Assoc. Prof. Pinai Sirikiatkul from Silpakorn University's Faculty of Architecture commented on his personal Facebook that the issue is not structural stability but "neglect," citing other deteriorated old buildings like the "Pumpkin Building" lecture hall at Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, also designed by Amorn Srivong with Ratchad Kanjanavanich, which the university chose to preserve rather than demolish.
The Pumpkin Building. Photo: Amorn Srivong Archive
“Professor Somchat Jongsiriarak once said, ‘The best way to preserve a building is to use it, because regular use allows you to see where deterioration occurs and to repair it promptly. Chiang Mai University allowed its old buildings to decay and now uses that as an excuse to demolish them. So, is this concrete structural failure or management failure?’” Assoc. Prof. Pinai wrote on his post.
Looking back, Ang Kaew Dormitory's case recalls the demolition of the Scala Cinema building. Although some elements remain visible in the new Central shopping mall plans there, it prompts questions beyond landlords or auctioneers, focusing on architectural protection laws.
Currently, for a building or architecture to receive protection, it must be designated as an "ancient monument," with preservation duties falling under the Fine Arts Department. The Ancient Monuments, Antiques, Art Objects and National Museums Act B.E. 2504 (1961) stipulates that to be designated, a building must be over 50 years old or have historical, archaeological, or artistic significance (Section 4). Sections 7 and 10 prohibit alteration or demolition without permission from the Fine Arts Department director.
However, this legal framework appears insufficient. For example, the Scala building's protection registration was requested by the Association of Siamese Architects under Royal Patronage to the Ministry of Culture and the Fine Arts Department. Scala’s architectural style is modern, with Art Deco geometric forms and structural elements. Interpreting this, it seems modern architecture does not qualify.
Yet, by law, Scala meets all criteria to be an ancient monument. It is 51 years old (counted from its 2020 closure), designed by Colonel Jira Silpkanok, president of the Association of Siamese Architects under Royal Patronage, noted for designing the Government House. Scala also won the Association's Outstanding Architectural Conservation Award in 2012. These facts satisfy Section 4 in terms of age and artistic significance.
To ensure fairness and clarity for the public, the Fine Arts Department should reconsider the true definition of “ancient monument” and clarify architectural significance to prevent ambiguity. This issue arose with Scala and now affects Ang Kaew Dormitory, and will likely continue with other modernist buildings.
Or is modern architecture simply unappealing to conservatives?
Once, at the corner of Ratchadamnoen Klang and Maha Chai Roads, opposite Pom Mahakan, stood Sala Chalermthai, a venue for films and theater. Designed by Jitsen Aphaiwong, a dynamic architect trained in France, Sala Chalermthai featured modernist architecture emphasizing geometric shapes, similar to Scala. Yet in 1989, under Prime Minister Chatichai Choonhavan’s government, the cabinet decided to demolish it despite strong opposition. A key figure, Mom Rajawongse Kukrit Pramoj, summarized the demolition rationale, stating the building was "depraved art."
“...Building Sala Chalermthai there completely obscured Wat Ratchanadda. Instead of seeing the beautiful Wat Ratchanadda, one saw Sala Chalermthai, a theater with modern architecture far more depraved than the temple.”
“In the past 50 years, many ugly and frightening buildings have been constructed in Bangkok. So, if we start demolishing something, we should do so thoroughly and tear down other buildings that are out of place and whose architecture does not harmonize with Bangkok’s.”
By “the past 50 years,” Mom Rajawongse Kukrit referred to the era of the People's Party. Thus, modern architecture became inseparable from the People's Party and was labeled “People's Party art,” reflecting “progressiveness” and Western influence, especially the modernist architecture inspired by Le Corbusier in France, a leading figure in modern building design.
Delving into the relationship between art and politics is another topic. For now, it can be summarized that in Thailand, modern architecture is still seen as unsuitable and lacks dignity for preservation, even when buildings meet all requirements. This is understandable, as modern influences may obscure or diminish traditional customs and influences.
Nonetheless, modern architecture represents the unstoppable progression of the world. Around us are buildings influenced by modern architecture emphasizing functionality. This may explain why modern buildings are overlooked, as they may be viewed as similar to office or commercial buildings.
This applies to Thai architecture. Why do we preserve certain churches for historical and artistic significance but not all? Why do we value the chedi of Wat Mahathat more than ancient chedis of other temples of similar age and art? Because architectural beauty and historical value vary, and some sites are more beautiful or historically important.
Similarly, modern architecture like Ang Kaew Dormitory (and other similar sites) reflects a thoughtfully designed building akin to a masterpiece of art. While modernist simplicity may appear plain, achieving scenic beauty in simplicity requires experience and creativity. “If designed sincerely with utility, structure, and economics in mind, the building itself creates beauty without extravagant additions,” said Nithi Eawsriwong about his brother's work.
Photo: Amorn Srivong Archive
The four corners of Ang Kaew Dormitory require no horizontal beams for structural function. Assoc. Prof. Pinai personally commented, “They help anchor the entire building, allowing it to stand elegantly by Ang Kaew. Beautiful and smart.” This excludes the historical value of having distinguished engineer Professor Emeritus Arun Chaiseri, who designed the Elephant Tower and Baiyoke Tower 1 and 2, collaborate with Amorn Srivong on Ang Kaew’s structure.
However, one issue to consider is that beyond ancient monument registration, there is the matter of maintenance budgets. Thailand may need to “choose its priorities.” For example, in the United States, laws protect architecture over 50 years old, overseen by the National Park Service and the National Park Advisory Board. They consider historical importance and architectural merit and allow exceptions for buildings under 50 years with true significance (Criteria Consideration G). Funding is distributed to localities beyond public taxes, with nonprofit organizations supported by private funds helping preserve valuable old and new buildings.
In contrast, Thailand’s Fine Arts Department mainly depends on public tax budgets, rarely receiving private funding for maintenance. This raises the question, “Who will maintain these buildings?” The answer likely lies with the private sector—in Ang Kaew’s case, Chiang Mai University—which must raise awareness and set an example for current and future generations.
References: