Ta Bangkhae

A perfect blend of Thainess and Western Culture

Seeing a place or a house decorated in vintage style might remind you about the way people lived in the past. For anyone who used to watch Thai period dramas, you might be familiar with the colonial-style buildings. These kinds of buildings are a combination of local and Western influences in which you can find them along Charoenkrung road, a place formerly served as the community of European expatriates. Ta Bangkhae, one of the latest stores opened at River City Bangkok, is decorated in Thai colonial style which will make one feels being teletransported back to a renowned Thai period drama.

Founded by an amulet expert, Khun Wutthichai, also known as Ta Bangkhae, this store trades Thai Buddhist amulets. At the same time, as Khun Wutthichai is an antique collector, his collection of precious antiques and collectibles are also on display.

The place is distinct by the green pastel wall which is made of layers of wood board. This is the uniqueness of the Thai colonial design which came to Thailand during the reign of King Rama V, the time when the country inherited a mix of European influences leading to an integration between the local and the western styles. The owner sees that this style exudes classic and luxurious vibes and suits perfectly with his collection of furniture and antiques. On display along this decorating style are antiques or personal belongings of King Rama V including sculptures, photographs of the King and the royal family. One of the highlight pieces is a photograph of King Rama V that was once given as a gift to the King of Austria. The photograph is in good condition and hand signed by King Rama V himself.

In addition to the unique decorating style, this place is filled with a wide range of precious items including a Chakri tea set, a pair of blue and copper red underglazed vases, each painted with “The Legend of the White Snake” and the right-turning conch, or Shankha which has religious ritual importance in Hinduism. However, the right-turning conch is an extremely rare one.  Of one million couch shells, there will be only one right-turning conch and it is on display here.

Visiting Ta Bangkhae will remind you of the ways Thai people lived in the past. Their lives are dramatically different from what we live today. However, each object contains a unique story that deserves to be told and worth preserve for the future generations