Phitsanulok Mansion

Many believe this elegant Phitsanulok Mansion is haunted. It’s no surprise given its long and fascinating history. This grand mansion, originally called Banthomsinth House, was built in 1922. King Rama VI commissioned it for his aide-de-camp Phraya Aniruth-deva. The Italian architect Mario Tamagno, known for his work on the Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall, designed this beautiful mansion in the Venetian Gothic style. However, the high maintenance costs forced Phraya Aniruth-deva to offer the mansion to King Rama VII. The King declined the offer. During World War II, the Japanese government expressed interest in purchasing the mansion for their embassy. Due to its strategic location, the Thai government stepped in. They bought the mansion from Phraya Aniruth-deva for 500,000 baht. They decided to use it as a state guest house instead. Later it was designated as the official residence of the Prime Minister of Thailand. Despite this, only two Prime Ministers, Prem Tinsulanonda and Chuan Leekpai, have actually lived in Phitsanulok Mansion. Prem Tinsulanonda, determined to dispel the rumors of hauntings, moved in after renovations were completed in 1980. However, he stayed only seven nights before leaving, fueling further speculation about the mansion’s eerie nature. Chuan Leekpai, while he resided there during his two terms, chose to sleep on a sofa in the study rather than the bedroom. This was interpreted as a sign of respect for the spirits rumored to reside within the mansion. Since Chuan Leekpai, Phitsanulok Mansion has primarily been used for receptions and meetings, with subsequent Prime Ministers opting to live elsewhere. The stories of ghostly apparitions, unexplained noises, and a general sense of unease continue to surround Phitsanulok Mansion. It stands as a beautiful and enigmatic landmark in the heart of Bangkok. Perhaps one day, a brave Prime Minister will once again call this grand mansion home.