“The East Asiatic Building”. This is the name of the building, right in front of us, that served as the headquarters of the East Asiatic Company (EAC) for almost a century. It sits on the eastern bank of the Chao Phraya River, right across the street from the famous Oriental Hotel. The ECC Building is a true example of architectural brilliance and has a fascinating history.
Built around 1900, this striking building displays the Renaissance Revival style. It was designed by the Italian architect, Annibale Rigotti, and was a prominent symbol of European influence in Thailand at the time. The building’s three floors are adorned with rows of semicircular arched windows. The building’s facade is graced by a grand front staircase leading up to the main entrance. A large parapet bearing the company’s insignia, crowns the central projecting porch, that spans the height of the building. The ECC Building stands as a testament to the rich history of European trade in Thailand.
In 1995, the East Asiatic Company moved its headquarters. The company had established a flourishing rice trade and, over the decades, became one of the largest European companies in the country. Their headquarters building on the Chao Phraya was a hub of activity. It was a center for trade and a symbol of Thailand’s economic growth.
The ECC Building is now scheduled to be renovated and transformed into a hotel under the Plaza Athénée brand. The hotel will be run by Nobu Hospitality and will incorporate elements of Nobu hotels. This new chapter in the building’s history will see it once again become a thriving location, this time as a luxurious hotel, promising an elegant and modern experience.
You can almost imagine the ECC Building’s past: busy traders coming and going, meetings taking place on the upper floor, and the building serving as a central point of communication. Take a moment to picture the scene, the iconic Chao Phraya River winding below, the bustling city surrounding it, and the ECC building standing tall and proud as a symbol of a bygone era. Even though the ECC Building is temporarily closed to the public, it stands as a constant, a reminder of Bangkok’s rich history and the country’s international connections.