Isn’t it fascinating how architecture can reflect the changing times? Right here, before you, stands Gaysorn Amarin, a testament to Bangkok’s evolving cityscape. Originally known as Amarin Plaza, Gaysorn Amarin opened its doors to the public in 1985. Its postmodern design, a striking blend of Greco-Roman elements juxtaposed with a modern glass facade, was the brainchild of architect Rangsan Torsuwan. This unique style, though a hit with the public, sparked quite the debate amongst Thailand’s architectural circles. They considered it a daring, some might even say audacious, use of classical elements in a Thai context. Over the years, Gaysorn Amarin, with its five-storey shopping podium and towering Amarin Tower above, has seen its share of changes. It housed the first international branch of the Japanese department store, Sogo, a move that set off a trend in Bangkok’s retail scene. Another interesting tidbit? This very building was home to Thailand’s very first McDonald’s! Imagine the lines and the excitement when it first opened! In 2007, Gaysorn Amarin was acquired by the Gaysorn Group and became an integral part of the larger Gaysorn Village complex. This transition marked yet another chapter in the building’s story, solidifying its presence in the heart of Bangkok’s vibrant Ratchaprasong shopping district. Today, as you gaze at Gaysorn Amarin, its facade a blend of the old and the new, it stands as a reminder of Bangkok’s ever-evolving urban landscape, a place where history and modernity intertwine.
Garuda Museum
Behold the Garuda, a four-meter sculpture spreading its wings. This is the entrance to Southeast Asia’s one and only Garuda