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Tuek Daeng or Red Building, located in Chanthaburi Province, is one of Thailand’s significant historical learning sites. This landmark bears witness to the painful history of Thai people during the period when Chanthaburi was under French control for 11 years, from 1893 to 1903. The Red Building was constructed by the French in 1893 alongside the “Cock’s Dung Prison” as part of their military base and administrative control during the Franco-Siamese crisis of R.S. 112. Its construction symbolized the French military and political power in the region. Despite the painful past, the Red Building stands today as a reminder of the resilience and endurance of the Thai people.

 

After the French troops withdrew, the Red Building was repurposed for educational and community uses. In 1984, it was renovated to serve as a library and an out-of-school education center for the Laem Sing District. Although this function later ceased, the Red Building remains an important site for historical learning and a tourist attraction, particularly for those interested in French colonial architecture and the political history of Thailand.

 

The Red Building is located in Village No.1, Pak Nam Laem Sing, Laem Sing Subdistrict, Laem Sing District, Chanthaburi Province. It was part of the French military headquarters at Pak Nam Laem Sing, constructed in 1893 during the period when Chanthaburi was taken as a “guarantee city” during the Franco-Siamese crisis (R.S. 112). Its construction reflects the French military strategy of the time, designed for durability and climatic adaptation, blending Western architectural styles with local tropical building techniques.

 

Architecturally, the Red Building is distinctive. It is a single-story masonry structure oriented west to east, facing the Pak Nam Laem Sing estuary. Measuring approximately 7 meters wide and 32 meters long, the building features wooden doors and windows with hinged panels, a gable roof, and a surrounding veranda with an awning for sun and rain protection. The roof frame is made of iron and covered with clay tiles. The pediment is divided into two sections by columns, each featuring a semicircular arch with six cross-shaped ventilation openings.

 

Inside, the building is divided into six rooms with floors made of original clay tiles on both the interior and the veranda. In the western rooms, there is evidence of cement floors polished in a grid pattern, mimicking tiled flooring. This design reflects a fusion of Western construction techniques with local cultural adaptation, ensuring durability and suitability for the tropical climate.

 

Archaeological investigations within the Red Building uncovered roof tile fragments identical to those produced by Guichard Carvin et Cie in Marseille, France. The tiles bear a bee logo and the word “MARSEILLE,” indicating their origin. Such findings highlight the connection between Thai colonial architecture and European technology in the late 19th century. Similar tiles were also found at King Taksin Camp in Chanthaburi, showing that imported construction materials were widely used in key military and administrative buildings.

 

After the French troops left Chanthaburi, the Red Building served as a summer residence for nobles, government officials, and foreigners. French diplomats and expatriates often used it as a sanitarium, a place for rest and recuperation. Later, it was converted into a public library and an out-of-school education center, eventually becoming a museum and a historical learning center for Chanthaburi Province.

 

The Red Building has undergone several restorations, the most recent being in 2022, managed by the 5th Office of Fine Arts in Prachinburi under the Fine Arts Department. Today, the building’s care, maintenance, and management have been transferred to the Pak Nam Laem Sing Municipality, under the decentralization framework established by the 1999 Local Administration Act. This ensures that the building’s preservation is closely tied to the local community, emphasizing the importance of conserving cultural heritage at the local level.

 

The Red Building holds significant historical value as a symbol of the Franco-Siamese crisis (R.S. 112), a period when Thailand faced foreign pressure. It is not only an architectural heritage site but also a learning tool to understand Thai political history and society. Visiting the Red Building allows guests to explore French military strategies, imported building materials, and the daily lives of Chanthaburi residents during that period.

 

The surrounding area retains its natural beauty, with the building facing the estuary for scenic views. This orientation aids natural ventilation and temperature regulation in the tropical climate. Visitors walking around the building can appreciate the verandas and protective awnings while experiencing the historical atmosphere of the site.

 

The Red Building serves as an educational resource, providing information and documents about Chanthaburi’s history and the events of R.S. 112. History enthusiasts can learn about French military bases, city administration, imported materials, and the lives of locals. These insights enhance understanding of history and instill pride in Thai resilience and endurance.

 

As a historical tourism site, the Red Building promotes cultural awareness. Students, tourists, and researchers can experience French architectural style, old building elements, and historical narratives of Thai-French interaction. Preservation and public access allow the local community to participate in safeguarding and passing on cultural heritage. Visiting the Red Building provides tangible learning and reflects the resilience, creativity, and lives of past generations.

 

The Fine Arts Department officially registered the Red Building as a historical site in the Government Gazette, Vol.102, Part 31, on March 12, 1985, covering approximately 1 rai, 1 ngan, and 11.87 square wah. This registration affirms the architectural and historical significance of the building, as well as its importance in studying the events of Chanthaburi’s past.

 

In summary, the Red Building is more than an old building; it is a comprehensive learning center encompassing history, architecture, society, and culture. Visitors can explore its arches, wooden doors and windows, clay tile fragments, and the living history of Chanthaburi. It promotes cultural tourism, historical understanding, and community engagement, preserving knowledge for future generations. The Red Building offers a complete historical experience, showing the evolution of Chanthaburi, the integration of Western techniques with local climate adaptation, and the endurance and creativity of its people.

 

Conservation and public access to the Red Building exemplify the integration of education, tourism, and community participation. Visitors gain insight into the importance of preserving cultural heritage, blending Western architectural technology with local adaptation, and the community’s role in safeguarding historical knowledge. The Red Building is a center for knowledge, history, and culture, essential for tourists and researchers alike.

 

With its historical, architectural, educational, and tourism significance, the Red Building is a valuable cultural heritage of Chanthaburi. Visitors can appreciate its old structures, distinctive arches, imported materials, and historical narratives, while experiencing the cultural and social life of the past. Its preservation ensures that future generations can access, learn from, and respect this important historical and cultural landmark. Visiting the Red Building provides knowledge, cultural awareness, and an appreciation of Chanthaburi’s rich heritage.