When Salinee Hanvareevongsilp was five years old, her family relocated due to a new job opportunity, and the land where they lived later became Siam Square in 1965. Despite this move, it stayed one of her favorite spots. She often visited three cinemas in the vicinity — Siam, Scala, and Lido. During her Matthayom 3 days, she demonstrated against Japanese products along Rama I Road.
"All the places that held memories have disappeared," she stated.
Sa-nguan Khumrunroj voiced similar sentiments, reviving hazy recollections of movie theaters, talent agents, bookshops, and eateries like Daidamon and Seefah.
The area has transformed entirely. Initially, I expected it to reach its peak at Siam Square and MBK Center. However, it’s now brimming with unfamiliar structures.
Salinee and Sa-nguan participated in a recent walking tour of Sam Yan. These tours, known as the Sam Yan Heritage Walks, are organized by Netiwit Chotiphatphaisal, who founded and runs Sam Yan Press. They aim to inform people about the historical significance of the region. Additionally, Netiwit along with several fellow students has been advocating against the destruction of the Chao Mae Thapthim Shrine. A film they produced called "The Last Breath Of Sam Yan," which gained recognition for highlighting issues related to urban redevelopment, further supported their cause.
In 1916, King Rama VI merged various entities to establish Chulalongkorn University and granted permission for the university grounds to occupy an extensive plot of land situated south of Rama I Road. Currently, this property encompasses approximately 1,153 rai within the region. Out of these lands, about 637 rai serve educational purposes, whereas another 131 rai has been rented out to governmental organizations. Additionally, the Property Management Unit of Chulalongkorn University oversees commercial zones primarily located in areas such as Siam and Sam Yan, which cover roughly 385 rai.
The comprehensive blueprint for Samyan Smart City envisions the transformation of three crucial zones by 2037, encapsulated in their motto: “a metropolis that isn’t merely intelligent but also habitable across all aspects.” The first zone, Suan Luang-Samyan, aims to blend historical charm with cutting-edge technology. Next, Siam Square is scheduled for an extensive makeover and plans to emerge as the premier pedestrian shopping destination in Asia. Finally, the area around National Stadium will evolve into a vibrant recreational center.
"Establishing a museum where memory and progress can coexist should be our aim," stated Artit Gowitwarangkul, who works as both a tour guide and translator for "Rebel Cities: From The Right To The City To The Urban Revolution" by David Harvey. He completed his education at Chulalongkorn University Demonstration Secondary School and later at Chulalongkorn University.
The initial chapter of this work presents Harvey’s perspective, defining urban areas as "a concentration of surplus products." He sees urbanization as a process where capitalists exploit those without power for financial gain. Building upon this concept, Artit utilized Harvey's understanding of Karl Marx’s idea of capital as “value in motion” to elucidate the dynamics of gentrification.
"As capital is constantly moving in search of profit, there is no need to ask why it tears down something of historical value. When capital never sees it, Scala is null. It does not care about the cinema"s architectural history -- it cares only to rent out more space to make more money. [Developers] embrace gentrification to collect more rent and evict tenants who can"t afford it," he said.
Dispossession of the underprivileged or the marginalised is what Harvey describes as "creative destruction". It targets valuable land from low-income residents who may not have proprietary rights, for example, clearance of settlements in Seoul and Mumbai to make way for redevelopment.
A rising trend known as "creative destruction" is increasingly robbing the general population of their rights.
Beginning at Siam Square, attendees found themselves puzzled by the extent of changes. It has consistently been a popular destination for young people. Since the early 2000s, the BTS elevated train system has reinforced the importance of this business district. However, in recent times, it has experienced significant renovations including developments like Siam Square One, Siam Kit, and Siam Scape, as well as hosting a pedestrian zone.
At that time, Salinee did not know about the blaze that destroyed the shantytown alongside Rama I Road in 1962. According to Serhat Ünaldi’s book "Working Towards The Monarchy: The Politics Of Space In Downtown Bangkok," residents of these makeshift settlements inhabited what later became known as Siam Square. Despite having acquired permission to develop this land, Luang Phetkasem Withisawasdi could not remove them from the site until after the fire occurred.
Seacon transformed this plot of land into an entertainment center and shophouses along Rama IV Road back in 1965," explained Artit. "This might be considered the beginning of Chula’s involvement in property development.
Imagining Siam Square as an "entertainment hub" aligns with what urban sociologist Sharon Zukin refers to as "pacification by cappuccino." This concept illustrates how cities are transformed into zones of leisure exclusively for those who have the means to consume. In this scenario, everyday urban existence becomes a marketable product. One finds shopping centers, big-box retailers, boutique markets, and quick-service restaurants everywhere.
Artit mentioned that after Siam Square, the Siam Intercontinental Hotel made its debut in 1966. Situated on the grounds of Sra Pathum Palace, this five-star establishment was a joint venture between the Thai government and Pan American World Airways (Pan Am). As part of integrating Thailand into the Free World during the Cold War, the United States offered substantial support—political, military, and economic—to its staunch ally, fostering growth via capitalist initiatives.
He mentioned, 'Across from one another was an international hotel and an entertainment complex.'
Artit also mentioned that shopping centers quickly emerged thereafter. The Siam Center commenced operations in 1973, succeeded by Siam Discovery in 1997 and Siam Paragon in 2006. This period of change for Siam paralleled developments in Ratchaprasong. In 1964, Thai-Daimaru was inaugurated featuring Thailand’s first escalators; however, it shut down in 2000. Competitor Central Group attempted to follow suit the same year yet faced failure initially before successfully launching CentralChidlom in 1973.
Thus, the birthplace of contemporary culture and a hub for high-end shoppers," Artit remarked. "During my time at university, students faced criticism for their focus on materialism, yet Chula continues to be close to this retail area. Could we perhaps have additional library spaces? Regarding Scala, questions arise about how the university handles these matters since its responsibilities include both educational pursuits and real estate management—what takes precedence here?
For five decades, Scala served audiences until its doors closed permanently on July 5, 2020, because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Then, on September 12, 2021, Netiwit along with university students staged a protest against plans to transform the site into a commercial area. It was reported that the PMCU granted a thirty-year lease to Central Pattana, who intended to construct a multifunctional complex featuring a hotel, shopping center, and offices. Shockingly, the standalone theater underwent unexpected dismantling on October 31, 2021, causing widespread disappointment among fans. Known for its Art Deco design, the cinema previously earned recognition through an award for outstanding architectural conservation.
Assoc Prof Thamrongsak Petchlertunan from Rangsit University’s Faculty of Political Science stated that the development of Siam Square in 1965 was based on the accumulation of political authority and wealth.
He mentioned that during Field Marshal Phibun’s initial term as Prime Minister from 1938 to 1944, the administration's plan to create a business area along Ratchadamnoen Road was halted due to the onset of war. Later, in his subsequent tenure from 1948 to 1957, Phibun made another effort with the Erawan Hotel situated at Ratchaprasong Intersection, aiming to cater to the rising number of tourists.
"In 1965, Field Marshal Praphas Charusathien took over as chancellor of Chulalongkorn University, while Thanom Kittikachorn became head of Thammasat University. This change ultimately led to the seizure of university property for commercial development," he explained.
Artit highlighted an essential trait of property developers. In contrast to other capitalists, these developers relocate once their contract—such as a 30-year lease—comes to an end, initiating a fresh round of “urban redevelopment.” Observing the previous location of Scala, he wished for things to change positively.
Capital doesn’t shift spontaneously—it’s directed by capitalists who might have shared interests despite their individual distinctions. While Chula may see education and property management as distinct areas, it ought to consider the broader implications of its redevelopment plans.
Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. Syndigate.info ).
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