In the 19th century all foreign legations and embassies were built on or near the Chao Phraya River as it was the easiest way to get to the Royal Palace a little bit further up the river. The French have a long history of diplomatic relations with Thailand. There was an embassy in the former capital of Ayutthaya in the 17th century and Siam (as Thailand was then called) sent an embassy to visit King Louis XIV at Versailles.
The French Embassy is the second oldest in Bangkok (the Portuguese Embassy being a bit older). Originally it was both the French Embassy and the French Ambassador’s Residence and was built in 1860. It is now just the French Ambassador’s Residence and has been added to and renovated over the years. There was a major restoration between 1959 and 1968. It is an architectural masterpiece.
The three-story timber building has a two-storey front porch facing the river with outdoor staircases on either side. Fine timber fretwork runs along the eaves. The house overlooks a well-proportioned lawn down to a private pier on the river. There is a broad verandah on the upper floors. The first floor is used for guests and receptions and the French Ambassador lives on the top floor. It is not open to the public.
See individual (better quality) photos for sale on
For the ebook The Bangkok Story, an Historical Guide to the Most Exciting City in the World – go to