Ban Chinpracha Mansion, Phuket City

Andaman News NBT (VHF dial) + FM90.5 Radio Thailand at 8.30am & perhaps repeats on Phuket Cable TV channel 1 at 7pm & 1am, broadcast to Phang Nga, Krabi & Phuket provinces, Wednesday 24th September 2008 & http://thainews.prd.go.th/newsenglish/ & www.YouTube.com/AndamanNews.com
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The trace of wealth in the harmonious
Sino-colonial architectural style
impresses the visitors to the old mansion
on Krabi road in Phuket City.
The mansion is known as Baan Chinpracha.
The old mansion was built in the reign of King Rama V.
The premise is currently looked after
by the heir of Phra Pitak Chinpracha,
the original owner.
The distinctive character is not only reflected
by the white building situated amidst shady trees,
but also its history.

The mansion was originally built
by a wealthy Chinese descendant,
who was born in Phuket,
to use as a bridal house (home for a newly wed couple),
but after its completion, they did not reside there,
as the mansion is far away from the market
and other families.
The house was then used for guests
and accommodation.




Above the door, is a wooden sign with Chinese letters
that reads Lean Bee meaning Lotus.
This is in commemoration of the hardship
& struggle of ancestors.
The house faces south, enabling air to flow through.
This reflects the wisdom & expertise of the architect.
A well is situated in the middle of the mansion
which also helps ventilation,
in addition to many windows.
Decoration in Baan Chinpracha today
is not much different from the original style.
Most furniture & decorative items
were imported through Penang.
In the old days, shipping trade
via Penang to Phuket was flourishing.
This included gate material from the Netherlands,
tiles from Italy
& pearl engraved wooden furniture from China.

In the middle of the premises,
a sign of ancestors illustrates the family name
of Sae Tan today known as Tantavanit.
Paintings & photos of ancestors are also shown here.




Baan Chinpracha still opened its door to welcome visitors when the 4th generation was still here.
But today the mansion is sometimes used
as a venue for Phuket Cultural activities.
Im impressed and proud for local people here
that there are still some people
who maintain such value
for younger generations to appreciate.
Its quite educational for me
as I can see & understand more of the history.
This house is performing its duty.
Its a life museum reflecting the genuine story of Phuket which has always been fascinating for visitors
from the past until today.

Category:

News & Politics

Tags:

• Phuket
• Thailand
• mansion
• city

[Pari1209]

very interesting and very informative as well.

Pari