Partial demolition of the embassy occurred in 2006Photo source 2Bangkok.com

Although a public decision by the British government isn’t expected till later this year, insiders say it is certain that the whole remaining British embassy compound in Wireless Road, Bangkok, is to be sold to the highest bidder. The current eight acre premises, which are prime real estate, are estimated to be worth at least 200 million pounds. Embassy officials first took up residence there in 1922.

Partial demolition of the embassy occurred in 2006 Photo source 2Bangkok.com
Partial demolition of the embassy occurred in 2006Photo source 2Bangkok.com
A four-acre frontage of the embassy, located at the intersection of Wireless and Ploenchit roads, was sold in 2006 for 50 million pounds to Tiang Chirathivat Real Estate, part of Central Group, which owned a neighboring flagship retail property. At the time, the sale was one of Thailand’s largest property sales ever but, in the last 10 years, prime real estate in central Bangkok has soared even further in value.

The Wireless Road site is famous for its iconic buildings, including the ambassador’s historic residence, tropical gardens and a 1903 statue of Queen Victoria which was shrouded by the Japanese during their occupation of Bangkok in the early 1940s. However, she was said to be able to keep an eye on what was going on through a small tear in the sheets. Many old-time British expats recall with affection the numerous grand events which used to be held on the embassy premises, including the Ploenchit Fairs. Although smaller garden parties have continued to be held from time to time, security concerns have kept these to a minimum in recent years.

It is not uncommon for the cash-strapped British government to seek cash savings in its overseas missions. In 2005, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office announced that 30 diplomatic posts in the Pacific, Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean would be downgraded to combat terrorism....

UK embassy to be sold | Pattaya Today Newspaper