The East Asiatic Company Building - อาคาร อีสต์ เอเชียติก

Heavily loaded transport ships, longtail boats, and the hectic Chao Phraya Express drift by the old East Asiatic Company headquarters every day. Surrounding it now are towering apartment buildings and hotels, casting shadows over its rustic walls, giving a sense that time has come to a standstill. The historic building serves as a important reminder of the days when the shipping empire reigned over the seas, extending its reach from north to south.

As you step through the elegant teak doors, the echoes of a bustling past still linger. The clatter of typing machines and the lingering aroma of cigars transport you back in time. The East Asiatic Company (EAC), founded in 1897 by Hans Niels Andersen, was a Danish trading company that made a significant impact in Thailand during the early 20th century. It established its first office in Bangkok in 1898 and swiftly grew to become one of the largest foreign trading companies in the country and the largest company in the Nordic region.

The EAC engaged in diverse trade including rice, teak, tin, rubber, and textiles. It also invested in infrastructure projects, including railroads, harbors, and power plants, contributing to the modernization of the nation. However, the early 20th century presented formidable challenges for the EAC. It had to contend with events like World War I and II, the Russian Revolution, and the decolonization of East Asia. Struggling to adapt to these transformative changes, the company was eventually compelled to sell off many of its assets. And In 2014, the company's operations were finally ceased, marking the end of an era.