|
Ghost Storeys, Abandoned Buildings |
|
Bangkokrecorder Magazine -
Bangkok Life
|
|
Tuesday, 26 July 2005 |
|
The ubiquitous presence of Bangkok’s eerie phantom buildings stands as a monument to the ruins caused by the 1997 Asian Economic Crisis. But although abandoned, life continues inside these forsaken monoliths. At first glance Bangkok’s sprawling skyline seems like a flourishing, albeit more ghetto, metropolis resembling Tokyo or New York City. But upon closer scrutiny, random concrete pillars and several incomplete high-rise structures can be seen littering the urban spread.  pictures compliments of Ghost Transmissions Exhibition
Beginning in Thailand, the Asian Economic Crisis spread out like a contagion, crippling its neighboring economies. Almost 400 construction projects in Bangkok alone were immediately abandoned and many have remained in a state of limbo ever since.  pictures compliments of Ghost Transmissions Exhibition
Recently, Bangkok’s abandoned buildings were the focus of an art installation by French and Thai artists for La Fete - the French Festival in Bangkok in collaboration with Thai independent art group Art Connection. Dubbed “Ghosttransmissions” the exhibition used sound and visual installations recorded at derelict building sites. While sampling the sounds and shooting the footage for the show, the artists discovered that although these buildings have long been neglected, they are far from lifeless.  pictures compliments of Ghost Transmissions Exhibition
Living in a decrepit high-rise shelter where slabs of the building could fall on you at any moment may not sound ideal, but in a city rife with so many abandoned buildings after the 1997 crisis, beggars can be choosers. One condominium located along the banks of the Chao Praya River in Thonburi that would ordinarily be considered ideal remains deserted because eight people died during its construction, thereby warding off supersticious squatters.
Owners of derelict properties do employ security workers and caretakers. Living in squalid huts on site, the buildings’ custodians and their extended families often run some sort of racket by collecting money for parking, storage, squatting or even just for entry. One caretaker we spoke to demanded several hundred baht before she would part with any information.
Some of the forsaken structures appear complete as they are enclosed with windows and what goes on inside remains invisible to the outside world, raising questions as to what kind of illegal activities take place in these partial establishments.
The 1997 crisis severely altered the economical and geopolitical landscape of Southeast Asia, nowhere more so than in Thailand. These seemingly desolate concrete formations are sad reminders of that unfortunate fuck-up almost a decade ago. Most residents and city officials view the completion of the unfinished projects as a sign that Bangkok has risen from the ashes of its economic problems. But as appropriate funding is raised and construction resumes, the question remains: what will become of the people who have made these urban eye sores their home.
by Karuna Gurung and Steven Kiaw
 |
