Film of old Bangkok
 

CNNGo has uncovered a fascinating old travelogue of Bangkok, shot in 1931 and now apparently on Youtube:

http://www.cnngo.com/bangkok/play/old-bangkok-486781

It's certainly interesting to see Bangkok just before the 1932 revolution, and anybody who has been here will recognize the sights. You may wish to watch it with the sound off if you're easily offended. The narrator spouts some rather politically incorrect, as well as inaccurate, stuff.

As you say, a bit non PC, but fascinating nonetheless. Thanks for the link.

wonderful pics...

Fascinating to see familiar places in this old travelogue.

Thanks for the link Michael. Wish my grandparents are still alive and I could show them the clip. Probably feak them out!

The scenes along the Chao Praya are in many ways unchanged, the same boats, the same views of temples... timeless.

Kathie...I said the ssme thing ...timeless. thanks michael

There seems to be a theme to this weekend. Popped into the new Bangkok Art & Culture Center today, where they have an exhibition of photographs of the King & Queen's state visits to various countries in the 50's and 60's. There are pictures of their majesties with Charles Degaul, the Shah of Iran, Willy Brandt, Walt Disney and Elvis. The next floor has some prints of international media reports - Newsweek, the New York Times, etc. - again from the 50's and 60's, along with local magazine covers featuring the royal family from the same era.

Not sure what to say about the BACC. It was practically empty for several months, and even now seems very quiet. It's been turned into something like a small shopping mall, with a large amount of space on the lower floors given over to shops - albeit with an artistic bent for the most part - there are galleries, designer boutiques, etc. However, almost all of them look temporary, with unfinished floors and ceilings, so maybe eventually they will be used for something else. So, BACC wouldn't be on my must-see list, but if you're visiting Jim Thompson House or MBK it might be worth a stop if you have time.

where is it michael?

Bob
It's that new building right across from Siam Discovery and MBK, next to the BTS station. It was an empty lot for years, with a wooden fence around it. I've noted the BACC but have not been inside (yet).
Carol