Chiang Mai University has defended the controversial decision to demolish the historic Ang Kaew Dormitory, saying structural assessments revealed safety concerns, while stressing its historical value will be preserved.
The university was responding on Saturday to calls from architects to reconsider demolishing the dorm, which opened six decades ago at the country’s first regional university.
The building is regarded as a prime example of a bold, progressive milestone in the country’s architectural history. It was designed by the late brutalist and modernist architect Amorn Srivongse, with engineering led by the late Arun Chaiseri, known as the father of modern structural engineering in Thailand.
News of the demolition emerged last week, sparking public concern, including from academics, who said the decision would erase another valuable example of Thai architecture.
They have urged the university to reconsider and proposed conservation options or adaptive reuse strategies.
The university issued a clarification letter, which said it acknowledged the dorm’s 60-year history and its architectural and cultural significance.
However, structural assessments revealed safety concerns about reusing the building, the university said. “To do so, it would need to meet legal standards for structural integrity, fire safety, utilities and earthquake resistance.”
A review committee decided to demolish the building while preserving its historical and architectural value in other forms, such as documentation and records for future generations, it said.
The statement added that an auction price of 209,587 baht did not represent the sale of the building itself, but only the right to carry out demolition under conditions set by the university, with proceeds to be transferred to the Treasury Department.
The university stressed that it continues to conserve and use six other historic buildings of its faculties of social sciences, engineering and science designed by the legendary architect.
Editorial: Don't erase our history
