Walking along the historic center of Bangkok, Sala Chalermkrung, a legendary royal theatre that hosts both national and international films as well as traditional performances, is located at the intersection on two major roads, which are Charoen Krung Road and Tri Petch Road. This is an architecture of memory which links to historical and political sceneries in different periods of Thailand.
Established in 1933 by King Prajadhipok’s financial resources, Sala Chalermkrung can be seen as light amidst darkness, which means a gift from the beloved monarch for Thai people during the political turmoil. However, it could be said that this modern cinema theatre was a symbol of happiness and celebration of the 150th anniversary of Bangkok’s founding as the King had perfectly planned before. Since then Sala Chalermkrung became a very self-contained center of amusement for that increasing class of people who like to go out in the evening.
Pajaree Tachart (Ph.D.)
