From Palace Grounds to Shopping Hub: A History of Siam
Siam Square is the undeniable epicentre of modern Bangkok. A whirlwind of flashing screens, designer storefronts, and the constant thrum of the BTS Skytrain overhead, it’s where trends are born and the city’s youth congregate. But beneath the gleaming glass of malls like Siam Paragon and Siam Discovery lies a story that winds back through royal ambition, educational aspirations, and transformative urban development. Let's journey back in time to uncover how this plot of land evolved from a quiet royal estate into the vibrant heart of the Thai capital.
The Royal Beginnings: Sa Pathum Palace
Before the malls and the Skytrain, the Siam area was largely undeveloped land on the outskirts of the capital. Its story begins in the late 19th century with King Chulalongkorn (Rama V). The visionary monarch had a deep appreciation for gardens and green spaces. In 1902, he purchased a tract of land here to build a new palace and garden for his wife, Queen Savang Vadhana.
This estate was named Sa Pathum Palace, meaning "Lotus Pond Palace." The name was inspired by the large lotus pond that was a central feature of the grounds. It was intended as a serene retreat, a place of quiet reflection away from the formalities of the Grand Palace. The palace itself was a beautiful example of classic Thai architecture, and for many years, it served as a residence for members of the royal family, including the Prince Father and Princess Mother, the parents of King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX) and King Ananda Mahidol (Rama VIII). A portion of the original Sa Pathum Palace still exists today, a quiet, green sanctuary nestled amidst the surrounding commercial chaos, serving as the residence of Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn.
The Dawn of a New Era: Education and Urbanisation
The first major shift in the area's identity came with the establishment of Chulalongkorn University. In 1917, King Vajiravudh (Rama VI) founded Thailand's first university on land adjacent to the palace grounds, naming it in honour of his father. This single act planted the seeds for Siam's future. The university attracted students, academics, and a burgeoning intellectual community, creating a new energy and purpose for the district.
As Bangkok expanded eastward during the mid-20th century, the land around the university, still owned by the Crown Property Bureau, became increasingly valuable. The construction of Phayathai Road and Rama I Road intersected here, creating a major crossroads. The area was no longer on the city's fringe; it was becoming its new centre. The Crown Property Bureau, which manages the royal assets, began to lease out plots of land for commercial development, setting the stage for the next great transformation.
The Birth of a Shopping Mecca
The 1960s and 1970s were the decades that truly defined Siam as we know it. This period saw the birth of the shopping district that would make it famous across Asia.
Siam Square (1963)
The first major development was Siam Square, which opened in 1963. Unlike the grand, enclosed malls that would follow, Siam Square was conceived as a low-rise, open-air collection of individual shops, boutiques, and cinemas. Leased and managed by Chulalongkorn University, it quickly became the epicentre of Thai youth culture. It was the place to see and be seen, a hub for fashion, music, and food. The Lido and Scala cinemas, iconic examples of mid-century modern architecture, became legendary landmarks, screening both international blockbusters and independent films.
Siam Center (1973) & Siam Discovery (1997)
Following the success of Siam Square, the first enclosed, air-conditioned shopping mall in the area, Siam Center, opened its doors in 1973. It was a game-changer, offering a new level of comfort and sophistication to Bangkok shoppers. It presented a curated collection of Thai and international brands, cementing the area's reputation as a premier retail destination.
Decades later, in 1997, Siam Discovery was added to the complex. It introduced a new "lifestyle" shopping concept, organising products by theme and interest rather than by brand. This innovative approach further solidified the Siam Piwat group's dominance in the area.
The Skytrain and the Modern Metropolis
Perhaps the most significant development in Siam's recent history was the arrival of the BTS Skytrain in 1999. The construction of the Siam station, the central interchange for the system's two main lines, physically and symbolically cemented the area's status as the absolute heart of the city. Suddenly, Siam was more accessible than ever, bringing in millions of commuters, shoppers, and tourists daily.
The Skytrain's arrival catalysed a new wave of development. This included the demolition of the old Siam Inter-Continental Hotel to make way for the jewel in Siam's crown: Siam Paragon.
Siam Paragon (2005)
Opening in 2005, Siam Paragon was a statement of intent. It was larger, more luxurious, and more ambitious than anything that had come before. With its vast array of high-end designer brands, a world-class cinema complex, an art gallery, and the Sea Life Bangkok Ocean World aquarium, it elevated the district to an international luxury destination. The elevated walkway connecting the BTS station directly to the malls created a seamless, weatherproof pedestrian network, further integrating the different shopping centres into one cohesive "super-mall."
Siam Today: A Legacy of Transformation
From a tranquil royal garden to the bustling, trend-setting core of a global metropolis, the history of Siam is a microcosm of Bangkok's own rapid development. It is a place of constant renewal, where historic cinemas make way for modern retail spaces and where new trends are always just around the corner.
Yet, echoes of the past remain. The serene grounds of Sa Pathum Palace still stand as a reminder of the area's regal origins. The intellectual spirit of Chulalongkorn University continues to influence the youthful energy of Siam Square. The evolution is ongoing, but the story of Siam is a powerful testament to how vision, commerce, and culture can converge to create one of the most dynamic and exciting urban spaces in the world.
