Bar Sathorn
Bar Sathorn is nestled within the historic venue that has been known as one of Bangkok's most evocative spaces, where sophisticated urbanites gather, stories are shared, and good memories are made.
Bar Sathorn is nestled within the historic venue that has been known as one of Bangkok's most evocative spaces, where sophisticated urbanites gather, stories are shared, and good memories are made.
Bar Sathorn inherits its legacy since 1889 as it was built as a private residence for Luang Sathorn Rajayukta, a wealthy Chinese-originated businessman who received a noble title from King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) who assigned him to procure construction suppliers for Bang Pa-in Royal Summer Palace. He also pioneered the digging of Sathorn canal to improve transportation inside the Siamese capital.
After the passing of Luang Sathorn Rajayukta the residence passed to Luang Chitchamnong who married Cham, the eldest daughter of Luang Sathorn Rajayukta. He started to invest in a rice mill which was a common business for Thai - Chinese wealthy families. The business was not well successful and believed that caused the bankruptcy in 1909. The mansion was rented as Hotel Royal in 1923 by an Italian grande dame—Madame Adele Staro and is renowned as one of the most luxurious hotels in Bangkok. The Straits Times Singapore newspapers explained what the hotel was like and what facilities were available. The hotel was sold to a syndicate in 1925 following Madame Adele Staro's departure from the kingdom. The hotel changed its name to Hotel Thailand in the following year with unclear evidence.
The House on Sathorn was the venue where Thailand's very first Russian Embassy resided between 1948 and 1999, and witnessed many historic moments including the Cold War. Since the early 1900s, the Siamese Royal family and the Soviet Union had close relations with many Thai aristocrats including the son of King Chulalongkorn—H.R.H. Prince Chakrabongse spent his years in St. Petersburg and Moscow for education. In 1941, the government of Siam and the Soviet Union established their first diplomatic relations and signed the agreement on the Exchange of Diplomatic Missions in 1947. The actions have brought the Kremlin government to acquire a 50-year lease to this neo-classic function space as their first station in the country.
Today, The House on Sathorn further stands out as an eclectic venue. The building and grounds - directly adjacent to W Bangkok - comprise one signature restaurant, Paii. A timeless destination bar Bar Sathorn. In addition to Upstairs, The Conservatory, Hospitality Suites, and The Loft for meeting and social gatherings.
The house was built during King Rama V period. Owned by Luang Sathorn Rajayutka (Yom Pisolyabutra). He was the creator of Klong Sathorn (Sathorn Canal).
After the passing of Luang Sathorn Rajayukta, the family's business empire passed to Luang Sathorn's son-in-law, Luang Chitchamnong Vanich (Tomya Rongkavanich). Luang Chitchamnong was considered the first Siamese businessman to trade rice in Europe.
King Rama VI gave the Sathorn House to Chao Praya Ram Rakob (Mom Rajawongse Fua Peungboon), Bangkok's first governor, and one of the King's trusted advisor. Chao Praya Ram Rakob sold it back to the Crown Property sometime later.
The Mansion has become The House on Sathorn.