One Bangkok, a world-class destination in the heart of Bangkok, has officially unveiled The Wireless House One Bangkok, a lovingly restored tribute to the Saladaeng Radiotelegraph Station. This new cultural landmark houses a permanent exhibition narrating the captivating story of Witthayu Road (“Wireless Road”), where One Bangkok is located. The exhibition traces the history of Thailand's first radio telegraph station, and the origin of the name Witthayu Road.

Visitors are invited to explore this symbol of the Kingdom’s progress in communication technology and connect with the area’s deep-rooted heritage, discovering its “Sense of Rootedness” as they witness its evolution from tranquil rice paddies to the bustling commercial hub it is today. One Bangkok has drawn inspiration from this rich history and cultural tapestry to shape its vision for a vibrant city of the future.

Charintip Choomuenwai, Head of Strategic Branding & Creative Solutions and Head of Art & Culture of One Bangkok, shared, “From the project’s inception, One Bangkok has prioritised the strategic integration of art and culture throughout the development, and is also committed to preserving and building upon the area's historical significance for future generations. The Wireless House One Bangkok stands as a testament to this heritage, a symbolic ‘first stop’ on a journey through One Bangkok. Working closely with the Fine Arts Department, architectural conservation specialists, and archaeologists, we have meticulously brought this historical gem back to life. Visitors are able to experience the multifaceted history and the art and culture of the area through a permanent exhibition narrating the story of radio telegraphy, Thailand’s pioneering foray into wireless communication beginning in 1913. Through a display of excavated artifacts, the exhibition paints a vivid picture of life in a bygone era, revealing both the area’s historical value and its exciting future potential. Modern storytelling and presentation techniques ensure an engaging experience for visitors of all ages, whilst also providing a valuable resource for those who are passionate about history and architecture.”

The permanent exhibition at The Wireless House One Bangkok is presented across four zones, showcasing the history of the Witthayu (Wireless) – Rama IV area and the Saladaeng Radiotelegraph Station, a landmark of early modernity:

• Zone 1: The Dawn of Radio Telegraphy: Explores the role played by Saladaeng Radiotelegraph Station in introducing wireless communication to Thailand, marking a pivotal moment of modernisation. Discover the station’s unique architecture, the intricacies of radio telegraph technology, the establishment of Thailand’s first direct communication link to Europe, and the key distinctions between telegraphs and radio telegraphs.
• Zone 2: The Rise of Radio Broadcasting: Delves into the station’s early experiments with radio broadcasting, showcasing the evolution of this transformative technology. Experience the development and the atmosphere of broadcasting, and equipment used in that era, listen to original broadcasts, as well as learn the differences between crystal and vacuum tube radios.
• Zone 3: Unearthing the Past: Excavation, Conservation, and Reconstruction: Underscores the vital importance of preserving historical structures and excavated artifacts, offering glimpses into the lives of those who came before. Witness the meticulous reconstruction of lost elements based on historical documents, including the station’s original layout from the National Archives, Fine Arts Department surveys, and vintage photographs. Explore the fascinating world of urban archaeology, learn about the station’s excavation and conservation, and marvel at the detailed model of The Wireless House One Bangkok, showcasing the innovative conservation techniques employed by covering the original foundations as a safeguard against damage, building a basement for artifact preservation, and replacing the radio mast’s guy-wire system with a modern support structure.
• Zone 4: Witthayu – Rama IV District: A Tapestry of Time – Past, Present, and Future: Traces the area’s remarkable transformation from the serene Saladaeng rice fields to a symbol of modernity, encompassing innovation, architecture, evolving mindsets, and changing lifestyles. Explore urban development concepts, discover local landmarks, and connect with the cherished memories of the community. Admire also, unique art pieces, including Wasinburee Supanichvoraparch’s PintONE ceramic tiffin carriers, inspired by excavated artifacts such as fish sauce crocks and ceramic fragments, and Nakrob Moonmanas’ “Greeting of Times,” a captivating collage of images depicting the people, objects, architecture, and activities that have shaped the Witthayu-Rama IV district, presented on copper plates – an essential component in radio telegraphy.

The official opening of The Wireless House One Bangkok featured a panel discussion, “111^th Anniversary of the Saladaeng Radiotelegraph Station: Preserving the Past, Inspiring the Future.” Distinguished panelists, including Charintip Choomuenwai from One Bangkok; Manatchaya Vajvisoot, Senior Professional Architect, Office of Architecture, the Fine Arts Department; Watanyoo Thephuttee, Conservation Architect , Kudakahn Co., Ltd.; Kasama Kaosaiyanont, an Archaeologist; and Nunthakarn Thongvanit, Curator of The Wireless House One Bangkok, shared the story and processes involved in transforming the historic Saladaeng Radiotelegraph Station into The Wireless House One Bangkok, from day one of the project. The discussion covered lessons learned during excavation, the approach to preservation, and how this legacy is being carried forward through contemporary exhibitions. The discovery of the historic radiotelegraph station’s foundations in 2016, at the outset of One Bangkok’s development, prompted the collaboration with the Fine Arts Department. This partnership led to archaeological excavations, preserving the foundations and radio transmission tower. Over 1,500 unearthed artifacts at the site provide a captivating glimpse into the past, revealing the area’s transformation from tranquil rice fields to a naval area, a military preparatory school, the iconic Lumpinee Boxing Stadium, and finally, its current incarnation as One Bangkok.

One Bangkok’s dedication to recreating the radiotelegraph station, based on original photographs and blueprints, shines through in every detail of The Wireless House One Bangkok. This meticulously restored landmark serves as a living testament to Thailand’s pioneering spirit in wireless communication, inviting visitors to experience the revitalisation of this historically significant site. Through careful excavation, preservation, and insightful curation, its story unfolds across multiple dimensions, presented through a contemporary lens. The Wireless House One Bangkok is open daily, free of charge, from 10.00 – 20.00 hrs.