Phra Aram Sakhonkhet Mansion

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A Heritage Treasure Behind Closed Doors

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Phra Aram Sakhonkhet Mansion is a historic Sino-Portuguese building located in Phuket Old Town. Its beautifully renovated white exterior distinguishes it and represents an important part of Phuket’s architectural heritage.

Current Status and History

The mansion was built in 1903 during Phuket’s tin mining era, a period when wealthy merchants and miners constructed grand residences that blended Chinese and European architectural influences. For many years, the property served as offices for Thai Airways, a significant commercial use that preserved the building even as other historic structures deteriorated..

However, the Thai Airways office has been closed for several years, and the compound remains permanently locked. The mansion is no longer accessible to visitors, as the security gates remain shut and there is no public access to the site. Despite its historical significance, it remains relatively obscure among tourists because it is set back from the main streets and is now completely inaccessible from the outside.

The mansion is situated near other notable heritage properties, including the famous Baan Chinpracha Museum and the Blue Elephant Restaurant (housed in Phra Pitak Chinpracha Mansion), both on nearby Krabi Road.

Architectural Significance

As a Sino-Portuguese mansion, the building reflects the unique architectural style that emerged in Phuket during the colonial period. These structures typically feature a blend of Chinese aesthetic elements (such as auspicious sculptures and ornamental details) combined with European design principles, representing the multicultural community that developed through the tin mining trade and international commerce.

The mansion is part of Phuket Old Town’s broader architectural legacy, which has been increasingly recognised and preserved as an important cultural and historical resource.