It feels so bizarre to see a building that looks like it was plucked from apocalyptic fiction surrounded by buildings and landscapes that have been maintained.
I'm wondering how long it will stand. We all know that a lot of builders in the Asian areas cut lots of corners when building. And if it does fall due to it basically rotting in real time, everyone around it will pay the price for this in blood.
As Thai people and just started to work 1 year before the crisis. I remember well situation at that Time. I heard on the news often about the millionaires suicide, or millionaire loose everything in one day. My salary had to cut of 15% but that is good enough still have a job. One of good things at that time the apartment or food vendors they gave discount for us because we have to fight this crisis together and we did it. I learned a lot of that time.
Your story about the vendors and apartments giving a discount because you were all in it together doesn’t surprise me at all because that is how Thai people are. They help each other!
@@IdeaStudioBKK Growing up in Thailand as an Australian expats son I have so many fond memories of these times & how resilient Thai people are when the going gets tough. These days as I navigate my way around what I consider my home city on my motorcycle I can’t help to glance up at the tower because it reminds me not only of what occurred during those years but I also remember the good times and my lost youth. ☺️ I really enjoyed this documentary, thanks for making the effort. I have now subscribed to your channel.
@@GR8Tmate Thank you very much! I really appreciate your story and your view on this time. I think the resilance of Thai people is truly the hero of this story. I am working on my next few projects now, hopefully in 3 or 4 months we will have something ready to release, and a few short ones might drop between now and then. And motorbike is the best way to get around this city.
@@IdeaStudioBKK Yes, much to my fathers horror I use to scoot around Krung Thep on a motorcycle as a young teenager (it was much safer back in the day) & as a old man I still ride around the city to get a feed or go see a movie or just go sit by the river. I recently decided to start spending half of each year living abroad and My biggest concern about leaving Thailand for such extended times was my bike 😂……ohhh yeah and worrying about whether I can buy papaya to get my daily Som Tam hit 🤣 I look forward to seeing more of your work. Have you thought about doing a story about Nan? For me, it’s one of the few places left in Thailand where you can find a slice of how Siam use to be in the 60ies & 70ies. So much of the Charm of Thailand has been lost in the last 30 years or so and the younger generations just don’t seem interested in it, these days if it’s not about their smart Phone they really don’t care. Good luck with your future projects !
I am a foreigner working in Bangkok during pandemic as well.. really,,, everything is going smooth for me.. foods, etc.. even electricity cost being cut a lot.. very grateful.. Thailand is greaaattttt
Wow! Did you just interview Dr.Kriengsak Chareonwongsak? He is one most the most influential persons in Thailand's economic world during the 2000's. He wrote more than 200 books and probably ten of thousand articles in various magazines. He also held several high-ranking positions in private and government organizations and he became deputy secretary-general to the prime minister at some point. He is a real big shot in the field. Great video!
Hey Tim, Yes Dr. Kriengsak was incredibly generous with his time and sharing hiw knowledge. I have the full, unedited interview posted on our Patreon as bonus content. He really shared so much and gave a ton of insights into that time.
I was an expat and now a retiree in Bangkok for 30 yrs. That Tower when you pass by, there's mysteriousness felt in it instead of creepiness. My condo in Asoke is facing Lumpini Park. I am living on the 8th flr and from there that tower is visible side by side with the Dome (Lebua Tower) and each time it caught my eyes I can't help but reminisce the 1990's as I experienced the ups and downs of the country. That video of two farang on top of the Ghost tower at that time created a roar in Bangkok one of the reason why thais are secretly despising americans. You cannot be forgiven that easy, they hold grudges but in a way that you wouldn't noticed. The crisis spared no one. I even lost my job as well for months.
Why would Thai people have grudges towards United States? The relationship between Thai and American is very good, and has been good for a considerably long length of time. I reckon its one of the most consistently good relationships in Asia, with the United States.
This is so well-made! I was expecting a creepy documentary but it's great how you really took the time to research and talk to top experts; I learned a lot. Quality content. Subscribed!
Me too. I have very good friend here:🇨🇭, and telling completely diffirent story about that Bldg🤔😲. I was doing research for travel to Thailand for this coming march/2025 and finally, went to travel agency. and was very interesting they have a really very good promotion with low price🤔 with flight & hotel😂 and my very good friend Thai lady, was talking about the Ghost to that bldg🤔. There's been hideout and killings of thoses many Thai military and blood shit😢. That is why, become hunted Ghost bldg. Oh lala only full of invented story. Thank you, very much❤🎉🙌👍🏻✌️😂👻👻👻waahhh to know the truth.
Fascinating and well done! Great camera work too - I myself found that building hard to photograph in order to get the real impact and feel of it (from the ground and outside the fence that is) - so I was very impressed with the photography in this video. Brilliant!!
Great video Dana, great how you spin a ghost story into a lesson in Thai economic history. Very much enjoyed the video. The one thing I don't understand why someone does not finish the ghost tower just like many other unfinished skyscrapers around Thailand going back to about the same time.
Thank you, much appreciated. I think the primary reason for why it was never completed had to do with the unwillingness of the developer. I had hoped to speak to the current owner on this topic. but as I mentioned he ghosted me after our email exchange. I think at this point the building would not be safe to complete so the only option is most likely to deconstruct it and try to sell the land or development rights for the land.
The son of the owner, builder, said in an interview a few years ago in a Thai newspaper, that it would cost too much to finish - and too much to tear down. It currently provides income from advertising, and he has shut-off all trespassing.
Great documentary! Back in 2003/04 the State Tower was actually also an unfinished ghost tower. It would be interesting to know why this sister building was later finished while the Sathorn Unique Tower never was.
Wow! I wrote a research paper about the 97 Asian Financial Crisis and what happened in Thailand a few months ago. And I just stumbled across this video by chance a few months later. I already knew most of the information due to my research but this is a very solid video with good information! Great job!
Loved this. Absolutely stunning job brother. The family and I sat down to watch this on the big screen last night. We learned a lot. It's crazy how all things are connected, neat.
Thats the plan. Our long form videos will only be these deep dives from now on. Already working on the next few. we will be dropping out behind the scenes and bonus content on Patreon. All the uncut interviews from this film are already there.
Bro you don't need to put some gloomy music on the part talking about the financial crisis. Saying "Financial crisis" is already scared the the living ghost out of me
That was an awesome & “Next Level” documentary Dana!! It has been a while since I last saw your video & I keep missing your live stream 😱 My husband & I love this video & thanks for sharing 🙏🏼 We were in Thailand last month ….in Bangkok for 3 days and find it totally captivating! Cannot wait to watch your next video 😊
Hey Marietta! So glad you enjoyed it! It took a long time to get done, but we are really happy with the end result. We moved our LiveStreams to 9am Sundays because it seems to work better for overseas viewers so hope you can make a few more.
Whenever I visit Bangkok I feel myself strangely drawn to this building. I stand at the base and look up in awe of the sheer size of it. Your video is an absolute masterpiece sir. Thank you.
Thank you so much for the kind words, Mick. I am glad you enjoyed it! And I completely relate to feeling drawn to this building. There is just something about it. When I was filming this I would often stop and just stare at the building and get lost in it for a minute.
History repeats itself. That's what's happening right now in Bangkok's construction hysteria, and the thaibath is too strong too strong now and will crash again at any moment. Many new buildings have difficulty getting buyers and renting out their projects. Ps Very good video. Tanx.
Hi Dana, I was expecting to hear a few creepy ghost stories but the history and stories behind the building are even more intriguing! If you ever need volunteers for your cool video shoots give me a shout, seems like so much fun to go around town and capture these 'fun facts' around town!
@@talksofthailand wow, thanks, Jon! working on the next long form one now... probably a few months away from completion. But I will probably have something else that drops before that which will be a Bio of an American Musician working in the Thai hiphop industry, Something I have been working on for a minute as well.
An amazing video, I remember my first sight of this icon, was my first day in Bangkok. We had just come down the river made it up to the BTS to go into town, I was just looking at it wondering why it was abandoned, read about it. But a great way to put the story across Dana
thats amazing history behind this building that i never knew existed. Can definitely understand the emotion, attatchment many have to it, and with this, i can probably see it standing for some time to come. Fantastic Documentry
Very cool….I’m just saying but about halfway through during a long shot of the tower I saw a glitch in the matrix….shortly afterwards I felt myself wanting to be closer…to make my way to the tower like it was calling me….probably should stay away….but that was cool man …loved the soundtrack 👍🏼
In Moscow there's a similar story about the "Zenith" building. Located near the MIREA institute, it's a giant blue-stained-glass office center, which was built in the 1990s and in 1998 we had our own 'currency default'. That brought the economy to its knees for a while and now the Zenith stands there as a remnant of those times. As the Moscow City project was built in an entirely different place, the Zenith had no particular business infrastructure around it. However, it has a good end story - two years ago it started to redevelop itself and will be finished probably in five years.
@@IdeaStudioBKK Apparently they gave it to the neigboring People's Economy Academy, a very venerable education institution dating back to Soviet times. They will make auditoriums and conference halls inside it.
This is an interesting video. I went to Bangkok for the first time not long ago and this building caught my eye but i didn't know it was an abandonned building until I saw it upclose when I was on my way to the airport. I just noticed that it is just a skeleton of a building with giant iPhone15 ad. Funny that I stumbled across this video today without actively looking for it.
It seems Apple has exclusive advertising on there as they change the ad with every new product release. This buildings future is still unknown so for the foreseeable future it will remain part of the skyline. I am working on editing my next documentary now, which is a deep dive into the practice and history of Thai Sak Yant tattoos. Should be done in a few months.
Great video. I think you answered a lot of questions that people had about the tower. I wonder how long the concrete in the tower can stay open to the weather? Have you seen the 747 plane north of Bangkok? I have a picture of it. You could start making videos of things like that. You 2 make good videos. Theres only a few people’s videos i care to see in Thailand. I look forward to retiring there in a few years. Thanks chow. Gary from Arizona
Thanks Gary, Most concrete structors can last 100 years or more, assuming the mix is correct and it was built well. I am not sure how being exposed to the weather impacts that longevity, but I assume it is not helping.
Very cool! I’d heard most of the things about it but not all so I definitely learned a few things! I was glad to see that at least it’s being used for advertising space.
Hey, really nice job on this doc. I really like how you are making the effort to do interviews with experts and even just people who experienced the era, it is a much better way to introduce information than just doing narration the whole time like most tend to do. My only "note" on this would be: The music is a little too dark and ominous. Sure, this was a tough period for Thailand, but I think maybe you could use clips of popular Thai songs from those years (or traditional Thai "folk" type music, it's a very local topic so to me that would be a better soundtrack). You could flash the artist/album/song each time you change it and it would add in a little more period and cultural flavour, much better than the ambient horror movie music. :) Aside from that: Great job, I subscribed and I'll watch more (I lived in BKK for about a year, but Cambodia mostly for the past 11 years).
Wow .. I was in Bangkok back 2019 before COVID outbreak we stay at a air bnb near this tower .. every time we go pass it I always wonder what happened to it cuz at night so dark .. I kinda had a feeling it was abandon but didn’t know why .. now that I know wow so spooky ..
Lol loved it so much information given .. good job buddy can’t wait for your next one when I’m free to watch hehhehe so much work I gotta do for now !!! Great job
great video and super informative Dana! I moved from NYC to Bangkok back in December 2018 and miraculously i actually paid the security guards back in March 2019 with a group of other tourists from the EU and UAE and we climbed up to the top. It was an amazing experience and I have many pictures to remember that moment. Now after watching your video I realize that we were probably one of the only people within the last few years who were allowed to climb to the top. that in itself is an amazing feeling. thanks for the video!
I was born during that time, my parents were affluents in my hometown. We had money. Until this economic crisis hits, everyone, I mean, everyone we know either got defrauded or are the one who swindle others. My dad was a unfortunate one who co-sign a loan for his friend during this disaster, and his friend knew he couldn't pay back. My family became bankrupted. While you in the mist of it, you just blame everyone for your downfall. But looking back, there's no one to blame. What everyone did was to survive. I'm in much better position now, not to the former glory quite yet but very comfortable and more fortunate than other Thais now. I'm grateful at everything that happened. But I hope this would never happen again to anyone. However I could feel that this is not the end of it.
Nice video! I moved to Thailand in 1996 so I was around for it all and remember the financial crisis very well. And since I live across the river from the Ghost Tower I pass it almost every day! It was cool to hear some more history about it and to bring back a few memories too. I honestly HATE watching people risk their lives. BUGS me. Was not a fan of that part but not your fault. hahahaha
I like this documentary very much as a Thai who been living abroad for many years. I know very little about this subject, I like to learn more about this building. Thanks!
Tried to get in there a few days ago to check it out.. came away with nothing but cuts from barbed wire and security filming me. ;-) Funny how this pops up on my feed tonight.. nice work bro.
@@ASouthernBoyCanSurvive he was probably one of the people who live in front of the building, they actually access those shop houses from the back area that is gated off. When I was shooting some b-roll there I saw several go in and out.
@IdeaStudioBKK ahhhhh .. makes sense...if you get in there let me know..I was just hoping to shoot some photos of the building..I had no idea it was locked down nor did I know the history..but good to know George Soros is still wreaking havoc on society still to this day..
That building is a monument to a halcyon dream of seemingly endless possibilities and unprecedented economic growth that all came crashing down with heart stopping suddenness. The confusion, panic and incomprehensibility to the average Thai is embodied in its grandiose aspirations and Its emptiness is a reminder of dreams unfulfilled. I would like to see it completed to stand as a testimony to the strength, resilience and determination of the people of Thailand whose fortunes that it so aptly reflects.
Wow this was a great video/documentary, I’ve always wondered why this tower was left to rot. I wonder if the company that owes it is ever planning to finish it.
I was in Bangkok in 1989 standing Infront of it for a photo shot. Unfortunately my Canon 500 just refused to "Click". Since my church group was waiting for us to head for dinner, I moved on. Only to realised later that it's a ghost tower. All my hair stood up. Spooky. Knelt & prayed for cleansing.
I just recently discovered this channel. Most of the time, I see a video recommendation that involves some dude in Thailand, I simply pass. However, this channel is worth the watch. Well done and the dude uses common sense. I'm jealous.
My first time to Thailand was Jan 2017. My Thai wife who was my girlfriend at that time stayed at a hotel not far from that Tower, I have photos of that tower maybe even on my YT channel I'd have to look but what I'm talking about here is the simple fact that whenever we went anywhere that had that Tower in my vision I was drawn to it and wonder about the story behind it. Anyone reading this now that is familiar with that time will remember that it has a massive Pepsi sign was hanging on it then.
It was on thanon petchaburi First hotel i think it was on fire some people died, was closed down. But found out that was in 1980s. Guess it still going but had a bad fire .
If you liked this documentary please consider supporting www.patreon.com/ideastudiobkk
Indonesian ghost hunter
I came for a spooky story and got a lesson on economics lol
Thank you, I hope you enjoyed it.
@@IdeaStudioBKK Welcome, I did enjoy. It was very informative.
Me too.. but I'm going now 10mins in
Same lmao. It was interesting, nevertheless XD
@@Hik4rol glad you enjoyed it as well.
It feels so bizarre to see a building that looks like it was plucked from apocalyptic fiction surrounded by buildings and landscapes that have been maintained.
The first time you see it in Bangkok it really is a strange vibe. There isn't really anything else like it.
I'm wondering how long it will stand. We all know that a lot of builders in the Asian areas cut lots of corners when building. And if it does fall due to it basically rotting in real time, everyone around it will pay the price for this in blood.
As Thai people and just started to work 1 year before the crisis. I remember well situation at that Time. I heard on the news often about the millionaires suicide, or millionaire loose everything in one day. My salary had to cut of 15% but that is good enough still have a job. One of good things at that time the apartment or food vendors they gave discount for us because we have to fight this crisis together and we did it. I learned a lot of that time.
Your story about the vendors and apartments giving a discount because you were all in it together doesn’t surprise me at all because that is how Thai people are. They help each other!
@@IdeaStudioBKK Growing up in Thailand as an Australian expats son I have so many fond memories of these times & how resilient Thai people are when the going gets tough. These days as I navigate my way around what I consider my home city on my motorcycle I can’t help to glance up at the tower because it reminds me not only of what occurred during those years but I also remember the good times and my lost youth. ☺️
I really enjoyed this documentary, thanks for making the effort. I have now subscribed to your channel.
@@GR8Tmate Thank you very much! I really appreciate your story and your view on this time. I think the resilance of Thai people is truly the hero of this story.
I am working on my next few projects now, hopefully in 3 or 4 months we will have something ready to release, and a few short ones might drop between now and then.
And motorbike is the best way to get around this city.
@@IdeaStudioBKK Yes, much to my fathers horror I use to scoot around Krung Thep on a motorcycle as a young teenager (it was much safer back in the day) & as a old man I still ride around the city to get a feed or go see a movie or just go sit by the river.
I recently decided to start spending half of each year living abroad and My biggest concern about leaving Thailand for such extended times was my bike 😂……ohhh yeah and worrying about whether I can buy papaya to get my daily Som Tam hit 🤣
I look forward to seeing more of your work. Have you thought about doing a story about Nan? For me, it’s one of the few places left in Thailand where you can find a slice of how Siam use to be in the 60ies & 70ies. So much of the Charm of Thailand has been lost in the last 30 years or so and the younger generations just don’t seem interested in it, these days if it’s not about their smart
Phone they really don’t care.
Good luck with your future projects !
I am a foreigner working in Bangkok during pandemic as well.. really,,, everything is going smooth for me.. foods, etc.. even electricity cost being cut a lot.. very grateful.. Thailand is greaaattttt
Wow! Did you just interview Dr.Kriengsak Chareonwongsak?
He is one most the most influential persons in Thailand's economic world during the 2000's. He wrote more than 200 books and probably ten of thousand articles in various magazines. He also held several high-ranking positions in private and government organizations and he became deputy secretary-general to the prime minister at some point. He is a real big shot in the field.
Great video!
Hey Tim, Yes Dr. Kriengsak was incredibly generous with his time and sharing hiw knowledge. I have the full, unedited interview posted on our Patreon as bonus content. He really shared so much and gave a ton of insights into that time.
I was an expat and now a retiree in Bangkok for 30 yrs. That Tower when you pass by, there's mysteriousness felt in it instead of creepiness. My condo in Asoke is facing Lumpini Park. I am living on the 8th flr and from there that tower is visible side by side with the Dome (Lebua Tower) and each time it caught my eyes I can't help but reminisce the 1990's as I experienced the ups and downs of the country. That video of two farang on top of the Ghost tower at that time created a roar in Bangkok one of the reason why thais are secretly despising americans. You cannot be forgiven that easy, they hold grudges but in a way that you wouldn't noticed. The crisis spared no one. I even lost my job as well for months.
that must have been such a wild time in bkk.
Why would Thai people have grudges towards United States? The relationship between Thai and American is very good, and has been good for a considerably long length of time. I reckon its one of the most consistently good relationships in Asia, with the United States.
The farangs are a nuisance in most Asian countries. Especially in Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam and Thailand.
Immigrant
I live in 27 floor in my condo it is also visible
This is so well-made! I was expecting a creepy documentary but it's great how you really took the time to research and talk to top experts; I learned a lot. Quality content. Subscribed!
Thank you very much! We are working on our next documentary now. Hopefully it will be finished by the end of August.
What an excellent video Dana! One can easily tell that a lot of time and effort has been put into it.
Thanks bro!
Excellent storylines here and great production values, too. Thanks for producing this documentary. Bookmark worthy 😎
Thank you, really glad you enjoyed it.
Excellent Documentary. Keep em coming
Thank you, Alan!
Well done! I’m glad I got to learn more about this story and the Ghost Tower.
Thanks so much Waylin!
Awesome! Great documentary movie! Cool to see Jib give her perspective as well. Looking forward to more Dana Docs!!
Thanks Seth, More on the way!
This was great! Thank you. I’ve always wondered and heard all sorts of stories.
Thank you, Noneya!
Me too. I have very good friend here:🇨🇭, and telling completely diffirent story about that Bldg🤔😲. I was doing research for travel to Thailand for this coming march/2025 and finally, went to travel agency. and was very interesting they have a really very good promotion with low price🤔 with flight & hotel😂 and my very good friend Thai lady, was talking about the Ghost to that bldg🤔. There's been hideout and killings of thoses many Thai military and blood shit😢. That is why, become hunted Ghost bldg. Oh lala only full of invented story. Thank you, very much❤🎉🙌👍🏻✌️😂👻👻👻waahhh to know the truth.
I've been waiting for this!
Did not disappoint. Thanks for making this, I now have a deeper understanding of this famous landmark.
Thanks Jefe! glad you enjoyed it as we put a lot into it.
Does Jefe do ziplinesssAdventuresss
@Soyy Maafia most of my adventures are no strings attached 😉
Infamous to be exactly
Fascinating and well done! Great camera work too - I myself found that building hard to photograph in order to get the real impact and feel of it (from the ground and outside the fence that is) - so I was very impressed with the photography in this video. Brilliant!!
Thanks so much eric! There was def a lot of work put into getting the shots, but was able to find some good locations for it.
Two fold great artistic architectural sight, yet menacing at the same time from some angles! Great Shots tho! 🏯🏢🏯🎬🎥🔆👀
Great video Dana, great how you spin a ghost story into a lesson in Thai economic history. Very much enjoyed the video. The one thing I don't understand why someone does not finish the ghost tower just like many other unfinished skyscrapers around Thailand going back to about the same time.
Thank you, much appreciated. I think the primary reason for why it was never completed had to do with the unwillingness of the developer. I had hoped to speak to the current owner on this topic. but as I mentioned he ghosted me after our email exchange. I think at this point the building would not be safe to complete so the only option is most likely to deconstruct it and try to sell the land or development rights for the land.
The son of the owner, builder, said in an interview a few years ago in a Thai newspaper, that it would cost too much to finish - and too much to tear down. It currently provides income from advertising, and he has shut-off all trespassing.
Great documentary!
Back in 2003/04 the State Tower was actually also an unfinished ghost tower. It would be interesting to know why this sister building was later finished while the Sathorn Unique Tower never was.
Thank You 🙏
Making a movie, What?
Excellent well researched video Dana, well done...
Thank you Brock! lots of time went into the research, more than filming even.
Hail 😂 the darthLorde in ominous light 🕯️ at 0:57
Wow! I wrote a research paper about the 97 Asian Financial Crisis and what happened in Thailand a few months ago. And I just stumbled across this video by chance a few months later. I already knew most of the information due to my research but this is a very solid video with good information! Great job!
Thank you very much.
Loved this. Absolutely stunning job brother. The family and I sat down to watch this on the big screen last night. We learned a lot. It's crazy how all things are connected, neat.
thanks brother. so glad you guys enjoyed it. 🙏
Bravo Dana!! So well done! More city pieces please…..
Thank you, Steve! More on the way. we are working on a few different ones now.
Would love it if you made more of these in depth videos!
Thats the plan. Our long form videos will only be these deep dives from now on. Already working on the next few. we will be dropping out behind the scenes and bonus content on Patreon. All the uncut interviews from this film are already there.
YES!
Very cool and interesting video Dana.
Thank you, Jason!
Such a lovely documentary! Wow. Thanks so much.
Thank you!
This is super interesting, thanks for making the documentary!
Thanks Dominik, glad you enjoyed it!
Bro you don't need to put some gloomy music on the part talking about the financial crisis. Saying "Financial crisis" is already scared the the living ghost out of me
Awesome video and history. Just subscribed!
Awesome, thank you! we are working on our next documentary now. Hopefully, it's out by the end of the year.
Great documentary, I'm in Bangkok now and have walked by this building, there is a dark aura around it, and now I understand why.
Thank you, Felipe!
love this video so so good it is on my list to see
Thanks, brother!
This was a great video
Glad you enjoyed it
That was an awesome & “Next Level” documentary Dana!! It has been a while since I last saw your video & I keep missing your live stream 😱 My husband & I love this video & thanks for sharing 🙏🏼 We were in Thailand last month ….in Bangkok for 3 days and find it totally captivating! Cannot wait to watch your next video 😊
Hey Marietta! So glad you enjoyed it! It took a long time to get done, but we are really happy with the end result. We moved our LiveStreams to 9am Sundays because it seems to work better for overseas viewers so hope you can make a few more.
Nice 👍, n do come back for further adventure
I always drive past this building and was so curious about the backstory, thank you for great video!
Thank you, Glad you enjoyed it!
Whenever I visit Bangkok I feel myself strangely drawn to this building. I stand at the base and look up in awe of the sheer size of it. Your video is an absolute masterpiece sir. Thank you.
Thank you so much for the kind words, Mick. I am glad you enjoyed it! And I completely relate to feeling drawn to this building. There is just something about it. When I was filming this I would often stop and just stare at the building and get lost in it for a minute.
@@IdeaStudioBKK then, 🐱 he moves a few Soi nearby to eating 😋😽
This is a great video. Congrats man
Thank you very much!
Wow, what an educational video. Please make more like this.
Thank you! we are working on another now. hope to finish it up in a few months.
History repeats itself. That's what's happening right now in Bangkok's construction hysteria, and the thaibath is too strong too strong now and will crash again at any moment.
Many new buildings have difficulty getting buyers and renting out their projects.
Ps
Very good video. Tanx.
Thank you, Ollie 🙏
Great documentary, doesn't get the love it deserves! Big ups!!!
Thank you, Pat!
Hi Dana, I was expecting to hear a few creepy ghost stories but the history and stories behind the building are even more intriguing! If you ever need volunteers for your cool video shoots give me a shout, seems like so much fun to go around town and capture these 'fun facts' around town!
Thank you very much!
very interesting thank you
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it!
Great video Jib n Dana. Never heard about this tower, so really interesting to hear the story.
Thanks Steve, glad you enjoyed it.
Really loved this video 👍👍👍
Thanks, Jon. Glad you enjoyed it!
@@IdeaStudioBKK just watched it for a second time 😀 My type of video, can’t wait to see what’s coming next!
@@talksofthailand wow, thanks, Jon! working on the next long form one now... probably a few months away from completion. But I will probably have something else that drops before that which will be a Bio of an American Musician working in the Thai hiphop industry, Something I have been working on for a minute as well.
An amazing video, I remember my first sight of this icon, was my first day in Bangkok. We had just come down the river made it up to the BTS to go into town, I was just looking at it wondering why it was abandoned, read about it. But a great way to put the story across Dana
Thanks Martyn, much appreciated.
Great video I've lived in Bangkok for 31 years. I have seen it up close many times.
Nice... did you ever go up to the top?
nice
Thank you!
Great documentary excellent work.
Thank you!
thats amazing history behind this building that i never knew existed. Can definitely understand the emotion, attatchment many have to it, and with this, i can probably see it standing for some time to come. Fantastic Documentry
Thanks Mate.
Very cool.
Thanks Mookie!
Wonderfully done
Thank you, Frank!
Very cool….I’m just saying but about halfway through during a long shot of the tower I saw a glitch in the matrix….shortly afterwards I felt myself wanting to be closer…to make my way to the tower like it was calling me….probably should stay away….but that was cool man …loved the soundtrack 👍🏼
Thanks man, glad you liked it, and glad you enjoyed the soundtrack my friend Darren scored the project for me.
Dares you to make a turtle 🐢 slide race video here's
@@soyymaafia6004 haha probably turn into ninja turtles after that…lol
😅¹ the ill
THIS IS MY 6 TIME WATCHING SO SO GOOD
You rock so hard, Joe! 😍😍😍😍😍😍
Great documentary man, the definitive story of the Ghost Tower. Such a wild story. 56 Baht to the Dollar? That’s a real crash for sure
I have heard a few stories of people transferring cash into Thailand at that time to basically double their money.
"Just wanted to say that I was very impressed with your EP 1 podcast. Well done!"
Thank you.
In Moscow there's a similar story about the "Zenith" building. Located near the MIREA institute, it's a giant blue-stained-glass office center, which was built in the 1990s and in 1998 we had our own 'currency default'. That brought the economy to its knees for a while and now the Zenith stands there as a remnant of those times. As the Moscow City project was built in an entirely different place, the Zenith had no particular business infrastructure around it. However, it has a good end story - two years ago it started to redevelop itself and will be finished probably in five years.
That's awesome that it is being redeveloped. What will it be when this project is done?
@@IdeaStudioBKK Apparently they gave it to the neigboring People's Economy Academy, a very venerable education institution dating back to Soviet times. They will make auditoriums and conference halls inside it.
@@liliya_aseeva hopefully it's a good sign for things to come.
This is an interesting video. I went to Bangkok for the first time not long ago and this building caught my eye but i didn't know it was an abandonned building until I saw it upclose when I was on my way to the airport. I just noticed that it is just a skeleton of a building with giant iPhone15 ad. Funny that I stumbled across this video today without actively looking for it.
It seems Apple has exclusive advertising on there as they change the ad with every new product release. This buildings future is still unknown so for the foreseeable future it will remain part of the skyline.
I am working on editing my next documentary now, which is a deep dive into the practice and history of Thai Sak Yant tattoos. Should be done in a few months.
Great video. I think you answered a lot of questions that people had about the tower. I wonder how long the concrete in the tower can stay open to the weather? Have you seen the 747 plane north of Bangkok? I have a picture of it. You could start making videos of things like that. You 2 make good videos. Theres only a few people’s videos i care to see in Thailand. I look forward to retiring there in a few years. Thanks chow. Gary from Arizona
Thanks Gary, Most concrete structors can last 100 years or more, assuming the mix is correct and it was built well. I am not sure how being exposed to the weather impacts that longevity, but I assume it is not helping.
Well made video...👍
thank you so much
Great content
Thank you!
good job folks!
Thank you, Sam!
Very cool! I’d heard most of the things about it but not all so I definitely learned a few things! I was glad to see that at least it’s being used for advertising space.
Thanks, glad I was able to put together some new info!
Nice stuff, I always wonder what the dealeeoo was with that structure.
Thank you, Travis. It is a very curious building to just be sitting in the middle of the city.
Taxing exports? Sounds like a government money grab. I'd be happy for those more education in economics to explain otherwise.
Another watch, you did a great job mate :)
Thank you Shaun, and thank you very much for being a part of this! 🙏
Hey, really nice job on this doc. I really like how you are making the effort to do interviews with experts and even just people who experienced the era, it is a much better way to introduce information than just doing narration the whole time like most tend to do.
My only "note" on this would be: The music is a little too dark and ominous. Sure, this was a tough period for Thailand, but I think maybe you could use clips of popular Thai songs from those years (or traditional Thai "folk" type music, it's a very local topic so to me that would be a better soundtrack). You could flash the artist/album/song each time you change it and it would add in a little more period and cultural flavour, much better than the ambient horror movie music. :)
Aside from that: Great job, I subscribed and I'll watch more (I lived in BKK for about a year, but Cambodia mostly for the past 11 years).
Thank you Edward! much appreciated.
Nicely done Dana
Thank you! 🙏🙏🙏
Wow .. I was in Bangkok back 2019 before COVID outbreak we stay at a air bnb near this tower .. every time we go pass it I always wonder what happened to it cuz at night so dark .. I kinda had a feeling it was abandon but didn’t know why .. now that I know wow so spooky ..
Thanks Lynda! Glad you enjoyed the documentary! It does have a spooky vibe to it for sure.
Lol loved it so much information given .. good job buddy can’t wait for your next one when I’m free to watch hehhehe so much work I gotta do for now !!! Great job
great video and super informative Dana! I moved from NYC to Bangkok back in December 2018 and miraculously i actually paid the security guards back in March 2019 with a group of other tourists from the EU and UAE and we climbed up to the top. It was an amazing experience and I have many pictures to remember that moment. Now after watching your video I realize that we were probably one of the only people within the last few years who were allowed to climb to the top. that in itself is an amazing feeling. thanks for the video!
Thank you Corey! If you went up in 2019 you were very likely one of the last to make it up by paying the security guards. Such a great memory!
Was just in Bangkok and was staying close to this tower. I wondered what the deal was with it, it's such a big building in person.
That is a great part of the city to stay in. The building really sticks out tho.
Oooooh 😧😨 on the release n auntie segment at 😅 05:33
Can you please share the name of the book by Rangsan Torsuwan?
Ghost Tower & Me
There is a building like this in genting highlands In Malaysia
Oh, interesting, was it abandoned around the same time?
I was born during that time, my parents were affluents in my hometown. We had money. Until this economic crisis hits, everyone, I mean, everyone we know either got defrauded or are the one who swindle others. My dad was a unfortunate one who co-sign a loan for his friend during this disaster, and his friend knew he couldn't pay back. My family became bankrupted. While you in the mist of it, you just blame everyone for your downfall. But looking back, there's no one to blame. What everyone did was to survive. I'm in much better position now, not to the former glory quite yet but very comfortable and more fortunate than other Thais now. I'm grateful at everything that happened. But I hope this would never happen again to anyone. However I could feel that this is not the end of it.
Thank you very much for your comment.
What a gift from the algo! Love your content.
Thank you!
Great video.
Thank you, so glad you enjoyed it.
Great job.
Thank you 🙏
What a interesting history
Nice video! I moved to Thailand in 1996 so I was around for it all and remember the financial crisis very well. And since I live across the river from the Ghost Tower I pass it almost every day! It was cool to hear some more history about it and to bring back a few memories too.
I honestly HATE watching people risk their lives. BUGS me. Was not a fan of that part but not your fault. hahahaha
Thanks Bruce! You are a real OG here in Thailand. almost 30 years.
It's adventure 😂🙀 spelunking in urban
Mate, this is next level 🦋 I see you’ve put so much work into it 🏆 well done champ 🙏
Thanks, Champ! Much appreciated.
I like this documentary very much as a Thai who been living abroad for many years. I know very little about this subject, I like to learn more about this building. Thanks!
Thank you Violett, Really glad you enjoyed it!
Great job 👍
Thank you. Glad you enjoyed it.
Tried to get in there a few days ago to check it out.. came away with nothing but cuts from barbed wire and security filming me. ;-) Funny how this pops up on my feed tonight.. nice work bro.
Thank you, yes it is very much locked down now. No longer as easy to access as it was just a few years back.
@IdeaStudioBKK i guess it depends on who you are because there was a local guy in there wandering around no problem for him..😀😀😀
@@ASouthernBoyCanSurvive he was probably one of the people who live in front of the building, they actually access those shop houses from the back area that is gated off. When I was shooting some b-roll there I saw several go in and out.
@IdeaStudioBKK ahhhhh .. makes sense...if you get in there let me know..I was just hoping to shoot some photos of the building..I had no idea it was locked down nor did I know the history..but good to know George Soros is still wreaking havoc on society still to this day..
That building is a monument to a halcyon dream of seemingly endless possibilities and unprecedented economic growth that all came crashing down with heart stopping suddenness. The confusion, panic and incomprehensibility to the average Thai is embodied in its grandiose aspirations and Its emptiness is a reminder of dreams unfulfilled. I would like to see it completed to stand as a testimony to the strength, resilience and determination of the people of Thailand whose fortunes that it so aptly reflects.
Wow this was a great video/documentary, I’ve always wondered why this tower was left to rot. I wonder if the company that owes it is ever planning to finish it.
Thank you! I don't think they could finish it at this point...
Please make more documentary about interesting places in bangkok
Thank you, we are already working on the next few projects.
I went to Bangkok in 2017 and was super cool.
I was in Bangkok in 1989 standing Infront of it for a photo shot. Unfortunately my Canon 500 just refused to "Click". Since my church group was waiting for us to head for dinner, I moved on. Only to realised later that it's a ghost tower. All my hair stood up. Spooky. Knelt & prayed for cleansing.
Oh, I love this story. Wish the best for the Thai people.
Thank you. 🙏
@IdeaStudioBKK Your welcome, my pleasure.
Thank you for this! I was growing up in Chiang Rai and I didn't know this building exist. I was a 8 year's old boy (now I'm 28) in 2003.
🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏
I just recently discovered this channel. Most of the time, I see a video recommendation that involves some dude in Thailand, I simply pass. However, this channel is worth the watch. Well done and the dude uses common sense. I'm jealous.
🙏🙏🙏
Bangkok... 🎶 Oriental City...
🎶
My first time to Thailand was Jan 2017. My Thai wife who was my girlfriend at that time stayed at a hotel not far from that Tower, I have photos of that tower maybe even on my YT channel I'd have to look but what I'm talking about here is the simple fact that whenever we went anywhere that had that Tower in my vision I was drawn to it and wonder about the story behind it. Anyone reading this now that is familiar with that time will remember that it has a massive Pepsi sign was hanging on it then.
looks very similar to a building in our country. it was abandon for so many years and had been converted into a hotel a few years back
I remember the New Year incident in 2014, I was watching the news and reading Thai web board in real time after they discovered a body in the building
Great work Dana! Keep it up man!
Thanks Dave, already working on the next project.
i’ve been up around dozen times after team farang’s case
When was the last time you were able to get up there?
What happen to the First hotel? My thai wife and I we stayed there about 2002.
Do you mean State Tower? the sister building by the same developer?
Lol 🤣😆 brings fortheAnother chapter. Just 😽 like the sleepyy montien
It was on thanon petchaburi First hotel i think it was on fire some people died, was closed down. But found out that was in 1980s. Guess it still going but had a bad fire .
Almost 500K views 🙌
Slowly creeping up to that 500k mark.
Excellent documentary, a must see for lovers of Bangkok folklore.
You added a lot to it! Thank you Charlie!
Yoooo thats pretty scary :skull:
skibidi.@LifeTRAINER1
Great stuff! Share this with a few of my friends.
Thank you 🙏
As a Thai living in Bangkok I am somewhat traumatized