The private sector’s struggles to carry out conservation projects are epitomized by the Praya Palazzo (757/1 Somdej Prakinklao Soi 2, 02-883-2998), a stunning riverside boutique hotel. The owners didn’t seek government support, and they still believe heritage conservation can be carried out privately.

“We put our faith in the place, and thought that no matter what obstacles we would face, we would be able to show that conservation and successful business can go together,” says Preeyadhorn Pitakvorrarat, who oversaw the preservation of the neoclassical mansion on the banks of the Chao Phraya River which was recognized with the Best Conservation Award in 2011 from the Association of Siam Architects.

Preeyadhorn credits her late husband Wichai Pitakvorrarat, an assistant professor of architecture who worked in conservation for 20 years, with the original idea of converting the 90-year-old mansion into a boutique hotel. He was enamored with the unique architectural style which dated from the King Rama V era. But, as it had been abandoned for 19 years, the renovation was a slow and painful process. For a long time there was no roof over one of the wings of the mansion and it had flooded three times, including last year.

The renovation bill grew to B80 million. It was footed by many partners involved in the project, which received no financial loans from banks. These saw no future in the project as it had no road access.

“Conservation in Thailand should get support from banks,” says Preeyadhorn. “They should see the value in our roots. Maybe they’re not romantic enough. But Thai billionaires could put together a fund managed by ASA to do conservation work.”

The hotel is still only accessible by boat. This meant all building materials had to be transported by boat, too. “It was like working a hundred years ago,” Preeyadhorn says with a laugh.

The long 20 months of renovations, during which time her husband passed away, left Preeyadhorn resolved to tell the history of the stately building originally known as Baan Bang Yi Khan. She went to the National Library to research everything she could about the house which belonged to Phraya Chollabhumi Panich, a royal officer in the Customs Department during the reigns of King Rama V and VI.

“Conservation work in Thailand still has a long way to go, but we need models to show the young generation the value of preserving our past. History is something that money can’t buy,” Preeyadhorn says.

                                                                                                       Praya Palazzo