The B11.4-million project to create the park began in mid-March and is expected to be finished in December. The project will include a running track, a sala, a stage, toilets and exercise stations. There is also an enormous banyan tree and a lake to provide a relaxing view.
However, the mansion itself still sits untouched and sad-looking. The Phuket News was told, “Everywhere else will be under construction except the old style house. That belongs to the Fine Arts Department of the Ministry of Culture.”
The old mansion used to be occupied by Surathipsritalung Co, which leased the building from the Treasury Department and used it as office for the distillery it set up in buildings nearby, producing lao kao (rice spirit).
However, the lease ran out several years ago and Surathipsritalung moved its operations to Surat Thani.
Watchara Matsane, a restoration craftsman with the Fine Arts Department said, “When the lease expired, Kathu Municipality ask for permission from the Treasury Department to renovate the building and make use of it.”
First, however, the Treasury Department wanted the old mansion listed as a preserved building. This is likely to take some time, he said. “Records of this building are now being sought and researched,” Mr Watchara said.
Thai rules for official restoration of old buildings are stringent – and restoration is expensive.
The Thai government gives no assistance for those wanting to restore preserved buildings properly, so most people don’t bother to get preserve status and simply make necessary repairs without reference to the history of the structure or the original materials used.