The Chartered Bank

The first bank in the South region of Thailand (approx. established 1907) in the reign of King Rama V by the governor of Phuket then Phrayarasadanupradit Mahisornpakdi (Phrayarasada). Prior to the establishment, Phuket did not have any financial institutions to handle foreign trades and payments. Transferring money was deemed difficult and transactions had to be done through the banks in Penang, this involved an inconvenient and risky overnight journey via steamboat to Penang. Hence the governor invited Chartered Bank to open its branch in Phuket at the junction of Phuket Road and Phang-Nga Road. The bank is a two-storied building with Sino-European architecture decorated with Roman Classic style. Opposite the bank is Bang Yai canal, which once was a pier for big sailing boats.

The Police Station

Talad Yai Police Station has two main stories and a four-storied tall clock tower at the corner of the building. The roof resembles the shape of an old-fashioned police hat. The Sino-European style columns with arches above the windows and doors decorated the building facade. The police station is situated opposite “The Chartered Bank” to safeguard the security and protect the first bank of Phuket.

Aikwanich Brothers Building

The building of Aikwanich Brothers Co., Ltd. is another symbolic building in Old Phuket Town belonging to the Aikwanich family. The company is in the real estate sector and still operates to this day. The building has two floors with a covered arcade on ground floor and a covered balcony on the first floor. The pillars are decorated with leaf motifs. The building situated at the junction of Yaowarat Road and Dibuk Road.

Soi Romanee

As you walked down Thalang road, on the right hand side you will see a small alleyway called Soi Romanee, an alleyway connecting Thalang Road and Dibuk Road. Many old buildings on Soi Romanee have been restored and painted with vibrant colours, some have been modernised and some have faded over time. This area was once a red light district during the boom of tin mining days, now it has become homes, shops, cafes and hotels.

Shophouses on Thalang Road

A row of shophouses is situated on Thalang road, an old commercial district where Chinese immigrants settled. It is a historical road that stood by Phuket province for over 150 years. Thalang road was built in 1850 by the governor of Phuket Phraya Phuketlohakasetrarak (Governor Tad) during his service. The road is approximately 450 meter long and has been the trading center of Phuket as well as the center of Phuket community for many generations. The road has over 140 Sino-European shophouses (local term: Tiam-Choo) blending the East and West architectures in harmony that was influenced by architecture in Penang, Malaysia. 

Lok-Tian

Lok-Tian has been established for over 70 years, Chalermton movie house once stood there but has now been converted into Phuket’s famous local food center. Lok-tian is situated at the corner of the junction where Yaowarat Road and Dibuk Road meet. The establishment is a covered open space with high ceiling similar to a cafeteria. Various local cuisines are gathered under one roof such as Mee-Hokkien, Loba, Ow-Aew, Bee-Hoon-Pad, Bee-Hoon-Ba-Chang, etc.

Buildings on Dibuk Road

One of the most well kept areas in Old Phuket Town, mostly residential area for tin mine owners and wealthy families in Phuket. Doors and windows on the ground floor are influenced by Chinese architectures, while the first floor facade is a Sino-European style with Western arches and motifs. 

Street Art

The project F.A.T. Phuket (Food Art Town) 12 walls, 12 images, 12 ways of life, this is to support and promote Phuket’s honorable award from UNESCO where Phuket has been chosen as the town with creativity in food or “City of Gastronomy”.

Image #1 Mardi in Phortor costume, the red tortoise cake; a symbol of longevity as well as a symbol of Phortor festival.

Image #2 Bird with nostalgic sweets reflecting fun, colourful and childhood memories