35 million make-over for the Charter Bank building in Old Phuket Town

The Sino-Portuguese mansion of Charter Bank is poised for a full renovation thanks to a 35 million Baht budget to turn it into a museum and to accommodate VIP guests of the island, aiming to attract more tourists to visit the place as well.

“There are many buildings in the area of Phuket Municipality that are unique in Sino-Portuguese style, including the Charter Bank House. The building and Old Phuket Town is expected to be the cultural tourism hub of Phuket in the future. The renovation will authentically follow the original design. There will be another building in the area to help support visitors in the future. We will also work on a retention wall and fence as well as electricity system, landscape, gardening and walkways. After the renovation, it will be the location to store knowledge about Phuket’s history and will be the centre for Phuket old town management. We also hope Charter Bank House will also attract more tourists in its own right and become a focus of the Andaman culture,” said the Phuket Governor.

Meanwhile, City Plan Analyst Specialist, Kullapruek Rerkjamnong, said that the house will bring together the history about the island’s mining, trading and the change of businesses in Phuket over the years. There will be an official area to welcome Phuket VIP guests and there will be local art exhibitions, too.

“The garden will be designed in a formal style which consists of geometric shapes enhancing the elegance of the mansion. The areas around will also be able to support community recreation activities.”