MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is situated on Sri Ayudhya Road, where the Southeast Asia Treaty Organization (or SEATO) headquarters was located. It is the new home office for Thai diplomatic cooperation and plays an important role as a reception center for visiting Heads of State and foreign government officials, as well as hosting international conferences.

The expression of Thai characteristics and symbols has been carefully executed, with the concept of Baan Thai (Thai house) space inspiring the grouping of buildings around various courtyards.

The reception buildings are placed around the crystal lotus pond in the main courtyard. The lotus, being the symbolic flower of purity in the Buddhist religion, is also the Ministry’s formal badge, reflecting its good governance.

The grand ceremonial hall, “Vithes Samosorn” (the name bestowed by the King at the grand opening in 1999), is also located here.

Similarly, all office blocks surround smaller garden courts to maximize natural light and ventilation. The interior spaces are well lit and reflects the same architectural theme. Each block and floor houses different departments and subdivisions connected by corridors and bridges over the garden court.