christianpfc
July 20th, 2013, 03:00
Demolition of the Hopewell pillars
The Hopewell project and Sathorn Unique are the most prominent examples of unfinished buildings or construction projects in Bangkok.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bangkok_El ... ain_System (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bangkok_Elevated_Road_and_Train_System)
My ascent of Sathorn Unique is covered here:
http://www.gaythailand.com/forums/topic ... res-taken/ (http://www.gaythailand.com/forums/topic/8889-where-were-these-pictures-taken/)
Recently, demolition of the Hopewell pillars has begun, so I will share a few pictures I took. I find it very sad, I think they should promote both (Hopewell and Sathorn Unique) as tourist destinations and declare them to national monuments, or monuments of corruption and mismanagement. Hopewell could even be considered a piece of art. These structures have been called тАЬStonehenge of ThailandтАЭ, some have a resemblance to Japanese Torii arches.
http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/transpo ... y-red-line (http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/transport/333657/hopewell-pillars-ousted-by-red-line)
http://www.prachachat.net/news_detail.p ... 1359633761 (http://www.prachachat.net/news_detail.php?newsid=1359633761)
Hopewell Pillars near Lak Si train station:
http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j412/christianpfc/Hopewell%20Project%20Bangkok/DSCN6646_zps2ab9b3db.jpg (http://s1084.photobucket.com/user/christianpfc/media/Hopewell%20Project%20Bangkok/DSCN6646_zps2ab9b3db.jpg.html)
I like this тАЬtunnelтАЭ view, where the pillars overlap in perspective to make it look like a tunnel.
http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j412/christianpfc/Hopewell%20Project%20Bangkok/DSCN6476_zpsa8c122aa.jpg (http://s1084.photobucket.com/user/christianpfc/media/Hopewell%20Project%20Bangkok/DSCN6476_zpsa8c122aa.jpg.html)
Demolition of Hopewell pillars near Lak Si train station:
http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j412/christianpfc/Hopewell%20Project%20Bangkok/DSCN6622_zpse5b046bc.jpg (http://s1084.photobucket.com/user/christianpfc/media/Hopewell%20Project%20Bangkok/DSCN6622_zpse5b046bc.jpg.html)
http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j412/christianpfc/Hopewell%20Project%20Bangkok/DSCN6625_zps2542082b.jpg (http://s1084.photobucket.com/user/christianpfc/media/Hopewell%20Project%20Bangkok/DSCN6625_zps2542082b.jpg.html)
The concrete is cut by diamond wire saw.
http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j412/christianpfc/Hopewell%20Project%20Bangkok/DSCN6626_zps22800932.jpg (http://s1084.photobucket.com/user/christianpfc/media/Hopewell%20Project%20Bangkok/DSCN6626_zps22800932.jpg.html)
http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j412/christianpfc/Hopewell%20Project%20Bangkok/DSCN6637_zps33a644aa.jpg (http://s1084.photobucket.com/user/christianpfc/media/Hopewell%20Project%20Bangkok/DSCN6637_zps33a644aa.jpg.html)
When searching for information on the internet, I found this thread:
http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthrea ... 940&page=3 (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=410940&page=3)
which contains a picture of one finished segment of the Hopewell project. With the help of a poster there and satellite pictures from google maps, I could locate it:
https://maps.google.com/maps?saddr=13.8 ... sz=19&z=19 (https://maps.google.com/maps?saddr=13.836965,100.555222&daddr=Bangkok,+Thailand&hl=en&sll=13.836973,100.555235&sspn=0.001284,0.002642&geocode=%3BFRtn0QAdSCX9BSnzYQ0oMmAdMTHHD4uFY4VFNg&t=h&mra=mift&mrsp=0&sz=19&z=19)
Needless to say, I had to go there before it is gone!
http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j412/christianpfc/Hopewell%20Project%20Bangkok/DSCN6655_zpsc7b2b837.jpg (http://s1084.photobucket.com/user/christianpfc/media/Hopewell%20Project%20Bangkok/DSCN6655_zpsc7b2b837.jpg.html)
http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j412/christianpfc/Hopewell%20Project%20Bangkok/DSCN6658_zpsb966dafb.jpg (http://s1084.photobucket.com/user/christianpfc/media/Hopewell%20Project%20Bangkok/DSCN6658_zpsb966dafb.jpg.html)
http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j412/christianpfc/Hopewell%20Project%20Bangkok/DSCN6667_zpsf46a0444.jpg (http://s1084.photobucket.com/user/christianpfc/media/Hopewell%20Project%20Bangkok/DSCN6667_zpsf46a0444.jpg.html)
http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j412/christianpfc/Hopewell%20Project%20Bangkok/DSCN6671_zps6e86e2dd.jpg (http://s1084.photobucket.com/user/christianpfc/media/Hopewell%20Project%20Bangkok/DSCN6671_zps6e86e2dd.jpg.html)
This is not a graffiti, itтАЩs a bas relief, carved into the concrete up to 2 cm deep.
http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j412/christianpfc/Hopewell%20Project%20Bangkok/DSCN6675_zps48337f36.jpg (http://s1084.photobucket.com/user/christianpfc/media/Hopewell%20Project%20Bangkok/DSCN6675_zps48337f36.jpg.html)
ThorтАЩs hammer?
http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j412/christianpfc/Hopewell%20Project%20Bangkok/DSCN6683_zps6ce8e626.jpg (http://s1084.photobucket.com/user/christianpfc/media/Hopewell%20Project%20Bangkok/DSCN6683_zps6ce8e626.jpg.html)
There is some interesting architecture. (The Nice, Monte Carlo, Royal Vienna)
http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j412/christianpfc/Hopewell%20Project%20Bangkok/DSCN6691_zps9c7ac5fd.jpg (http://s1084.photobucket.com/user/christianpfc/media/Hopewell%20Project%20Bangkok/DSCN6691_zps9c7ac5fd.jpg.html)
http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j412/christianpfc/Hopewell%20Project%20Bangkok/DSCN6703_zpsdb3fe4e1.jpg (http://s1084.photobucket.com/user/christianpfc/media/Hopewell%20Project%20Bangkok/DSCN6703_zpsdb3fe4e1.jpg.html)
The day is rounded off by a barbecue at a friendтАЩs place, many thanks to the host and other guests!
The collapse of Hopewell pillars last year must have involved an unfinished similar structure (similar to the one complete segment a few pics above).
http://www.bangkokpost.com/lite/topstor ... arks-probe (http://www.bangkokpost.com/lite/topstories/282425/hopewell-collapse-sparks-probe)
http://2bangkok.com/forum/showthread.ph ... apse/page2 (http://2bangkok.com/forum/showthread.php?3687-Hopewell-BERTS-Viaduct-collapse/page2)
http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/537 ... m-bangkok/ (http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/537372-hopewell-train-pillars-collapses-for-a-stretch-of-150m-bangkok/)
From satellite pictures and description in the links above, I assume it was here:
https://maps.google.com/maps?saddr=13.8 ... sz=19&z=19 (https://maps.google.com/maps?saddr=13.841567,100.557853&daddr=Bangkok,+Thailand&hl=en&sll=13.841536,100.557856&sspn=0.001284,0.002642&geocode=%3BCWvm4R5vi3xtFRtn0QAdSCX9BSnzYQ0oMmAdMTH HD4uFY4VFNg&t=h&doflg=ptk&mra=mift&mrsp=0&sz=19&z=19)
As far as I can see, they only demolish the western part of Hopewell pillars. There are 2 sites for demolishment I know of, at current speed it could be done within a yearтАЩs time.
While Hopewell is demolished, there is a new skytrain line and extension of MRT above ground in construction in northeastern Bangkok and Nonthaburi, parts are complete, I drove past in a taxi several times.
Some more pictures from that weekend:
Fried crickets (with Maggi sauce and pepper), about 100 m north of Central Latprao. They are fresh, the live crickets are kept next to the stall, in front of the picture. (And I wouldnтАЩt throw out of bed either of the two boys to let my cat in.) Delicious, and they donтАЩt stick between your teeth like the larger ones do!
http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j412/christianpfc/Hopewell%20Project%20Bangkok/DSCN6709_zps15a9ea80.jpg (http://s1084.photobucket.com/user/christianpfc/media/Hopewell%20Project%20Bangkok/DSCN6709_zps15a9ea80.jpg.html)
My first trip to Elephant Building (Pahonyothin Soi 26):
http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j412/christianpfc/Hopewell%20Project%20Bangkok/DSCN6712_zps8c26735a.jpg (http://s1084.photobucket.com/user/christianpfc/media/Hopewell%20Project%20Bangkok/DSCN6712_zps8c26735a.jpg.html)
Former тАЬMagic LandтАЭ entertainment park, with only the Disney-like castle (which is inspired by Neuschwanstein in Bavaria) left:
http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j412/christianpfc/Hopewell%20Project%20Bangkok/DSCN6714_zps36614bdc.jpg (http://s1084.photobucket.com/user/christianpfc/media/Hopewell%20Project%20Bangkok/DSCN6714_zps36614bdc.jpg.html)
The full album is here: http://s1084.photobucket.com/user/chris ... t=9&page=1 (http://s1084.photobucket.com/user/christianpfc/library/Hopewell%20Project%20Bangkok?sort=9&page=1) (probably the most extensive photographic documentation of the Hopewell demolition)
The Hopewell project and Sathorn Unique are the most prominent examples of unfinished buildings or construction projects in Bangkok.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bangkok_El ... ain_System (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bangkok_Elevated_Road_and_Train_System)
My ascent of Sathorn Unique is covered here:
http://www.gaythailand.com/forums/topic ... res-taken/ (http://www.gaythailand.com/forums/topic/8889-where-were-these-pictures-taken/)
Recently, demolition of the Hopewell pillars has begun, so I will share a few pictures I took. I find it very sad, I think they should promote both (Hopewell and Sathorn Unique) as tourist destinations and declare them to national monuments, or monuments of corruption and mismanagement. Hopewell could even be considered a piece of art. These structures have been called тАЬStonehenge of ThailandтАЭ, some have a resemblance to Japanese Torii arches.
http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/transpo ... y-red-line (http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/transport/333657/hopewell-pillars-ousted-by-red-line)
http://www.prachachat.net/news_detail.p ... 1359633761 (http://www.prachachat.net/news_detail.php?newsid=1359633761)
Hopewell Pillars near Lak Si train station:
http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j412/christianpfc/Hopewell%20Project%20Bangkok/DSCN6646_zps2ab9b3db.jpg (http://s1084.photobucket.com/user/christianpfc/media/Hopewell%20Project%20Bangkok/DSCN6646_zps2ab9b3db.jpg.html)
I like this тАЬtunnelтАЭ view, where the pillars overlap in perspective to make it look like a tunnel.
http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j412/christianpfc/Hopewell%20Project%20Bangkok/DSCN6476_zpsa8c122aa.jpg (http://s1084.photobucket.com/user/christianpfc/media/Hopewell%20Project%20Bangkok/DSCN6476_zpsa8c122aa.jpg.html)
Demolition of Hopewell pillars near Lak Si train station:
http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j412/christianpfc/Hopewell%20Project%20Bangkok/DSCN6622_zpse5b046bc.jpg (http://s1084.photobucket.com/user/christianpfc/media/Hopewell%20Project%20Bangkok/DSCN6622_zpse5b046bc.jpg.html)
http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j412/christianpfc/Hopewell%20Project%20Bangkok/DSCN6625_zps2542082b.jpg (http://s1084.photobucket.com/user/christianpfc/media/Hopewell%20Project%20Bangkok/DSCN6625_zps2542082b.jpg.html)
The concrete is cut by diamond wire saw.
http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j412/christianpfc/Hopewell%20Project%20Bangkok/DSCN6626_zps22800932.jpg (http://s1084.photobucket.com/user/christianpfc/media/Hopewell%20Project%20Bangkok/DSCN6626_zps22800932.jpg.html)
http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j412/christianpfc/Hopewell%20Project%20Bangkok/DSCN6637_zps33a644aa.jpg (http://s1084.photobucket.com/user/christianpfc/media/Hopewell%20Project%20Bangkok/DSCN6637_zps33a644aa.jpg.html)
When searching for information on the internet, I found this thread:
http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthrea ... 940&page=3 (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=410940&page=3)
which contains a picture of one finished segment of the Hopewell project. With the help of a poster there and satellite pictures from google maps, I could locate it:
https://maps.google.com/maps?saddr=13.8 ... sz=19&z=19 (https://maps.google.com/maps?saddr=13.836965,100.555222&daddr=Bangkok,+Thailand&hl=en&sll=13.836973,100.555235&sspn=0.001284,0.002642&geocode=%3BFRtn0QAdSCX9BSnzYQ0oMmAdMTHHD4uFY4VFNg&t=h&mra=mift&mrsp=0&sz=19&z=19)
Needless to say, I had to go there before it is gone!
http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j412/christianpfc/Hopewell%20Project%20Bangkok/DSCN6655_zpsc7b2b837.jpg (http://s1084.photobucket.com/user/christianpfc/media/Hopewell%20Project%20Bangkok/DSCN6655_zpsc7b2b837.jpg.html)
http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j412/christianpfc/Hopewell%20Project%20Bangkok/DSCN6658_zpsb966dafb.jpg (http://s1084.photobucket.com/user/christianpfc/media/Hopewell%20Project%20Bangkok/DSCN6658_zpsb966dafb.jpg.html)
http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j412/christianpfc/Hopewell%20Project%20Bangkok/DSCN6667_zpsf46a0444.jpg (http://s1084.photobucket.com/user/christianpfc/media/Hopewell%20Project%20Bangkok/DSCN6667_zpsf46a0444.jpg.html)
http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j412/christianpfc/Hopewell%20Project%20Bangkok/DSCN6671_zps6e86e2dd.jpg (http://s1084.photobucket.com/user/christianpfc/media/Hopewell%20Project%20Bangkok/DSCN6671_zps6e86e2dd.jpg.html)
This is not a graffiti, itтАЩs a bas relief, carved into the concrete up to 2 cm deep.
http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j412/christianpfc/Hopewell%20Project%20Bangkok/DSCN6675_zps48337f36.jpg (http://s1084.photobucket.com/user/christianpfc/media/Hopewell%20Project%20Bangkok/DSCN6675_zps48337f36.jpg.html)
ThorтАЩs hammer?
http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j412/christianpfc/Hopewell%20Project%20Bangkok/DSCN6683_zps6ce8e626.jpg (http://s1084.photobucket.com/user/christianpfc/media/Hopewell%20Project%20Bangkok/DSCN6683_zps6ce8e626.jpg.html)
There is some interesting architecture. (The Nice, Monte Carlo, Royal Vienna)
http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j412/christianpfc/Hopewell%20Project%20Bangkok/DSCN6691_zps9c7ac5fd.jpg (http://s1084.photobucket.com/user/christianpfc/media/Hopewell%20Project%20Bangkok/DSCN6691_zps9c7ac5fd.jpg.html)
http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j412/christianpfc/Hopewell%20Project%20Bangkok/DSCN6703_zpsdb3fe4e1.jpg (http://s1084.photobucket.com/user/christianpfc/media/Hopewell%20Project%20Bangkok/DSCN6703_zpsdb3fe4e1.jpg.html)
The day is rounded off by a barbecue at a friendтАЩs place, many thanks to the host and other guests!
The collapse of Hopewell pillars last year must have involved an unfinished similar structure (similar to the one complete segment a few pics above).
http://www.bangkokpost.com/lite/topstor ... arks-probe (http://www.bangkokpost.com/lite/topstories/282425/hopewell-collapse-sparks-probe)
http://2bangkok.com/forum/showthread.ph ... apse/page2 (http://2bangkok.com/forum/showthread.php?3687-Hopewell-BERTS-Viaduct-collapse/page2)
http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/537 ... m-bangkok/ (http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/537372-hopewell-train-pillars-collapses-for-a-stretch-of-150m-bangkok/)
From satellite pictures and description in the links above, I assume it was here:
https://maps.google.com/maps?saddr=13.8 ... sz=19&z=19 (https://maps.google.com/maps?saddr=13.841567,100.557853&daddr=Bangkok,+Thailand&hl=en&sll=13.841536,100.557856&sspn=0.001284,0.002642&geocode=%3BCWvm4R5vi3xtFRtn0QAdSCX9BSnzYQ0oMmAdMTH HD4uFY4VFNg&t=h&doflg=ptk&mra=mift&mrsp=0&sz=19&z=19)
As far as I can see, they only demolish the western part of Hopewell pillars. There are 2 sites for demolishment I know of, at current speed it could be done within a yearтАЩs time.
While Hopewell is demolished, there is a new skytrain line and extension of MRT above ground in construction in northeastern Bangkok and Nonthaburi, parts are complete, I drove past in a taxi several times.
Some more pictures from that weekend:
Fried crickets (with Maggi sauce and pepper), about 100 m north of Central Latprao. They are fresh, the live crickets are kept next to the stall, in front of the picture. (And I wouldnтАЩt throw out of bed either of the two boys to let my cat in.) Delicious, and they donтАЩt stick between your teeth like the larger ones do!
http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j412/christianpfc/Hopewell%20Project%20Bangkok/DSCN6709_zps15a9ea80.jpg (http://s1084.photobucket.com/user/christianpfc/media/Hopewell%20Project%20Bangkok/DSCN6709_zps15a9ea80.jpg.html)
My first trip to Elephant Building (Pahonyothin Soi 26):
http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j412/christianpfc/Hopewell%20Project%20Bangkok/DSCN6712_zps8c26735a.jpg (http://s1084.photobucket.com/user/christianpfc/media/Hopewell%20Project%20Bangkok/DSCN6712_zps8c26735a.jpg.html)
Former тАЬMagic LandтАЭ entertainment park, with only the Disney-like castle (which is inspired by Neuschwanstein in Bavaria) left:
http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j412/christianpfc/Hopewell%20Project%20Bangkok/DSCN6714_zps36614bdc.jpg (http://s1084.photobucket.com/user/christianpfc/media/Hopewell%20Project%20Bangkok/DSCN6714_zps36614bdc.jpg.html)
The full album is here: http://s1084.photobucket.com/user/chris ... t=9&page=1 (http://s1084.photobucket.com/user/christianpfc/library/Hopewell%20Project%20Bangkok?sort=9&page=1) (probably the most extensive photographic documentation of the Hopewell demolition)