On a visit to the eclectic residence of civic leader Narongchai Khunpluem in seaside Bangsaen, Sappasit Foongfaungchaveng discovers that urban modernism tinged with old-style charm has arrived at this quaint beach town
Because of its golden days in the 1950s the city of Bangsaen connotes to most people the charms of a bygone era: sun-faded beach bungalows, old-style ballroom dancing and the nostalgic rhythms of Thai luk thoong songs. Tucked away in the heart of this old resort town along a bustling coastline, the residence of Narongchai Khunpluem evokes both yesteryear and a sense of the city’s emerging contemporary vitality.
Rising under a vivid blue sky adjacent to a sandy beach, the minimalist, Thai-roofed structure and its modernist wooden façade combines design elements both old and the new, echoing not only the evolving character of Bangsaen, but also the dynamic character of the house’s 35-year-old owner. At the gate that bears the house’s name, Pakpao Residence, or house of the puffer fish, the three-storey property of Tui, as friends know him, looks lived-in despite having been completed just last year. “I have a thing for antique furniture but I am also fond of modern designs,” confesses Narongchai, as he leads us into the house. Upon entering the foyer the evidence of his dual aesthetic is immediately revealed. Unpolished concrete columns are juxtaposed with exquisite wooden panels, illustrating how old-style craftsmanship and modern architecture can co-exist in beautiful harmony.
The panels also function as the doors to the dining area and the study on the other side. The entire house is adorned with an eclectic range of wooden collectibles and modern artworks. “Some of the antiques belong to my parents,” says Narongchai. “My brothers and sister are not as keen about old things as I am,” explains Narongchai, referring to his siblings whose houses are also in the same 10-rai compound.
For decades the Khunpluem family has stood among the most prominent clans in the Eastern Seaboard. Narongchai’s eldest brother, Sonthaya, is a former minister and cabinet member. Second brother Wittaya is currently the chairman of the Chonburi Provincial Administrative Organisation and middle brother, Ittipon, is mayor of neighbouring Pattaya. Following the family’s tradition in politics and public service Narongchai was elected the mayor of Bangsaen, his birthplace. In office for two years, he has injected the town’s policies with a new vision, one of old charm coupled with youthful energy. For example, last year under his administration Bangsaen instituted several creative promotional events. Bangsaen Retro, Rackae music festival, a classic automobile show and Bangsaen Walking Street are just some of the events he has helped to create that have successfully attracted increasing numbers of tourists. As he strolls along a frameless glass bridge that serves as a walkway across a double-ceiling hallway leading to the study below he mentions several social programmes he has spearheaded during his first term in office. “We just started the Senior Citizen Card for the elderly and Mobile City Service to help citizens with their problems by mobilising our administrative officers around town. Part of the programme is Mobile Health Service, a fully-equipped medical team that goes to villages as part of our progressive and preventive health policies.” Among the many duties and philanthropic affairs in which he is involved, Starfish Foundation is the one he is most proud of. Founded by the Khumpluems, it aims to reach out to underprivileged communities. “Last year we successfully built schools, libraries and public toilets in rural areas,” he says.
When asked how he got into politics he says, “After receiving a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Chulalongkorn University I studied hotel management in northern California. Upon returning to Thailand I worked at The Oriental Hotel in Bangkok for about a year. During this time my family was building a hotel in Bangsaen called Tide Resort so I came back home to manage it.” He saw that a good luxury hotel contributed to a solid foundation for Bangsaen’s tourism infrastructure. “From setting up the hotel and operating it fulltime, I learned how the town is run and I also had ideas of how it could be improved,” he says. “When the mayoral election came up, I decided to run for office and here I am.”
For this busy man his home offers a relaxing counterpoint to a hectic public life. “I have a lot of social obligations and after work, this is where I like to spend my time to relax. I like that the house is large, but every corner is cosy because it is divided into smaller areas,” he explains. Designed by renowned architect Kanit Tantiwong, the fresh aesthetics of this modern Thai-inspired house eminently enhance the geographic advantages of the land and speak volumes about the owner who has strived to create a home that is timeless yet modern. The architect explains the way the house was designed: “All of the antiques are from his collection so my job was to make them fit in without making the house feel like a museum. In terms of function, the main idea was to create an accessible yet private space within the family compound. The downstairs is an open space that functions like the basement of a traditional Thai sala. A staircase leads to the second floor to an open courtyard and the infinity pool overlooking the bay of Bangsaen.” Kanit explains that the form of the building reflects Narongchai’s passion for scuba diving and his fascination with puffer fish. “The result is something fun that fits his personality, but is not meant to be taken too literally,” Kanit remarks.
As we proceed through the kitchen, a number of modern sculptures and paintings reveal themselves. Surrounding the dining table, which is fashioned out of a large piece of rustic wood, are some modern Hans Wagner wishbone chairs. Given Narongchai’s education, proven business vision, political acumen, great eye for art and all his other attributes, this man of many talents could make it anywhere. But after all, when you’re one of the Khunpluems, Bangsaen is the perfect place to let these talents flower.