Original source : Wikipedia. (n.d.). File: Mario Tamagno Architect Portrait.png. In Wikipedia. Retrieved July 21, 2025, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mario_Tamagno#/media/File:Mario_Tamagno_Architect_Portrait.png

Mario Tamagno

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Mario Tamagno (1877 – 1941) was an Italian architect who served under contract in Siam’s Department of Public Works, overseeing the design of major Western-style buildings during the late reign of King Rama V and King Rama VI.

Compiler : Yupaporn Thanyawiwatkul

Museum Siam, Architectural Heritage, European Architects in Siam, Foreigners in Siamese Service, Modern State-Building, Western Influence in Siam, Mario Tamagno

Mario Tamagno designed numerous significant Western-style buildings in Siam, including palaces, bridges, railway stations, libraries, and government offices, such as the Ministry of Commerce building. His work reflects the influence of Western architectural styles during Siam’s transition from traditional Thai forms to modernity. Many of his buildings remain valuable heritage sites today.

The Ministry of Commerce building (present-day Museum Siam), constructed during the reign of King Rama VI, symbolised Siam’s transition from traditional ways to a modern urban society. Designed in a classical Western style, it embodied the influence of Western art and architecture while marking the nation’s embrace of modernity.

The design prioritised functionality and practicality, using reinforced concrete — a cutting-edge material at the time — to ensure durability and strength. Ornamental details were minimised, and thoughtful adaptations were made for Siam’s hot, humid climate, such as concrete canopies for shade, ventilation openings for airflow, and overhangs to protect against rain.

This blend of Western aesthetics, modern construction techniques, and sensitivity to local conditions made the building a landmark of Siam’s cultural and architectural transformation and a lasting heritage of the “New Siam” era.

Source

Museum Siam. (2022). 100 Years of Our Building: The European Architect. Retrieved from https://100yearsbuilding.museumsiam.org/article/70

Museum Siam. (2022). 100 Years of Our Building: Office Building Design. Retrieved from https://100yearsbuilding.museumsiam.org/article/108

Relation

Museum Siam (Former Ministry of Commerce Building)

Museum Siam, housed in the former Ministry of Commerce building, is a striking example of early 20th-century Western classical architecture in Bangkok. Originally completed in 1922, the building reflects the modernisation of Siam through both its design and its role in international trade administration.
Phra Ratchawang Metropolitan Police Station

Western-style policing began in Siam during King Rama IV’s reign, known at the time as pontrawen (patrol officers). The Phra Ratchawang Metropolitan Police Station, originally located near Tha Tian Market, was later relocated to its current site. The building was designed by Italian architect Mario Tamagno, who also designed the Ministry of Commerce building behind it. In fact, the police station was completed around seven years before the Ministry building.
The Old Siam Plaza (formerly Ming Muang Market)

Ming Muang Market, designed by Italian architect Mario Tamagno and opened in 1932, was a modern textile market in late King Vajiravudh’s reign. Inspired by Middle Eastern-style clothing bazaars, it served as a hub for fast, quality tailoring in Bangkok. Today, the site has transformed into “The Old Siam Plaza,” blending nostalgic atmosphere with modern commerce.

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