The Classic Fazal Building at the Corner of Bamrung Mueang and Atsadang Roads
The Fazal Building stands proudly at the corner of Bamrung Mueang and Atsadang Roads, directly across from the Ministry of the Interior. Completed in the 1930s during the reign of King Prajadhipok (Rama VII), the building’s distinctive curved design overlooks the intersection of the two hisitorical roads, giving it a unique panomic view in the heart of Bangkok’s old town.
The Fazal Building was constructed by an Italian architectural firm. The information blends classic European stylistic elements and local design traditions. Its symmetrical lines, large windows, and balconies were all carefully crafted to create a sense of openness and fluidity. The layout also maximizes usable space while emphasizing a clean, timeless aesthetic that contributes to the building’s lasting charm.
The ground floor of the building once housed the renowned E.M. Katib department store, known for its exclusive collection of fine-cut glassware. The second and third floors serve as the residence of the Katib family, making the building a functional space that simultaneously accommodated commercial and residential purposes. Over time, the Fazal Building has become an important architectural landmark, celebrated for its heritage and role in the vibrant history of Bangkok’s old town.
E.M. Katib Department Store
E.M. Katib, named after its owner, Eusuf Ai Mohammad Katib, was founded in 1896 by Mr. Eusuf Ali Katib. The store originally specialized in fine-cut glassware and ceramic cups imported from European countries such as France, Belgium, Germany, and England. The first location of E.M. Katib was on Charoen Krung Road before the business moved to the iconic Fazal Building at the corner of Bamrung Mueang and Atsadang Roads, across from the Ministry of the Interior.
The E.M. Katib Department Store became renowned for its collection of luxury goods, including fine-cut glassware, ceramic cups, perfumes, and fine porcelain imported from Europe. The store proudly featured prestigious brands such as Baccarat and Val-Saint-Lambert, attracting discerning buyers and high-ranking officials of the time. E.M. Katib also enjoyed royal patronage. Notably, the royal family granted the store privileged access to procure exclusive European on their behalf, including glassware and ceramics fit for the palace. Evidence of this royal connection is still apparent today, with porcelain bowls and plates bearing the seal of the equestrian statue of King Chulalongkorn, passed down through the generations to the current heirs of the Katib family.
As the center for curated European luxury goods, E.M. Katib became a symbol of refinement and exclusivity in early 20th-century Bangkok, establishing a legacy of timeless elegance that continues to be remembered today.