June 4, 2010

Now for the latest update from Saphan Khwai…… On March 14^th this year, I went to Saphan Khwai in search of Seri Court. Was it still there or had it been knocked down for a condo project? As the cab rolled along Pradiphat Road, I searched both sides looking for the entrance and that long driveway that we’ll all never forget. Suddenly, there it was and I saw once again the battered green fence and the new gate. However, I was a little surprised to see the gate wide open and many workers in the driveway. I’m thinking, “Is there anything left?” So down the driveway I go, along with my wife Noi and the cab driver. I had told him of my military experience there and he is now as interested as me. Half way down the driveway, there is a section of the block wall to the left missing and I see workers repairing other parts of it. I look to the left through the missing wall and see lots of workers and lots of activity. We continue on and at the turn in the driveway there are several areas where people are working. But then suddenly, it hits me. I look ahead and there is the newer barracks, still standing although even more deteriorated looking than the last time I had seen it. There were vehicles parked along the drive and it actually appeared that some of the rubbish and bunker like areas I had seen previously had been cleaned up. I’m snapping pictures, waiting for the caretaker to show up. We’re almost to the newer barracks when an older woman walks into the drive to speak to us. I’m thinking it must be Mr Amnui’s wife. Noi immediately greets her and introduces me. She remembers me from my previous year’s visit. We go directly to Mr Amnui’s workshop, behind the older barracks. After a few moments, Mr Amnui appears and we exchange greetings. We sit and chat for 15 to 20 minutes. He says that he is doing well for his age (74) and continues to live at Seri Court. He makes small wooden stools for sale to support himself and his “new” wife. His first wife died of cancer 20 years ago and he refers to his current wife as his “new” wife. He had seven children with his first wife but has no contact with them. They do not help him in his old age. I asked him about Mr Suchin and he told me that he is sure Mr Suchin has died. I then popped the big question and asked if the rumors were true about Seri Court becoming a condo complex. He laughed and said, and I quote, “There is nothing to gain so why would they build condos?” He explained the history of Seri Court, and I’ll admit feeling rather stupid. Here I had served at the 83^rd for almost two years and never heard or thought to ask about the name. So, here’s what he told me, for those of you who also forgot to ask. It seems that the property was owned by a man named Mr Seri. He was a wealthy military man, achieving the rank of general. So the original two buildings were called Seri Court. When he later died, the property went to his children. He had four children, two daughters who live in the US and two sons, both in Thailand. The one son also became a general in the army. So basically, as Mr Amnui pointed out, the family is very wealthy and has no need or interest in doing anything with the property. Based on what I’ve seen over the past forty years or so, I’d have to agree. So, for now, it seems that Seri Court will continue to exist, although in very sad physical condition. As to the condo project, Mr Amnui told me that that project was going on next door where I had seen all the workers through the section of missing wall. Later, when we left, I could see new AC units and a building under refurbishment with new windows and a fresh outer skin of new plaster. So, Seri Court appears to have dodged the wrecking ball once again.

I walked around the property and took many pictures. Then Noi said it was probably time to leave. So I gave Mr Amnui some money to help him along and we left. Once again, it was a very difficult total experience to put into a few words. But I can’t imagine ever going to Bangkok and not returning to Saphan Khwai. I hope everyone enjoys the pictures.

John Bowers

SP5     04B2L48

1967-1968