Focus on the BIG picture.
Sunday, Jul 13, 2025
Outside the box.
Plans to Sell Dutch Embassy in Bangkok Face Local Opposition
The Dutch Association in Thailand seeks to prevent the sale amid concerns over heritage and budget cuts.
The Dutch Association in Thailand is actively opposing plans by the Dutch government to sell the embassy compound located at 206 Wireless Road in Bangkok.
This property, a significant site reflecting Dutch architectural design, is under the ownership of the Dutch government and comes under the auspices of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Willem Pentermann, the chairman of the Dutch Association, revealed that he first learned of the intended sale from Dutch media, specifically De Telegraaf.
The initiative to sell is part of a broader cost-saving measure impacting the ministry's budget significantly.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Caspar Veldkamp and his team have been exploring options to reduce expenditures, which has led to discussions regarding the potential sale of the Bangkok embassy.
Pentermann emphasized that the process requires transparency to ensure informed decision-making concerning such a significant asset.
The embassy's ambassador to Thailand, Remco van Wijngaarden, did not provide comments regarding the intended sale.
Wiet Brikkenaar van Dijk, who serves as the embassy's communications and public diplomacy officer, declined to make any statements, indicating that updates would be shared only if developments occur.
In a proactive measure, the Dutch Association has submitted communications to Minister Veldkamp, expressing their desire for a reconsideration of the decision to sell.
Additionally, letters have been distributed to leaders of all Dutch political parties and the Dutch Treasury, alongside a request for support from King Willem-Alexander.
The association has also reached out to the Public Information Office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to obtain a comprehensive financial overview concerning the sale, including anticipated costs for establishing a new diplomatic office and ambassador's residence in Thailand.
Concerns from the association also extend to potential clauses in any sale agreement that might mandate the demolition of historic structures on the embassy grounds.
Pentermann pointed out the importance of learning from past experiences, notably referencing the British government, which faced outcry over similar issues when selling its embassy property in London.
The estimated sales value of the Bangkok embassy is projected between €450 million and €500 million.
This transaction is seen as critically significant amid local sentiments, as expressed by Monique Kleinnibbelink, a Dutch resident in Bangkok, who recalled personal memories tied to the embassy, including celebrations of King's Day.
Dutch diplomatic relations with Thailand have a historical foundation, dating back over 420 years, following the initial Dutch trading ventures in the region.
The association's efforts reflect a broader concern for maintaining cultural and historical ties within the context of international diplomacy.
This property, a significant site reflecting Dutch architectural design, is under the ownership of the Dutch government and comes under the auspices of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Willem Pentermann, the chairman of the Dutch Association, revealed that he first learned of the intended sale from Dutch media, specifically De Telegraaf.
The initiative to sell is part of a broader cost-saving measure impacting the ministry's budget significantly.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Caspar Veldkamp and his team have been exploring options to reduce expenditures, which has led to discussions regarding the potential sale of the Bangkok embassy.
Pentermann emphasized that the process requires transparency to ensure informed decision-making concerning such a significant asset.
The embassy's ambassador to Thailand, Remco van Wijngaarden, did not provide comments regarding the intended sale.
Wiet Brikkenaar van Dijk, who serves as the embassy's communications and public diplomacy officer, declined to make any statements, indicating that updates would be shared only if developments occur.
In a proactive measure, the Dutch Association has submitted communications to Minister Veldkamp, expressing their desire for a reconsideration of the decision to sell.
Additionally, letters have been distributed to leaders of all Dutch political parties and the Dutch Treasury, alongside a request for support from King Willem-Alexander.
The association has also reached out to the Public Information Office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to obtain a comprehensive financial overview concerning the sale, including anticipated costs for establishing a new diplomatic office and ambassador's residence in Thailand.
Concerns from the association also extend to potential clauses in any sale agreement that might mandate the demolition of historic structures on the embassy grounds.
Pentermann pointed out the importance of learning from past experiences, notably referencing the British government, which faced outcry over similar issues when selling its embassy property in London.
The estimated sales value of the Bangkok embassy is projected between €450 million and €500 million.
This transaction is seen as critically significant amid local sentiments, as expressed by Monique Kleinnibbelink, a Dutch resident in Bangkok, who recalled personal memories tied to the embassy, including celebrations of King's Day.
Dutch diplomatic relations with Thailand have a historical foundation, dating back over 420 years, following the initial Dutch trading ventures in the region.
The association's efforts reflect a broader concern for maintaining cultural and historical ties within the context of international diplomacy.
