For those urban explorers that don’t mind courting death and are a bit more liberal about the legality of their adventures, the country of Thailand provides the unique opportunity to see the city’s skyscape from more than four-dozen stories up. The abandoned site is called the Sathorn Unique and it is a decaying remnant of better economic times for the country.
The story behind the Sathorn unique goes back to the early 90s, when Thailand, like most of the Far East, was experiencing a great economic boom. Skyscrapers were going up left and right, symbols of the growing affluence. Sathorn Unique was one of these, though it only saw about 80% completion before hard times set in. What’s left is a rotting shell of luxury apartments and retail fixtures.
This monstrosity rises from the Bangkok cityscape, towering above the surrounding buildings. It ascends 49 stories and is home to more than 650 residential units and just over 50 retail units. Since it was almost done when those funding the construction went bankrupt, most of the interior is completed. The long years without any upkeep, however, have left holes in walls, ceilings and floors, exposing much of the skyscraper’s guts.
Due to this advanced state of decay, traversing the Sathorn is a bit dangerous. Windows are absent, as are railings on many of the balconies. Elevators were never installed, so many open shafts are present, dropping dozens of stories into the darkness. Stairways are rotting and without rails. Beyond the 30th floor, the situation worsens. The Sathorn is known for being a very dark and perilous place, so it’s not for the unseasoned explorer, though the climb to the 49th floor can well be worth the risk.
Being as how it’s private property, Sathorn is very much off-limits to the public. It has become home to some of Bangkok’s homeless, however, along with the occasional stray dog. If you plan on going in, make sure to bring a friend and all the equipment you might need (particularly a flashlight and some spare batteries). Or if you don’t feel like taking the risk, just have a look at this amazing gallery of pictures from one who has already been there.
Sathorn sunset courtesy of teakdoor.com
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