Heritage

Historical Residence

Vegan Mahanakhon is situated within a traditional Thai wooden house, believed to have been built during the reign of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V). While the exact year of construction remains uncertain, the architecture reflects a harmonious blend of European colonial influence and classic Thai design. Constructed entirely of teak wood, the house stands as a fine example of period architecture.

This historic residence was once home to Khun Kaimook Chuto, Thailand’s first female sculptor. She fondly referred to the house as her grandmother’s home, where she herself eventually lived during her formative years.

Originally designed in the traditional Thai style, the elevated structure features an open ground level beneath the main living quarters, typical of older Thai homes. The two-story house includes a front-facing veranda and a roof tiled with kite-shaped shingles. This architectural gem not only embodies the cultural elegance of the Rama V era but also represents the distinctive fusion of Western and Thai aesthetics—an enduring hallmark of Thai architectural heritage.

A profound source of pride for this house lies in its connection to Khun Kaimook Chuto, who served as the first female sculptor of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great, Rama IX. This very residence has graciously welcomed members of the Thai royal family on numerous occasions, and it was here that several of Thailand’s most significant sculptures found their origin.

Vegan Mahanakhon is deeply honored to be part of this treasured place—one that stands as a testament to Thailand’s rich cultural and artistic heritage, and a proud chapter in the nation’s history.

Khun Kaimook Chuto

Khun Kaimook Chuto was Thailand’s first female sculptor, and the official court sculptor during the reign of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great (Rama IX). She was born on April 19, 1938, at Siriraj Hospital in Bangkok, the daughter of Phra Manchuwathi (Chote Chuto), high-ranking officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs during King RamaV, and Mrs. Manchuwathi (Aeow Chuto), a royal emissary of Her Majesty Queen Sri Bajarindra the Queen Mother (King Rama V reign)

Khun Kaimook completed her secondary education at Rajini School before earning a degree in painting and sculpture from Silpakorn University, then known as the Faculty of Painting and Sculpture (now the Faculty of Painting, Sculpture, and Graphic Arts). She began her career with USOM and later with Getesner, before resigning to pursue a freelance artistic career, taking on projects that ranged from sculpture and garden design to interior decoration and architectural drafting. Her growing reputation eventually led to an invitation to serve Her Majesty Queen Sirikit the Queen Mother (King Rama IX) as a royal court sculptor.

Her first royal commission was a pair of mother-and-child kinnaree sculptures, which were installed in the Siwalai Garden of the Grand Palace and at Phuping Rajanives Palace in Chiang Mai. At a time when sculpting was considered a male-dominated field, her teacher, Professor Silpa Bhirasri, once remarked to his students:

“Sculpture is labor-intensive—not only women but even many men cannot complete the course. One must carry heavy materials like a laborer, cut metal for armatures, study rigorously, be diligent, patient, and be able to view the form from every angle—it must be correct and beautiful on all sides.”

But driven by her deep passion for art, Khun Kaimook refused to give up. She persevered and eventually rose to become one of Thailand’s leading sculptors.

“At the time, I wanted to study sculpture, but my professor disapproved. He said it was too hard for a woman. I told him, ‘I can do it. I’m strong.’ He then argued that a woman should one day start a family, so it would be a waste. I told him, ‘I won’t get married.’”

She recounted this conversation with Professor Silpa Bhirasri, who eventually relented. Thus, Khun Kaimook became the first Thai woman to study sculpture formally and seriously.

Sixty to seventy years ago, sculpture was almost exclusively a man’s profession—especially monumental sculpture. No one believed a woman could succeed in such physically and technically demanding work. But Khun Kaimook Chuto proved that art knows no gender—what matters is the artist’s heart, dedication, and perseverance.

Throughout her life, she created many significant national monuments, including:

  • The Three Kings Monument in Chiang Mai,
  • The Two Kings Monument in front of Chulalongkorn University Auditorium,
  • And the Queen Suriyothai Monument at Thung Makham Yong.

On September 19, 1996, after returning from overseeing the casting of a Buddha image commissioned for Her Majesty Queen Sirikit the Queen Mother at a foundry on Phutthamonthon Sai 4 Road, Khun Kaimook suddenly went into cardiac arrest. She was taken to Thonburi Hospital, where she was diagnosed with myocardial ischemia. Later, by royal command, Her Majesty graciously ordered that she be transferred to Siriraj Hospital for continued care. Sadly, she passed away on October 31, 1996, from pneumonia and respiratory failure at the age of 59.