Sea gypsy ‘cultural centre’ rots in ruins

RATSADA MAYOR JIRAYUT Songyot says he has no knowledge of what to do with the long-abandoned Sea Gypsy Cultural Centre on Koh Siray — or how much public money has been poured into it over the past 15 years.

- Natnaree Likidwatanasakun

The Baan Laem Tukkae Sea Gypsy Cultural Centre, built in 2010 on more than four rai of land in Moo 4, Ratsada, was originally pitched as Asia’s first “New Thai Cultural Center” to showcase the traditions of the Urak Lawoi people and boost cultural tourism.

But the project stalled within six months, was never completed, and has remained derelict ever since.