September 19, 2025, 8:42 am | Read time: 3 minutes

It is perhaps Bangkok’s eeriest landmark: the “Sathorn Unique Tower,” also known as the “Bangkok Ghost Tower.” Its massive unfinished structure doesn’t fit into the modern skyline of the metropolis. According to a TV documentary by the Prosieben show Galileo, the idea for the skyscraper was a product of the economic boom in Thailand in the 1990s. Renowned architect Rangan Torsuwan had planned luxury apartments and offices on 49 floors for the building. It was meant to be a tower for the elite. But that never happened, as shortly after the shell was completed, Torsuwan ran out of money due to the financial crisis, and construction had to be halted. Since then, the ghost building has stood empty.

Murder, Suicide, and the Souls of the Dead

Rumor has it that the building was constructed on a former cemetery and is still haunted by the souls of the dead. As if speculative horror wasn’t enough, architect Torsuwan was convicted in 1993 of plotting to murder the president of the Supreme Court. Additionally, according to a report by the “Bangkok Post,” Swedish backpacker Stig Johan Kristian Hammersten hanged himself on the 43rd floor of the skyscraper in 2014.

The Sathorn Unique Tower is indeed a scene of horror. At the same time, it offers one of the best views of the city. Countless graffiti artists have expressed themselves here, giving the building a unique wall color. Located in the heart of the action, the skyscraper is just minutes from Sathorn Pier, which is used as a starting point for tours and trips. According to travel reports, in 2017, visitors could still explore the Ghost Tower for 500 baht. The owner likely hoped not only for a last source of income from the tower but also to prevent vandalism.

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Entry Prohibited!

But the ruin continues to collapse. According to Tripadvisor reviews, access to the Ghost Tower in Bangkok is now prohibited for safety reasons. Anyone who dares to enter the unconventional landmark of Bangkok must expect to be taken to the police station and fined. Current photos from the ruin on the internet can also lead to charges from the owner.

Many still post pictures of the tower on their Instagram profiles. They comment that they bribed a guard with money or reached the tower via a secret bridge. However, one should not be deceived by supposedly official security personnel. Often, they have no connection to the owner and his ban on entering the building. The initially cheap-looking bribery deal can end up being quite expensive.

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The More Beautiful Twin

Those who don’t want to break the law but still want to enjoy the view can visit the twin tower to the Bangkok Ghost Tower right next door. There, tourists can expect a less thrilling but safe sky bar. The State Tower was even designed by the same architect.