Wang Daeng : Hall of History, Udon Thani Rajabhat University

Location: 64 Udon Thani Rajabhat University, Thaham Road, Aumphur Muang, Udon Thani

Occupant: Udon Thani Rajabhat University

Year established: 1923

“Wang Daeng” was the first constructed building of Udon Thani Rajabhat University. The source of its name is not known entirely, but it is assumed to be inspired from the intricacy of the rooms and the grandeur of the building. It is also possible that it received its name from the red colored wooden walls in the building. Wang Daeng is also known as the, Akarn Klang (central building) or Akarn Khunprasom. Previously the building was an agricultural school in Monthon Udon, established on November 1 st, 1923 with Mister Perm Kamsomsin serving as a principal teacher. The school opened for male students who had finished their fourth level of primary education and wished to continue for male students who had finished their fourth level of primary education and wished to continue for another two years in order to receive a Diploma in Teaching. Most students had received scholarships from many different provinces. The former location of the school was in Monthon Udon Scount Club (Samosorn Sua Pha) before the construction of a permanent school building at Huoy Soh, or Udon Thani Rajabhat University as it is known today.

The large raised platform building is made intirely of wood. Its architectural shape is similar to houses found in the northeast of Thailand and is similar to traditional Thai structures. The building has a symmetrical layout in the shape of the letter H. It has large wooden stairs that lead into the center of the building and there is also a balcony connected to each room. The wooden walls have a ventilated air space between the wall laathes, except for the outer walls by the balcony. Instead the balcony walls are solid to prevent the building from sunlight and rain. There are carved wooden poles on every corner of the balcony. Its doors and panned are made from thick wood with penetrable cogged over them. The gable roof is mixed with a Panya-style. The interior of the building has many rooms, which have been used for a variety of reasons, such as class rooms and work rooms for teachers.

Today, the building has been conserved and modified to be used for major functions. Renovation has taken place only using materials similar to the original design and adaptations have been made original design and adaptations have been made on the ground floor of the building which is now used for assembly activities of the university. The top floor is now a museum to present the university’s history under the name “Hall of History, Udon Thani Rajabhat University” in order to commemorate the young people who realized the value of this architectural heritage, which has been situated here for over eighty five years.