ThenThe district chief's house in a tin port town
Around 1917 (พ.ศ. 2460); position context: 1921·1926 (พ.ศ. 2464·2469)
VerifiedLocal evidence indicates that Khun In House was built around 1917 (พ.ศ. 2460) by Chinese craftsmen as the residence of Captain Khun Intharakhiri (Choi Na Nakhon), a descendant of the town's hereditary governors who later served as Takua Pa district chief between 1921·1926 (พ.ศ. 2464·2469). It was therefore more than a beautiful building: it was the home of a person involved in the town's shift from hereditary rule to the district system.
The house emerged in Takua Pa as the town grew through trade and tin mining. Rivers and canals served as transport routes, trading boats from China and Burma exchanged goods, and many Thai people of Chinese and Hokkien Chinese descent settled here. Its two-storey adapted Sino-Portuguese brick-and-mortar architecture reflects both the owner's status and the Andaman trading world that connected Takua Pa with people of many cultures.
At that time, the house served as a residence for a senior official and formed part of an old-town landscape of merchant homes, shops, and religious sites. However, no primary document has been found that directly records its construction date, the craftsmen's names, or any other public function of the house.
BeforeFrom a family home to an old town heritage
1981 (พ.ศ. 2524) to before 2026 (พ.ศ. 2569)
VerifiedAfter several decades of use, the building deteriorated. The Na Nakhon family repaired it around 1981 (พ.ศ. 2524), largely retaining its original form and replacing turtle-back roof tiles with corrugated tiles. Among accessible sources, this is the conservation event for Khun In House with the clearest year.
Meanwhile, Takua Pa changed from a mining and water-trade centre into a quieter town as its former economy declined. Rivers and canals became shallow due to mining activity, and the old community gradually took on a cultural and tourism role. Khun In House is therefore remembered alongside the cultural street, Chinese-European buildings, and evidence of the former mining town.
ONEP's official sources classify Khun In House as an architectural art site, while the SAC community database lists it among Takua Pa's historical sites. However, a review of accessible sources found no year confirming registration as a Fine Arts Department historic site, no record of use for another business, and no evidence that the house was damaged by the 2004 tsunami (พ.ศ. 2547).
NowA heritage building still under family care
2569 / 2026
VerifiedThe status verified in 2026 (พ.ศ. 2569) is that Khun In House continues to be described as a historic building in Takua Pa old town. Local sources state that it remains under the care of the Na Nakhon family. The building's value lies in its adapted Sino-Portuguese style and its historical link to Khun Intharakhiri.
The house has no public information verifying opening hours, admission fees, an on-site caretaker, or official access to the interior. It should therefore be treated as a building that can be viewed in its external context, while interior access remains unknown. It should not be described as a museum or a regular event venue.
Today, the house serves a symbolic role in the old-town landscape alongside the community's cultural street and other historic buildings. Unlike projects with clear announcements, no news or announcement from 2022·2026 (พ.ศ. 2565·2569) has been found describing restoration or activities specific to Khun In House.
