Berlin: Historical Ties Between Thailand and the West
Berlin Through the Eyes of King Rama V In his writings in Far from Home, King Chulalongkorn compared Paris, London, and Berlin: "In short, if I were to compare them by setting a table, Paris is like a royal table, London like a noble’s table, and Berlin like a smaller aristocratic table.” By “setting a table,” he referred to a blend of Chinese and Thai ceremonial tables, popular at the time. This comparison highlights the social, cultural, and economic hierarchies of these cities.
Following Historical Footsteps: Timeless Symbols Connecting Eras
Tracing King Chulalongkorn’s path in Berlin reveals iconic landmarks that still echo the grandeur of the past. These sites are not mere monuments but living inspirations that link history to the present.
Kaufhaus des Westens (KaDeWe): A Shared Pride of Germans and Thais
One of Berlin’s landmarks symbolically connected to Thailand is the Kaufhaus des Westens, or KaDeWe, meaning "Department Store of the West." Founded by Adolf Jandorf in March 1907, KaDeWe was visited twice by King Chulalongkorn in August of the same year. His visits made headlines, elevating KaDeWe’s prominence and transforming the Tauentzienstraße district into Berlin’s premier shopping destination. The King described KaDeWe in Far from Home:
Then we went to the Kaufhaus des Westens. This store is enormous, selling everything imaginable, organized by category… With goods worth five million marks and over two thousand staff. A brief tour alone takes two hours.
Today, KaDeWe remains one of Europe’s most prestigious department stores in terms of magnitude and historical significance.
Modern KaDeWe: Where Heritage Meets Innovation
KaDeWe continues to enchant visitors with its harmonious blend of history and contemporary luxury. Notable highlights include the Personal Shopping Lounge on the fifth floor, offering bespoke services in a lavish setting.
The sixth floor boasts one of the world’s largest food halls, featuring open kitchens, artisanal bakeries, and specialty zones such as Chocolate World and elegant champagne bars. Its ever-changing window displays reflect seasonal themes, such as Let Your Heart Be Light, featuring sparkling hues of deep blue, emerald green, and shimmering gold.
In 2023, KaDeWe earned global recognition, receiving two prestigious awards from the Intercontinental Group of Department Stores (IGDS)
Today, KaDeWe is proudly managed by Central Group, making it a symbol of Thai-European cultural and commercial ties.
