20th - 21st September 2025
European Heritage Day - Krung Thep Creative Street

The Goethe-Institut Thailand serves as a platform for cultural exchange and dialogue between Thailand and Germany. Located in Bangkok’s Sathorn district since 1988, the institute is surrounded by diplomatic missions and historic architecture, offering a tranquil environment for learning and engagement.

Its presence is reflected not only in cultural programming but also in the city’s infrastructure. In 1999, the street formerly known as Soi Atthakarnprasit was renamed “Soi Goethe” to commemorate the 250th anniversary of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe’s birth. Goethe (1749–1832) remains a central figure in German intellectual history, with enduring relevance across literature, philosophy, and the arts.
The Goethe-Institut Thailand invites visitors to explore its facilities and discover the diverse dimensions of German language and culture.

Carl Werner Drewes (1912–1987) was a German entrepreneur with longstanding ties to Thailand, established through his company Eurothai Industrial Supply Co. Ltd. His commitment to fostering Thai-German relations extended beyond business: he initiated a scholarship program that enabled Thai students to pursue academic studies in Germany. Many of these alumni later contributed to the development of German Studies programs at Thai universities. The return of these scholars also led to the founding of the Thai-German Cultural Foundation (TDKS), which played a key role in establishing the Goethe-Institut’s current location in Sathorn.

In 1984, Drewes acquired the property in Thung Mahamek with the intention of creating a dedicated space for Thai-German cultural dialogue. The site included a historic residence, and plans were made to construct a new building that would complement the existing architectural character. Drewes supported the project with an interest-free loan, enabling the Goethe-Institut to relocate from its previous location on Pra Athit Road to a purpose-built facility.

Although Carl Werner Drewes passed away in 1987, shortly before the completion of the new institute, his legacy endures. The Goethe-Institut Thailand continues to serve as a cultural bridge between Thailand and Germany — a vision he helped bring to life.

The Sala Thai, located on the institute’s grounds, represents a tangible expression of Thai-German artistic collaboration. It was donated by the Thai artist Thawan Duchanee (1939-2014), whose work often incorporates mythological themes. Elements of his distinctive style are visible in the decorative features of the Sala’s roof.

Thawan first exhibited at the Goethe-Institut in 1971, during a formative period in his career. At a time when his work was met with both acclaim and criticism, the institute provided a venue for his first major exhibition. His later commission to paint murals in Germany’s Gottorf Castle further underscored the depth of Thai-German cultural relations.

Established in 1960, the Goethe-Institut Thailand was the first of its kind in Southeast Asia. Initially located on Phayathai Road, the institute moved to Pra Athit Road in 1962, becoming part of Bangkok’s historic district. In the 1980s, the Thai-German Cultural Foundation (TDKS), founded by Thai alumni of German universities, invited the institute to relocate to its current premises in Sathorn.

The Goethe-Institut also offers German language instruction seven days a week, with examinations available at all proficiency levels. In collaboration with Thai educational institutions, it provides training for teachers and organizes extracurricular activities that combine language learning with cultural immersion.

The Goethe-Institut Thailand is deeply embedded in the Thai arts and culture scene. It promotes cultural collaboration between Thailand, Germany, and Europe by organising cultural events, exhibitions, productions, and artist exchanges across all fields of arts and culture. Areas of focus include visual arts, music, film, dance, theatre, and literature.
The on-site library is open to the public and offers a contemporary space for reading, studying, viewing German films, and informal exchange.

In response to growing demand for cultural programming, the Goethe-Institut’s current building was designed in 1988 to include a multifunctional event space: the Goethe-Saal. This hall was originally equipped with advanced sound and lighting systems, a 16 mm film projector, and a flexible stage setup to accommodate concerts, exhibitions, and film screenings.
A major renovation in 2015 enhanced the hall’s functionality, including updated wooden panelling, professional lighting, and movable partitions. These improvements allow for a wide range of uses while maintaining the hall’s architectural integrity. The space is particularly noted for its acoustic quality and continues to host cultural events throughout the year.