Netiwit, founder
Tucked away in the heart of Bangkok is Sam Yan, an enduring symbol of a Thai-Chinese heritage tracing back to the era of Rama V. Originating from an overflow of the thriving Chinatown, the area rapidly transformed into one of Thailand’s most culturally rich locales. Today, amidst the cacophony of modern life, Sam Yan stands as a living museum showcasing lively markets, festive Chinese celebrations, revered temples, spiritual shrines, and the timeless craft of local artisans.
Yet, this treasure trove of history is on the brink of fading into oblivion. Presently under the stewardship of Chulalongkorn University, the community’s essence is threatened, with only a single shrine left standing. Plans to bulldoze this historical site and erect a luxury condominium are fast-tracking, with the promise of a mere garden in homage to its once-vibrant legacy.
From 2020 onwards, an ensemble of passionate students, including myself, embarked on a mission to halt this cultural travesty. Our pleas, echoing the irreplaceable artistic and historical value of the 150-year-old shrine, met with adversity. The University’s unyielding stance has not only accelerated their initial plans but also led them to sue the bereaved caretaker for an exorbitant 200 million baht.
In the midst of this turmoil, the shrine has evolved into a sanctuary of inspiration. Even with the looming shadows of construction machinery, it beckons individuals far and wide, symbolizing the indomitable spirit of heritage and history.
Determined to bring this narrative to the forefront, Settanat Thanakitkoses and I, Netiwit, have co-produced “The Last Breath of Sam Yan.” This documentary, a labor of love financed by our own book sales, debuted in June 2023 at the House Sam Yan cinema. Its journey thereafter saw screenings at the esteemed Doc and Pub and soon, it’s slated for an unveiling to international media at FCCT. Our message has traversed Thailand’s expanse, resonating with students and communities alike.
However, there’s a broader concern that lurks beneath the surface – the alarming repercussions of unchecked urbanization. The towering skyscrapers not only mar the skyline but also herald a rise in societal stress, alienation, and despair. Tragic events, like the mass shooting at Siam Paragon, have stirred debates and studies suggesting a correlation with this rapid, insensitive urban growth.
Across the globe, our documentary has struck a chord, resonating deeply with many. Leading academics and authors have shared their thoughts on our film, underlining its significance not just for Bangkok but for cities worldwide:
- Davarian L. Baldwin, Author of “In the Shadow of the Ivory Tower: How Universities are Plundering Our Cities”:”Both tragic and heartwarming. The Last Breath of Sam Yan powerfully captures the story of a university’s soulless landgrab and the humanity of those who stand in the path of heartless ambition. And as schools become our city’s biggest developers, this film foretells the fight for many “Mazu shrines” yet to come.”
- Ian Johnson, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist: “It is not just a film—it’s a movement, capturing the audacious spirit of students pitted against commercial giants and state machinery intent on erasing a cherished shrine. Presented in gripping real-time, the relentless camera work pulls the audience into the heart of the unfolding drama. Yet, this is more than the tale of a singular shrine; it offers a panoramic view into the larger struggle defining civil society in Thailand, spanning realms of faith, education, and urban development. A truly exceptional piece.”
- Owen Hatherley:”An excellent little film about the struggle to save a beloved public space from a neoliberal university, and its banal dreams of constructing a ‘Smart Intellectual City’ on the ruins of the place’s memories.”
- Douglas Spencer, Author of “The Architecture of Neoliberalism”:”The Last Breath of Sam Yan is an inspirational tale of resistance and solidarity against the seemingly all-powerful forces of gentrification. Religious worshippers and politicized students, facing off against the monied interests of real estate development, join forces to defend themselves and their culture from a common foe.”
- Michael Herzfeld, Harvard University:”This film is a searing indictment of how a neoliberal university colludes in the deliberate rewriting of history through acts of cultural vandalism. These acts wreck the lives of Thailand’s weakest citizens to satisfy burgeoning bourgeois demands for control over Bangkok’s central spaces.”
- Phil Jablon, Author of “Thailand’s Movie Theatres”:”The Last Breath of Sam Yan has given us a front-row seat at a battle between a centuries-old community trying to exist and a profit-hungry university trying to expand. It’s a battle that is playing out right now in Bangkok, and all over the world.”
- Loretta Lees, Boston University:”Universities around the globe are now heavily implicated in promoting and enacting processes of gentrification. This documentary exposes the lack of care they show to long-standing communities on their doorstep and the local cultural, sacred, spaces dear to them.”
- Eraldo Souza dos Santos, Ph.D. Candidate, University Paris 1:”In a moment in which universities across the world have been increasingly rallying behind the capital and its neoliberal imperatives, The Last Breath of Sam Yan tells us a powerful story of student resistance against these developments.”
- Jeffrey Wasserstrom, Chancellor’s Professor of Chinese history and world history, UC Irvine:”On the surface, “The Last Breath of Sam Yan” is a simple record of a local struggle, with purely local meaning. Yet, the filmmakers present viewers with an ethnographic document with wide relevance.”
- Claudio Sopranzetti, Associate Professor, Central European University:”Samyan’s last breath is a must-watch. A city is made of its people, its corner stores, and its shady shrines. What will be left of Bangkok once they are all gone?”
With many more to come with more updates here.
Our documentary, “The Last Breath of Sam Yan,” has captured attention beyond academic circles and ignited a blaze in the mainstream. Notably, celebrated T-pop artist Ne PERSES has endorsed the film, amplifying its significance to a broader audience. Furthermore, the documentary’s merit has been acknowledged through a prominent feature on the first cultural page of the Bangkok Post, along with numerous columns from diverse media outlets, both in Thailand and internationally.
Many Thai commentators have passionately argued for the film to be a centerpiece in freshman orientations at Chulalongkorn University and several other institutions. This acknowledgment reinforces the universal relevance and resonance of our message.
Yet, it’s imperative to underscore that while these accolades are encouraging, they’re not our ultimate goal. Our north star remains the preservation of the shrine and ensuring the well-being of its caretaker. Taking on entities that seem unyielding in their quest for commercial gain is no easy feat. Even as the shrine stands defiantly, drawing hundreds of visitors daily who come to pay respects and draw inspiration, the battle is ongoing, with the matter now being contested in court.
The film’s ripple effect has extended into Thailand’s vibrant arts scene. Inspired young Thai artists have rallied together, organizing art exhibitions and performance art events at the shrine’s site. Creative endeavors such as zine books, popular online boy-love stories, intricate stickers, and other decorative artworks have sprouted. The horizon looks promising, with plans for theatrical plays and rap songs in the pipeline.
We earnestly invite everyone who believes in safeguarding heritage to visit the shrine and attend our documentary screenings at “Delicious Democracy Noodle Shop” near Chulalongkorn University. While we dream of our film gracing multiple festivals, perhaps clinching awards that spotlight the university’s questionable decisions, our immediate aim is to recover our investment, enabling us to amplify our activism, produce impactful documentaries, and publish meaningful literature.
Our mission is not just a local endeavor—it’s a universal call. We believe in championing social justice, housing rights, heritage protection, and proactive measures against looming climate catastrophes. All these ideals are intertwined.
For those inspired to support us further, please contact us at samyanpress@gmail.com. Together, we can inspire change in Thailand and beyond.