Photo via Facebook/ Drama-addict

 

A mural by Spanish artist Carolina Adán Caro was vandalized in the Charoen Krung neighborhood of Bangkok, prompting an official condemnation from Governor Chadchart Sittipunt. The artwork, part of the Krung Thep Creative Street project supported by the European Union in Thailand and the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), was defaced with graffiti tags. The incident has sparked outrage on social media, with calls for the culprits to be exposed.

 

The mural, titled "Just Be You," celebrated European Heritage Day 2025. It was promoted by the Embassy of Spain on September 17, showcasing Caro's distinctive portrait style featuring a woman in sunglasses against a patterned background. The defacement represents a significant breach of respect for public art, highlighting tensions between forms of street expression and vandalism.

 

Governor Chadchart visited the vandalized site on September 29, streaming his reaction live. He condemned the act as "shameful" and called on witnesses to report such incidents. "We have CCTV cameras, so don’t think you can get away with it," Chadchart warned, emphasizing that the nationality of an artist is irrelevant when it comes to protecting artistic dignity.

 

The governor acknowledged differing opinions on graffiti as an art form but reaffirmed that prior permission is crucial. He plans to work with property owners to allocate dedicated spaces for street art, thus balancing artistic freedom and public decency. Ensuring harmony between creative expression and lawful process remains a priority for the BMA.

 

Authorities identified three suspects in the vandalism, having arrested one based on clear CCTV evidence. The offenders risk fines of up to 60,000 baht, and police are actively pursuing the two remaining individuals. The incident stresses the importance of cultural respect and the proper channels for artistic expression in Bangkok.

 

Key Takeaways

• A mural by Carolina Adán Caro was defaced in Bangkok, sparking public outcry.
• Governor Chadchart denounced the act as shameful and urged public vigilance.
• Authorities are pursuing the suspects, with one already apprehended.

 

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  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-09-29

 

 

Don't bother to come to Thailand Banksy.

Can someone please point out the artwork from the vandalism?

5 minutes ago, Vlada Floric said:

Can someone please point out the artwork from the vandalism?

Australian art galleries pay a fortune for this stuff. Remember "Blue Poles"?🙃🙃

12 minutes ago, Lucky Bones said:

Australian art galleries pay a fortune for this stuff. Remember "Blue Poles"?🙃🙃

The "artwork" is as bad as the vandalism, and to be honest, both works are lacking in imagination, poorly executed and very little use of colour. I would have preferred to have been greeted by a drawing of a nob and balls, at least it would be recognizable.

30 minutes ago, Vlada Floric said:

The "artwork" is as bad as the vandalism, and to be honest, both works are lacking in imagination, poorly executed and very little use of colour. I would have preferred to have been greeted by a drawing of a nob and balls, at least it would be recognizable.

yep,remember 'blue poles, have tried to copy it many times after a case of '4x ', will try Bunderburgh Rum next time !

5 hours ago, Vlada Floric said:

Can someone please point out the artwork from the vandalism?

It's anything without the C&B symbols. (Not shown in the OP image to avoid offending AN members)