Karl Döhring

Karl Siegfried Döhring (often misspelled Döring; 14 August 1879, in Cologne – 1 June 1941, in Darmstadt; also writing under the pseudonym Ravi Ravendro) was a German architect, art historian and archaeologist.

Between 1906 and 1912, he planned and supervised the construction of various railway buildings: including headquarters, crew accommodation, warehouses, a printing house and several train stations at Bangkok Noi (Thonburi), Phitsanulok, Phichit, Phichai (Tambon), Uttaradit and Sawankhalok.

Unlike contemporary Western architects working in Siam at that time, Döhring's designs were not mere copies of European architectural style.

The depth of his knowledge and his passion for Siamese art, architecture and culture ensured that his books on Siam were well received in the West.

Döhring led the life of a wealthy private scholar and the family lived in Seeheim Castle on Bergstrasse until his death.

During the reign of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V), the government of Siam was influenced and threatened by the major European colonial powers in Asia at the time.

The king continued the reform policies initiated by his father which brought not only scientific, technical and economic progress to Siam, but also a more Western way of thinking and living.

To impress Western visitors and dignitaries, the king had public buildings and royal palaces built in a style that combined historic European splendor with Asian architectural influences.

For example, the Grand Palace in Bangkok - Chakri Maha Prasat - was built in the style of the Italian Renaissance, but at the request of Chulalongkorn a Siamese roof and Mondops were subsequently added.