Kanit House Sala Daeng: The Enigmatic Lair of Charles Sobhraj, the Bikini Killer

!Kanit House

In the shadowy alleys of Bangkok’s Saladaeng Road, a nondescript apartment complex harbored secrets that would send shivers down anyone’s spine. Kanit House 77/5, a seemingly ordinary address, became the epicenter of one of the most chilling crime sprees in history. At its heart was Charles Sobhraj, the notorious “Bikini Killer,” who preyed on unsuspecting travelers along the Hippie Trail in Southeast Asia during the mid-1970s.

The Infamous Charles Sobhraj

Charles Sobhraj, born to an Indian father and Vietnamese mother, held dual French citizenship. His charisma masked a dark side—an insatiable appetite for crime. Sobhraj’s modus operandi involved drugging, robbing, and ultimately killing Western backpackers who crossed his path. His victims hailed from various countries—India, Nepal, Pakistan, Malaysia, Afghanistan, and Thailand. Bangkok, however, served as his base of operations.

Kanit House: The Den of Deception

As depicted in the gripping limited series “The Serpent,” Charles Sobhraj resided in Kanit House during 1975 and 1976. This unassuming apartment complex stood on Saladaeng Road, a location that was somewhat shabby yet still respectable. Let’s delve into the details of this infamous dwelling:

1. The Corner Site Advantage

Kanit House, a two-wing structure with five stories each, boasted a small swimming pool nestled between the wings. Its corner site made it an attractive choice for foreign individuals seeking a foothold in Bangkok. Charles Sobhraj, too, found solace within its walls.

2. Apartment 504: Sobhraj’s Lair

Apartment 504, a spacious two-bedroom unit, was Charles Sobhraj’s home during his stay at Kanit House. From this unassuming abode, he orchestrated his deadly schemes. But behind the façade of a regular apartment lay a chilling reality—the room where he drugged and initiated the process of slaying his victims.

3. The Legend of Kanit House

Kanit House etched its name into Bangkok’s dark history. It became legendary not for its architecture or amenities but for the horrors that unfolded within its walls. Sobhraj’s accomplices, including his lover Marie-Andrée Leclerc and accomplice Ajay Chowdhury, were part of this macabre tale. The poolside photos of Nadine Gires, another victim, added to the eerie mystique.

!Kanit House Pool

4. Filming “The Serpent” at Kanit House

For the creators of “The Serpent,” authenticity was paramount. They scoured historical references and precious photographs to recreate the exact location. Tom Shankland, the lead director, emphasized the importance of finding a spot that resembled the original Kanit House. Although the real Kanit House met its demise in 1994, the show’s team meticulously reconstructed it for filming.

5. The Legend Lives On

Today, a smart condominium block named “The Legend” stands in place of the old Kanit House. Located at 77 Soi Saladaeng, Silom, Bang Rak, Bangkok, The Legend offers modern condos for sale and rent. While the new structure houses more units than its predecessor, the echoes of Charles Sobhraj’s crimes still reverberate through its corridors.

!The Legend

Conclusion: A Dark Legacy

Kanit House 77/5 Sala Daeng remains a chilling testament to the human capacity for deception and malevolence. Behind its faded façade lies a history of horror—a chapter forever etched in the annals of true crime.