BANGKOK — Tang Hua Seng, a long-running Thai department store known for its embroidery and handicraft supplies, has closed its Banglamphu branch after more than six decades in business.
The retailer confirmed the closure on its official Facebook page, saying Sunday was the store’s final day of operation. The company thanked customers for their support and said the property has been sold to a new owner, though plans for the site remain unclear. Its popular handicraft products will continue to be sold online beginning November 24.
Founded in 1962, Tang Hua Seng grew from a small shophouse in the historic Banglamphu district into a well-known destination for sewing and embroidery materials. The business traces its roots to 1954, when it operated as Huang Seng, a tableware shop that later shifted to embroidery supplies. As the enterprise expanded, founder Udom Junprateepthong and his uncle opened two separate stores — Tang Hua Seng and the Banglamphu Department Store.
The name “Tang Hua Seng” reflects the family’s heritage: Tang is the surname, Hua refers to the founder’s father, and Seng means “prosperity.”
The company has struggled in recent years. Its Thonburi branch was forced to shut down in September 2024 after the Metropolitan Electricity Authority announced it would cut power to the 12-story building. Despite efforts to negotiate with new investors, that branch has not reopened.
With the closure of the once-iconic Banglamphu store, Tang Hua Seng’s physical retail era has effectively ended, leaving Thailand’s department store landscape dominated by major conglomerates including Siam Piwat, Central Group and The Mall Group.
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