Foreign Instagrammer Slammed for Breaking Into Bangkok’s Ghost Tower
A foreign Instagrammer and his companion are facing heavy backlash from Thai and international netizens after posting a video of themselves illegally breaking into and climbing the famous Sathorn Unique Tower, Bangkok’s notorious “Ghost Tower.”
Instagram user @ryan_rrobertson shared footage showing him and a friend climbing multiple skyscrapers around the world. In his latest post, they are seen at the top of the abandoned Sathorn Unique Tower, offering dramatic views of the Chao Phraya River and Bangkok’s skyline.
The Sathorn Unique Tower, an unfinished skyscraper in the Sathorn district, gained an eerie reputation after the discovery of a Swedish tourist’s body inside the building in 2014. Although abandoned, the property is privately owned, making any unauthorized entry illegal.
In the controversial video, Robertson used a metal-cutting tool to break a lock and gain entry. He and his friend then filmed themselves walking, sitting, and standing dangerously close to the crumbling edges of the rooftop.
Robertson captioned the video:
“POV: You’re the first person to climb Bangkok’s Ghost Tower in 5+ years…”
The video quickly attracted nearly 1,000 likes but also strong criticism.
While a few admired their adventurousness, the majority condemned their actions for violating the law and disregarding safety. Comments included:
- “Reported to Thai police. Enjoy jail.”
- “Hope it’s your last trip there.”
- “This is a restricted area under court proceedings. How did you get in?”
- “It’s still owned by a private family. You show total pride and disrespect.”
Several users also disputed the claim of being the “first” in over five years, pointing out that other explorers had recently visited the site.
As of now, the incident has not yet drawn official attention from Thai media, authorities, or the building’s owner, Rangsan Torsuwan.
