A former professional photographer turns his passion for collecting into a fulltime career

Happy memories of bygone days wash over you the moment you enter the warm wooden house on Ekkamai-Ram Indra Road. It's known in the 'hood as Gao Geb and it's home to a variety of old teak furniture and an eye-catching array of collectible items, many of which date back to the 1950s.

Gao Geb's owner, photographer Suwan Pengon has a passion for old Thai-style furnishings and transformed his property into a showroom-cum-restaurant three years ago. Visitors are welcome to check out whatever catches their eye. "Everything's for sale," he grins.

Look around and you'll find a full range of Thai-style furniture including cabinets, chests of drawers, tables, chairs, sofas, armchairs and lamps.

"I started collecting antiques when I was a teenager. First I bought toys and other accessories that many people would probably think of as worthless items," says Suwan. "I'm fascinated at the gracefulness of Thai designs and they are a good way of remembering bygone days."

Other items displayed include a 60-year-old safe, an antique grandfather clock from Germany, a rare black and white camera, glass-tube televisions, gramophones, piano, radios, telephones, typewriters, irons, bicycles and handicrafts, plus a glittering showcase of rare Sangkalok pottery made in the reign of Rama V.

Suwan's also set some space aside for his collection of old Thai grocery items such as shampoos, soaps, toothpaste, action figures and toys. Automobile fans will love his old Volkswagen models. Better still, all his retro items are available for rent.

If you feel hungry, ask for the menu. Suwan also serves delectable noodles, Thai food, traditional Thai coffees and other beverages.

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Get in the frame

>> Gao Geb is on Pradit Nanutham Road (Ekkamai-Ram Indra Road). It's open Monday to Thursday, from 10 to midnight, and Friday to Sunday, from 10 to 2am. Call (081) 686 4329, (081) 614 7660.