Inside Bangkok's "Ghost Tower"

Built in 1990's when the Thai economy was on the upswing, the swanky development came to a complete halt in 1997 during the Asian financial crisis. The building persevered the elements in the years since, and is now seen quite literally as an indestructible beacon of cautionary tale that reminds the Thais of the bygone "IMF era."

"[S]ince the Asian Financial Crisis, the Thai economy has recovered, and many new gleaming skyscrapers have been built," Dr. Snaffler observes.

Case in point: Located just blocks away from the site stands the opulent Lebua at State Tower, an open-air rooftop hotel that is prominently featured in the helicopter scene of The Hangover 2.