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Thailand’s Unique Museums

BANGKOK NATIONAL MUSEUM

 National Museum in Bangkok

 

There is probably no better place in begin a visit to Thailand than the Bangkok National Museum near the Sanam Luang grounds. It boasts a treasury of history, artwork, sculptures and royal regalia that provide unique insights into what has made Thailand what it is.

 

The history of the National Museum Bangkok dates back to 1874 when King Rama V opened the first public “museum” to exhibit the royal collection of King Rama IV, and other objects of general interest. Later, the Museum was transferred to its present site, the “Wang Na”, or “Palace to the Front”. In 1926, it was named the “Bangkok Museum” and subsequently developed into the National Museum Bangkok, when it came under the direction of the Department of Fine Arts in 1934.

 

The National Museum Bangkok houses three permanent exhibition galleries : –

  •  The Thai History Gallery;
  • The Archaeological and Art History Collections; and the
  • Decorative Arts and Ethnological Collection which is displayed in the old central palace buildings. This collection contains a variety of artistic, cultural and ethnographic exhibits such as gold treasures and precious stones, mother of pearl inlay, royal emblems and insignia, costumes and textiles, ceramics, carved ivory, old royal transportation, old weapons and musical instruments.

Other exhibits of interest in the Museum grounds include:

  •  The Royal Funeral Chariots built for Royal cremation ceremonies,
  • The Buddhaisawan Chapel, housing the Phra Buddhasihing, an important sacred Buddha image. The paintings inside this chapel are the oldest murals in Bangkok.
  • Issares Rajanusorn, a restored private residence of King Pinklao, King Rama IV’s brother.
  • The Red House, originally one of the private living quarters of Queen Sri Suriyen, wife of King Rama II.

In addition, there are several minor pavilions which were once used for ceremonial occasions.

At any given time, there are always a number of special exhibitions on display.

 

Conducted tours by appointment are available. Guided tours at the National Museum by National Museum Volunteers.

 

For further information, please contact The National Museum Bangkok, Na Phrthat Road, Phra Borommaharachawang Sub-district, Phra Nakorn District, Bangkok 10200, Museum Education Section Tel: +66 (2)-224-1333 Fax: +66 (2)-224-1404, Curatorail Staff Section Tel: +66 (2)-224-1402, website: http://www.nationalmuseums.finearts.go.th/thaimuseum_eng/bangkok/exhibition.htm

 

Or contact the Public Relations office of the Tourism Authority of Thailand <prdiv3@tat.or.th> or any TAT office worldwide.

 

For further information about visiting Amazing Thailand Always Amazes You, visit http://www.tourismthailand.org/ 

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THE HALL OF OPIUM, CHIANG RAI

 

 

The Hall of Opium/Golden Triangle Park combines a museum on the history of opium and the impact of illegal drugs, with an information centre for research and extension education on opium, opiates and other narcotics. Located near The Golden Triangle in Chiang Rai Province, the 40-acre site incorporates an exhibition area and information centre of the Hall of Opium within the landscape of the Golden Triangle Park.

 

While the lives and cultures of the hill tribes and the opium production and trade of The Golden Triangle are inter-related, the approach adopted for the exhibition has been to present these inter-related aspects of the opium story as two distinct and separate elements. This important distinction is made to highlight the fact that opium is essentially an economic crop. It is not an intrinsic element of the indigenous culture. This therefore makes it easier to address and resolve.

 

A walk through the 5,600 sq-metre world-class exhibition area within the Hall of Opium highlights different aspects on the subject of “Opium”. Every step of the way, the information presented through the dramatic use of state-of-the-art multimedia innovation is vivid and poignant. The use of engaging audio-visual presentations and interactive displays, coupled with dynamic spatial design, work together to enlighten and provoke thought about the role of opium in commerce, conflict, colonisation, crime and medicine. It also depicts the tremendous human cost of substance abuse. After walking through the galleries, visitors end up in the “Hall of Reflection”, a quiet room where they can reflect on what they have seen. Quotations from famous individuals such as religious leaders, philosophers, and world leaders on the value of leading a life of moderation (free from drugs or other forms of abuse) are depicted. Paintings and sculpture on display create a sense of calm, aiding reflection.

 

Hall of Opium opening hours: every day except Monday 8.30-16.00.

 

For further information, http://www.chiangmai-chiangrai.com/hall-of-opium.html or http://www.doitung.org/tourism_other_hall_opium.php, Tel: +66 (0) 5378 4444-6, Fax: +66 (0) 5365 2133, E-mail: hallofopium@doitung.org

 

Or contact the Public Relations office of the Tourism Authority of Thailand <prdiv3@tat.or.th> or any TAT office worldwide.

 

For further information about visiting Amazing Thailand Always Amazes You, visit http://www.tourismthailand.org/ 

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PHUKET THAI HUA MUSEUM

 

This award-winning museum is a converted former school and traces the history of both the ethnic Chinese people of Phuket as well as their contribution to the island’s tin-mining industry. Although known today as a tourist resort, Phuket’s history is rooted in its former economic mainstay, tin, dating back to the middle age of the Ayudhya Kingdom (1626). Knowledge and demand of mining coolie manpower led to Chinese labourers flocking to the island, gaining them majority status since the early age of the Rattanakosin period.

 

The idea of creating a museum tracing this heritage was first mooted in 2001 but construction did not begin until 2006. Dozens of workers, housekeepers, carpenters, masons, furniture workers, painters, electricians, plumbers, glassworkers, printers, computer workers, sculptors, group of video makers, historians, writers, teachers, storekeepers, students, friends from other museums, and many former Thaihua School Alumni, worked for 20 months to bring the museum to fruition. They converted a nearly 80-year-old former school building into an elegant structure that makes a significant contribution to local history and heritage.

 

By 2008, not too long after the opening, Phuket Thaihua Museum became well-known for its Sino-Portuguese Photography Exhibition, a display of old local photos and the charming photos of the Phuket way by a group of skillful photographers of the Phuket Photo Club. In 2008, the Siam Architects Association under Royal patronage awarded the Phuket Thaihua Museum an award for outstanding conservation of architectural arts of 2008, in the category of public buildings.

 

A number of Exhibition Rooms trace the history of Chinese Migration from the time they began to working in the tin mines, the associations that emerged to support them, and how the people evolved, adapted and contributed to lifestyles, heritage, culture, cuisine, education, architecture, business traditions and the local economy. One of the most interesting graphics in the museum proclaims: “Gratitude is the most valuable heritage”. Learning was one of the strategies of the Chinese society in order to integrate harmoniously. It also helped them advance economically and rise to the prominent position they did.

 

For further information, please contact Thaihua Museum, 28 krabi Road, Tambon Talat Nua, Muang District, Phuket 83000, Tel: +66(0)76 – 211 224, Fax: +66(0)76 – 258 483, E-mail: info@thaihuamuseum.com, thaihuamuseum@hotmail.com, Website: http://thaihuamuseum.com/phuket_thaihua_museum-en

 

Or contact the Public Relations office of the Tourism Authority of Thailand <prdiv3@tat.or.th> or any TAT office worldwide.

 

For further information about visiting Amazing Thailand Always Amazes You, visit http://www.tourismthailand.org/

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SIRINDHORN MUSEUM

 

 

 

Named after Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, a devoted student of Thai history and heritage, the Sirindhorn Museum is an important tourist attraction. It is a well-known dinosaur museum containing new dinosaur genera and species first found in Thailand, dating back to the Mesozoic Era. It attracts large numbers of both Thai and foreign tourists. The museum has a conservation approach to tourism activities and promotes cooperation with local communities, helping local people to supplement their income by producing and selling souvenirs.

 

Over years of intensive exploration and research on dinosaurs, the Department of Mineral Resources has discovered more than 2,000 bones belonging to several groups of dinosaurs. In 1994, a new dinosaur site was discovered at Phu Kum Khao, a small hill in Sahatsakhan District, Kalasin Province. Over 700 skeletal elements have been found there. One of the specimens is the most complete dinosaur skeleton found to date in Thailand. These sauropod dinosaurs died about 130 million years ago. Their bones are associated with two kinds of theropod dinosaurs teeth and with crocodile, turtle, fish and mollusk fossils, thus strongly suggesting that these sauropods were buried in sediments of a large river. This dinosaur site is now protected under a permanent building which also displays exhibits about the discovery of the site.

 

The Exhibition Area has eight zones:

Zone 1: The Universe and the Earth

Zone 2: Life Begins on Earth

Zone 3: Paleozoic: The Era of Ancient Life

Zone 4: Mesozoic: The Era of the Reptiles and Dinosaurs

Zone 5: Life of Dinosaurs

Zone 6: Restoring Life of Dinosaurs

Zone 7: Cenozoic: The Era of Mammals

Zone 8: The story of Man

 

The museum has a 500-seat conference room, two executive meeting rooms, and a theater, together with a temporary exhibition room, library, souvenir shop, and canteen. The museum staff carries out extensive research both independently as well as in cooperation with institutions abroad. The museum has collection rooms of the highest standard, and a fossil preparation laboratory for use by its research staff.

 

In addition to the museum, Kalasin Province has a number of other live fossil sites: 1) the Phu Kum Khao dinosaur site, 29 kilometers north of Kalasin city, which has yielded the most completed fossil skeleton of plant-eating dinosaurs in Thailand; 2) the Phu Faek dinosaur-track site in the Phu Faek Conservation Forest Park; and 3) the Phu Nam Jun Lepidotes Fish Site in the Phu Loay Conservation Forest Park.

 

Sirindhorn Museum is open from 0900-1700 hrs daily, Entrance fee: No admission fee.

 

For further information, please contact Sirindhorn Museum, Sahaskhan District, Kalasin Province, Tel: +66 (0)43 871014, 871615-6 Fax: +66 (0)43 871614 Email: tee_suree@yahoo.com, website: http://www.dmr.go.th/dmr_data/sirindhorn/main.htm (Thai version)

 

Or contact the Public Relations office of the Tourism Authority of Thailand <prdiv3@tat.or.th> or any TAT office worldwide.

 

For further information about visiting Amazing Thailand Always Amazes You, visit http://www.tourismthailand.org/

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THE SUAN PAKKAD PALACE MUSEUM

 

 

The Suan Pakkad Palace is the first museum in Thailand where the owner, Prince and Princess Chumbhot of Nagara Svarga, decided to convert their private residence, built in the traditional Thai style, into a public museum. Opened in 1952, it is located on Sri Ayudhya Road, in central Bangkok and contains an impressive collection of antiquities, fine arts, ancient artefacts and personal memorabilia passed down through successive generations. The Suan Pakkad Palace dates back to the era of Prince Paribatra Sukhumbandhu, son of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) and Queen Sukhumala Marasri.

 

The Museum consists of a group of traditional Thai houses that were dismantled and rebuilt. After Prince Chumbhot’s death in 1959, his wife carried on the work. In 1987 she donated it to the Chumbhot-Pantip Foundation. The museum complex comprises several traditional Thai houses, some of which belonged to Prince Chumbhot’s grandmother. In addition to the eight rebuilt Thai houses, a lacquer pavilion is situated on the lawn containing Ayudhya-style paintings in gold on black lacquer. A separate building houses the foundation office and provides room for art and cultural activities or exhibitions. There is also a Khon (masked play) house.

 

Visitors will be fascinated by the collection of Thai musical instruments, including several made of ivory, book cabinets, commemorative fans, traditional Thai furniture, some interesting pieces of pentachromatic porcelain called Bencharong, nielloware, and niello silverware, a large collection of Buddha images, displays glassware and silverware, Thai coins and foreign currencies and Sukhothai figurines, and a remarkable collection of Sawankalok wares, Sukhothai style terracotta sculptures, and clay figurines.

 

The Khon Museum displays several art forms and crafts in the context of the great epic, “The Ramayana”. There are full-size khon masks, puppets and clay figurines. House 8 is devoted to the prehistoric arts of Ban Chiang such as painted pottery, bronze bracelet, bronze axe, arrow-head, and beads.

 

Museum hours: Daily 9.00 a.m.-4.00 p.m.

Entrance fee: for foreigners 100 baht each, for Thai citizens 50 baht each

 

For further information, please contact Suan Pakkad Palace Museum, 352-354 Sri Ayudhya Road, Rajathevi, Bankgok Tel. +66(2) 245-4934, +66(2) 246-1775-6 ext. 229, website: http://www.suanpakkad.com

 

Or contact the Public Relations office of the Tourism Authority of Thailand <prdiv3@tat.or.th> or any TAT office worldwide.

 

For further information about visiting Amazing Thailand Always Amazes You, visit http://www.tourismthailand.org/ 

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JIM THOMPSON HOUSE & MUSEUM

 

 

The Jim Thompson House is the former home of James H.W. Thompson, founder of the world renowned Jim Thompson Thai Silk Company. It houses an extensive art and antique collection comprising of sculptures, paintings, porcelain and other collectible items, predominantly of Asian origin.

 

Thompson’s success story in Thailand has become one of the most popular postwar legends of Asia. In 1967, he went on holiday with friends to the Cameron Highlands in Malaysia. There he set out for a walk in the surrounding jungle but never returned. Thus began the Jim Thompson legend.

 

Since his disappearance, little has changed in the home that was the ‘talk of the town’ and the ‘city’s most celebrated social center’. Even today, the charming Thai style house continues to be a key stop for visitors to Bangkok.

 

The house consists of a complex of six traditional Thai-style houses, teak structures that were purchased from several owners and brought to the present location from various parts of Thailand. Construction of the Thai house was completed in 1959. Both the supporting columns and consequently, the walls of the house lean slightly inward adding to the illusion of height and grace. The curved roof ends, characteristic of traditional Thai houses, are probably adaptations of naga (serpent) motifs.

 

At the time when Thompson set out to be a serious antique collector, the beautiful antiquities of Southeast Asia were little known in the west, except for within a small circle of art experts and museums. In Thailand itself, such possessions were within the realm of only a few wealthy Chinese families and the nobility.

 

The finest collections of local art were to be seen either in the National Museum or in the Buddhist temples. The rest were primarily kept as objects, part of the family heritage, handed down from generation to generation. These were more often kept for sentimental reasons rather than out of real admiration. Buddha images were regarded as sacred items for worship so they were rarely purchased by Thais for decorative purposes.

 

As more and more former palaces gave way to modern buildings featuring the Western architectural style, their contents found their way to the shops. Likewise farmers in the ancient capitals of Ayutthaya and Sukhothai regularly unearthed much older pieces. Most of Jim Thompson’s acquisitions were the result of his Sunday afternoon strolls along the alleyways of Nakorn Kasem, and his trips to Ayutthaya.

 

Visitor Information

 

The Jim Thompson House is located on Soi Kasemsan (2) Song, opposite the National Stadium on Rama I Rd. Opening Hours: 09:00 to 17:00 everyday. Tel: +66(0)2 2167368 Fax: +66(0)2 612374, website: http://www.jimthompsonhouse.com/museum/index.asp

 

Or contact the Public Relations office of the Tourism Authority of Thailand <prdiv3@tat.or.th> or any TAT office worldwide.

 

For further information about visiting Amazing Thailand Always Amazes You, visit http://www.tourismthailand.org/

 

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THAILAND-BURMA RAILWAY CENTRE, KANCHANABURI

 

 

The Thailand-Burma Railway Centre is an interactive museum, information and research facility dedicated to presenting the history of the Thailand-Burma Railway. This ran 415 km from Ban Pong in Thailand to Thanbuyuzayat in Burma, and was built by the Imperial Japanese Army during the second World War using Allied prisoners of war and impressed Asian labourers. The Centre is fully air-conditioned and offers the visitor an educational and moving experience.

 

The Centre has been established to interpret – in a fair, balanced and non-partisan way – the story of the Thailand-Burma Railway, and to explain the significance of the two military cemeteries in Kanchanaburi. It aims to provide a resource for tourists to Kanchanaburi, designed and maintained to the highest international standards. Part of the Centre’s income also goes towards funding for the development of the database of Allied prisoners of war who died in the Asia-Pacific region during the Second World War, and to conduct further research into the geography of the railway.

 

The Museum has eight main galleries.

 

Introduction / Timeline: The visitor enters the museum area under a wooden bridge mockup constructed using exactly the same techniques used to build the bridges on the railway. Gallery panels describe the Japanese invasion of Southeast Asia and the capture of prisoners. A lightbox displays the dispersal of Allied prisoners after capture. Further panels discuss the planning of the route. The visitor then passes through a mockup of one of the “rice wagon” railway boxcars used to transport prisoners from Singapore and Malaya to Thailand. An electronic route map, using fibre optic lighting to display the actual routes taken, is located in the boxcar.

 

Planning, Construction And Logistics: This gallery details the techniques used by the Japanese engineers to plan, design, and build the railway. Gallery panels compare the resourcefulness of the Japanese engineers with the actual hard labour methods of construction. Particular attention is drawn to the fact that the railway was constructed using manual labour – very little heavy equipment was used. The gallery contains actual relics of construction tools used, recovered from the route of the railway in the late 1990’s.

 

The Geography Of The Railway: A video display shows footage of areas of the railway line. One of the museum’s major features, the 9 metre long 1:50,000 scale contour model, is situated here. This model uses fibre optic track lighting to show the route of the railway through the River Kwae valley. User-controlled LED lights pinpoint the confirmed locations of all of the work camps along the railway. Graphic panels show wartime and present day images of the line. A trestle bridge model, track and bridge relics complete the display.

 

Living Conditions: Five panels describe the movement, accommodation, and food supplies of the prisoners, and compare the different conditions in each work area with the chances of survival of the workers. One panel is dedicated to describing the infamous “Speedo” period between March and September 1943, when the majority of deaths occurred. The gallery also contains two showcases displaying relics of personal effects found along the railway trace.

 

Medical Aspects: The Medical Aspects gallery takes the form of a hospital hut mockup. Two major panels, Doctors, Disease And Despair and Medical Improvisation, describe the amazing resourcefulness, dedication and bravery of the doctors and medical orderlies who did their utmost to care for the men in their trust. The text is supported by reconstructions of some of the improvised medical equipment used.

 

Summary Of Deaths: The Summary Of Deaths gallery shows in graphic detail the human cost of constructing the railway. Detailed analysis of deaths by origin is supported by a histogram made from old railway sleepers studded with rail spikes. Each spike represents five hundred souls.

 

The End Of The Railway: The first part of the gallery describes the short time that the railway was effectively used by the Japanese forces to transport men and equipment to and from Burma. The gallery then relates the changing conditions of the war in the Pacific theatre, as the Allies gained the upper hand, and the subsequent bombing of the railway. The final part of the gallery describes the defeat of the Japanese forces and the liberation of the prisoners and Asian conscripts. Major display features in this area include a 3 metre deep model of a railway cutting being constructed at night, the almost complete AZON bomb held in a showcase, and a section of bomb damaged rail recovered from the railway trace. A video clip clearly shows AZON bombs (the world’s first guided weapon) attacking and destroying a bridge on the railway.

 

After The War: The final gallery focuses on the human experience of liberation from the ordeal of captivity and slave labour, the repatriation of Allied prisoners and Asian conscripts, the search for and recovery of bodies, the establishment of the war cemeteries in Kanchanaburi and Thanbyuzayat (Myanmar), and the final sale of the railway line to the Thai authorities in 1947.

 

RECEPTION AND SHOP: Visitors to the Centre may pass through the shop before or after entering the Museum. The shop offers a variety of merchandise, including books on the railway and the Second World War, local handicrafts and a unique range of hand made products by the Weaving For Women Project in Sangklaburi. The shop area also serves as the reception area for visitors to the Centre.

 

With a friendly atmosphere and panoramic view of the beautifully kept gardens of the adjacent War Cemetery the facilities are often used by ex PoW’s and/or their families as a home-away-from-home and perhaps some quiet reflection during their pilgrimages to Kanchanaburi.

 

Opening Times: The Centre is open every day from 9:00am to 5:00pm, subject to official Thai closure regulations.

 

Admission Fees: Admission Fees are B100 for adults and B50 for children aged 7~12 years.

 

Former prisoners of war and Asian labourers who worked on the railway may enter for free. Please make yourself known to Management on arrival or e-mail us in advance at admin@tbrconline.com to confirm your arrival day and time and our staff will personally greet you and welcome you to the Centre.

 

Families of former PoWs are also encouraged to identify themselves with Management on arrival or prior email so that every help and assistance can be given to making the visit both valuable and memorable.

 

For further information, please contact The Thailand – Burma Railway Centre, 73 Jaokannun Road, BanNua, Amphoe Muang, Kanchanaburi 71000, Thailand, Tel: +66 (34) 512721, Fax: +66 (34) 510067 Email: admin@tbrconline.com, website: http://www.tbrconline.com/index.htm

 

Or contact the Public Relations office of the Tourism Authority of Thailand <prdiv3@tat.or.th> or any TAT office worldwide.

 

For further information about visiting Amazing Thailand Always Amazes You, visit http://www.tourismthailand.org/

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NATIONAL MUSEUM OF ROYAL BARGES

 

 

The world’s largest “dug-out” vessel, the Suphannahong Royal Barge, with its majestic golden swan figurehead, is the highlight of this unique museum which houses the royal barges used for the river processions marking auspicious Thai occasions. The royal barges have an interesting history.

 

On April 1932, the late King Rama VII crossed the lower span of the Memorial Bridge and embarked on the barge Suphanahong to travel by barge procession to the Grand Palace to mark the 150th Anniversary Celebration of the Chakri Dynasty and Bangkok as the capital city. That was the last Royal Barge Procession of an absolute Monarch of Siam; the following June, Thailand changed from an absolute to a constitutional monarchy. The barges were then kept at the dry dock on the Bangkok Noi Canal under the care of Royal Household and Royal Navy.

 

The barge sustained severe damage during bombing of Bangkok in World War II. Soon after his return from school in Europe, the present monarch, King Bhumibol Adulyadej went to see the barges in their dock. Noting their deterioration, the king ordered their restoration and decided to revive the ancient tradition of the Royal Barge Procession for auspicious occasions. Artists under the direction of the Fine Arts Department spent more than a year repairing the damage. In 1972 this dock was then renovated and established by the Fine Arts Department as the National Museum of Royal Barges.

 

The exhibition shows the barges and the objects used in the procession such as thrones, paddles, uniforms of oarsmen, figureheads of barges, etc. Because of the limit of museum space, only 8 important royal barges from about 51 of the whole procession are on display. Among these, the three most magnificent ones are:

 

1. Suphannahong Royal Barge with golden swan figurehead – the barge for the king. It is the largest “dug-out” in the world, made from one piece of timber.

2. Anantanagaraj Royal Barge with Naga figurehead – it is used to carry the monastic robes or elaborate floral offerings.

3. Anekcharphutchong Royal Barge – the second most important barge carrying lesser throne for the king.

 

Admission Fee: Admission to the museum is 100 Baht per person. There’s an additional fee of 100 Baht (3.34 USD) for taking the picture. The museum is open 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. every day except December 31, January 1, and 12-14 April.

 

For further information, please contact National Museum of Royal Barges, Bangkok Noi, Bangkok 10700, Tel & Fax: +66-(0)2-424-0004, Email: royal_barge@hotmail.com

 

Or contact the Public Relations office of the Tourism Authority of Thailand <prdiv3@tat.or.th> or any TAT office worldwide.

 

For further information about visiting Amazing Thailand Always Amazes You, visit http://www.tourismthailand.org/

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VIMANMEK MANSION MUSEUM

 

 

The world’s largest teakwood building, Vimanmek Mansion was constructed in 1900 by the royal command of King Rama V as his former Summer Palace. Not a single nail was used during its construction. Its elaborate architectural style reflects a western influence.

 

In 1982, on the auspicious occasion of the Royal Bicentennial Celebrations of Bangkok, Her Majesty the Queen asked for His Majesty’s permission to renovate the Mansion to be used as a museum to honour King Rama V by displaying his photographs, art and artefacts to commemorate royal visits to Europe as well as to exhibit Thai handicrafts to serve as a showcase of the national heritage for future generations.

 

It is a three-storey building except for the part where the King resided, which is octagonal and has four-storeys. The ground floor is brick and cement while the upper floors are built of golden teakwood planks. There are altogether 31 exhibition rooms, some of which maintain the atmosphere of the past, especially the bedrooms, the Audience Chamber and the bathrooms. Some rooms house exhibitions of art works, for example, there is a silverware display room, a ceramic display room, a glassware display room and an ivory display room.

 

Besides Vimanmek Mansion and the Amporn Satarn Mansion in the compound of Dusit Garden or Dusit Palace, King Rama V allocated plots of land for the construction of residences for his Queens, consorts, sisters, daughters, and his other wives. He also named gardens, canals, gates and roads after the names of ancient Chinese porcelain commonly called “Khrueng Kim Tung”, which were very popular at the time. Now these residences, which are no longer used by the Royal Family, have been turned into museum buildings and a hall for royal coaches to be shown to the general public.

 

For further information, please contact Vimanmek Mansion Museum, 16 Ratchawithi Road, Dusit, Bangkok 10300 Tel: +66 (0) 26286300-9 Fax: +66 (0) 2 6286049, Email: pr@vimanmek.com website: http://www.vimanmek.com/

 

Or contact the Public Relations office of the Tourism Authority of Thailand <prdiv3@tat.or.th> or any TAT office worldwide.

 

For further information about visiting Amazing Thailand Always Amazes You, visit http://www.tourismthailand.org/

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NATIONAL SCIENCE MUSEUM

 

 

The National Science Museum (Technopolis Science Museum) is housed in a world-class building that is an engineering marvel in itself: a pair of giant cubes balanced on their points, made of fiberglass, steel and glass. It was built in commemoration of the 60th anniversary of HM Queen Sirikit. The museum is a great place to learn about science in Thailand while having fun! Its six floors provide hours of endless wonders and amusement for visitors of all ages.

 

Detailed Attractions:

 

The exhibitions are centered around six topics:

 

1. Pioneering Scientists details the work and major contributions of famous scientists in the past two centuries.

 

2. History of Science and Technology traces the origin of Homo sapiens and the progress of science. It also illustrates the technological impacts on Earth.

 

3. Basic Technology and Energy is an exhibition aimed helping to understand basic scientific principles and theories. It also details the theory and application of energy-related technology. Covered topics include sound, mathematics, light, electricity, magnetism, force and movement, resistance, heat, substance and chemical energy, among other things.

 

4. Science and Technology in Thailand consists of basic facts about Thailand: its climate, ecology, agricultural and industrial products, geological structures and geography.

 

5. Science and Technology in Everyday Life covers a wide range of topics such as body and health, communication and transportation, quality of life, and the speculation about a possible future.

 

6. Finally, Technology of the Thai Wisdom deals with raising awareness of Thai cultural heritage, It is also a tribute to the royal contributions of H.M. the Queen. The rest of the exhibit shows traditional Thai arts and crafts.

 

For further information, please contact National Science Museum, Ministry of Science and Technology, Technopolis Klong 5 Klong Luang Pathumthani 12120, Tel:+66 (0)2 5779999 Fax:+66 (0) 25779990, website: http://www.nsm.or.th/nsm2009/english/

 

Or contact the Public Relations office of the Tourism Authority of Thailand <prdiv3@tat.or.th> or any TAT office worldwide.

 

For further information about visiting Amazing Thailand Always Amazes You, visit http://www.tourismthailand.org/

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ERAWAN MUSEUM

 

 

The Erawan Museum is a huge, three-headed elephant statue standing upon an equally gargantuan pedestal in Samut Prakan, Bangkok. The huge bronze sculpture stands on a base pedestal decorated with millions of tiny tiles enameled in the fashion of Thai Benjarong ceramics. Tours of the museum start in the lower level of the pedestal, which houses the oldest artifacts. From conception to completion it took almost ten years to construct. With a proud, war-like demeanor and trunks the size of ancient Banyan Trees, this is an epic image of Hindu mythology’s Airavata (otherwise known as Erawan) visitors will not forget.

 

The museum was constructed by the late businessman Lek Viriyapant to create a space for his vast collection of Asian antiquities. Mr. Lek decided upon an image of the Hindu elephant otherwise known as Erawan, to serve as the inspiration for his unique museum. The museum has three levels, with the upper level of the pedestal is dominated by an elaborate double staircase, also decorated in bits of Benjarong. Around the periphery are more ancient Buddha statues along with other antiquities.

 

The Erawan Museum has become a popular place for local Thais to make offerings in order to receive divine “help” with certain matters. The story goes that one day a young girl prayed to the giant statue just before buying what turned out to be a winning lottery ticket. The story has spread, and now many Thais come just to make offerings at the pavilion in front of the statue.

 

For further information, please contact The Erawan Museum, 99/9 Moo 1 Bangmuangmai, Samut Prakan 10270, Tel: +66 (0) 23800305 Fax: +66 (0) 23800304, Email: erawan_museum@yahoo.com, website: www.erawan-museum.com

 

Or contact the Public Relations office of the Tourism Authority of Thailand <prdiv3@tat.or.th> or any TAT office worldwide.

 

For further information about visiting Amazing Thailand Always Amazes You, visit http://www.tourismthailand.org/

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THE FOLKLORE MUSEUM IN THE INSTITUTE FOR SOUTHERN THAI STUDIES

 

 

An excellent place to get some deeper insights into the people, culture and way of life of Southern Thai people. Located in the Institute for Southern Thai Studies, on the premises of Srinakharinwirot University, Southern Campus, the folklore museum displays data about southern Thai studies in connection with the way of life of southern people and unique local customs. Furthermore there are displays on history, archeology, and artistic handicraft of the South that demonstrate the wisdom of the people residing in the South of Thailand. The folklore museum officially opened on September 22, 1991.

 

The museum is equipped with approximately 49,000 objects, along with models, sound representations, pictures, videotape, and multimedia that accompany the displays. The exhibits are permanently housed in the four groups of buildings in a total floor area of about 3,000 square meters.

 

For further information, please contact The Folklore Museum in the Institute for Southern Thai Studies, Moo 1 Tambon Koyo, Muang Distric, Songkhla 90100, Tel: +66 (74) 331184-9, Fax:+66 (74) 332008, website: http://www.tsu.ac.th/ists/en/

 

Or contact the Public Relations office of the Tourism Authority of Thailand <prdiv3@tat.or.th> or any TAT office worldwide.

 

For further information about visiting Amazing Thailand Always Amazes You, visit http://www.tourismthailand.org/

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KHON KAEN NATIONAL MUSEUM

 

 

Issan (or northeastern Thailand) was home to a number of ancient civilizations including those of the Ban Chiang, Dhavaravati, Lopburi and Khmer eras. Khon Kaen played an important role in the area’s history and today hosts the Khon Kaen National Museum containing artifacts gathered from important archaeological sites in the area (in particular, finds from Ban Chiang in Udon Thani province – now a UNESCO heritage site).

 

The museum displays a range of items including ancient bas relief, marble slabs (or Sema), stuccos, and items such as ancient tools. It also hosts exhibitions of dinosaur fossils and human skeletons alongside displays of pottery, ancient musical instruments and a number of other items including Buddha images.

 

One of its masterpiece ancient objects includes a beautifully carved Boundary Marker stone dating back to the Dvaravati period depicting the scene of Lord Buddha’s return to Kabilapas city. This ancient object was discovered at Muang Fa Daed Song Yang in Kalasin province.

 

Other prominent exhibits include a Bronze Buddha image, stucco figures and Buddha votive tablets made of baked clay in the Dvaravati period, and embossed silver plates representing the figures of Buddha, Bodhisattva and persons.

 

For further information, please contact Khon Kaen National Museum, Lang soon rachakarn Rd. Nai Muang Sub-district Muang Khon Kaen 40000, Tel: & Fax: +66 (43) 246170 Email: kkmuseum48@yahoo.com , website: http://www.thailandmuseum.com/thaimuseum_eng/khonkaen/main.htm

 

Or contact the Public Relations office of the Tourism Authority of Thailand <prdiv3@tat.or.th> or any TAT office worldwide.

 

For further information about visiting Amazing Thailand Always Amazes You, visit http://www.tourismthailand.org/

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THE NATIONAL MARITIME MUSEUM

 

 

Located in Chanthaburi province, at the southeastern border with Cambodia, this museum is devoted the study of the history of early Thai maritime commerce and economy. It is a centre for collection, conservation, study and exhibition in the field of Thai maritime history. Highlights:

 

Room 1 — The Room of Artifacts and Products Related to Trading and Shipping

Exhibits illustrate the object of early maritime trade and the lifestyle of the merchant mariners. The exhibits include displays related to early maritime commerce, trade routes, history of the seaport and major products traded at the time. There are full size models of junks, representations of products, and examples of the living quarters of ship crew. Ancient valuables on display include ruby-studded gold lockets and gold bangles discovered on a shipwreck in the Gulf of Thailand.

 

Room 2 — The Room of the Underwater Archaeology

The exhibits include an introduction to the underwater archaeology, tracing the story of this specialist discipline and techniques which differ from those for tradition land-based archaeology. On displays are model of underwater archaeological sites and wide range of tools and equipment used in the excavation.

 

Room 3 –Warehouse of Historical Objects

This room demonstrates the methods used to maintain the various objects in good condition. In most museums, such storage items are kept closed, but here all sections of the room have been designed with clear glass observation windows to allow visitors to view the objects and discoveries inside.

 

Room 4 –The Room of Boats and Living with Boats

This room illustrates the many ways boats feature in the lives of Thai people, both the aristocracy and ordinary people. The highlight is models of boats which in their heyday were a major means of transportation.

 

Room 5 — The Room of The Jewels of Chanthaburi

This room features the history of Chanthaburi Province. It shows the origins of the province, the original minority peoples, its natural and present day tourist attractions and other features for which Chanthaburi is well known such as its tasty noodles, fruits as durian and rambutan and its gemstones.

 

Room 6 — The Room of Tribute to Great King

This room features the life of King Taksin including his heroic battles with the Burmese focusing on the second fall of Ayutthaya, following the route of his followers to Chanthaburi where he reassembled his army to eventually drive out the Burmese.

 

For further information, please contact The Thai National Maritime Museum, Bangkkacha subdistric, Muang district, Chanthaburi, Tel: +66 (39) 391-431

Fax: +66 (39) 391-433, website: http://www.thailandmuseum.com/thaimuseum_eng/maritime/main.html

 

Or contact the Public Relations office of the Tourism Authority of Thailand <prdiv3@tat.or.th> or any TAT office worldwide.

 

For further information about visiting Amazing Thailand Always Amazes You, visit http://www.tourismthailand.org/

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CHIANG MAI CITY ART & CULTURAL CENTER

 

 

This award-winning centre is located in an old building of elegant architectural design, built in 1924 as the City Hall, and stands on the site of a former royal hall. The Chiang Mai City Arts and Culture Centre is divided into two sections. The front part contains permanent exhibits covering the history of Chiang Mai, from the earliest human settlements to the modern city, while the rear section is dedicated to cultural activities, temporary exhibits, a souvenir shop, a lecture theatre, an exhibition hall for Lanna arts and an archive. The old reception room of the governor’s office has been fully restored to look as it would have been when important guests visited Chiang Mai.

 

The museum has special rooms devoted to history, culture and Buddhism. Visitors can feel the essence of the region as museum guides all wear the graceful traditional Thai attire while taking guests through the various sections. Tourists can also watch an orientation video about the history of Chiang Mai. The video is in Thai but carries English subtitles.

 

The museum also showcases the future plans for Chiang Mai. One room of Chiang Mai Arts and Cultural Centre also displays for sale contemporary works by famous Chiang Mai artists. A special section is dedicated to Buddhism and other regional beliefs. It also highlights the agricultural history, migration hill tribes, formation of hill tribe villages and other regional cultures.

 

For further information, please contact Chiang Mai City Art & Cultural Center, Tel & Fax: +66 (53) 217793, website: http://www.cmocity.com/Enghistoryhall01.html

 

Or contact the Public Relations office of the Tourism Authority of Thailand <prdiv3@tat.or.th> or any TAT office worldwide.

 

For further information about visiting Amazing Thailand Always Amazes You, visit http://www.tourismthailand.org/

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SONGKHLA NATIONAL MUSEUM

 

 

Songkhla National Museum has always intrigued and charmed both history and archaeology buffs. Over 100 years old, unique because of its Chinese architecture, it houses a valuable collection representing various aspects of the cultural heritage of the South and Thailand as a whole, including large collection of objects from various eras of history including Srivijaya Kingdom, Ban Chiang and pre-historic periods.

 

The building housing the Songkhla National Museum was originally built in 1878. It was used as the governor’s palace for a short time and later served as the city hall, but then fell into neglect for much of the mid-twentieth century. It was registered as a national monument in 1973, and was bought back to life and opened as a national museum in 1982.

 

The exhibits are a wide ranging collection of artifacts from the province’s past. They include a history of the Na Songkhla family which founded the city and supplied eight of its governors; furniture; pottery dating back to the Ban Chiang period; and assorted other bits of memorabilia. Outside are several cannons, many of which were salvaged from shipwrecks.

 

For further information, please contact Songkhla National Museum, Vichianchom Road, Bo Yang, Songkhla 90000, Tel & Fax: +66 (74) 311728, website: http://www.thailandmuseum.com/thaimuseum_eng/songkhla/main.html

 

Or contact the Public Relations office of the Tourism Authority of Thailand <prdiv3@tat.or.th> or any TAT office worldwide.

 

For further information about visiting Amazing Thailand Always Amazes You, visit http://www.tourismthailand.org/