Thailand National Museum

Have you ever been to National Museum? You may say yes but lone time ago since I was student. Since it is close to Thammasat University, I and P.Ou went there while Noon was studying. The admission is Baht 20 for Thai, I though it was so cheap relative to national museum in other countries.

Historically, His Majesty, King Rama V opened the first public "museum" in 1874 to exhibit the royal collection of King Rama IV, and other objects of general interest, at the Concordia Pavilion inside the Brand Palace. Later, the Museum was transferred to its present site, the "Wang Na", or "Palace to the Front" which had been the palace of the Prince Successor. 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.

Our museum tour started from the Gallery of Thai History. This gallery begins with the prehistory of Thailand, through the early kingdoms such as Lanna and Sukhothai, to Ayutthaya and finally to the modern Thai kingdom established in Bangkok.

Next to the Gallery is the palace's private chapel, called Phra Thinung Phutthaisawan. In this wiharn is another copy of the much-loved Phra Singh Buddha images.

We entered the Tamnak Daeng, the airy red teak house. It was originally built within the Grand Palace in the late 18th century for a sister of King Rama I. It was later moved to Thonburi Palace and then to Wang Na Palace by one of Rama II's sons when he became Second King to Rama IV.

On the other side of wiharn is the building for the huge elaborate ceremonial chariots. These chariots are used almost exclusively for royal cremations. The last time they were used was for the much-loved Princess Mother's funeral in 1996.

Chedi beside the Throne Hall.

I and a small Chinese rock giant.

We walked through the Throne Hall and buildings around; there were not much to see. The exhibits are divided into sections which had not many collections to present and some sections such as Thai musical instruments, puppets, have lots of dust and are not organized and displayed interestingly. It needs lots of money and dedicated curators.

Pum, are you sure this place is National Museum?