What is it to be Thai? Where did Thailand come from? Why did Siam change to Thailand? These are just a few of the questions that the Museum of Siam has the answers to.  Aimed primarily at children, the exhibits use bright colors and the latest technology to get their interest. Through various forms of presentation used in its permanent exhibits, the modern museum will engage the audience and encourage them to interact. Adults will also find that most exhibits are just as entertaining for them as for children.

The museum is housed in the old Ministry of Commerce. While the exterior looks like it was built a century ago, the interior is thoroughly modern. The compound of the Ministry includes three buildings; the permanent exhibit building, temporary exhibit and special event building, and the museum office building. The permanent exhibit building is comprised of 17 rooms spread out on 3 floors. While visiting the museum, please follow the indicated path that goes from the 1st floor to the 3rd floor, down to the 2nd, and ending back on the 1st. It will take you a solid 2-3 hours to read and interact with all the exhibits on display.

The exhibition is divided into 3 major sections; Suvarnabhumi – 3,000 years ago, the birth and evolution of Siam, and Thailand today. 16 rooms will take you on a journey through the detailed and intricate history of the Kingdom of Thailand before it became the nation it is today. The 17th room is entirely about the museum itself.

The first room, Pure Thai, is one of the many interesting exhibits that tackles the question ‘What is it to be Thai’. Kick start your visit of the museum with a video explaining how Thais have come a long way, and have accepted many changes and cultures to become the people they are today.

From the 1st floor, make your way to the 3rd floor where 3,000 years of Thai history is unearthed, examined, and presented in the Suvarnabhumi gallery. The gallery illustrates the growth and formation of Suvarnabhumi, the root of Thailand. Also on this floor is the Buddhismexhibit which seeks to enlighten visitors with knowledge about this Asian religion. Birth of Siam Kingdom of Siam and Battle Siam are exhibits which showcase the founders of the Ayutthaya Kingdom, the accomplishments and advances made in the field of linguistics military politics and architecture, and the history behind all the wars fought during the Ayutthaya period.

Moving on to the 2nd floor, things begin to look a bit more modern. During this era, Ayutthaya is gone and colonialism is in full force. The Siam and Thailand galleries occupy this floor. The exhibits explain how Siam was drawn up on a map, the building of a new capital, the development of agriculture, the beginnings of Thailand, Thailand today, and Thailand tomorrow.

The Birth of Thailand exhibit is the answer to the question ‘why did Siam change to Thailand’; a question posed by many. Following that exhibit is theWestern world exhibit which explains the influence that America has had over Thailand. Thailand Today, showcases Thailand as we know it, and Thailand tomorrow explains that it is for the new generation to decide how Thailand will continue to change.

Be sure to visit the Muse Shop for gifts or souvenirs to take home. You can also stop by the Muse Kitchen for lunch or a snack while visiting the museum. If you are not in a rush, why don’t you head over to the temporary exhibition building to check out other exhibitions being held at the moment? The Museum of Siam is worth the visit for a history lesson. If only they made it this interactive at school, maybe kids (and adults) will learn more.

Address : 4, Sanam Chai Rd., Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang Sub-district, Phra Nakhon District, Bangkok 10200

GPS : N13 44.680 E100 29.665

Contact no. : 02 225 2777 Fax : 02 225 2775

E-mail : webmaster@ndmi.or.th

Website : www.museumsiam.com/, www.ndmi.or.th

Facebook : http://www.facebook.com/museumsiamfan

Twitter : http://twitter.com/#!/museumsiam

Opening Hours : Every day from 10.00 – 18.00; closed on Mondays.

Entrance Fee :

Single ticket: Student and Teen 50 Baht, Adult Thai 100 Baht/ Foreigner 300 Baht
Group (5+ people): Students and Teens 25 Baht, Adult Thai 50 Baht/ Foreigner 150 Baht
Free: Handicapped, Disabled, Under 15yrs, Under 150cms, Senior Citizens (60+)

Best Time : Any time of the year

Highlight : The history exhibition about Thailand in the permanent exhibition building.

Activities : Sight-seeing/ edutainment

BOAT : Get off at Ratchinee Pier, walk to the main road, turn left and continue for about 300 meters.

BUS : 3, 6, 9, 12, 32, 44, 47, 53, 82, 524

CAR :

Coming from Pak Klong Talad Market, turn left at Ratchinee police station. The museum is about 300 meters away on your right.

Coming from Wat Po – Tha Tian Pier, continue straight down the road past Wat Po about 300 meters, the museum is on your left.

Parking Fee :

• First 30 minutes: free
• Visiting Museum + Stamp: Free for 4 hrs.
• Spend 200 Baht at the Muse Shop or Kitchen: Reduced parking fee (20B for first 4 hrs.)
• All vehicles must leave the vicinity at 19.00
• No over-night parking: 1,000 Baht Fine.
• Lost parking ticket: 200 Baht Fine.
• Please do not leave valuables in the car.