Looking for Real Thainess at the Museum of Siam
Located not far from Wat Po in a large neo classical building, the exhibition starts with a short, almost surrealist, movie presentation based around the central question ‘What is Thai?’ The 17 Galleries of the museum will give you the answer; due to all the influences over the centuries the roots of ‘Thainess’ are multiple!
The stages of the Thai identity from the Golden Land of Suvarnabhumi to Ayutthaya to Bangkok are being shown through pictures, statues, sounds, clips and interactive games, a neat mix of old and new.
Thai prehistorical remains, the mix of Hinduism, Animism and Buddhism, War – a Game of Kings, the Kingdom of Ayutthaya, old children’s toys, the changing map, nationalistic wearing hat propaganda from the 40s, Thailand in the 60s and much more are all vividly shown and explained.
On a critical note, not all the interactive parts seemed to be working and some of the English texts were difficult to read, but on the whole it is a highly recommended museum.
After your visit don’t forget to drop by their souvenir shop, there are some original items on sale!
Combining a visit to the Grand Palace, Wat Prakeow and Wat Po with the Museum of Siam is an excellent option for FITs and groups as the museum is located nearby and shows a very different Thailand.
The entrance fee of Museum of Siam is part of the ‘Muse Pass’ which gives you free admission to 39 other learning centers and museums all over Thailand!
http://privilege.museumsiam.org/index.php?mode=musepass
Siam Museum
4 Sanam Chai Road, Pra Barom Maha Rajawang Pranakorn District, Bangkok 10200
Tel +66 2 225 2777
Fax +66 2 225 2775
Open: Tuesday – Sunday, 10.00 AM – 18.00 PM
