Interactive Museum Siam in Bangkok (Part 2)

Posted by paul on August 28th, 2008 filed in Bangkok, Culture & customs, Top attractions

For those who prefer listening to reading, a princess character recounts her own story in the “Introduction to Suvarnabhumi” room. And on weekends, a soldier character from Old Ayutthaya marches round greeting visitors.

In the “Maps: Drawing the Country” room, you will begin to understand why Thailand and Cambodia are disputing over Preah Vihar temple. The “Ayutthaya” room features a model of the Royal Barge Procession hanging from the ceiling. This high view of the nation’s high tradition was inspired by author Michael Wright, an expert on Thailand. The author was impressed by grand procession of more than 3,000 soldiers and 100 barges gliding along Chao Praya River past a huge crowd on the riverbank.

A few touches on the map in the “Bangkok, New Ayutthaya” room will reveal how the capitals old and new share a city plan inspired by Buddhist belief. Then step into “Thailand and the World” and sit down for American fried rice in a café inspired by the1960’s Bangkok haunts of American soldiers on leave from the war in Vietnam.

Finally there are the “Thailand Today” and “Thailand Tomorrow” rooms, where you get the chance to play prime minister and tell the world how you would change the country, before leaving the museum.

It takes at least 60 minutes for a brief tour of all 17 rooms, but a three-hour walk will give you time to appreciate the museum’s modern design and concise content. The Interactive Museum Siam is closed on Monday. Admission is free. You can find the museum near Wat Po at 4 Sanam Chai Road in Phra Nakorn district. For info, Tel: 02 622 2599

THE NATION