Bangkok Library Digital library and information center for Bangkok, Thailand

King Prajadhipok Museum is one of those places that I had passed many times but never entered. The building looked interesting (it was designed by a foreigner and was meant to be a tailor’s store), but I felt that I would be less than interested by the subject matter especially when there are serious limitations on what can and cannot be discussed in Thailand regarding the monarchy. Despite these reservations, when I eventually visited in February of this year I found the museum very attractive and there was enough information provided for me to form my own opinion on this notable figure in Thailand.

King Prajadhipok (พระบาทสมเด็จพระปกเกล้าเจ้าอยู่หัว) or Rama VII was the seventh monarch of Siam. Three things made him particularly significant in Thai history:

1. he was the last absolute monarch of his country;
2. he was the first constitutional monarch of Siam;
3. he was the only Siamese monarch to abdicate.

These three matters are covered in detail (albeit from a certain perspective) throughout the museum. There’s also considerable information about the king’s life in the United Kingdom, about which I was previously unaware. The king died on May 30, 1941 in the county of Kent in England.

The exhibits were presented in both Thai and English, and the standard of translation was excellent. There was no guide, but I did not find that to be a problem as it allowed me to read the information boards at my own pace. Everything was clear to read and understand, and appeared to have been written by or proofread by a native English speaker. Compared with most other museums in Thailand, the King Prajadhipok Museum sets a very high standard for presentations.

In addition to a large number of photographs and official documents, there was a smaller selection of exhibits (clothing, shoes, sporting items, etc.) on show.

Entrance to the museum is free to all visitors. There is a “ticket office” at which you will be given a locker key to store bags before you enter the main exhibition, and I was given a small gift (for free) on my way out.

Visitors are allowed to take photos, but flash photography is prohibited – something that I found to be problematic in certain parts of the museum. If I go there again, I must remember to take a monopod. Some places don’t allow tripods and monopods but I doubt they will raise any objections. The museum staff were helpful and very friendly, and on the day I visited the museum was very quiet with only one or two other visitors and a couple of young boys while I was there.

Despite my initial reservations about visiting this museum, I found it to be very interesting and would recommend it to anyone with a curiosity to learn more about Thailand and Thai history, albeit from an official perspective.

Opening times

Open daily (except Mondays, New Year, and the Songkran holiday) from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m.

Contact details

Telephone: +66 (0) 2280 3413
Fax: +66 (0) 2281 6820

Email: info@kpm.in.th
Website: http://www.kingprajadhipokmuseum.org

Location map