King Prajadhipok Museum
NileGuide Expert Says:
This museum offers great insight into the origins of Thailand's modern politics. A fascinating chapter in Thai history.
User Rating:
Address:
2 Lan Luang Road, Somanas, Pom Prab Sattru Phai
10100 Bangkok, Thailand
Phone:
0-2280-3413
NileGuide Expert tip:
After sweating it out climbing Golden Mount, cool off here in the air-conditioning.
Description:
In real life Rama VII (King Prajadhipok) was a very small man but he played a major role in Thailand's (then Siam) move from absolute monarchy to a government which allowed greater input from the people. But a 1932 coup, political infighting and the threat of autocratic rule despite the new constitutional monarchy led him to abdicate the throne and live out his life in England. He was a member of the House of Chakri, a son of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V). Housed in the colonial-style Secretariat Building, the King Prajadhipok Museum has three floors: one dedicated to the fascinating Queen Rambhai Barni, the other two to the life of Rama VII and the history of the Kingdom during his reign, the coup of 1932, and World War II.
Admission is free. Buses 2, 15, 44, 47, 59, 60, 79, 157, 169, 183, 511, 512 pass nearby. Or you can take the Saensaep Canal Express Boat which passes from east to west roughly parallel to the SkyTrain but between Sukhumvit and Petchaburi Road (recommended adventure!). The last boat stop (Phanfa Pier) is right near the museum's intersection at Lan Luang Road, Nakhon Sawan, Ratchadamnoen Nok. Open 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Closed Mondays.
Map: