“Nonthaburi remembers Phibun Songkhram.” Did you know a road and three piers bear his name? We are standing before the Museum of Nonthaburi. It displays the rich history of Nonthaburi province. This includes its people and their way of life. The museum also showcases culture arts and crafts. It is housed in a historical building. This preserves the heritage of this very old province. Nonthaburi was established in 1548.
The Museum of Nonthaburi opened on September 15 2009. It is located near the Nonthaburi pier. This is the terminal pier for Chao Phraya river boats north of Bangkok. The museum is in an old building with a long history. The building is now a national heritage site. It is currently undergoing conservation.
Inside the museum, you will find elaborate displays. They are well-organized and illustrated. Signs are in both English and Thai. Video screens are available in most rooms. These screens offer commentaries in Thai with English subtitles. The museum staff are friendly and helpful. Brochures and tourist information are also available.
The building housing the Museum of Nonthaburi has its own story. It was built in 1910. From 1911 to 1925, it housed the King’s College. King Rama V started this boarding school in 1897. The college closed in 1925 due to financial issues. From 1925 to 1992, it served as the City Hall of Nonthaburi. It also housed various government offices. During World War II, patients from Siriraj Hospital were evacuated here. This was in 1943 and 1944. The British had bombed the Bangkok Noi railway station nearby.
In 1992, the City Hall moved to Rattanathibet Road. The Ministry of Interior then used the building as a training institute. In 2009, the front section became the Museum of Nonthaburi.
Nonthaburi itself has an ancient past. More than a thousand years ago, it was underwater. Deposits from the Chao Phraya River created the fertile basin we see today. This makes the province famous for its fruit orchards. They produce delicious durian santol and plum mango.
The museum also honors famous sons of Nonthaburi. One was Plaek Khittisangkha. He later became Field Marshall Phibun Songkhram. He was a key figure in the 1932 coup. He served as Prime Minister of Thailand. Another famous son was Sakhon Yangkhiaosot. He was a master puppeteer. He was awarded National Artist for Performing Arts in 1996. His troupe, the Joe Louis Troupe, won the World Puppet Contest in 2006.
On the second floor, you can explore Nonthaburi pottery. This craft is a heritage of the Mon people. They migrated from Burma. The museum displays pottery tools and implements. Traditional potters are becoming rare. A video shows an interview with one of the last potters.
In the old days, potters loaded their pottery onto boats. They sold it to surrounding provinces. These trips often took three months. Families lived ate and slept on the boats. They even planted rice along the river banks. They harvested it on their return.
The Museum of Nonthaburi is open Tuesdays to Sundays. Visiting hours are from 9 am to 4 pm. Admission is free. As you leave today remember Nonthaburi’s vibrant past. It is a province with a rich history and culture. It is ready to be explored and cherished.