Bangkok was the name of a community by the Chao Phraya River which had existed since the Ayutthaya Period. It later became a city which covered both sides of the river. In King Narai’s era, a Western-style star fort was built, titled Bangkok Fort or Wichayen Fort (named after Wichayen who oversaw the construction, or Constantine Phaulkon). A chain was put up on both sides of the fort across the river, as it was the frontier of Ayutthaya. The eastern side of the fort was removed, leaving only the western side standing until today. read more

In the Rattanakosin Era, King Rama I established a new capital city on the eastern bank of the Chao Phraya River, and restored Wat Pho, an old temple from the Ayutthaya Era. The old Bangkok Fort became a triangular piece of land behind Wat Pho. In the reign of King Rama III (early 19th century), the King constructed five palaces for his five sons in this area. Over time, these palaces had been occupied by many princes up until the reign of King Rama V (early 20th century). The area is usually referred to as a cluster of palaces behind Wat Pho. read more

After World War I, a major change occurred in this place. King Rama VI offered the area where the cluster of palaces behind Wat Pho used to be located to be the site for the Ministry of Commerce’s office building. The new 3-storey building was constructed in a Western style, designed by Italian architect Mario Tamangno from the Department of Public Works. It is one of the first ministry offices in Siam which was newly built, not converted from existing palaces. The Ministry of Commerce relocated to Nonthaburi Province in 1999 and this old and valuable building has been registered as a historical site. It has been converted to the Museum Siam that you see today. read more

Museum Siam is the new image of the former Ministry of Commerce Building. It is the first Discovery Museum which introduces a culture of informal education and encourages a knowledge-based society through new interpretations and modern technologies. Museum of Siam is an alternative for out-of-class learning space, allowing people to understand Thai society and the world around them through entertaining and creative presentations under the concept of Discovery Museum which ignites ideas for Thais so that they can stand tall amidst the fast-changing world. Museum Siam makes learning more fun and makes history not mundane. read more