Thai Boat Museum: Preserving thailand‘s Treasured Maritime Heritage
Heading 2: The Founder and Inspiration Behind the Museum
The Thai Boat Museum is a unique treasure located at the residence of its founder, Mr. Phaithun Khaomala, a renowned Thai Boat modeller and former boat builder. Mr. Phaithun’s deep love and admiration for Thai boats, their beauty, and their significance in the lives of Thai people inspired him to dedicate a part of his residence to preserving these treasured traditions. Born and raised in Thailand, Mr. Phaithun developed a spiritual bond with boats and rivers from an early age. This connection, combined with his expertise as a boat builder, led him to establish the Thai Boat Museum. His vision was to create a study center that not only showcases the beauty of Thai boats but also educates visitors about their historical and cultural significance.
Heading 2: Ancient Boat Building: A Glimpse into Thailand’s Maritime Past
The first section of the Thai Boat Museum is devoted to ancient boat building. Here, visitors can explore an impressive collection of real ancient Thai boats, some of which are over 100 years old. One notable example is a long dugout made of teak wood, known as Cha La in Thai. This boat showcases the craftsmanship and durability of Thai boat building techniques. Another remarkable exhibit is the Maad Geng, a dugout boat made from a whole trunk of ironwood. This exhibit highlights the use of different materials in boat construction and the ingenuity of Thai boat builders. Other boats on display include the Moo boat and Ma sailing boat, each with its own unique design and purpose.
In addition to the ancient boats, the first section also features a permanent exhibition of knowledge about Thai boats. Visitors can explore detailed drawings of boats by Ajarn Paitoon, the founder of the museum, as well as an Ayutthaya map and manuscripts by Ken May, an American who had a deep passion for Ayutthaya history and sailing. These exhibits provide valuable insights into the historical context and significance of Thai boats.
Heading 2: Thai Boat Models: Showcasing Thai Craftsmanship and Design
The second section of the Thai Boat Museum is housed in a traditional Thai-style building made of golden teak wood. This section is dedicated to displaying boat models meticulously crafted by Ajarn Paitoon himself. These models include Thai Royal boats, a variety of junks, and ancient shipbuilding equipment. Each model is a testament to the intricate craftsmanship and design skills of Thai boat builders.
The Thai Royal boats showcased in this section are particularly remarkable. These boats were used by the Thai royal family for ceremonial purposes and represent the grandeur and elegance of Thai maritime culture. The intricate details and vibrant colors of these models bring to life the opulence and majesty of Thai boat design.
Alongside the Thai Royal boats, visitors can also admire a variety of junks. These traditional Chinese-style sailing vessels were commonly used for trade and transportation in Southeast Asia. The models on display showcase the different types of junks and their unique features, giving visitors a comprehensive understanding of the diverse maritime heritage of the region.
Heading 3: Outdoor Exhibition: The Magnificence of Thai Boats
The third part of the Thai Boat Museum is an outdoor exhibition area that showcases larger boats. Here, visitors can marvel at the grandeur of boats such as the Kra Chaeng boat, a magnificent teak wood vessel. This boat is a true testament to the skill and craftsmanship of Thai boat builders, with its intricate carvings and attention to detail.
Another highlight of the outdoor exhibition is a model of the Suvanvijitr boat, made entirely from a single ironwood trunk. This boat represents the strength and durability of Thai boat construction. Its impressive size and intricate design make it a sight to behold.
Visitors can also admire a motor boat named “Paitoon Ratanava,” which was designed and built by Ajarn Paitoon himself over 40 years ago. This boat serves as a testament to Ajarn Paitoon’s expertise and passion for boat building. Its functional design and timeless elegance showcase the enduring appeal of Thai boat craftsmanship.
In addition to the boats on display, the outdoor area also features Sumpun boats, which were traditionally used for selling coffee, noodles, and Thai desserts. These restored boats provide insight into the daily lives of Thai people and the role that boats played in their livelihoods.
Heading 3: Boat Building Demonstration and Visitor Information
One of the unique features of the Thai Boat Museum is the opportunity for visitors to witness boat building demonstrations. These demonstrations provide a firsthand experience of the intricate process of constructing a Thai boat. Visitors can observe the skilled craftsmen at work and gain a deeper appreciation for the artistry and dedication required to build these magnificent vessels.
The Thai Boat Museum welcomes visitors warmly every day from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. For tourists visiting in groups, it is recommended to contact the museum in advance at Tel. 035-241-195. The admission fee is upon the visitor, and further information can be found on the museum’s official website at http://thaiboatmuseum.com/.
Heading 2: Conclusion
The Thai Boat Museum is a testament to the rich maritime heritage of Thailand. Through its extensive collection of ancient boats, boat models, and outdoor exhibits, the museum offers visitors a comprehensive understanding of Thai boat building traditions. The dedication and passion of its founder, Mr. Phaithun Khaomala, have created a space where the beauty and significance of Thai boats are celebrated and preserved for future generations. A visit to the Thai Boat Museum is not only an opportunity to witness the craftsmanship and design skills of Thai boat builders but also a chance to immerse oneself in the rich cultural heritage of Thailand’s maritime past.
Address And Location:
Pratu Chai Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya 13000