For those interested in the numismatic history of Thailand, the Bank of Thailand Museum picturesquely located on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, will provide a glimpse into the evolution of Thai currency and commerce. Citadines Vic3 Bangkok, one of modern 3 star hotels in Bangkok offers a central location in the Phaya Thai business district and easy access to city attractions, dining, entertainment and shopping venues.
Located in a European style 19th century former palace the museum’s 14 galleries display coins and various forms of currency used to trade in different periods of Thai history. The oldest is currency from Funan, a kingdom that was located in the southern part of South East Asia, between the 1st and 4th centuries. Currency in use between the 8th and 13th centuries that originated from the city state of Sri Vijaya in Sumatra, coins of the 13th and 14th century Sukhothai period, objects used as currency in the Lanna kingdom of northern Thailand and various currencies used up to more recent times are among the exhibits. Bank notes appear to have come into circulation in Thailand around the middle of the 19th century, during the reign of King Rama IV. Coins of the period were minted after UK’s Queen Victoria presented Thailand with a minting machine. Foreign money that found its way into Thailand also has a place here the highlight of which is a giant stone coin from Yap Island. Visitors not familiar with Thai history will be surprised to note the extent to which ancient Thailand had commercial ties with surrounding nations and even those far afield as nations in Europe, the Middle East and north eastern Asia. Designed with the intention to educate as well as entertain, the museum uses old photos, documents, dioramas, computer graphics and multimedia presentations to hold the attention of visitors. Events held throughout the year are part of the museum’s edutainment programs.
Intrigued by history, art and food, Shazzana Hamid is a writer who is passionate about the extraordinary. Disguised as Lavinia Woolf she writes of the exhilarating and enchanting.
