A Visit to Museums and Historical Sites in Nakhon Pathom, U Thong and Suphan Buri
Saturday, 24 April 2010
Leader: Khun Somlak Charoenpot, Advisor to the Council of the Siam Society
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On Saturday, 24 April 2010, the Siam Society will organise a one-day study trip for members to visit museums and some of the interesting historical sites in Nakhon Pathom, U Thong and Suphan Buri. The group will depart from the Siam Society at 7:30 a.m. and is expected to return to the Society on the same day at 9:30 p.m.
Nakhon Pathom: It is one of the most ancient sites in Thailand, and its great monument, Phra Pathom Chedi, is one of the most revered Buddhist monuments in the country. Phra Pathom Chedi National Museum, on the southeast side of the monument, has some very fine Dvaravati (Mon) stone Wheels of the Law and stucco and terracotta bas-relief from Chedi Chula Pathon, together with a large fragment of Dvaravati period carved stone depicting the Buddha preaching his First Sermon, among other pieces. A few very interesting ruins of temples from the Dvaravati period also remain in the vicinity.
U Thong: U Thong National Museum and the remains of the original foundations of some Dvaravati stupas scattered about the modern town and the surrounding countryside. The site was an important centre of a Mon Dvaravati political entity from seventh century.
The U Thong National Museum was established in 1959 and contains an important collection of Dvaravati sculptures, as well as other artifacts from all periods excavated in the region and elsewhere. Prince Damrong when Minister of the Interior visited U Thong in 1903 and recognized that the site was an ancient city in the same period as Nakhon Pathom. Later, the Royal Institute conducted a survey of the site. More investigations continued under the Fine Arts Department and led of the discovery of many monuments and artifacts. All of them stand as evidence of the past importance of U Thong, which is now one of the districts in Suphan Buri province.
Suphan Buri: This prosperous town is situated on the east bank of the Mae Nam Tha Chin in a rich rice and sugarcane-growing region. Suphan Buri is located some 170 kilometres from Bangkok. Several ruins monuments in the area attest to the town’s ancient origin, notably Wat Palelai with its huge seated and much-restored Buddha. The old town founded in pre-Ayutthaya period on the west bank of the river was moved to various sites over the centuries. Suphan Buri was an important town during the Ayutthaya and early Bangkok periods, involved in many battles and wars.
The National Museum of Suphan Buri is one of the new generation of national museums, using modern architectural styles and modern techniques of presentation. The story begins with early settlements in the region and continues to the present day. This museum is a centre of information about the arts, history, archaeology and the different groups of people living in the province.
Booking
A contribution of B 2,250 per person (B 2,750 for non-members) will cover transportation, entrance fees to museums and monuments, two meals, a donation to the Siam Society, and all arrangements to make the trip possible. Please pay by cash or cheque payable to ‘The Siam Society’. Alternatively you can deposit/transfer the money to the Siam Society travel account at the Thai Military Bank, Asoke Branch saving account no. 053-2-18000-7. Please fax or e-mail the deposit or transfer docket to us.
The Siam Society reserves the right to change the programme as necessary. Seats are limited. Please book your place as soon as possible.
For further information and bookings please contact Khun Prasert (ext. 504) or Khun Ekkarin (ext. 506) on 0 2661 6470-7, fax 0 2258 3491 or e-mail: info@siam-society.org. Office hours: 9:00am.–5:00pm. Tuesday–Saturday (except holidays).