Mother’s Day is coming soon, and if you looking for ways to spoil your mum (and dad too), why not take her to Ayutthaya, the former capital of Siam where she can celebrate her special day in style.
Starting on August 12, people of all ages and abilities are being welcomed to the Art of Kingdom Museum in Bang Pa-In district. The traditional craft museum, which is hosting the “Miracle of the Arts of the Kingdom” every weekend this month, promises visitors tasty Thai food and cultural shows from the royal schools of arts and culinary arts, for which it is well worth abandoning on-line activities to bask in an on-site experience.
A collaboration between the Queen Sirikit Institute and the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), the Miracle of the Arts of the Kingdom celebrates Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother’s ninetieth birthday on Friday, August 12.
Organized on the theme “Thai Royal & Local Experience”, the event is dedicated to highlighting Her Majesty’s support for and promotion of Thailand’s local handicrafts. Visitors will see perfect traditional goldwork, metalwork, and leatherwork plus a whole lot more.
There is much more happening than just looking and admiring. You can also get creative and learn how to make a traditional Thai perfume sachet or discover bamboo weaving in classes offered by the Queen Sirikit Institute’s artisans and crafters.
Open-air Khon masked performances, sword fights and martial arts from Buddhasawan school, Joe Louis Traditional Thai Puppet Theatre and other entertainment troupes will add action and drama to the day.
The Busabok Chaturamook Bhiman Throne is crafted from teak wood. (Photo by Art of Kingdom Museum)
A trip to the Art of Kingdom Museum can never be complete without dining and shopping and the Royal Traditional Thai Crafts School for Women will meet this need by serving royal Thai cuisine and selling hand-crafted products.
The Arts of the Kingdom Museum, which is roughly an hour’s drive north of Bangkok in the Bang Pa-In area, features the finest art and craft artifacts produced by the Queen Sirikit Institute’s artisans. From the earliest phases of their study to the stunning masterpieces created after once they had mastered their craft, the works created by these artisans are part of the collections. Some pieces are created using traditional methods that date back to the Ayutthaya era, while others are the outcomes of innovative techniques that emerged under King Rama IX.
The museum is free to enter on August 12, which is the birthday of the Queen Mother. On August 13–14, 20–21, and 27–28, guided tours of the museum are available three times a day.
The Arts of the Kingdom Museum offers transport from Bangkok’s Grand Palace, the TAT head office on Phetchaburi Road and Central Ayutthaya department store to the museum.
By Veena Thoopkrajae
