Lesser known than the more mainstream wax museum in central Bangkok, the Thai Human Imagery Museum (พิพิธภัณฑ์หุ่นขี้ผึ้งไทย) also requires a bit more effort to reach. Your reward is getting away from the tourist trap and some eerily realistic-looking sculptures — and with plenty of locally known folks.
To be clear, it’s not actually wax that the sculptures are made from — the brochure calls it “wax-like fibre glass”. Whatever the material, the result is amazing:
Kru Ba Chaiyawongsabattana, from a temple in the Lampoon province. He’s revered by folks in the Karen Hill Tribe to improve their way of living.
Luang Poo Mun Bhuridatto, considered the leader of followers of the insight meditation known as Kammatthana.
While the first section focuses on religious leaders, attention quickly shifts to one stunning figure:
The more intriguing of the pair of Thai chess players.
Three of the eight former monarchs of the Chakri Dynasty (from 1782 to present).
Her Royal Highness Princess Galyani Vadhana Krom Luang Naradhlwas Rajanagarindra (1923–2008), the name may look long, but it actually shows her standing within the royal family. Seated is Her Royal Highness the Princess Mother (1900–1995) — known and loved for her educational and health projects.
The second floor steers away from royalty and towards some other well-known Thais:
A small section of musicians, complete with the ‘King of the Thai Folk Song’, Khru Phaiboon Butrkhan, and Khru Ee-ah Sunthornsanan (also known as Suntharaporn).
There’s a brief nod to the rest of the outside world: a classic image of Abraham Lincoln with a portrait of George Washington; Sir Winston Churchill with his trademark look; Mahatma Gandhi with the look you know from history.
It’s here where things get a little weird — the Thai games section involves a little bit of everything. Unfortunately, this is where the English sign fails us — it gets the names of the games in Thai, but forgets the translation in most cases… In any case, the final game is the highlight of the museum:
Called Hua Larn Chon Kan (Bald Head Smashing), it looks more like a bullfight without horns…
Confucius say… yeah, this is one joke I can’t think up on the fly. Also nearby are the creatures from Sunthorn Phu’s poetry — including the six-meter-tall she-demon seen not too long ago.
For the most part, the place is definitely worth the visit — the remoteness ensures you’ll spend a fair bit of time to arrive, however. It’s both cheaper than Madame Tussaud’s, and features plenty of locals worth seeing.
Name: Thai Human Imagery Museum (พิพิธภัณฑ์หุ่นขี้ผึ้งไทย)
Address: 43/2 Moo 1, Boromratchanchonni Rd. (AKA Pinklao-Nakhonchaisri Rd.), Nakhon Pathom 73120 , Thailand (GPS: 13.772618,100.207982)
Directions: This is a tough one to reach by public transportation — you’d be better off starting from Nakhon Pathom and catching a bus back towards Bangkok. If starting from Bangkok, get to Ratchathewi BTS station (Phetchaburi MRT can also work, but it’ll mean you’re on the bus for longer). Exit north to Phetchaburi road and turn left. Head to the bus stop and wait for bus 556. Ride this bus out of town all the way west until it reaches Mahidol University. Buddha Monthon will be right across the street. The museum is still about 16 kilometers away — jump on any passing songthaew from here and ride there the rest of the way. You’ll see traffic signs (in Thai and English) — look right for the museum.
Hours: Mon — Fri 9.00 am — 5.30 pm, Sat — Sun & Official holidays 8.30 am — 6.00 pm.
Admission: 300 baht for foreigners, 150 baht for Thai nationals or residents (a sign explicitly says 50% off when showing your work permit card).
Phone: 034–332–607, 034–332–109, or 034–332–061
Website: http://www.rosenini.com/thaihumanimagery/english.htm
