Suchat Sapsin Shadow Puppet Folk Museum is not merely a museum displaying antique objects, but a true “living museum” that preserves the spirit, wisdom, and cultural identity of Southern Thailand in a vivid and meaningful way. The museum was founded by Mr. Suchat Sapsin (National Artist in Performing Arts, 2006), who devoted his entire life to the preservation, transmission, and promotion of traditional Southern Thai shadow puppetry so that it may endure within Thai society.

Mr. Suchat collected a vast range of shadow puppets, musical instruments, traditional household items, and cultural documents from across Southern Thailand as well as from overseas. These collections are carefully displayed within his own residence, allowing future generations, students, researchers, and visitors to study and appreciate the roots of Southern Thai culture in a warm, personal, and welcoming environment that reflects the life of a true folk artist.

The museum grounds are divided into several sections, including an exhibition hall featuring shadow puppets based on classical literature, iconic Southern comic characters, and puppets that reflect everyday village life. There is also a gallery displaying traditional Southern household items such as kitchen utensils, agricultural tools, and domestic equipment from the past. Another important area is the replica shadow puppet theater, where visitors can observe demonstrations of the complete performance process—from puppet manipulation and musical accompaniment to voice narration and storytelling.

The outstanding cultural value of the Suchat Sapsin Shadow Puppet Folk Museum has been nationally recognized, earning the Thailand Tourism Industry Award (Kinnari Award) twice: the Outstanding Cultural Tourism Attraction Award in 1996 and the Excellence Award for Educational and Recreational Tourism in 2010. These honors reflect the museum’s vital role as both a cultural landmark and an educational institution dedicated to safeguarding intangible heritage.

Beyond its exhibitions, the museum also functions as a center for producing high-quality hand-carved shadow puppets, which are used in actual performances and sold as meaningful souvenirs. Visitors can observe the delicate leather-carving process at close range—from design and perforation to coloring—while listening to detailed explanations of the history and evolution of shadow puppetry from knowledgeable instructors. A visit here is therefore not merely a sightseeing experience, but an immersive journey into the living cultural heritage of Southern Thailand.

• Private Car: From Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan, turn right into Soi Sariang. At the three-way intersection, turn left onto Si Thammasok Road. Continue a short distance until reaching Soi Si Thammasok 3 on the right. Turn into the soi and proceed approximately 50 meters; the Shadow Puppet Museum will be on the left. On-site parking is available.

• Public Transportation: Take a songthaew on the “Stadium – Hua Thanon” route (blue vehicles) and get off near Phanyom Soi or Soi Sariang. From there, continue by motorcycle taxi or walk for approximately 5–10 minutes.

• For groups wishing to enjoy a full shadow puppet performance, advance arrangements are recommended (additional fees apply for organized performances).

• A wide selection of hand-carved shadow puppets is available for purchase, ranging from affordable keychains to large framed pieces suitable for home decoration—making them valuable souvenirs from Nakhon Si Thammarat.

• The museum is especially suitable for families and children, offering an engaging and friendly environment to learn about Thai traditions, craftsmanship, and folk performing arts.

Admission Fee:

• Free admission (visitors are welcome to make donations or support the museum by purchasing souvenirs; demonstration performances for groups are subject to agreed fees).

Opening Hours:

• Open daily from 09:00 AM – 05:00 PM