“Step back into the "Modernizing Thailand" era at this memorial building, showcasing unique personal artifacts and learning about the Marshal's pivotal role in founding the modern Thai Artillery.”
Field Marshal Plaek Phibunsongkhram Museum is located within the Artillery Center, Artillery Science Department, in Lopburi Province. It is an important historical learning center that collects and exhibits the biography, political vision, and significant achievements of Field Marshal Plaek Phibunsongkhram, former Prime Minister and Minister of Defense. He played a crucial role in transforming Thailand into a modern nation-state and was a key figure in developing Lopburi into a modern military city of Thailand.
The museum’s exhibitions focus on presenting the vision of a national leader during the nation-building era, covering political reforms, the strengthening of the armed forces, and the formation of modern Thai national identity within a global context. Each exhibition section is carefully designed to connect historical events with the leadership role of Field Marshal Plaek Phibunsongkhram in a systematic way, allowing visitors to gain a deeper understanding of Thailand’s development during a critical turning point in its history.
Inside the museum, visitors can view a collection of personal belongings and historical artifacts graciously provided by Thanpuying La-iad Phibunsongkhram and the family descendants. These include a classic Ford personal automobile, some of the earliest radios and televisions in Thailand, military uniforms, and the pen used to sign important national directives. The museum also features a reconstructed office, complete with documents and rare photographs, vividly illustrating the working atmosphere of national leadership during key moments in Thai history.
Another highlight of the museum is its Art Deco architectural style, clearly visible throughout the museum buildings. This style reflects the modern aesthetic influenced by Western design trends popular during the late 1930s. Beyond the main museum building, the Artillery Center area also includes the “Khao Nam Chon Command Building,” commonly known as the “Chateau,” which was constructed on a hilltop as an observation post in the past. This structure demonstrates the strategic military planning employed during World War II.
The museum is especially valuable for students, scholars, and those interested in Thai political and military history, as it serves as an important source of knowledge on the change in governance, cultural policies, and the concept of “Follow the Leader and the Nation Will Be Safe,” which continues to influence Thai society today. The calm, orderly, and green surroundings of the military compound further enhance the learning experience, making the visit both educational and reflective.
Field Marshal Plaek Phibunsongkhram Museum is therefore not merely a place for displaying historical objects, but a meaningful learning space that connects the past with the present. Visitors are invited to journey back in time, experience the spirit of the nation-building era, and reflect on the legacy of a key leader whose influence has profoundly shaped the direction of modern Thailand.
How to Get There
Private Car:
- From Lopburi city, take Phahonyothin Road toward Khao Phra Ngam and enter Phahonyothin Camp (Artillery Center). You must exchange your ID/Passport at the gate.
Public Transport:
- Take a local bus or Songthaew (Lopburi-Khok Samrong route) and get off at the front of the Artillery Center, then take a motorcycle taxi to the museum.
Travel Tips
Best Time:
- Best visited during office hours (Monday–Friday) as it is located on an active military base.
Dress Code:
- Please dress politely and modestly (avoid shorts and flip-flops) as it is a government and military site.
Photography:
- Photography is generally allowed inside the museum, but be cautious of taking photos of other military zones within the camp.
Planning:
- It is recommended to contact the museum at 036-486395 in advance to ensure access and arrange for a guided tour.
Nearby Sites:
- This can be easily combined with a visit to Wat Khao Phra Ngam (Wat Siri Chanthranimit), located nearby.
Admission Fee
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Local visitors: Free
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Foreign visitors: Free
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Note: As a government site, there is typically no fee, but donations for maintenance are welcomed.
Opening Hours
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Monday – Friday 09:00 – 16:00
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Closed on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays.