The National Maritime Commerce Museum Chanthaburi Since 1974, the Fine Arts Department has conducted studies, research, and investigations in underwater archaeology. Surveys and excavations of various underwater archaeological sites have led to an increasing number of artifacts. Preparations for establishing a museum to disseminate knowledge about underwater archaeological work and the history of Thai maritime commerce therefore became an essential task to be carried out. In addition, the arrest of foreign nationals who were illegally salvaging underwater artifacts in the Gulf of Thailand served as a significant impetus that raised public awareness of the value and importance of cultural heritage found beneath the sea. These artifacts serve as evidence that helps trace historical origins and narrate stories of maritime economic activities in the past.

The National Maritime Commerce Museum is located in Bang Kacha Subdistrict, Mueang District, Chanthaburi Province. The museum features six permanent exhibition rooms as follows:

1. Exhibition Room of Goods and Seafarers’ Lifestyles

This room displays the history of Thai maritime commerce from prehistoric times to the present, including maritime routes, ancient port cities, and various types of goods. A life-sized model of a Chinese junk is presented to show what life was like for people on board during sea voyages, along with examples of goods that were traded. Also on display are valuable items discovered from shipwreck sites in the Gulf of Thailand, such as a gold pendant set with a red gemstone and a gold bracelet decorated with jewels.

2. Underwater Archaeology Operations Room

This room showcases techniques used in underwater archaeological work through realistic simulations of underwater sites, working methods, and tools employed in actual operations.

3. Artifact Storage Room

This room shows how artifacts are stored and preserved within the museum. A special feature of the storage room is a glass wall that allows visitors to see artifacts kept inside the repository.

4. Boat and Seafarers’ Life Room
This room exhibits different types and designs of boats used in Thailand, using scaled-down models of real boats. These include boats used in rivers and canals, ocean-going vessels, royal barges, and warships.

5. Chanthaburi Treasures Room

This room presents the history of Chanthaburi Province from prehistoric times through its historical development, the founding of the city, important events, and stories of its indigenous people. It also provides information on cultural and natural tourist attractions, as well as well-known local products and foods of Chanthaburi.

6. Important Figures Room

This room showcases the royal biography of King Taksin the Great and the military campaigns during the second fall of Ayutthaya. It includes the route he took while breaking through enemy lines and establishing a base in Chanthaburi to gather troops and weapons before marching back to reclaim the kingdom’s independence after the second fall of Ayutthaya.

• Opening Hours
  Open Wednesday – Sunday, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
  Closed on Monday, Tuesday, and public holidays

• Admission Fees
  Thai citizens: 20 THB
  Foreigners: 100 THB

• For More Information
  National Maritime Commerce Museum
  Address: 80 Moo 8, Noen Wong Camp, Bang Kacha Subdistrict, Mueang District, Chanthaburi 22000
  Telephone: 039-391431
  Fax: 039-391432

• Location
  80 Moo 8, Noen Wong Camp, Bang Kacha Subdistrict, Mueang District, Chanthaburi Province