The Korat Fossil Museum was established on 80.5 rai of land approved for use by the Suranaree Subdistrict Administrative Organization (SAO). This project has attracted over 180 million baht in investment over the past few years, primarily due to the interest of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, support from Mr. Suwat Liptapanlop, former Minister of Industry, and coordination from Dr. Wannarat Chananukul. Support from Nakhon Ratchasima Province includes exhibitions in the museum, roads, and landscaping. Other supporting agencies include the Provincial Administrative Organization, the Provincial Public Works Office, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Nakhon Ratchasima, and the Suranaree Subdistrict Administrative Organization.

What is petrified wood?

Petrified wood is ancient wood that has been transformed into stone due to the replacement of minerals from underground water solutions. Fossilized wood dates from approximately 10,000 to 400 million years ago.

How is petrified wood different from stone?

Petrified wood is formed from mineral solutions. It crystallizes or precipitates in the spaces or replaces the original wood at the molecular level. Therefore, most petrified wood weighs like stone and retains the original structural characteristics of the wood, such as grain, buds, branches, annual rings, and log shape. Especially the porous or wood cells, which vary in size, pattern, arrangement, and thickness, are unique to each species, resembling the unique handwriting of each individual. These unique characteristics allow us to identify the family, genus, and species of petrified wood, similar to identifying living plants today.

Petrified wood is a form of plant fossil and is therefore considered a "key to the past," extending back to 400 million years. The primary value of petrified wood lies in its importance in various academic studies, such as

1. Importance in biology, botany, and paleontology: the study of plant species, plant classification, and plant evolution from prehistoric times to the present.

2. Importance in geology: it helps determine the age of rock layers or sediments, essential for stratifying rock layers and providing evidence to explain geological phenomena, such as the separation or movement of continents.

3. Geographical significance: It reflects the primitive environment of the world at each time period, such as topography, climate (temperature, rainfall, and seasons), and natural vegetation. This information can be used to predict future natural phenomena.

4. Important archaeological evidence, such as the discovery of Paleolithic tools made from petrified wood, the first and only site in Thailand, in Sung Noen District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province, hence the name "Sung Noen Culture."

A study of artifacts found in abandoned Native American cities clearly demonstrates that petrified wood was used for a variety of purposes. Silica petrified wood can be used to create exquisite arrowheads and spear tips. It was also used to construct dwellings, ball games, and various tools. Other indigenous peoples around the world have also used petrified wood in similar ways.

5. Tourism: Because petrified wood is a unique, naturally beautiful sculpture with intellectual value, its conservation in parks and museums has attracted tourists, such as to the Tingko Petrified Forest Park in Washington, USA.

6. Aesthetics: Petrified wood is a rare commodity, with its beautiful patterns and colors, attracting its processing to meet human needs, such as industrial materials and garden and landscaping decorations. Gemstone or jewelry materials, antique collectible materials, which if used for personal or business purposes would be of inappropriate importance because petrified wood is an ancient object that should be preserved for collection and as an antique, according to the Ancient Monuments and Antiques Act.

• Private Car: From Nakhon Ratchasima City, take Mittraphap Road (Highway 2) towards Pak Thong Chai District or south. From the intersection to Sikhio/Pak Thong Chai District, approximately 12 km, turn right onto Mittraphap-Nong Pling Road. Continue for another 2.5 km, and the museum will be on the right.

• Public Transportation: There is no public transportation available. Taxis or private vehicles are recommended.

• Allow at least 2-3 hours for visiting all three museums and the outdoor exhibits.

• Dress Code: As there will be outdoor walking, comfortable shoes are recommended.

Admission Fees:

Admission fee (Thai people)

• Students (Kindergarten - Grade 6) 20 baht

• Students (Grades 1-6 and Vocational Certificate) 30 baht

• Students (Vocational Certificate - Bachelor's Degree) 40 baht

• Thai adults 60 baht

• Monks, novices, and senior citizens (60 years and older) free

• Disabled persons free

Admission fee (foreigners)

• Foreign children: 70 baht

• Foreign adults: 150 baht

Opening Hours:

• Open Tuesday - Sunday from 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM (For certainty and to know the exact visiting times, please call 080-165-1070 or 044-370-739-40 before traveling.)