History

National museum is the center of collection, preservation, conservation and exhibition of artifacts and objects of ethnic which are the national cultural heritage. With the aims to promote and publish the archaeological knowledge, history and arts history, national museum is, consequently, the informal learning center and another essential cultural tourist attraction of society.

The Chainatmuni National Museum was founded by Phra Chainatmuni (Nuam Suthatto), former Chief of Abbots of Chainat province and abbot of Wat Phra Borommathat Worawihan, who was interested in collecting antiquities found in Chainat and nearby provincees. His collection was initially kept at the monastery and later donated to the Fine Arts Department as a museum for educational purposes.

In 1966 the museum was built within the vicinity of Wat Phra Borommathat and named Chainatmuni National Museum to honor the museum’s donor. The museum has been open to the public since 1969.

HISTORY AND ARCHAEOLOGY OF CHAINAT

Chainat is a province in central Thailand located on the river plain where the Chao Phraya, Thachin, and Noi rivers meet. This fertile land was perfectly suitable for settlement. The archaeological evidence found in Chainat shows that people lived in the area since the prehistoric time of about 3,000 - 2,500 years ago.

Artifacts of the prehistoric period found in the area include stone tools, fragments of iron tools, bronze bangles, beads, and objects relating to ancient rituals and beliefs.

In the 7th century A.D. the connection with India brought development to local communities. This marks a transition to the historic period, as written records were found along with religious sculpture and monasteries. It is assumed that the social structure was more complex at that time. Dvaravati culture sites found in Chainat include the ancient cities of U-taphao in Manorom district and Dongkon in Sanburi district. The cultural evidence found in these sites consists mostly of Buddhist objects, such as Buddha images, votive tablets, fragments of Wheels of the Law, stone bells, and tools.

Two important cities, Muang San and Muang Chainat, were once located in the area of present-day Chainat. Evidence of these two cities is recorded in many ancient scripts, including the “Royal Chronicles of Ayutthaya”. This document states that during the reign of King Nakharinthrachathirat, his three sons were sent to three cities : Chao Ai Phraya in Muang Suphan, Chao Yi Phraya in Muang San, and Chao Sam Phraya in Muang Chainat.

Muang San was located on the bank of the Noi River, in the area of Tambon Phraek Sriracha, Sanburi district. Muang San, centered on Wat Mahathat, was the city of the viceroy of Ayutthaya. Important ancient remains inside the city include Wat Phrayaphraek, Wat Songphinong, and Wat Phrakaew, all built during the early Ayutthaya period. The chedi at Wat Tanodlai reflects the Sukhothai influence of the time. The art works at Muang San are very interesting, especially the U-Thong Buddha image, which is believed to have been created before the foundation of Ayutthaya (early Ayutthaya period).

The original city of Chainat, ruled by Chao Sam Phraya, was located on the west bank of the Nan River in Phitsanulok province-not in the area ofpresent-day Chainat. A new Muang Chainat was possibly founded by combining the original Muang Chainat on the west bank of the Nan River with Muang Sra Luang Song Kwai on the opposite side. The name was changed to Muang Phitsanulok during the reign of King Boromtrailokanat. Muang Chainat in Chainat province was located at the mouth of the Noi River on the west side of the Chao Phraya River, with Wat Phraborommathat as its administrative center.

The city of Chainat was later moved to east of the Chao Phraya River, where it remains today.