History

The establishment of Nakhon Si Thammarat National Museum started from Fine Arts Unit 8,Fine Arts Department, Nakhon Si Thammarat Office of Archaeology and National Museum 11 (now Nakhon Si Thammarat Fine Arts Department 14) whose responsibility is to maintain archaeological sites in the upper southern region. In 1964, there was an excavation of an enormous pagoda in Mueang District, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province from 1966 to 1967. Many antiquities were obtained; however, there was no place to store them. In addition, there were antiquities from excavations in Nakhon Si Thammarat, Chumphon, Surat Thani, Ranong, Phang Nga, Krabi, Phuket, which were 7 provinces in total.

The government realized the significance of collecting antiquities and antique art objects which were the national heritage in one place for display according to the international standards in order to facilitate education and research for students, university students and interested people. Therefore, the budget was approved and provided for Fine Arts Department to build Nakhon Si Thammarat National Museum.

In 1970. Panich Karnmai Company was the construction operator, and the museum was completed in 1974. The expenditure amounted to 2,100,000 Baht. and included the expenses for building the fence and the road being 500,000 Baht. the total amount of which was 2,600,000 Baht. (two million six hundred thousand Baht only). The architect who designed the museum was Mr. Pairat Chutikul, an architect - Special Level from Architecture Division. The antiquity and ancient art object exhibition team consisted of Mrs. Jira Jongkon - First Storekeeper, Mrs. Nattapat Nawigcheewin - Second Storekeeper, Mr. Ake Jareeponkorn - Second Technician and Mr. Itisart Wisedwongsa - Second Art Technician from Archeology Division, Fine Arts Department.

On 26 August 1974, His Majesty the King and Her Majesty Queen Sirikit along with Princess Sirindhorn (HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn) presided over the Opening Ceremony of Nakhon Si Thammarat National Museum. It was the 6th National Museum of which had been opened (the first one to be opened was Chao Sam Phraya National Museum, Phranakhon Si Ayutthaya). This national museum is an archaeological museum.

In 1996, Fine Arts Department received 11,800,000.- baht budget to construct a second building for Nakhon Si Thammarat National Museum which was completed by Damrong Engineering Construction Company Limited in 1997. It was used as an office building, multi-purpose building and exhibition and activity hall.

In 2000, Nakhon Si Thammarat National Museum received 3,596,000 baht (three million five hundred thousand baht) budget to build one 2-storey treasury of approximately 260 square meters and one 1-storey outdoor antiquity exhibition building of 144 square meter which was completed by Mongkolwit Company Limited.

In 2009, Nakhon Si Thammarat National Museum received 1,320,000.- baht (one million three hundred and twenty thousand only) budget (remaining budget) to renovate and paint the building which were done by Worarat Kha Mai Limited Partnership.

In 2010, Nakhon Si Thammarat National Museum received 450,000.- Baht budget to prepare a master plan for permanent exhibitions at Nakhon Si Thammarat National Museum by Sita Neon Displays and Construction (THAILAND) CO., LTD.

In 2011, Nakhon Si Thammarat National Museum received 3,990,000.- baht (three million and nine hundred thousand baht only) budget to renovate the permanent exhibitions in the pre-historic room at Nakhon Si Thammarat National Museum which was completed by Siemwork Company Limited.

In 2013, Nakhon Si Thammarat National Museum received 5,780,000.- Baht (five million seven hundred eighty thousand baht only) to improve the permanent exhibitions in the Brahman-Hindu room at Nakhon Si Thammarat National Museum received which was completed by Siemwork Company Limited.

In 2015, Nakhon Si Thammarat National Museum received 15,000,000.- Baht budget to renovate the permanent exhibitions in the Buddhism room at Nakhon Si Thammarat National Museum which was completed by Siemwork Company Limited.

In 2016, Nakhon Si Thammarat National Museumreceived 14,489,947.- Baht (fourteen million four hundred eighty nine thousand nine hundred forty seven baht only) budget to renovate the permanent exhibitions in the Fine Art room, the Phra Rattanathatmunee room and the lecture room, as well as installing the air-conditioners which was completed by Siemwork Company Limited.