| Since 1974 until now, the Department of Fine Arts has commenced underwater archaeological work in Thailand with the objectives of studying people’s cultures with regard to water and emphasizing the development of underwater transportation, trading and relationship among ports in the past which has connected to the present time. In 1990, the Department of Fine Arts established the underwater archaeological operation base in Thachalaeb and the center of underwater archaeological conservation at Noen Wong Camp, Bang Kaja Sub-district, Mueang Chanthaburi District, Chanthaburi Province. The capacity of the underwater archaeological survey has been increasing. Furthermore, the number of antiques from ship wreckage beneath water is more found respectively. In 1992, the Navy examined and seized antiques from foreign treasure hunters who came to stealthily look for antiques in the sea in the exclusive economic zone of Thailand and ultimately has delivered them to the Department of Fine Arts for preservation. Therefore, the number of antiques is more than 20,000. Most of them have been maintained in the Underwater Archaeological Office, Noen Wong Camp, Chanthaburi Province. |
 |
Hence, the Department of Fine Arts formulated the urgent policy of establishing the National Maritime Museum as the place where collects and publicizes knowledge about the underwater archaeological work and the maritime history of Thailand. In 1994, at Noen Wong Camp, Bang Kaja Sub-district, Mueang Chanthaburi District, Chanthaburi Province, the ministry approved the project of establishing the Provincial National Museum as the place where people can learn social backgrounds, economies, Natural Science, Ethnology, lifestyles and local cultures. The Department of Fine Arts; thereby, established the Chanthaburi Provincial National Museum which is considered a part of the National Maritime Museum by the Royal Grace from Her Royal Highness Princess Galyani Vadhana, Princess of Naradhiwas, who laid the foundation stone of the National Maritime Museum Building, Chanthaburi Province on 15th June 1994. On Tuesday 9th January 2001, Her Royal Highness Princess Galyani Vadhana, Princess of Naradhiwas once more visited to the National Maritime Museum, Chanthaburi Province to act as the president for the opening ceremony of the National Maritime Museum, Chanthaburi Province.
|
