Wax wonders

SW visits a unique museum

By Itsarin Tisantia

Located in the Nakhon Chaisi district of Nakhon Pathom province, the Thai Human Imagery Museum displays collections of life-sized wax models of key cultural and historical figures from Thai history.

Student Weekly recently went along to explore the gorgeous collection.

This zone honours Kings of Thailand, from King Rama I to King Rama VIII.

The display honours HM the King's mother Somdej Phra Srinagarindra Boromarajajonani and HM the King's sister, HRH Princess Galyani Vadhana.

This display features models of renowned Thai monks Phra Ratchamuni Samiram Khunupamachan (Luangpu Thuat), Somdej Phra Putthachan (Toh Prommarangsi) and Khruba Srivichai (Sirivichayo Phikhu).

This is a waxwork of musician Khru Eua Sunthornsanan, who co-found the Music Association of Thailand under the patronage of HM the King. The legendary singer-songwriter was declared by UNESCO as a World Historic Important Figure in 2009.

Another traditional Thai game is represented in this display - a game popular with children called Ree Ree Khaosan (oval rice).

This display shows a traditional Thai amusement called Hualan Chonkan (bald head fighting).

The room gathers wax models of key characters from the Phra Apai Mani saga, written by Phra Sunthorn Voharn, widely known as Sunthorn Phu (right). As the most admired poet of the Rattanakosin era, Sunthorn Phu was declared a World Poet by UNESCO in 1986.

This zone displays the lives of slaves during the reign of King Rama V, who officially abolished slavery in Siam in 1905.

 

EXERCISES

Read through Freeze Frame. Then, answer the following reading comprehension questions.

1. Who declared Sunthorn Phu as a World Poet?

2. When did King Rama V abolish slavery in Thailand?

3. In which province is the museum located?

4. What is Hualan Chonkan known as in English?

The Thai Human Imagery Museum is open daily. from 9 am to 5.30 pm on weekdays and from 8.30 am to 6 pm on weekends. Visitors are advised to call the museum for information about admission fees. For more information, call 034 332 607 or 034 332 109.

Vocabulary

imagery (adj): pictures, photographs, models, etc.

gorgeous (adj): very beautiful and attractive

renowned (adj): famous and respected

waxwork (n): a model of a person that is made of wax

legendary (adj): very famous and talked about a lot by people, especially in a way that shows admiration

abolish (v): to officially end a law, a system or an institution

slavery (n): the practise of legally owning people and forcing them to work for you without pay

saga (n): a long story about events over a period of many years

amusement (n): a game, an activity, etc. that provides entertainment and pleasure