Chatuchak Museum & Railway Park

[von Hirschhorn]

With until now a lot most plinthed and runable steam engines (plus cranes) on a list (see i.a. thread: Preserved Thai steam engines) it’s time for a real museum with all the exhibits shown in a proper way include living steam area where the ‘runables’ will be kept and maintained for the eye of a visitor.
Connection with the network is a must, running steam is a tourist attraction and worth to be organised in another way as it is done by now. Promotion is the keyword and that’s more than only 3 times a year to Ayutthaya and back or performance in the sound and light show on ‘the Bridge’.
Meanwhile a lot of historic railway equipment survived the slaughter and spread over the provinces. If you do not count the doubles – for example the North British build and the ones by Baldwin - not every station square would be deprived from his locomotive on plinth. For the real enthusiasts, there’s still the charm of a tour through the country to encounter the ‘sweet steamers’ from a bygone era.
Fresh paint and plinthed but exposed to the weather is not the best way to preserve these old ‘Iron Horses’. Their galloping on steel rods lays death on a concrete pedestal in front of the station, a joyful reminder for whom bound to travel. OK, that should be. On the other hand it’s time for a real centre, museum like if you wish, where all the ins and outs of Thai railways - history and contemporary (modern history) as well – are kept and displayed. 1)
For years and even not so long ago, only a few Thai people would agree and shown interest, for the others history doesn’t exist nor the future, a (poor) peasant working on the field has only today in mind. A train, if ever seen one, just an ordinary means for going from A to B and nothing in historic perspective. Times are changed, from rural tot urban and so are the needs. Who will throw the first stone or use the brick for building. It will not be cheap and easy but if you don’t dream about it or even talk loud, nothing will happen.

1) A South-East-Asia Rail centre (SEA-rail) would be the ultimate idea. Bangkok is the place. Beside Thai stuff a bit Malaysia, Burma, Cambodia, Vietnam and Yunnan. A meter gauge museum and info centre. Let it roll and keep the spirit alive!
____________
Rail Asia
A tropic delight

[Ahoerstemeier]

Hmmm, we have NOT established the permanent Railway Museum Yet
despite of the initial attempt in the past by the Late Col. Saeng Julajarit ....

Is that the one in Chatuchak park? If it is still there, it may be worth a visit when you visit the Chatuchak weekend market, but maybe not worth to go there as the main target as it is rather small.

http://www.thailandguidebook.com/railwaymuseum.html

[Wisarut]

Yep,rather small and OPENED Only on Sunday duew to hte constrain on budget ... :( You cvan go to Sicence Museum... or headign to Wah Koh Sicnecve Museum for Frich 556 and Baldwin 226.

[von Hirschhorn]

the one in Chatuchak park is still there, it may be worth a visit when you visit the Chatuchak weekend market, but maybe not worth to go there as the main target as it is rather small.

And not only that, in the real meaning of the word (museum) this enterprise hardly deserved that name. Without any criticizing, it’s the way the whole is established; a more or less childish way of displaying things, no structure, more chaos but obviously with a purpose. (or not of course) Maybe lack on proper funds, maybe lack on real interest but anyway really Thai. Exactly the (dusty) atmosphere I found at so many other (non rail) museums throughout the country. It’s a matter of comparing, not complaining - it is what it is - but if you look for example at the two foreign established museums about the Burma line (TBRC and Hellfire pass memorial) you can mark the differences.

***

About the Mae Khlong lines, don’t worry and try on forehand to solve all the problems. There are no problems, just go to the Wong Wian Yai Station or if you are interested in railway archeology to the Klong San market (former station) and from there walk through the Thanon Charoen Rat. (former line) Boarder the train and let you drive to Mahachai, take a ferry and drive from the Ban Laem station tot Samut Songkhram. (Mae Khlong)
The way back is known by now. Have fun!

[qualtrough]

Is the Chatuchak RR Museum open, and if so, on what days and at what time?

Thanks,

John

[Wisarut]

ONLY onm Sunday due to Financial Constrains :(

[qualtrough]

Thanks Khun Wisarut!

[qualtrough]

I visited the museum today and spoke with Khun Chulasiri. He said the museum is now open Saturdays and Sundays from 7 AM to 4 PM. The museum can often be visited during weekdays as he will be there working most times and the doors are open, but cannot be guaranteed. No entrance fee is charged, but a donation can be placed in a box near the entrance.

[RobChina]

I also visited Chatuchak Museum at the end of November.

I had been here many years ago and asked what had happened to the original exhibits. They had been packed up and sent to Ekkamai for the Science/Education Centre there.

We were told they were now unwanted and unloved and the Centre would gladly dispose of them to a good home.

We jumped on the Skytrain to confirm this and found the railway exhibits dumped at the back of the Centre in disgraceful state. Being Sunday there was no-one in authority to talk to.

It has been put to me by the people in the Railway Hall of Fame that these exhibits could be recovered at a cost of no more than U$500 per item.

I and a couple of friends would willingly put up half that amount to recover Mekhlong Railway No. 2 and the tram. What about the Thai railfan movement? Do they have the energy to raise the rest of the money and get off their fat backsides and actually get something done instead of just talking.

Talk to me soon here before I vanish off to Burma at the end of the month for 6 weeks or send me a private message if you are willing to do something to conserve YOUR heritage.

[ncr]

We jumped on the Skytrain to confirm this and found the railway exhibits dumped at the back of the Centre in disgraceful state.....as can be seen here (http://www.2bangkok.com/2bangkok/Tram/rust.shtml#2003).

[Wisarut]

Railway Hall of Fame is DYING! :(
http://portal.rotfaithai.com/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&t=1384
http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=487202

[qualtrough]

Very sad indeed. Robchina very kindly arranged pledges to donate money to move the locos from the Science museum to the RR museum at Chatujak about 6 months ago. The funds would have been sufficient to cover the cost of moving the locos, which according to the RR museum director the Science Museum was more than happy to get rid of. I conveyed the offer and met with the museum director several times but there was no follow-up and nothing was done.

[Maptaphut]

If they know You are interested, dont You think they are waiting for a hidden envelope?
Worth a try again, perhaps they have given up. I would be happy to help with this important project!

[qualtrough]

I don't think it is anything like that. I let them know that we would be ready to reimburse them against xxx in expenses for moving the locos. I can't remember what the costs were supposed to be, but they were not a lot. According to the museum director the Science Museum was eager to get rid of the locos and just wanted the cost of moving them. I think there are clearly more issues involved (not just money, e.g. politics, personalities, etc.), and after having made the offer and followed up several times I have washed my hands of it.

[GWR]

I just noticed this article today, and thought it might be informative to those who are not already involved in this issue. There's also a link here to our own photographic record of the Thai Railway Hall of Fame:

http://www.2bangkok.com/2bangkok/trhf/index.shtml

http://www.bangkokpost.com/Outlook/210807_out01.jpg
[Photo: Bangkok Post]

The golden age of steam

Under layers of thick dust are several steam locomotives, carriages, a tram, a cart, a rickshaw and many more items on display at the Railway Hall of Fame, near Railway Park, Chatuchak. But from the lips of almost every visitor to the Railway Hall of Fame, on seeing the sorry state of the European-style concrete and steel building in the shape of a railway terminus, you hear ''What a poor museum!''.

Over the past five years, Chulsiri Viryasiri, son of the museum's founder, Sanpasiri Viryasiri, a legendary figure in Thailand in the world of mass communications, has been taking care of the museum alone since his father succumbed to Alzheimer's disease.

In his late fifties, he does everything from organising exhibitions to cleaning and fixing the items on display. He has also been paying the museum's running costs from his own pocket, with help from a donation box _ the only source of funds.

''He does it for love, but he lacks support from the state. This hall is treated like a storage room ... how can one man afford to take care of it?'' one visitor remarked.

He praised Chulsiri for not giving up, although some people might consider these important parts of Thai history as just old, worthless things.

Another visitor, named Vee, commented that it is pitiful that many museums in Thailand do not receive state support, even though they are better sources of knowledge than books.

''I once took my nephew to the Railway Park on Children's Day, and strolled until finding the hall. My nephew entered the hall and enjoyed the museum very much. Then uncle Chulsiri explained about the hall and let him play games. The boy had a great time,'' another visitor said.

The Railway Hall of Fame features motor vehicles, trains and communication technologies that were introduced by King Chulalongkorn to Siam over a century ago. The exhibits include historic objects such as the kingdom's first motorised tram and its last steam locomotive.

The exhibits span from a time before motor vehicles _ a sailing boat, carts, a rickshaw and bicycles _ to the age of motorised transport _ including a tram, the growth of rail travel, cars, steamers, motorboats, airplanes and motorcycles _ up to the age of electronic communications, such as books, telegraph, telephone, radio, television, movies, video, compact discs and computers. Some of the exhibits are on loan from the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) and others are from the ailing Sanpasiri's private collection.

The Railway Hall of Fame was established 17 years ago by Sanpasiri, president of the Thai Rail Fan Club and Pera - the Prince of Gold Star Club. This building was once a museum that never opened to the public. The SRT moved all of its historic royal trains and locomotives out, allowing the Railway Museum to open in 1989.

Wanting to share its passion for trains, the Thai Rail Fan Club, led by Sanpasiri, finally gained approval from the SRT to open the Railway Hall of Fame in the building in 1990, on condition that the museum charged no fees and couldn't engage in any revenue generating activities.

Chulsiri said that one of the museum's objectives is to honour King Chulalongkorn, who introduced modern transportation to Thailand.

Among the historic exhibits is the so-called ''Makkasan Tram'', Siam's first powered tram. It was bought by King Chulalongkorn in 1892 following his visit to Norway when the king travelled in a Mercedes-Benz, but he refused to buy and bring such a car to Siam, according to Chulsiri.

''King Chulalongkorn said it was not a good idea to buy a motor car for himself because his people would have no opportunity to use it,'' Chulsiri said.

From 1890 to 1891, a tram towed by horses, was used (as there was no electricity in the Kingdom then). Then in 1892, the Wat Liab power plant opened in Bangkok to supply electricity for the tram. This paved the way for the 1893 opening of a rail route from Bangkok to Pak Nam (Samut Prakan), which helped support troops when Siam was in conflict with France in 1843.

Another masterpiece _ a miniature train _ also comes from a period when Siam faced Western colonisation.

In 1856, the UK's Queen Victoria sent a miniature train as a present to King Chulalongkorn's father, King Mongkut (Rama IV), via Sir John Bowring, the governor of Hong Kong.

The queen asked for a concession for the UK to build and operate Siam's first rail route in the South of the country, but the proposal was turned down by King Mongkut.

Another highlight is one of the country's remaining two golden teak carriages, bought by King Chulalongkorn. According to Chulsiri, this was once used as a mobile hospital. The other golden teak carriage was used as a mobile library which travelled to the provinces in line with the king's policy to promote modern education. It now serves as a library at Bangkok Railway Station (Hua Lamphong).

Also in the Railway Hall of Fame are steam locomotive No. 33, once used for transporting water and firewood for other trains on the Sikhiu-Sung Noen-Korat route, and steam locomotive No. 10089, ordered by a private firm in 1966 but never put into service, because later that year Thailand stopped using steam locomotives.

Despite its many priceless exhibits, this museum has faced countless obstacles. Chulsiri complained about the lack of support from the BMA and the general lack of supporter since his high-profile father fell sick five years ago.

''The SRT forbids us to earn income here, so we can't sell souvenirs, beverages or anything. The hall opens on Saturdays and Sundays only. Some days we receive cash donations of only 40 baht and there may be only 20 to 30 visitors a day,'' he said.

According to him, no tap water is available here. Chulsiri has to bring in water in a bucket from the nearby park. But the power supply is free.

About two months ago, the hall ran out of money to cover its operating costs, and Chulsiri had a serious accident. He was so ill and desperate that he considered selling steam locomotive No. 10089, which he owns, to a buyer abroad for 20 million baht.

He changed his mind following a television documentary on the museum's difficulties, that prompted some people to help out: The BMA cleaners at the Railway Park have offered help, and some 20 boy scouts from Bang Kapi School recently came to clean the hall. An aviation company offered to sponsor renovations and a property development firm volunteered to improve the hall's exhibition displays.

This help has given him hope that the building can be repaired to prevent flooding in the rainy season. He also plans to improve the building's ventilation system. But, it is hard to find a contractor for the project.

Among his other plans is to open the refurbished hall on October 23 this year, in celebration of Chulalongkorn Day.

The exhibits will be organised in chronological order. Items dating back to the reigns of King Mongkut and King Rama VII will be on the left side of the hall, and those from the time of King Ananda Mahidol and His Majesty King Bhumibol will be displayed on the right.

''What we need most is for people to come here to see things, talk and suggest how the hall should be improved. Please come and see what the hall is like before deciding to make a donation,'' Chulsiri said.

Chulsiri also plans to reopen the non-formal education centre that until two years ago provide teaching, textbooks and computer access free of charge. It was closed due to an overlap of responsibilities with another centre.

During its closure, however, the centre's six computers were stolen. So the centre would welcome donations of computers in good working condition.

To run the museum without violating the ban on earning income, Chulsiri plans to raise funds by offering souvenirs, such as Video CDs and postcards of trains to the public, in exchange for donations. To comply with the rule, fund-raising will be conducted outside the hall.

''We also need volunteers to help build a database, create a web site and upload data onto CD-ROMs,'' said Chulsiri, adding he also plans to write books on trains as well.

His love of trains, he said, comes from his father, Sanpasiri, and his late grandfather, Phraya Maha Amartrathibodi (Seng Viryasiri), who was a close aide of King Chulalongkorn.

''My father liked everything about technology. He was a car racer, reporter, photographer and train lover. He liked watches, radios, telephones, televisions and engines. I have to take care of his collection alone, because he is ill now,'' Chulsiri remarked.

If the worst comes to the worst, the Railway Hall of Fame may have to merge with the newly-proposed museum under the State Railway of Thailand, he said.

''But we will operate the Railway Hall of Fame until our last baht. If there are still donations, even of one baht, I will keep doing this,'' Chulsiri said.

May expire:
http://www.bangkokpost.com/Outlook/21Aug2007_out36.php

TO LEND a hand

- Contact person: Chulsiri Viryasiri
- Address: Railway Hall of Fame, beside the car park at Gate 2, Chatuchak Park, Kamphaeng Phet 3 Road, Chatuchak district, Bangkok 10900
- Telephone: 08-1615-5776
- Fax: 02-517-2330
http://www.bangkokpost.com/Outlook/210807_out04.jpg
[Photo: Bangkok Post - Chusiri Viryasiri]

The Railway Hall of Fame is open at weekends, from 8 am. Group visits on weekends can be arranged on request in advance.

[Wisarut]

As far as I concern, Uncle Sanphasiri is sufferign from Alzimer .... His day is numbered :(

[GWR]

Bird watching: An enjoyable, enlightening hobby

During the cold season in Thailand, roughly from November to January, many public parks in Bangkok are turned into an outdoor learning centre where nature lovers can enjoy a bird watching activity.

One of them is Suan Vachira Benjathat -- better known as Railway Park.

Waiting to greet the bird watchers in the vast public park - located next to the Northern and Northeastern Bus Terminal or Morchit - are some 100 kinds of birds including both local and migratory birds.

Some of them are from as far away as Siberia. They are currently taking refuge in Thailand from the cold winter in their original habitats.

Experts said the ongoing global warming is threatening the birds’ livelihood.

“Birds are affected by global warming, especially on high mountains. When the temperature is rising, the birds are likely to see their habitat declining. Their food supply is likely to be contracting too,” said Pornthep Khadsura, a bird conservationist of the Bird Conservation Society of Thailand or BCST.

Some people complain that they do not know how to start a bird watching activity. An expert of BCST has a suggestion.

“At the very beginning, many people feel the bird watching activity might be difficult and not enjoyable. But if you are accompanied with a capable guide together with good equipment, you will enjoy it to your heart’s content,” said Amorn Liewkiratiyuttakul, a bird conservationist at BCST.

The BCST regularly organize a bird watching activity at some public parks and other venues. For more information, visit the website www.bcst.or.th or call 02 6914816.
http://enews.mcot.net/view.php?id=1391

[von Hirschhorn]

Well, in the same park the loco spotters also find their delicatessen more or less in a dilapidated form. One engine coupled with coaches and other coaches elsewhere.
The remains of a narrow gauge diesel engine, plinthed as an offer for the ghosts.
And last but not least former cabs placed as garden houses (sala)
Listen to the whistle, birds and engine alike. One is vivid, the other just a dream, if you close your eyes and think there’s still rail underneath.

[Wisarut]

Well, in the same park the loco spotters also find their delicatessen more or less in a dilapidated form. One engine coupled with coaches and other coaches elsewhere.
The remains of a narrow gauge diesel engine, plinthed as an offer for the ghosts.
And last but not least former cabs placed as garden houses (sala)
Listen to the whistle, birds and engine alike. One is vivid, the other just a dream, if you close your eyes and think there’s still rail underneath.

Khun Bob, that Diesel Loco at Railway Park near SRT Technical School is Hitachi 666 (Commissioned in 1962) ... It is considered as "a teacher" to train thsoe Railwaymen how to repair and maintian Diesel Electric Locomotive.

For the case of Mikado 943 and the wooden BTC in maroon color (the color of SRT & RSR), many siad it should work hand in hand with Mikado 953 ... since coplign Mikado 953 with Pacific cause lots of diffculties to control the double headed loco ....

[von Hirschhorn]

Khun Bob, that Diesel Loco at Railway Park near SRT Technical School is Hitachi 666 (Commissioned in 1962)
Correct, but that's not the one I mentioned. A little bit further on, tucked away, you'll find the rusty remains of a charming little loco with any doubt narrow gauge. Anyway, during my last visit it was there. (2006 or 2005??) An although practically it is / was fallen apart already it still has / had a function: worshipment.
Placed on a wobling piece of track, plinthed for an after live. Even a big sunscreen is / was placed above it, so all in all it looks / looked more like a fairy entertainment object. Well, if you're near stroll around and find out if it's still there and meanwhile lost more metal parts to the power of nature.:D