Nakhon Si Thammarat National Museum has opened the Phra Mahathat Room in Nakhon Si Thammarat City to celebrate its World Heritage status.
On 26 July 2026, Mr. Panombut Chantrachot, Director-General of the Fine Arts Department, presided over the opening ceremony of the room.
The permanent exhibition room dedicated to Phra Mahathat of Nakhon Si Thammarat City was opened at the Nakhon Si Thammarat National Museum.
Mr. Panombut Chantrachot, Director-General of the Fine Arts Department, explained that to mark the 100th anniversary of the birth of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great on 5 December 2027, the Fine Arts Department has undertaken a project to renovate and develop the national museums that His Majesty opened. Since Nakhon Si Thammarat National Museum was the first national museum opened by the King on 26 August 1974, and the first in southern Thailand, the department has developed and enhanced this museum by creating the permanent exhibition room "Phra Mahathat of Nakhon Si Thammarat City," which proudly presents and conveys knowledge about Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan.
This is done through modern and beautiful display media to preserve, create, and continue the cultural heritage as a learning center and tourist attraction that generates income for the local community. It also celebrates the recognition of Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan as a World Heritage Site, a source of pride for all Thais.
The permanent exhibition room presents important religious monuments that serve as the spiritual center for
the people of Nakhon Si Thammarat and southern Thailand under the theme "Phra Mahathat of Nakhon Si Thammarat City," consisting of
an introduction titled “Born once, you must pay respects to Nakhon Si Thammarat’s Phra That,” explaining the significance of the Buddha’s relics in Thailand, the history of the Phra Mahathat Chedi of Nakhon Si Thammarat as one of Siam’s great stupas, and the history of Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan.
Part 1, Phra Mahathat Chedi of Nakhon Si Thammarat, is presented through multimedia and scale models explaining the history and importance of the chedi as the Buddhist center of the southern peninsula.
Part 2, Buddhist Worship and Traditions, showcases the faith people have toward the Phra Mahathat Chedi through stories of temple endowment found in ancient documents, offerings of Buddhist worship items, and related traditions, displaying ten worship items from Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan along with interactive media.
Part 3, Royal Devotion and Archaeological Work, presents stories of royal patronage and the maintenance of the Phra Mahathat Chedi, the conservation of Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan according to international standards from past to present.
Archaeological work is illustrated using graphics, multimedia, and artifacts uncovered during excavations at Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan in 2009 and 2016, explaining the site's age, development, and significance, including the display of a carved wooden lintel from the main viharn.
Part 4, Various Topics, presents stories, beliefs, and sacred objects related to Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan, the faith passed down through generations, the role of the Phra Mahathat Chedi as a spiritual center, and the identity of the people of Nakhon Si Thammarat, recreating the atmosphere of the cloister area of the temple to offer visitors an immersive experience.
The Nakhon Si Thammarat National Museum, located in Mueang District, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province, is open Wednesday through Sunday, closed on Mondays, Tuesdays, and public holidays, from 09:00 to 16:00. Admission fees are 30 baht for Thais and 150 baht for foreigners.
