Locals Protest Museum Consolidation Plan

[Jacob Maslow]

Residents in Thailand’s central provinces are protesting the Fine Arts Department’s plan to consolidate small museums. Residents of Chai Nat and Nakhom Pathom provinces are opposed to the measure, which would move local exhibits to larger regional museums.

Governors and members of local governing bodies also joined the protest, arguing that the museums represent local history and should remain in their hometowns. Protestors also spoke of the spiritual value the artwork provides.

Protestors said they were willing to take over the museums’ operations and expenses if ownership would be transferred to the provinces.

Just last week, the Fine Arts Department proposed the idea of closing down the Phra Pathom Chedi National Museum, and transferring its Dvaravati-period artwork to Suphan Buri’s U Thong National Museum. The department has, thus far, named nine museums that it wants to consolidate in various provinces and in Bangkok.

Currently, the department is managing 40 museums, but some are smaller and below the department’s standards. The plan is to cut the number of galleries in half by transferring artwork to bigger cities. The smaller institutes will then be turned into simple exhibition centers.

The Phra Pathom Chedi museum was also on the list of proposed museums to close. The department says the museum cannot be expanded as space is limited and provides no career advancement opportunities for officials. Security is also a concern as the museum is located just outside a popular night market that is open until after midnight.

Suthipong Julcharoen, governor of Chai Nat, stated that he would submit a petition with the department to express his disapproval. Mr. Suthipong said the province can take over the expenses and management of the museum if the department still insists on closing it.

-- 2015-05-05