Located in Soi Suan Phlu off South Sathorn Road, the closure stems from a conflict between MR Kukrit's son, Rongrit, and the 80th Kukrit Foundation running the museum, said a Culture Ministry source. Foundation president Amnuay Weerawan will reveal the reason for the closing at 2pm today at the museum.

The 5-rai compound house was once a khon (classical masked dance) mini-theatre initiated by Kukrit - a khon master and writer - who was named a National Artist in 1985.

The house displays Kukrit's personal belongings, including khon masks and rare pictures.

Kukrit bought the plot of land in 1941, when the area was full of phlu herb farms, which gave the soi its name. He then started extending his compound to five traditional wooden houses.

The first house he found was in Bangkok in 1942. He then bought two more in Ayutthaya in 1960 and had them rebuilt in traditional fashion - not a single nail was used. The former premier lived there for more than 30 years. Later, the final two houses were constructed after he died in 1995.

Besides its cultural value, the museum reflects Thai political history. Surrounded by skyscrapers in a busy commercial area, the museum is a popular tourist spot. To help with the museum's expenses - tickets are Bt50 - the foundation also rents out the back lawn for book launches and weddings.

The museum is among several of Bangkok's rare wooden Thai houses that have been converted into museums. Others include the Jim Thompson Mu-seum in Pathum Wan district and the Suan Pakkad Palace Museum in Phya Thai district.