Ratchaburi recalls another time

The humble town of Ratchaburi offers a peek into Thailand's past at Siam Cultural Park, which opened in 2006 as part of the popular Thai Human Imagery Museum in Nakhon Pathom.

The 50-rai park has a Hall of Fame with the fibreglass-and-wax likenesses of 10 notable figures. Musician Montri Tramod, conservationist Seub Nakasatian, educator ML Pin Malakul, former prime minister Sanya Thammasak and Dr Puay Aungpakorn are joined by Ho Chi Minh, Mother Teresa, Mao Zedong and Deng Xiaoping.          

The open-air Terrace of Buddha Images of Three Periods is lined with elaborate brass sculptures dating from the 11th to the 18th centuries, spanning the Sukhothai, Ayutthaya and Chiang Saen eras.

In the Jujaka Light & Sound Cave, visitors can listen to realistic models tell the story of Vessatara, the last human reincarnation of the Lord Buddha.

The Buddhist Monastic Cell features models of monks in their traditional wooden dwellings, copies of the abodes of such famous preachers as Luang Phu Mun, Luang Phu Wan, Luang Phu Tuad, Luang Phu Tim and Luang Phu Lien.

If the journey through the past starts getting a little parched, take a break at the Herb Drinks House, which serves iced herbal drinks from guava pink to lemongrass for Bt12 and Bt25.

The museum will soon have a moulding pavilion where visitors can learn how to make beautiful wax models.

XTRA

This way to the past

>> Siam Cultural Park is at 41/1 Wang Yen, Bang Pae district, Ratchaburi. It's open from 9 to 4.30 weekdays and 8.30 to 5.30 on weekends. Admission Bt50, Bt200 for foreigners.

>> Call (032) 238 1401-2, or visit www.SCPPark.com.

By Pattarawadee Saengmanee

Special to Daily Xpress