The Thai Labour Museum is dedicated to showcasing the richness of labour dignity and the ongoing fight for workers’ rights throughout Thailand’s history. Visitors will explore the significant struggles faced by the working class, starting from the 1880s with the ‘Sakidna’ feudal system, leading through pivotal events such as the Siamese revolution of 1932. The museum further delves into the challenges during the military dictatorships of the 1970s, highlighting the resilience of workers. Each exhibit reflects the aspirations and determination of labour movements, encouraging dialogue and understanding of the importance of fair working conditions. Join us in celebrating the history and legacy of Thai workers as we prepare for our grand reopening on May 1st, 2025, after essential renovations. Your visit will not only enlighten you about the past but also inspire thoughts for the future of labour rights in Thailand.
Welcome to the Thai Labour Museum, a vital institution that honors the dignity of labour and commemorates the struggles for workers’ rights throughout Thailand’s history. Our exhibits take you on a journey through the challenges and triumphs experienced by the working class, starting from the oppressive ‘Sakidna’ system of the 1880s. As you navigate through our carefully curated displays, you will gain insights into the transformative Siamese revolution of 1932, which marked a significant shift in power dynamics in the country. The museum also reflects on the tumultuous era of the military dictatorships of the 1970s, a time when workers faced immense obstacles in their quest for justice and equality. Each section provides an educational experience that emphasizes the ongoing relevance of these historical struggles in today’s context. By understanding our past, we can forge a path toward a more equitable future for all workers. We are currently undergoing essential
Thai Labour Museum (กรุงเทพมหานคร (กทม.), ไทย) - รีวิว - ThailandAgoda.com
Attractions
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Thai Labour Museum is perched on a picturesque hilltop overlooking 726/9 Nikhom Makkasan, Ratchathewi , 10400, Thailand
This museum tells the history of the Thai working people, from the caste system, through waves of Chinese migration and labor organizing, on to the modern struggle for survival in the global capitalist economy. Along the way it talks about the political changes in Thailand, efforts to suppress labor groups, and tragedies like the suppression of the 1973 uprising and the Kader toy factory fire. Many displays are in English.Budget about an hour. It’s a tiny museum, seemingly run by labor organizers who are genuinely happy to have visitors. No entry fee but donations welcomed. This museum is a 20 minute walk from the Erawan Shrine, not a very scenic walk but goes through an area with a lot of cheap restaurants. It’s also readily accessible from BTS Ratchaprarop and MRT Phetchaburi stations.
Stumbled on this museum by accident and spent a fascinating half hour there learning in particular about indentured labour in Thailand and how the system was overthrown. Also displays relating to Thailand in WW2, a subject not frequently discussed. Quite old fashioned displays and quite difficult to read at times, but well worth the effort. Entrance by donation.
An excellent little museum about labour in Thailand from feudal times and slavery through the times of labour for wages with the arrival of Chinese coolies up to modern attempts to improve the condition of labourers and the lethal assaults on Thai workers and students by the Thai military such as in 1976 & 1992. Excellent historical exhibits touching on sensitive aspects of Thai history such as the Thai alliance with Japan in World War II and the death of so many labourers on the Thai-Burma railway. Outstanding exhibits on Thai cultural history.The museum itself may seem old and low tech but then it relates to older, low tech times so that’s okay.It’s at an obscure location beside the railway tracks near Makkasan Station – more than a 1 km walk from either Phetchaburi Station on MRT or Phayathai Station on BTS. There is an office in the back where the curators may be working and the reception desk may be unattended. There is a bell beside the door to ring to attract attention. Admission is free; there is a voluntary donation box by the reception desk.There are wonderful sights to behold in Thailand where, as elsewhere, we can learn of the good works of monarchs and the ruling elite but don’t find so much about the labourers who were supporting their efforts – this museum addresses the stories of some of those labourers.The information in this museum is not easily found elsewhere and I rate this as a 5/5 attraction. There is information here about those sensitive periods in Thai history when news was suppressed and Thai people asked what was happening. Fascinating!
This museum is not that well know and is open Wednesday to Sunday from 10.00 until (I think) around 16.00. Admission is free but donations are welcomed. It may look closed when you arrive but ring the bell beside the front door. Within a minute a helpful woman appeared to unlock the door for me and switch on the lights inside (yes, otherwise it is dark). The museum consists of several small rooms followed by one larger one and it’s probably logical to go round them clockwise in this way. It’s a charming old-fashioned mixture of all sorts of things laid out, of which everyone is likely to find something of interest. I probably spent round about an hour looking round.
A really interesting wander discovering the history of how Thai workers and socialists have been treated at work and in leisure over the years. Some excellent exhibits with descriptions in English. Despite the language barrier, a warm welcome and basic guidance of where to go. I believe it is run by volunteers. Please leave a donation.To gain entrance ring the bell as there isn’t always someone on reception.