The National Library of Thailand, located on Samsen Road in Dusit, is a pivotal institution dedicated to preserving the nation’s literary and cultural heritage. Explore a vast collection of books, manuscripts, and historical documents that reflect Thailand’s history and traditions.
The National Library of Thailand serves as a reservoir of knowledge, holding an extensive range of resources spanning various genres and subjects. This esteemed institution not only houses millions of books but also treasures rare manuscripts and artifacts that chronicle the nation’s literary journey. Visitors can immerse themselves in a tranquil, inspiring environment conducive to studying and research. Furthermore, the library offers a variety of activities, including exhibitions and workshops, enhancing the community’s engagement with literature and its preservation. As a key player in promoting reading culture, the National Library of Thailand also collaborates with educational institutions and cultural organizations to foster a love for books among the youth. Whether you’re a local resident or a tourist, a visit here promises insights into Thailand’s rich literary tapestry and the importance of preserving it for future generations. Experience the quiet charm of the National Library of Thailand, where every corner holds a story waiting to be discovered.
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National Library of Thailand is perched on a picturesque hilltop overlooking Samsen Road achiraphaphayaban, Dusit, 10300, Thailand
The National Library of Thailand was created in 1905 with the merger of three existing royal libraries. It operates under the jurisdiction of the Fine Arts Department of the Ministry of Culture in Bangkok.The library aims to be a fully high-tech national intellectual property resource.The main tasks of the library are collecting, storing, preserving, and organizing all national intellectual property regardless of medium. Collections include Thai manuscripts, stone inscriptions, palm leaves, Thai traditional books, and printed publications as well as audio-visual materials and digital resources. The library is a national information resource serving citizens nationwide.The National Library has a long history. In 1905, three libraries, the Mandira Dharma Library, the Vajirayanana Library, and the Buddhasasana Sangaha Library, were amalgamated at the command of King Chulalongkorn the Great and renamed the “Vajirayanana Library for the Capital City”. The library has remained under royal patronage since.
I went for some research as well as to see the Cat in Siam exhibition. Unfortunately, while the museum advertises in English, it is really a Thai-only place – this would be no issue if this was made clear from the outset. People are friendly, but farangs are really Fremdkörper here. Almost no exhibitions of holdings (no display of national treasures, natural literature etc.); the holidings themselves are poor; entrance registration is a big deal (you cannot just go and see exhibits, you need to apply for temporary member status); there is no gift shop (usually National Libraries have great ones with good selections of books) nor a decent restaurant or cafe. And the building is rather functional. I am afraid that the potential to have a 21st national library to showcase Thai literature and science as well as provide an accessible space for research of Thailand is not realized at all.