Art & CultureThailand is home to a rich cultural heritage with distinct spiritual and art lineages. Gain insight into the ways of Thai culture passed down through the centuries in addition to its more modern variations through original Art & Culture articles.
Surrounded by the busy city streets and high rise buildings that typify Bangkok's central Asoke area sits an elegant, vernacular Lanna residence.
Located within the compound that serves as the home of the Siam Society, Khamthieng House was originally built Chiang Mai in 1848 alongside the Ping River. The house was relocated to Bangkok in 1966 and transformed into a museum in order to demonstrate the ancestral wisdom of Lanna culture.
A generous legacy
The house was originally commissioned by a noble lady called Mae Saed, whose family members continued to pass it down from one generation to the next.
Named after a previous occupant – Mae Khamthieng – this impressive building was than passed on to her daughter, Kimhew Nimmanhaeminda, who presented the house to the Siam Society. Visitors are urged to show respect when entering the house since it is said that the spirits of previous occupants remain in residence to protect the property (and visitors) from harm.
Architectural heritage
The architectural functions of the house provide excellent examples of the key elements of traditional northern residences.
The building's raised floor provides a multi-purpose space beneath the house. Women typically worked on their looms in this space, while male occupants would typically keep their agricultural tools there. The house also has a huge veranda that connects the main building to a small kitchen at the other end. In front of the building is another multi-purpose area that can be used either as a place to rest and relax, or to entertain visitors. Other light activities might also be conducted in this space, such as the spinning of silk, for example. The building's sole room – a bedroom – features twin doors at the entrance. In days gone by, residents wouldn't tend to have much in the way of furniture. Rather, they would sit or sleep on the floor and keep their clothes and other belongings in wooden caskets. The building's architecture also reflects a simple way of life and the importance of honoring ancestral spirits, and of Buddhism to the building's occupants.
Note for designers: Please insert photo 'kamthieng 47' here.
Practical workspaces
The kitchen is located away from the main building in order to prevent smoke or unpleasant odors from reaching the main living space. A fireplace for cooking sits on a platform on the wooden floor, while above it is an area made from bamboo, in which lightweight utensils can be hung up or foodstuffs, such as fish, garlic, or meats can be cured. A glimpse of Lanna life
As well as the building's vernacular features, the main indoor area also hosts exhibits that provide a glimpse into traditional Lanna culture and lifestyles. These are sub-divided into three distinct categories.
On the right is an area that highlights typical
northern sleeping facilities, which also features woven and embroidered
fabrics and wooden caskets for storage. These were typically made or
taken care of by women, reflecting their traditional role in the
household. In the middle of the room are a number of gold
and silver accessories, including ornaments and jewelry, while the left
side of the room is dedicated to aspects of Lanna beliefs, including
the supernatural. These were typically handled by male members of the
house.
Different kinds of talismans are displayed here, including examples on
paper, items of clothing, candles or even house posts. Some of these
were consecrated in a bid to invoke the help of supernatural forces
during difficult times, while some were thought to help enhance an
aspect of beauty or provide good luck, leading to greater prosperity. To enhance the learning experience for visitors,
audio-visual presentations have been incorporated within the
exhibition. There is a video presentation in the main room, featuring
information relating to the family of the original owner, aspects
relating to important rituals and ceremonies, as well as a look at the
day-to-day activities involved in Lanna culture. This also examines the
music of the north, including examples of compositions involving string
instruments. A video installation in the kitchen area includes
footage of an elderly villager sharing details of a traditional recipe
along with cooking tips for preparing the dish as she demonstrates the
process in the very same kitchen.
Calm and collected
Khamthieng House truly provides a heartwarming experience by providing
a realistic experience that can be enjoyed at your own pace in a calm,
historic environment, featuring an authentic taste of the Lanna way of
life. The traditional home offers a rare opportunity to
admire this authentic architectural vernacular. While there are others
homes of this kind in existence, many have been converted to fit more
conveniently with a modern lifestyle, with others have been allowed to
get into a state of disrepair.
Khamthieng House is located within the compound of the Siam Society at
131 Sukhumvit 21 Road. It opens from Tuesday through Saturday, from 9
am-5 pm.
Adult visitors will be asked to donate 100 baht to the museum's
coffers, while students pay 50 baht. For further information, please
contact the Siam Society on Tel: +66 (0)2 661 6471-7, or visit the
society's website at http://www.siamsociety.org .
Transport connections: Train: The Siam Society is
just a short distance away from the MRT subway station at Sukhumvit.
The most convenient way of accessing the museum from the station is by
taking Exit 1. The BTS skytrain station at Asoke interconnects with the
MRT. The best way to access the museum from the skytrain is to take
Exit 3.
Bus: Air-conditioned bus number 13 passes by the Siam Society, as do regular (non air-conditioned) bus numbers 136 and 185.
Art & Culture 
Art & Culture
Thailand is home to a rich cultural heritage with distinct spiritual and art lineages. Gain insight into the ways of Thai culture passed down through the centuries in addition to its more modern variations through original Art & Culture articles.
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