Chiang Mai Philatelic Museum

Location: 15 Praisani Road, Tambol Changmol , Amphur Muang, ChiangMai

Occupant: CAT Telecom Public Company Limited

Year established: 1910

Chiang Mai Philatelic Museum was a former building of the Monthon Payaap Court before the construction of the first Post and Telegraph Office in Chiang Mai on April 1 st, 1910. Later, the building was extended with the addition of a second storey for more working spaces and public services. It was named “Mae Ping Post Office”.

CAT Telecom Public Company Limited began a restoration project to establish the Chiang Mai Philatelic Museum. It was first opened to the public on November 15^th, 1990. Initially the ground floor had been used as a post office until the restoration was finished. Afterwards the post office was moved to a new building. Chiang Mai Philatelic Museum has been able to continually progress since 1996.

The interior of the museum contains 4 sections; Library Service, Postage Stamp Sales and Collectibles, Postage stamps on display such as Thai and foreign stamps dating back to the reign of King Rama VIII, and the exhibition in which participants are able to develop a greater understanding of the old postal service. Various other forms of dated and original communication tools like Morse Code, 12-volt telegraph key or tables and benches, which were of the museum exhibits five old post boxes from different places. The museum aims to increase both students and enthusiasts’ knowledge and understanding of current and historical postal operations in Thailand. Today it is open to visitors on Tuesday to Sunday from 8.30am to 4.30pm.

Dhama Chamber of Wat Dong Ruesi

Location: Tambon Ban Hong, Amphur Bang Hong, Lumphun

Architect(s)/Designer(s): Pho Nhanphan Chaiyachompu

Occupant: Wat Dong Ruesi

Year established: 1927

Wat Dong Ruesi is an old temple situated in the Ban Hong district. According to legend there were two sons who ran away from their rich father in order to become hermits at this spot. After both the sons passed away, their father donated money to build a temple and a sculpture, which was dedicated to both the hermits. The sculpture is currently enshrined in the temple area.

The Dharma or Tripitaka Chamber was established in 1927. Phra Kru Pan Photigo and his students cooperated to build this chamber. Pho Nhanpan Chaiyachompu was the construction engineer. The chamber is used to keep the Buddhist scriptures, The chadok (the story of the penultimate life of Buddha), and other dharma information. People in the past believed that Dharam scriptures wrer holy and sacred. Thus, they deserved to be respected and honored for worship and kept in high places.

It has a golden teak wood chamber with a raised basement, and a path to walk around the chamber upstairs. The interior of the chamber is used to keep the Buddhist scriptures. The wooden balcony fence was cleverly carved in a revered artistic style. This chamber has two entrance doors in the front and back. The ceiling is decorated with condition. The ceiling is decorated with colored stars which are now in a dilapidated with condition. The wooden tympanum has flowers and plant details carved into it together with a Chinese mirror decoration. Small clay tiles were installed on the roof.