PROMOTING CULTURALLY-ENRICHING EXPERIENCES
The Siam Society Under Royal Patronage
- Thailand's Dedicated Custodian of Culture

Acknowledgements EventsinThailand.com thanks The Siam Society Under Royal Patronage for the enthusiastic support and assistance in providing the information and photos for this special feature. ฉ All photos courtesy of The Siam Society.

ABOUT THE SIAM SOCIETY Under Royal Patronage Historical Background Please click to view. THE HIGHLIGHTS Please click on the item The Kamthieng House Ethnological Museum The Auditorium Lecture Programmes Study Trips Promoting Culturally- Enriching Experiences A DEDICATED CUSTODIAN OF CULTURE The Siam Society Under Royal Patronage was originally established in 1904 by Thai and foreign residents of Bangkok for those interested in the study of artistic, scientific and other cultural affairs of Thailand and the ways in which they relate to those of neighbouring countries. Today, The Siam Society continues to operate as a non-profit organization dedicated to its founding cause.

PROMOTING CULTURALLY-ENRICHING EXPERIENCES While some of the activities are of scholarly nature, The Siam Society is equally known for its wealth of expertise and creativity in presenting a diverse range of interesting programs that offer participants, a truly memorable experience. * Occasionally, with permission granted by the Society, exclusive events and private functions are held on the premise. Organizers need to seek prior permission from the Society. Permission being granted at the discretion of the Society based on the nature of the event. It is then customary for the host of the function to make a donation to the Society as a contribution towards the actual utility and maintenance expenses arising from the private function/special event hosted on the premises.

The Kamthieng House is an ethnological museum within the grounds of the Society's home. Described by The Siam Society as "one of the best surviving examples of Northern Thai architecture", it provides a superb example of a traditional Northern Thai house built on wooden stilts.

The house has been stocked with artifacts associated, with the rural way of life in traditional agricultural communities. This includes a fascinating collection of beautifully hand-woven materials, ornate wood carvings, traditional musical instruments and sacred items. Under the house at ground level, a rich assortment of fishtraps, irrigation devices, ploughs and rice-harvesting equipment made of wood, reeds and bamboo are displayed.

Occasionally, with permission granted by the Society, private functions are held within the grounds and gardens of the Society with the Kamthieng House providing a picturesque setting for a private event for between 25-30 persons.

• THE AUDITORIUM
  The Main Auditorium accommodates between 180 to 200 persons, or up to 350 persons if the Auditorium is used in conjunction with the gardens adjacent to the hall.

  A few exclusive private functions and events hosted by many of Bangkok's leading corporations (many of whom are patrons of the arts and contribute significantly to the activities of the Siam Society) have been held in The Main Auditorium.

• IMPORTANT NOTE TO EVENT ORGANIZERS:
  In all cases, all arrangements for the event are handled by professional event organizers, stage management companies and Bangkok's leading caterers. Organizers need to seek prior permission from the Society with permission being granted at the discretion of the Society based on the nature of the event. It is also customary for the host of the function to make a donation to the Society as a contribution towards the actual utility and maintenance expenses arising from the private function/special event hosted on the premises.

• SAENGAROON HOUSE
  Next to the Kamthieng House, Saengaroon House features the traditional architectural style of homes of Central Thailand.

• LECTURE PROGRAM & ARTISTIC PERFORMANCES

  The Siam Society organizes a program of highly-informative lectures (generally on a weekly basis) and occasionally hosts artistic performances by Thailand's National Artists and other distinguished performers, as well as by visiting artists. These are held in the Society's Auditorium.

• STUDY TRIPS
  The Society's study trips to places of archaeological interest in Thailand and abroad. The Natural History Section of the Siam Society also organizes study trips to places of natural interest to promote greater environmental and conservation awareness of Thai wildlife and flora.
  
  
• THE LIBRARY
  The Society also maintains an excellent library which is at the disposal of Members. Chao Phraya Bhaskarawongse (Phorn Bunnag), a distinguished scholar in the field of literature placed his extensive library at the disposal of the Society's members. Publications by Societies such as the Ecole Francaise d'Extreme-Orient, the Batavian Association of Arts and Sciences, the Royal Asiatic Society and the Societa Asiatica Italiana also form the basis of the Siam Society's library.
  
  
• PUBLICATIONS
  The Society also publishes "The Journal of The Siam Society" and promotes an active program of books of topical interest and scholarlymerit.
  
  
• THE NATURAL HISTORY SECTION
  The Natural History Section of the Siam Society, organized in 1913, sponsors its own program of lectures and study trips to places of natural interest and focuses on the conservation of Thai wildlife and flora. It also publishes The Natural History Bulletin of the Siam Society, as well as periodic works of scientific interest.

MEMBERSHIP
Membership of the Society is on the following basis:
Life Membership, Ordinary Member and Student Member.

For residents outside of Thailand, The Siam Society also welcomes Overseas Membership.

HERITAGE TO BE CHERISHED & SHARED
As the proud keepers of our heritage, continuing efforts are undertaken to ensure that time-honoured traditions are kept alive, priceless treasures protected and well-preserved, and the facilities well-maintained. In pursuit of this task, The Siam Society welcomes individual and corporate donations in cash or in kind.

CONTACT INFORMATION
THE SIAM SOCIETY
UNDER ROYAL PATRONAGE

OPENING HOURS
The Siam Society is open from Tuesday to Saturday from 09:00 to 17:00.
e-mail: mailto:info@siam-society.com
Web site: http://www.siam-society.com/

Phone: (66 2) 661-6470 - 7
Fax: (66 2) 258 3491

Address:
131 Soi Asoke, Sukhumvit 21
Bangkok 10110, Thailand

Acknowledgements
EventsinThailand.com thanks The Siam Society Under Royal Patronage for the enthusiastic support and assistance in providing the information and photos for this special feature. All photos have been kindly provided by The Siam Society.

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND THE FOUNDING OF THE SIAM SOCIETY The Siam Society was founded Under Royal Patronage with Crown Prince Vajiravudh (later King Rama VI 1910 - 1925), who both encouraged and supported the Society as the First Patron. H.R.H. Prince Damrong Rajanubhab, one of Thailand's leading scholars and the President of the National Library, was Vice Patron. From its outset, learned societies throughout the world provided their support to the Society including the Ecole Francaise d'Extreme-Orient, the Batavian Association of Arts and Sciences, the Royal Asiatic Society and the Societa Asiatica Italiana. The publications of these Societies formed the basis of the Siam Society's library.