What Lesser-Known Artifacts Can Be Found in Phuket's Museums?

Phuket is one of the oldest cities in Thailand and has a colourful and captivating history. Owing to its location on trading routes between India and China, Phuket has faced many foreign influences. In the early sixteenth century, Phuket was marked to be a major source of tin, attracting Europeans to its shores, and it went through periods of Portuguese, French, and British authority. The myriad of people and cultures that have passed through Phuket have each left behind their mark, be it in the intricate architecture or the treasure trove of artefacts that can be found throughout the city. Here is a list of some of the lesser-known artefacts found in Phuket’s museums.

Thalang National Museum's Battle of Thalang Relics

In 1785, Phuket was attacked by the Burmese in an effort to invade Siam. The city governor had recently died, but his wife, Lady Chan, and her sister, Lady Muk, valiantly rallied the troops and broke the Burmese siege. The Thalang National Museum is dedicated to the history of the Thalang district and the celebrated Battle of Thalang. Among the museum's lesser-known artefacts are the relics from this battle, including personal items of the two heroines and detailed maps of the battlefield. You can find a statue of these heroines at the heart of Thalang town.

Thai Hua Museum Historical Photographs

The Thai Hua Museum was built inside an old Chinese school and is a carefully preserved Sino-Portuguese building. Most people visit to see the scaled models of the ancient shop house or the old classroom, which is why its collection of historical photographs often goes unnoticed. These photographs have captured the daily lives and traditional ceremonies of the Phuket Chinese communities that used to live there and offer a glimpse of the evolution of the island over time.

The Seashell Museum's Rare Specimens

The Phuket Sea Shell Museum is the labour of love of the Patamakanthin brothers, who have spent over three decades building up one of the most extensive seashell collections in the world. Among their collection of over 2,000 species, they have noble volutes, stout-spine murex, and tiger cowries. However, the crowning glory of the museum is certainly its Golden Pearl, which weighs over 140 carats and is the largest of its kind. This pearl is rare due to its unique golden hue.

Phuket Mining Museum's Tin Mining Tools

As mentioned earlier, the tin trade in Phuket has a rich history and was the reason for the island’s prosperous economy. Phuket tin was coveted worldwide since it was arsenic-free, making it easier and safer to mine. The Mining Museum, a pink Sino-Portuguese architectural creation, showcases the history of this thriving industry. While the museum's large-scale models and dioramas are popular attractions, the collection of tin mining tools gives a more intimate glimpse into the daily lives of the miners. These tools, including hand-operated drills and sifters, reveal the labour-intensive processes and technological innovations that drove the industry.

Phuket Philatelic Museum's Rare Stamps

The Phuket Philatelic Museum, located in the old Phuket post office, might seem a bit unusual or even a bit boring, but its collection of ancient Thai and Siamese stamps makes it an educational and interesting experience for any history buff. It also houses postal artefacts such as old staff uniforms, telephones, and antique postmarking tools used by the postmasters, lending a perspective on the island's early communication and trade networks.

Exploring these hidden gems in Phuket's museums can be a rewarding experience, especially when staying at a Phuket luxury beach resort. Combining a cultural tour with relaxation at a world-class resort enhances the overall travel experience. For instance, after a day of museum visits, one might unwind at the Anantara Koh Yao Yai Resort & Villas, known for its stunning views and impeccable service.