Bank of Thailand Museum: Bang Khun Phrom Palace, Free to Visit

Updated on October 5, 2026

The Bank of Thailand Museum occupies Bang Khun Phrom Palace, an early 20th-century princely residence on the Chao Phraya, in the north of the old city. The visit is free, but only by reservation, in timed slots. The palace reopened to the public on 4 July 2026, after restoration work that began in 2018. Allow 1.5 to 2 hours for a slot. Places go very fast: book as soon as registration opens.

Highlights

The Tamnak Yai

The main residence, in neo-Baroque style, was built in 1901-1902 to plans by the Italian architect Mario Tamagno. It was the home of Prince Paribatra Sukhumbandhu, regent of the kingdom, until he went into exile after the 1932 revolution.

The staircase and reception rooms

The restored interior shows ornate ceilings, wrought-iron railings and the grand staircase. The palace is above all a building to admire, far more than a museum of objects.

The Tamnak Somdet

The second building, built around 1913 by the German architect Karl Döhring, is in the Art Nouveau style (Jugendstil). The palace housed government offices after 1932, then the headquarters of the Bank of Thailand from 1945; it is a registered ancient monument and won the Association of Siamese Architects' architectural conservation award in 1993.

The history of money

The museum presents the history of the central bank and of Thai currency. The exact content of the rooms reopened in 2026 could not be verified: check the programme of the Bank of Thailand Learning Center when you book.

Infos pratiques

Tips

Entry is free but booking is compulsory. According to the latest information (July 2026), the palace can be visited on Saturdays and Sundays, in two slots (10:30am and 2:30pm) of 60 people at most; bookings open 7 days before each slot on the Bank of Thailand Learning Center website. Another source reports openings from Tuesday to Sunday: check the official calendar before you go. Bring ID or your passport, which is checked when you collect your ticket. Cover your shoulders and knees. The palace is inside the Bank of Thailand grounds: security checks are strict. For other free museums, read our guide to free museums in Bangkok; for the neighbourhood, our guide to Dusit.

How to get there

Samsen Road, Bang Khun Phrom, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200 (inside the Bank of Thailand grounds, on the Chao Phraya). No metro or BTS station is close. The simplest way is a taxi or Grab from Khao San Road, or the boat to Phra Arthit pier and then a taxi.