CHIANG MAI - A former naval officer has spent over two decades doing something that made not only himself happy but also other visitors to his museum in this northern province.
His collection of almost 5,000 commemorative coins and other most sought-after items related to the late King have quickly become a tourist attraction and the pride and joy to all visitors.
The museum, run by Sub Lt Thanathip Meemaitreejit, 50, is open to the public free of charge. It is said to be the country's largest collection of King Bhumibol Adulyadej's commemorative coins.
Priceless commemorative coins bearing the portraits of the late King, statues and ceremonial emblems and other items related to the beloved monarch are put on display at the three-room museum on Mahidol Road in tambon Suthep of Muang district.
Sub Lt Thanathip said he started collecting the coins after obtaining a statue of the beloved monarch in full uniform of the head of the armed forces. His impression with the King’s grace motivated him to collect everything related to the monarch.
For 20 years, he has collected almost 5,000 rare coins, whose value went up from time to time. With the king's passing, the collection has become priceless.
He said his museum opened from Monday to Friday and will soon be relocated to another location on Nimmanhaemin Road in Muang district. Construction is still underway.
Precious as they are, the coins he collected could not be compared with the late King's hard work and dedication to the country throughout his 70-year reign, he said.
He wants the young generation to visit his museum as each item has its own story and represents the king's work that they can learn so much from.
Rare items related to the late King are put on display at a museum run by a former navy officer in Chiang Mai. (Photo by Cheewin Sattha)
Sub Lt Thanathip Meemaitreejit, 50, a former navy officer, shows his collections at his museum in Chiang Mai. (Photo by Cheewin Sattha)