The Siam Society Under Royal Patronage is delighted to invite you to join a special visit to Ayutthaya to discover the golden treasures of the royal court’s craftsmanship. For more than sixty years, these remarkable objects were dispersed among several national museums across Thailand, diminishing much of their collective grandeur and historical context. Recently, however, they have been reunited in Ayutthaya, restoring their artistic integrity and historical significance. Golden masterpieces from various periods are now displayed together, offering a deeper understanding of the evolution of Thai gold craftsmanship.

The programme will begin in the morning with a visit to the Science Center for Conservation in Pathum Thani Province, where participants will be introduced to the conservation work undertaken by the Fine Arts Department. The Center was graciously opened on 2 February 2026 by Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn on the occasion of Thai Heritage Conservation Day.

Participants will then travel to the Chao Sam Phraya National Museum in Ayutthaya to admire the largest collection of gold treasures in Thai art and craftsmanship. In addition to learning about the historical significance of these objects, you will gain insight into the origins of conservation work by the Fine Arts Department, which began when many of these treasures were recovered from looting.

In the afternoon, the programme continues with a study visit to the Conservation House of Kwanjit Lertsiri, renowned for its successful conservation of a wide range of Thai art and craft, from ancient national heritage objects to contemporary works by nationally recognised artists. This visit offers a rare opportunity for those interested in heritage objects and collectable antiques to appreciate the craftsmanship, provenance, and preservation of works of exceptional historical value.

The trip will be led by Mrs Somlak Charoenpot, Second Vice President and Honorary Secretary of The Siam Society and former Deputy Director General of the Fine Arts Department. Under her guidance, participants will gain insight into the comprehensive conservation work carried out by the Fine Arts Department, together with an opportunity to meet an expert on paper conservation, Ms Kwanjit Lertsiri, and listen to her important processes involved the preservation of national heritage, such as the revival of some of the traditional glue used for heritage paper conservation, among other interesting processes from her experience in conservation that have helped saved much of Thai heritage and contemporary works of art.