A museum documenting Thailand’s prison history, housed in the former Bang Kwang Central Prison—once notorious as the “Bangkok Hilton” for its brutal conditions.
At a glance
Located on Maha Chai Road, the Bangkok Corrections Museum preserves the history of incarceration and corrections practice in Thailand. The museum is currently closed to visitors.
History
The museum was established in 1939 within Bang Kwang Central Prison, which had previously functioned as a training center for corrections officers. The prison gained international infamy as the “Bangkok Hilton,” a name echoing the Hanoi Hilton’s notoriety in Vietnam, due to its harsh incarceration conditions.
Following the museum’s closure, the remainder of the site was transformed into Rommaninat Park, which officially opened on August 7, 1999, under the patronage of Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn.
What you see
The museum was modelled on the Brixton Prison of England. The facility documents the physical and institutional structures of Thai corrections through its preserved buildings and exhibits.
Cultural significance
The Bangkok Corrections Museum serves as a historical record of Thailand’s prison system and the lived experience of incarceration. Its transformation alongside the adjacent Rommaninat Park reflects Thailand’s approach to memorializing difficult histories while creating public space.
Key facts
- Country: Thailand
- City: Bangkok
- Coordinates: 13.748488, 100.503482
- Established: 1939
- Status: Currently closed to visitors
Practical information & getting there
The museum is located on Maha Chai Road in Bangkok. Please note that the museum is closed for the foreseeable future and should not be visited at this time. Check locally for any updates regarding reopening.
Sources & resources
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