From School to Museum … @ Phuket Thai-Hua Museum

Phuket Thai Hua Museum is one of the best places on the island to learn more about Phuket’s past. The museum documents the story of how Chinese labourers arrived to work the island’s tin mines many years ago and details the way of life, architecture, dress, culture, food and the influential people that affected Phuket’s past. Before becoming a museum, this old building used to be a school for Thai-Chinese families who wanted their children to speak their language and to carry on their traditions and culture. ‘Ang Mor Lao’ is the name of the old European-style building.

You’ll learn how these people moved from their ‘Land of the Dragon’ to Phuket to build up a new community, set up jobs, support each other and integrate into society. The original school was built by a Chinese non-profit organisation with the aim to educate their children. The first headmaster, K. Sunpin, put his heart and soul into his task and is responsible for the foundation and setting up of the school.

Stroll through the museum and appreciate the beautiful culture and tradition, literature and knowledge of these ‘Baba’ people. The accessories and traditional food displays and exhibits are fascinating to see and present a vivid window on the past.