Mahachai Prison Corrections Museum

Probably the most horrifying book we’ve read on Thai subjects is convicted drug felon Warren Fellows’ ‘Damage Done,’ the brutal story of his years behind Thai prison bars.

Fellows spent time in the now-closed Mahachai prison, where only guard towers and several cells remain. Most of the prison was leveled to form the beautiful Rommani Nart Park. At the eastern side of the park, you’ll find a small museum, consisting of two yellow buildings on either side of the old prison gate.

The northernmost building features impressive architectural elements, furniture, and office machines saved from destruction. Immediately south, the next building houses torture instruments, exhibits depicting the beheading and machine gunning of prisoners, and other tools of the trade.

If you’re fortunate, you’ll run into guide and former prison guard Khun Sommai Ninaram, who will tell you fascinating tales of the history of punishment, death, and Thai prison life as he describes the exhibits. Sommai was friends with the executioner responsible for 55 executions by machine gun, and is enthusiastic about the museum. Do sign the guest book.

To get there: The museum is located on the eastern end of Rommani Nart Park on Thanon Maha Chai, opposite Thanon Luang. It’s a 5 minute walk north of the intersection of Thanon Charoen Krung and Thanon Maha Chai.

The closest BTS station is National Stadium, and if traffic is good, you’ll get to the museum in 10 minutes. The closest river ferry is Tha Sapan Phut pier, and the museum is a twelve-minute walk, following Chak Phet and Maha Chai roads. Walking around the bridge entrances is dicey, and you’ll have to run fast during breaks in traffic. Open M-F 8:30 am – 4 pm, admission free.