Nakhonban Phetchabun Cultural Hall

Nakhonban Phetchabun Cultural Hall sits directly opposite the Phetchabun City Pillar Shrine and takes its name from a wartime episode: in 1943, Field Marshal Plaek Phibunsongkhram planned to relocate Thailand’s capital from Bangkok to Phetchabun, calling the proposed new city “Nakhonban Phetchabun.” The scheme was shelved after his government fell in 1944, and this hall — opened by the municipality in 2003 — now serves as the memorial and study centre for that history alongside the province’s broader cultural record.

The main exhibition space holds photographs and antiques on loan from the Fine Arts Department, tracing Phetchabun’s history from local artefacts to more recent civic milestones. A second section houses a stage used for performances and talks on the province’s traditions, and the grounds outside include a further stage and yard for outdoor cultural events. Outside the building stands a large golden tamarind-pod statue — a nod to Phetchabun’s best-known crop, the sweet tamarind (makham waan) that the province is famous for growing.

Insider Tip: Pair the visit with the City Pillar Shrine across the road — the two sit close enough to cover both in one stop, and the Pillar’s own compound gives useful context for the capital-relocation story told inside the hall.

Getting There

Nakhonban Phetchabun Cultural Hall is located opposite the Phetchabun City Pillar Shrine, Mueang Phetchabun district. View on Google Maps. It’s an easy add-on to a walk around Phetchabun town centre — the Lomsak Museum and Haw Chinese War Memorial cover other angles on the province’s history if you want to make a half-day of it.

Tips for Visitors

• Cash is useful — smaller venues may not accept cards.
• Respect local customs and signage.
• Photography is generally fine in the main hall, but ask before shooting during a live performance.
• Check the stage schedule if you want to catch a cultural performance rather than just the exhibition.