Air Force Museum

Visiting the Royal Thai Air Force and National Aviation Museum. A fascinating journey through Thailand’s aviation history, showcasing rare aircraft, wartime stories, and the evolution of the nation’s air defense.

✈️ A Legacy in the Skies

Founded in 1952, the Royal Thai Air Force and National Aviation Museum was established to collect, preserve, and restore aircraft, aviation equipment, and historical documents tied to Thailand’s air force. Located at Don Muang Royal Thai Air Force Base in Bangkok, the museum sits just south of Don Mueang Airport’s domestic terminal and is easily accessible via the Royal Thai Air Force Museum BTS Station.

🛩️ Rare and Historic Aircraft

Visitors are greeted by an impressive collection of aircraft spanning decades of aviation history:

  • Japanese Tachikawa Ki-36 trainer – one of only two surviving worldwide.
  • Vought O2U Corsair – the last surviving model of its kind.
  • Curtiss BF2C Goshawk – one of only three left in existence.
  • Spitfire fighters, Nieuports, and Breguets – iconic aircraft that highlight Thailand’s role in global aviation.

The museum also features paintings and exhibits depicting Thailand’s involvement in World War II, including the brief resistance against Japanese forces in 1941 and the complex wartime alliances that followed.

📚 More Than Machines

Beyond aircraft, the museum houses:

  • Pilot uniforms, communication devices, and ordnance used by the Royal Thai Air Force.
  • An aviation library with archives, photos, and historical documents for research.
  • Exhibits that emphasize Thailand’s aviation heritage as both a national treasure and a learning center.

🕘 Visitor Information

  • Hours: Tuesday–Sunday, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM (closed Mondays and public holidays).
  • Admission: Free of charge.
  • Location: 171 Phaholyothin Road, Don Mueang, Bangkok.
  • Access: BTS Sukhumvit Line (Royal Thai Air Force Museum Station) or bus routes 34, 39, 114, 356.

🌟 Why Visit?

A trip to the Royal Thai Air Force Museum is not just about planes—it’s about connecting with Thailand’s military past, technological progress, and resilience during global conflicts. Families, aviation enthusiasts, and history lovers alike will find the museum engaging, with opportunities to climb into cockpits, explore outdoor and indoor exhibits, and enjoy a café on-site.

In short: Visiting the Royal Thai Air Force and National Aviation Museum is a journey into Thailand’s aviation heritage, where rare aircraft and wartime stories come alive in an accessible, family-friendly setting

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