Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Natural History Museum

Prince of Songkla University Natural History Museum is administered by the Faculty of Science, Prince of Songkla University. In January 2006 the Faculty of Science dedicated the Natural History Museum to Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn in honor of her 50th birthday. In recognition of this the Princess has requested that the museum now be named “พิพิธภัณฑสถานธรรมชาติวิทยา ๕o พรรษา สยามบรมราชกุมารี” (Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Natural History Museum) and her emblem is displayed. The Museum is responsible to the Faculty and the University for promoting the Natural History of southern Thailand. Within this field the Museum works to coordinate the museums services with other museums at a regional and an international level. Our prime role is to research, educate and promote interest in and knowledge about the make-up and development of the universe, the earth, its plant and animal life, together with their biology and ecology.

Vision and Mission
The Museum’s vision is to conduct research in natural sciences especially in the area of biodiversity, education, and conservation for the benefit and enjoyment of present and future generation is southern Thailand. Our mission is to consolidate the Museum’s position as one of the leading national and regional museum services with the natural history field and to be one of south Thailand’s most visited destinations for national history research and education.

Education	Research
Training	Conservation

Organization
Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Natural History Museum is managed by the Policy, Planning and Academic Board appointed by the Faculty of Science. The present chairman of the board is Associate Professor Chutamas Satasook, the current Dean. The museum operations are divided into animal and plant reference collections section, and an exhibition and public education section.

Public Education
This service has been considered to be the heart of the Museum’s activities since they stimulate and encourage our present and future generations to study science. At present, the museum organizes wide ranging activities that change monthly and is open to the public all days except Monday and Tuesday.

Future Development
Associated work along with the plant genetic Conservation Project under the Royal Initiative of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn in southern Thailand is being developed in the fields of a survey of biodiversity, biology and ecology of organisms to improve public awareness, public education and conservation.
Future directions of the museum are to work at international levels with other leading museums in Asia, Europe and in the USA. Schemes are being developed for cooperative research and education benefits for all. Exchange programs for museum staff, scientific specimens and information are also our targets.
New exhibitions are being planned to cover more science and with more relevance to southern Thailand natural history that we hope will benefit local schools and the public. More education programs for public schools that will encourage them to visit and study more in the museum.