88 Years of The Fine Arts Department in conserving Cultural Heritage and fostering artistic creation

Before 1911 Thai cultural heritage in the fields of archaeology, history, literature, drama, music, artistic works, archives and museums were under the care of various government agencies. The wide range of responsibilities tended to be scattered and left unattended. Until 1911, in the reign of King Rama VI who regarded art and culture as the root of the Thai people and their Kingdom, the Fine Arts Department was founded by the Royal Command on March 27, 1911 and was entrusted with cultural affairs of the Thai nation.

In 1926 during the reign of King Rama VII, the Fine Arts Department was dissolved as the government was unable to allocate sufficient budget for cultural affairs owing to the world economic crisis. However, the Fine Arts Department was reinstated in 1933.

From 1933 to the present time, the Department has undergone continuing changes so as to keep up with changing circumstances.

Although the Fine Department has performed its duty in the preservation and promotion of the Thai cultural heritage for 88 Years, the adjustment in terms of decentralization and democratization has to be made in accordance with the present Constitution. Participation of local organizations in dealing with their specific cultural needs has to be initiated, while the Fine Arts Department will assume a new direction for cultural management via supervision, guidance and budget assistance, thus ensuring the continuity of the Department's commitment to cultural legacy of the whole nation.