Rongrit Pramoj, son of former prime minister MR Kukrit Pramoj, speaks at a press conference yesterday to explain the feared closure of his father’s wooden Thai house/museum.

The foundation will move out of the museum, in Soi Suan Phlu off South Sathorn Road, on June 30. The house, in a 5-rai compound, was once a khon (classical masked dance) mini-theatre established by Kukrit - a khon master and writer - who was named a National Artist in 1985. A previous threat of closure came after a disagreement between the foundation and ML Rongrit.

"To celebrate the 100th anniversary of MR Kukrit Pramoj's birth in 2011, the Foundation planned to build a library for MR Kukrit's books and a conference hall behind the museum. The foundation, also established by MR Kukrit, had unofficial permission for the plan and wanted a long-term lease on a four-rai plot of land at the back of the museum to develop the project, which would cost millions of baht," said the foundation's president Amnuey Weerawan.

However, agreement on a long-term rental fee between the foundation and ML Rongrit - the landlord - could not be reached. Therefore the foundation decided to pull out.

But the foundation would continue its mission to promote MR Kukrit's legacy.

The house/museum has received about 30,000 visitors since it opened its doors to the public. Surrounded by skyscrapers in a busy commercial area, it is a popular tourist spot. To help with expenses, tickets were priced at Bt50 and the  back lawn rented out for book launches and weddings.

"It was my father's intention to preserve the house as if he was still alive," said ML Rongrit. "I did not want to make any changes. Now I take care of over 50 street dogs in the big garden at the back of the museum where my dad grew trees. Where will the foundation move these dogs to? Like my dad, I really love them."

The house displays some of Kukrit's personal belongings including khon masks and rare pictures. He first bought the plot of land in 1941.

Phatarawadee  Phataranawik

The Nation