Baan Kru Eua

Kru Eua was a musician, singer and composer who founded the famous “Suntaraporn” band, which was seen as the national legend of Thai classical music community. In addition, he was also the founder of the Music Association of Thailand under the Patronage of His Majesty the King. “Baan Kru Eua” was established to commemorate this great song artist. Baan Kru Eua is located at No. 093-095 by Amphawa canal in Amphawa Sub District, Amphawa District, Samut Songkhram Province, and near the well-known Amphawa Floating Market. It was founded by Suntarapron Foundation. The old wooden building by Amphawa canal, the area where Kru Eua was born almost a hundred years ago, was restored and used as an exhibition site for the life and works of the artist and the story of Suntaraporn songs from the past until present. The exhibition includes his personal belongings such as musical instruments, performance outfits, an office desk and old photos which have become a rare collection. The house, accordingly, is recommended for those who are interested in the history of Thai Classical music. There is a music corner where fans can sit and listen to the retro music which goes well with the atmosphere in the old wooden house. The place is also good for reading and doing researches. In addition, there is a corner which displays souvenirs and Kru Eua’s works, such as books, t-shirts and keyrings for visitors to shop. Ban Kru Eua is part of the project to preserve traditional knowledge of Amphawa people, carried out under the Chatpattana Foundation of HRH Princess Sirindhorn. The museum is open on weekends and public holidays from 8.00 a.m.-8.00 p.m. For more information, call the public relation office of Chaipattana Foundation via 0 2282 4425 (ext.) 006, 007, 0 2252 9880, or Suntaraporn Foundation via 0 2240 0974, fax: 0 2240 3535. See also www.websuntaraporn.com; e-mail: soontaraporn@gmail.com. To reach Ban Kru Eua by car, from Samut Songkhram’s centre, take Highway No. 325, which is the same route for Damnoen Saduak District and King Rama II Memorial Park. Around 6 km before the t-junction, there is a left turn for Amphawa District. Drive straight for approximately 800 m and there is a left turn for Amphawa Market. Park in front of Amphawa District Office or inside Amphawan Temple.By bus, from Bangkok Bus Terminal (South), catch Bus No. 996, the air-conditioned bus from Bangkok to Damnoen-Saduak via Samut Song Khram Province. The bus arrives at Amphawa Market. Or bus No. 976 from Bangkok to Samut Songkhram Bus Terminal. Then take No. 333 (Mae Klong-Amphawa-Bang Nok Kwaek) to Amphawa Market. By minivan, catch the van on the side of Phahon Yothin Road at Victory Monument (Bangkok-Mae Klong Route). The ticket costs 70 baht from Bangkok to Mae Klong (6.25 a.m.-8 p.m.) and 60 baht from Maeklong to Bangkok (5.30 a.m.-7 p.m.). The van arrives at Mae Klong Market. Walk to the minibus stop (Songthaew) and catch the bus that goes to the vegetarian cafeteria by Amphawa Floating Market.