The closure was confirmed by a statement from Phuket City Municipality issued yesterday (May 25).
The statement, for which no official signed as responsible for, follows heated comments online complaining that the museum had closed its doors within days of HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn last Wednesday officially declaring the venue open. (See story here.)
“We want to inform people that we have received good co-operation from the Peranakan Association and Baba people for the official opening of the Peranakannitat Museum. They see it as important and are very glad that HRH Sirindhorn visited to commemorate the official opening,” the statement said.
“We wanted willing HRH to see accessories, clothes and other items that are unique. We put them (on display) in the exhibition room.
“Now that the Peranakannitat Museum has been officially opened, the Peranakan Association has to return the items back to their owners, so we have to temporary close the museum,” the statement added.
If the museum is open while these items are being moved, it will be inconvenient and dangerous. Phuket City Municipality is concerned for these reasons, so we have to postpone the (public) opening day for people to visit,” the statement explained.
The statement denied claims online that the museum was empty.
“Inside the museum are stories and items ready to be shown. Downstairs is a wide hall that shows pictures of HRH Sirindhorn and has spaces for exhibitions all year round,” said the statement.
The unnamed explanation continued, “The second floor consists of five exhibition stations (rooms), a data room and officers (sic) room. All five exhibition rooms show multimedia displays.”
The statement made no mention of when the museum will open to the public.
However, it did add, “For more information please call Phuket Municipality 0-7621-4306.