Unique collection of ‘Batmobilia’ features rare items worth up to one million baht
| SECRETED away on the corner of Ramkhamhaeng and Srinakarin Roads, this treasure trove of Batman and superhero toys and memorabilia may not be the easiest place to reach (the traffic in this area of Bangkok is notoriously bad), but for the young and young at heart, toy collectors, and fans of the Caped Crusader, the colourful showcase is bound to delight. |  |
Comprising a museum, small toy store and onsite coffee shop, Batcat Museum & Toys Thailand (BM&TT) is the brainchild of Bangkok-based businessman Somchai Nitimongkolchai – otherwise known as ‘Mr Batcat’ – who has been collecting
Batman toys and memorabilia for over 25 years.
Lovingly arranged within glass display cases, his museum-based collection features over 50,000 action figures, models, toy cars, wind up toys and other mostly Batman-related memorabilia from the 1960s to today.
Batman toys and memorabilia for over 25 years.
Lovingly arranged within glass display cases, his museum-based collection features over 50,000 action figures, models, toy cars, wind up toys and other mostly Batman-related memorabilia from the 1960s to today.
Some incredibly rare items make up the showcase, such as a 1966 Batman Utility Belt – in mint condition in its original Ideal Toy Company box (one of only three surviving sets in the world, apparently) – worth around one million baht, as well as hard-to-find tin Batmobiles and figurines from Tada Japan, which usually auction for upwards of 500,000 baht each.
Of course, the toys and models on display in BM&TT’s museum are not for sale – they’re simply for admiring and marveling at. And, apart from the adjoining small toy store and coffee shop, that’s pretty much all there is to do at BM&TT (sadly, there are no interactive installations allowing you to unleash your inner Dark Knight). Still, there is certainly plenty to look at – and Batman is not the only star of the show.
Split into two rooms, the museum also features the impressive collection of Mr Batcat’s friend, Pornchai Trakoontiwakorn, who is often on hand to guide visitors through the museum and, with a glint in his eye, explain more about the items on display.
His personal collection, fifteen years in the making, is divided into distinct categories of models and toys (think Star Wars, Marvel, Manga, Transformers, Toy Story, and Hollywood Movies) and includes items from the ’70s to today. If you’re lucky, you may even glimpse your favourite childhood toy.
BM&TT opens every Tues-Sun from 9am-6pm. Entry is B100 for adults, B60 for kids. Onsite parking available.
3702 Srinakarin Rd., Tel: 02 375 9006, 081 122 5039, Facebook.com/batcat.museum
Of course, the toys and models on display in BM&TT’s museum are not for sale – they’re simply for admiring and marveling at. And, apart from the adjoining small toy store and coffee shop, that’s pretty much all there is to do at BM&TT (sadly, there are no interactive installations allowing you to unleash your inner Dark Knight). Still, there is certainly plenty to look at – and Batman is not the only star of the show.
Split into two rooms, the museum also features the impressive collection of Mr Batcat’s friend, Pornchai Trakoontiwakorn, who is often on hand to guide visitors through the museum and, with a glint in his eye, explain more about the items on display.
His personal collection, fifteen years in the making, is divided into distinct categories of models and toys (think Star Wars, Marvel, Manga, Transformers, Toy Story, and Hollywood Movies) and includes items from the ’70s to today. If you’re lucky, you may even glimpse your favourite childhood toy.
BM&TT opens every Tues-Sun from 9am-6pm. Entry is B100 for adults, B60 for kids. Onsite parking available.
3702 Srinakarin Rd., Tel: 02 375 9006, 081 122 5039, Facebook.com/batcat.museum
