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| Background of the Office of the National Culture Commission |
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During World War II, the Thai government began to view culture as a key dimension in the process of nation-building, and decided to promulgate two acts on the development of the national culture. Equally important was the establishment of the National Culture Institution in 1942, as required by the National Culture Acts. In 1952, the Ministry of Culture was founded as Thailand suffered a temporary decline in cultural development. Both the National Culture Institution and the Ministry of Culture were dissolved in 1958 since the social climate at that time favored economic development as a top national priority and the economic planners failed to incorporate the cultural dimension into the National Development Plan. In the late 1970s, several attempts were made on the part of the government to revitalize interests in cultural development. An ad-hoc committee was appointed to study the viability of creating a national culture organization. The effort eventually culminated in the promulgation of an act which called for the establishment of the Office of the National Culture Commission (ONCC). This Act is known as “The Office of the National Culture Commission Act B.E. 2522” (1979 A.D.). Consequently, the ONCC was constituted on March 24, 1979 according to this Act. In the beginning, the ONCC was situated at the National Stadium, and in 1990 it was moved to Thiamruammitr Road, which is its present location. The Office of the National Culture Commission is entrusted with the task of promoting and preserving Thai culture through means such as studies, research, rehabilitation, development, dissemination of information, and support to government agencies, non-government organizations, and the public engaged in cultural works. The office also handles affairs relating to cultural exchanges. Its organization is equivalent to a department of the Ministry of Culture, which is headed by a Secretary General.
The organizational structure of the ONCC is as follows:
National Culture Commission
Internal Audit Group
The Internal Audit Group is responsible for the verification of budget administration, finance, accounting, procurement, etc. in order that the proceedings of the Office are carried out according to laws, regulations, orders, and the policies of the Ministry of Culture. Public Sector Development Group
The Public Sector Development Group directs the public administration system management and the administrating framework of the Office.
General Affairs Division
The General Affairs Division has a main responsibility to support the work of other divisions for greater achievement.
Cultural Strategy and Policy Office The Strategy and Policy Office is accountable for the supervision, monitoring, and evaluation of the Office’s budget plan, work plan and working results in accordance with the Office’s work plan and the policies of the Ministry of Culture and the Government.
Cultural Promotion Fund Division
The Cultural Promotion Fund Division engages in praising and encouraging people producing valuable cultural work to be extolled as national artists and cultural authorities in order to maintain this cultural value to be remained in the society. Cultural Promotion and Dissemination Office
Institute of Cultural Education
(1) Thai Life Exhibition and Promotion Section; (2) Thailand Cultural Centre; and (3) Supreme Artist Hall. The Thai Life Exhibition and Promotion Section exhibits five topics of Thai culture:
It is located at the 2nd floor of the Exhibition Building, Thailand Cultural Centre. Hours: Open Monday to Saturday from 9.30 to 16.30. Admission: free. For group visitors, please contact 02 2470028 ext.4201-6, fax 02 2470060, or visit http://www.culture.go.th/thainithat/website/thai/index.html.
Supreme Artist Hall The Supreme Artist Hall was constructed in 1996 with an area of 8,000 square metres. It is situated in the Klong Ha Sub-District, Klong Luand District, Pathum Thani Province, a site under the supervision of the Fine Arts Department, Ministry of Culture. The Supreme Artist Hall exhibits the arts and artistic works of His Majesty the King Bhumibol Adulyadej and National Artists. The building has three stories which are divided into seven rooms, one for administration, one for temporary exhibition, five for permanent exhibitions (two for the Supreme Artist, and three for National Artists since 1985.)The exhibition halls are equipped with modern mixed media, such as video, multimedia computer, video CD, slide multi vision, etc.
The exhibition rooms for H.M. the King consist of:
The Supreme Artist Room (third floor) which is dedicated to a video presentation of H.M. the King’s achievements in the fields of music and song composition, and personal movie-making.
The exhibitions are open to the public Tuesday to Sunday from 9.30 to 16.00. Admission is free. For group admission, please contact 02 9865020-4 Fax.02 9865023.
Video and Film Classification Division The Video and Film Classification Division engages in determining ratings of the films video, and television materials. It also engages in the inspection of video and television materials and commercials in accordance with the Film Acts.
Centre of Cultural Public Relations The Centre of Cultural Public Relations is accountable for public relations, media production, and promotion of the Office’s activities.
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The Institute of Cultural Education functions as a platform of cultural expression, especially in the performing arts field for performers both domestic and international. Under the supervision of the Institute of Cultural Education are three cultural learning units: 
The Thailand Cultural Centre houses a modern stage and theatre for the performing arts. The main auditorium has a beautiful interior architectural design with excellent acoustics and a seating capacity of 2,000. The Thailand Cultural Centre also has an outdoor amphitheatre and a multi-purpose Small Hall with seating capacity of 500. 
The Supreme Artist Room