James Bond museum in Thailand misfires, closing after only 1 day

The closure of a US$1.2 million James Bond museum aimed at wooing more tourists to southern Thailand after opening for only one day has prompted a lawmaker to call it a pointless project “dressed up to impress” and demand accountability from officials.

The state-funded attraction in Phang Nga, a tribute to The Man with the Golden Gun for showcasing the kingdom’s multiple locations in the 1974 film, was built a year ago.

But the museum has since become an eyesore, with its leaky roofs, broken exhibits and paint peeling off the walls.

“This was never a real plan. It was just a flashy idea with no follow-through,” said MP Phakamon Nunan, who revealed the museum’s neglected condition after inspecting it on Monday.

“There has to be accountability. We can’t just pour millions into vanity projects and walk away.”

The administrators believed the decades-long appeal of nearby islands featured in the film would draw tourists to visit the museum, according to Phakamon.