The kris or keris is an asymmetrical dagger most strongly associated with the culture of Indonesia; but also indigenous to Malaysia; Thailand and Brunei. It is known as kalis in the southern Philippines. The kris is famous for its distinctive wavy blade; but in the past; most had straight blades.

Established by the Institute for Southern Thai Studies in 1991; this unusually good museum; set in an attractive series of Thai sala-type buildings; features a library (mainly in Thai) on southern Thai culture; and a well-documented series of exhibits on southern culture including nang talung shadow puppets; musical instruments; textiles; basketry; household artifacts; fishing equipment; jewellery and weapons. There is also a suan yaa samunprai or natural herb and medicinal garden in the well-tended grounds