The department was originally established by King Vajiravudh in 1912, split off from the Palace's Religious Affairs Office, and was primarily concerned with protecting Buddhist monuments.

In 1933, following the abolition of absolute monarchy, the Royal Society's archaeological arm was split off and re-established as the Fine Arts Department under the Ministry of Education (then known as the Ministry of Public Instruction).

[1][2] The Fine Arts Department is responsible for the study and management of archaeological sites and objects, as well as the operation of the country's national museums, which it does under the legal framework of the Act on Ancient Monuments, Antiques, Objects of Art and National Museums, B.E.

It also covers intangible cultural heritage, literature, and historical archives.

[3] The Fine Arts Department is composed of the following divisions:[4]