The Southeast Asian Ceramics Museum (SEACM) was established in 2000 to commemorate the 40th anniversary of Bangkok University. The museum, which houses the ancient ceramics donated by Mr. Surat Osathanugrah, the founder of Bangkok University, aims to instill an appreciation for Thai cultural heritage in all visitors. At the beginning, the museum was named “Bangkok University Museum”.

In 2002, Bangkok University began the construction of the underground museum connecting to the Surat Osathanugrah Library. The design of the museum imitates the design of ancient Thai kilns which were built partially underground, and this inspired the idea of having the museum partially underground as well. The museum was granted the 2008 Gold Medal Award, Category: Education Building or Religious Building, and the 2009 ASA Green Award as one of the nine outstanding green buildings in Thailand. The museum proper is comprised of the permanent and special exhibition halls, museum book store, and ceramic shard archive.

In 2004, Bangkok University continued to expand the museum with the building of a three-story museum annex connecting to the exhibition halls. A main office, meeting rooms, lecture rooms, visiting researchers’ room, library, conservation laboratory, and storage room were provided in the annex to support the missions of research and educational promotion and to build upon best practices in museology.

The Southeast Asian Ceramics Museum opened to the public on May 11, 2005; and Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chaki Sirindhorn graciously presided over the official inauguration of the Southeast Asian Ceramics Museum on November 20, 2009.

In 2017, the museum was granted the Museum Thailand Awards, Category: Popular Vote.