Despite the name -- coming from the combination of Batman and Catwoman, naturally -- the museum isn’t solely devoted to Batman, although the caped crusader is definitely the main focus.
Remarkably, Somchay has been picking up figurines from pop culture films such as "Predator," "Star Wars" and "Toy Story" for years, but didn’t start collecting seriously until about eight years ago.
“I was inspired by the Batman character after seeing Christopher Nolan’s 'Batman Begins' in 2005,” he says.
“Of course I’d seen 'X-Men' and 'Spiderman' and the other Batman movies, but this new version really struck a chord with me. He isn’t a super-powered alien or a genetic mutant, he’s just a regular guy who uses his brain and training to do great things.”
A regular guy with a few billion in the bank, but you get the idea.
Thailand's largest toy figurine collection
Somchay’s interest in collecting soon turned into a full-blown hobby. Once he bought all the widely available toys, he broadened his search, moving into vintage toys, figurines from the other Batman movies, the vehicles, limited editions and collections from as far back as the 1960s.
He says 70 percent of his collection has been acquired through eBay, 20 percent from fellow collectors in Thailand and 10 percent from collectors in Japan. Various bits and bobs have also been added from his travels around the world.
As of now, it numbers about 50,000 pieces; by far the largest toy figurine collection in Thailand and one of the biggest in the world.
Walking into the lobby feels like you’ve walked into a children’s arcade –- a few display cases with figurines, a reception desk with superhero-themed souvenirs, a couple of cool wall murals.
Cool, but nothing special.
However, it’s when you walk up to the Star Trek-style sliding doors and they whoosh open that you’re ushered into the museum proper.