Introduction and Definition
Thailand has a long history of cultural development, but the management of cultural heritage under a protective framework did not begin until fairly recently.
It is interesting to note that throughout its history of cultural development, perceptions of the past varied from place to place depending upon influences such as religions, beliefs, and political situations. For example, Thai people as Buddhists generally perceive the past as something that represents change and becoming. It may be abandoned quickly and easily. It is expected that new things can be created, invented, or established. Thus, restoration or reconstruction of old pagodas or stupas, pavilions, and other religious buildings is not culturally wrong. Byrne (1995) brilliantly discussed the use of stupa and conservation conflicts in Thailand. Strictly speaking, the past as interpreted by King Rama VI, during his reign, was a key tool in building nationalism. He convinced the people to be proud...
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution.
Buying options
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
Learn about institutional subscriptionsReferences
Byrne, D. 1995. Buddhist stupa and Thai social practice. World Archaeology 27(2): 266-281.
Charoenwongsa, P. 1994. Managing Thailand’s archaeological resources. Paper presented in the 15th IPPA Congress (January 5-12, 1994), Chiang Mai, Thailand.
Fine Arts Department. 1968.A compilation of royal proclamations of King Rama IV, B.E. 2394-2404. Published on the occasion of royal cremation ceremony of Phra Mahaphodhiwongsacharn Inthachotathern, November 9, 1968. Bangkok. (in Thai).
- 1989. National museums in Thailand. Bangkok: Fine Arts Department. (in Thai).
- 1990. Theory and practice in preservation and restoration of ancient monuments and archaeological sites (Technical series 1/2532(1989)). Office of Archaeology. (in Thai).
- 2005. Ancient monuments, ancient objects, art objects and National Museum Act of 1961. Bangkok: Fine Arts Department. (in Thai).
Kasetsiri, Ch. 1979. Thai historiography from ancient times to the modern period, in A. Reid & D. Marr (ed.) Perceptions of the past in Southeast Asia. Singapore: Heinemann Educational Books.
Ketudhat, P. 1995. Development of archaeology in Thailand. Muang Boran Journal 21(1–4): 15-44.
Lertcharnrit, Th. & S. Niyomsap. 2008. Public perceptions and opinions about archaeology in Thailand: a case of rural villagers in central Thailand. Muang Boran Journal 34(3): 95-108. (in Thai).
Musigakama, N. 1995.A practical guide to the preservation and restoration of ancient monument. Bangkok: Fine Arts Department. (in Thai).
Pumathon, P. 1994. The treasure hunter at Ban Wang Sai, Lopburi: a problem of archaeological site in Thailand. Matichon Newspaper. September 17, p. 28. (in Thai).
Suksawasdi, S. M.L. 1993. The recent restoration of Phra Chedi Luang: problems and solutions. Muang Boran Journal 19(2): 155-171.
Suwannathat-Pian, K. 1995.T hailand’s durable Premier: Phibun through three decades 1932-1957. Kuala Lumpur: Oxford University Press.
Symananda, R. 1993. A history of Thailand. 3rd edn. Bangkok: Thai Watana Panish Press.
Vallibhotama, S. 1992. Preservation of ancient monuments and objects: problems and solutions, in P. Nutalai et al. (ed.) 3rd conservation of natural resources and environments of Thailand. Bangkok: Fare. (in Thai).
Vella, W.F. 1978. Chaiyo!: King Vajiravudh and the development of Thai nationalism. Honolulu: University of Hawaii Press.
Further Reading
Glover, I. 1993. Other people’s past: western archaeologists and Thai prehistory. Journal of the Siam Society 80(1): 45-53.
Praicharnjit, S. 2003. Community archaeology: past management and community development. Bangkok: Thailand Community Archaeology Project.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Editor information
Editors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 2014 Springer Science+Business Media New York
About this entry
Cite this entry
Lertcharnrit, T. (2014). Thailand: Cultural Heritage Management. In: Smith, C. (eds) Encyclopedia of Global Archaeology. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-0465-2_1165
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-0465-2_1165
Publisher Name: Springer, New York, NY
Print ISBN: 978-1-4419-0426-3
Online ISBN: 978-1-4419-0465-2
eBook Packages: Humanities, Social Sciences and Law