2023-09-20 11:15:00
‘Sri Thep City’, Thailand’s 4th World Cultural Heritage Site, history of discovery importance of place and suggestions to government agencies…
The voice of approval from the World Heritage Committee meeting ended. 45th Ordinary Session in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia There were shouts of congratulations in Thailand because ‘Sri Thep Historical Park’ It was declared the fourth cultural heritage site in Thailand after a gap of 31 years since the announcement of the World Heritage registration. Ban Chiang Archaeological Site, Udon Thani Province, 1992
Picture of Saran Phongsawat #ThairathPhoto
Si Thep Historical Park Located in Si Thep Subdistrict, Si Thep District, Phetchabun Province, the city of Si Thep is located in the highland area of the central region. In the past, it was a linking point for the exchange of goods and culture. between the central region and northeastern region It has been important since the late prehistoric era. Continuing until the ancient Khmer culture (8th-18th Buddhist century)
Si Thep city has its own identity. From the nature of urban planning It is a twin city. or expanding city, namely the inner city and the outer city Found evidence of artistic works in ‘Sakul Chang Srithep’ Has a unique characteristic until it received praise from academics for its technical skills
This park has an area of over 2,889 rai. It looks like a large city with a moat. In addition, there are more than 70 ancient ponds. All of these things reflect the prosperity of the city that used to be there.
Thairath Online Special News Team Will take everyone to get to know the story and importance of ‘Sri Thep Historical Park’ To join in celebrating Thailand’s registration as a World Heritage Site in 31 years and a message to government agencies. For the development of Sri Thep area Through talking with ‘Khun Thanatchaya Tiandee’ operational archaeologist Si Thep Historical Park
First start digging:
From Ms. Thanatchaya’s statement, we know that “The search for this ancient site began around the year 1904. Somdet Krom Phraya Damrong Rajanupab Looking for the ancient city of Si Thep, which is named Si Thep City Appears in ancient documents From studying your information Makes you assume that The said ancient city is probably located in the Pa Sak-Lopburi river basin. But it’s still not clear where it is. Once traveled to Phetchabun Province So I took the opportunity to look for this city as well.
When Prince Damrong Rajanubhab arrived in the area of Phetchabun Province, he went to Wichian Buri. (Wichian Buri District, Phetchabun Province at present) The ruler of Wichian Buri told Phraya Damrong Rajanubhab that Previously, the name of Muang Wichian Buri was Mueang Tha Rong with Si Thep City
Krom Phraya Damrong knew so they followed the villagers to the current Si Thep city area. But at that time it was not yet called Si Thep City. By boarding the boat at Tha Na Takrud and continued walking Until reaching the ancient city area according to the stories of the villagers. Therefore, exploration began from that time. and he called this ancient city ‘Sri Thep City’
Krom Phraya Damrong Rajanubhab Has written about the city of Si Thep in various documents So that was like the first official release. Later, there were scholars such as Mom Chao Suphatthadis Diskul who came to explore Si Thep City regularly.”
“But the true name of this city (Sri Thep, a World Heritage Site), we still don’t know for sure. And is this city the same one that appeared in the document that Krom Phraya Damrong Rajanubhab read? There is still no confirmed evidence for this matter. But we call this city ‘Sri Thep City’ first if you try searching for old documents in the National Library. There will appear the name Si Thep and Tha Rong, but there is no clear evidence of a connection between these ancient cities. (Sri Thep Park) with the name of Si Thep City in the document”
“In the year 1935, the Fine Arts Department registered the historical site of Si Thep. This year the registration is only in name. But the boundaries of the ancient site had not yet been determined. Later, in 1963, it was registered again. By identifying and expanding the boundaries of ancient sites. It is a registration for both Khao Khlang Nok, Prang Ruesi and Muang Si Thep.
Between the years 1963-1984 There is constant excavation of the area. Including during that time there were excavations in the city. and the ancient hill. Until the year 1984, the ancient city of Si Thep had a project to establish a historical park. Since then there have been excavations. and has been digging and decorating all along
For example, Khao Khlang Nok, which in the past had a hill-like condition. The surveyor was quite confident that it was an ancient site. And it was officially registered as an ancient site in 1963, but only received the budget for the excavation in 2008.”
The importance of Si Thep city Continue history:
Ms. Thanatchaya told the news team that Si Thep City It is the beginning of a historical era in Thailand. It is in the early days of communities in Thailand in the past. It has changed from a village community to an urban community. This was the period when trade began to flourish. Religion was adopted from India. and is a city with a variety of religions It is more complete than other cities. In the same era, the Dvaravati period
Dvaravati would like to use the definition currently used. It is the name of a culture or city. There is similar evidence in the central region of Thailand, such as Mueang Khu Bua, Ratchaburi Province, Mueang U Thong, Suphan Buri Province, Mueang Nakhon Pathom Ancient, Mueang Chan Sen, Mueang Nakhon Sawan Province, Mueang Khaet Khin, Saraburi Province, Mueang Sap Champa, Lop Buri Province. etc.
The news team asked if the integrity of the ancient site was taken into account. or various ancient objects Compared to the ancient cities mentioned above, is Si Thep city more complete than other cities? Khun Thanatchaya answered that
“Yes, especially regarding the city plan, Si Thep City is almost the only city that has not been encroached upon by modern buildings. If other cities There were also people coming to use the area to build houses for living. Or there is a road cut. As for Si Thep city, it still retains its original characteristics very well. This completeness is also part of our application for World Heritage registration.”
Ascent to Thailand’s 4th World Cultural Heritage Site:
Si Thep Historical Park It is the fourth cultural heritage site to be registered as a World Heritage Site after Sukhothai historical city and the satellite city, historical city of Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya and satellite cities and Ban Chiang archaeological site, Udon Thani Province
For the ancient city of Si Thep And there are 3 continuous sites that have been registered as world heritage sites, including the ancient city of Si Thep. Khao Klang Nok Historical Site and the historical site of Tham Khao Thamorat. Under the criteria of outstanding international value because it is still complete and complete and is completely authentic and original which is proposed according to the criteria for registration of World Heritage sites, consisting of
Criterion number 2 It shows the importance of exchanging human values at any given time. or areas in any culture of the world through architectural development or technological memorial art city planning or landscape design
Criterion number 3 It’s a wonderful testimony. or cannot find a place similar to the tradition and culture or culture that still exists or has been lost
“Sri Thep Park Has been registered as a world heritage site. Because it meets 2 Yuesco criteria. To put it simply, the first is that it is complete. It is a city of Dvaravati that has not been encroached upon by the current buildings. The next point is that it represents the adoption of Indian culture. and is forwarded or the cultural transition from the Dvaravati period to the Ayutthaya period,” Ms. Thanatchaya told us.
Suggestions to the government sector:
Being registered as a World Heritage Site is considered a great pleasure. But maintaining the status And taking care of the World Heritage area after this will be the next problem that all involved must cooperate with each other. Especially the government sector that must participate in care and support. Ms. Thanatchaya has suggestions for the Thai government. 3 storiesmain together
“1. I would like to have Increasing manpower and staff Because right now there are only 2 archaeologists who are civil servants, namely the chief and elder (Khun Thanatchaya), there may be archaeologists. or additional officials from other parts Because right now there is a lot of archaeological work at Si Thep City. But the number of workers is not enough.
2. Want to Add a building To be an archaeological office, because there is a lot of stuff, there must be a storage area. and has space for working Because there are more jobs
3. reclaiming antiquities scattered abroad and in Thailand itself This leads to the fact that Sri Thep District should have a national museum that will be a storage area for antiquities from Sri Thep City. Right now there isn’t any. By law, antiques must be in the National Museum.
As a result, now the ancient remains of Si Thep are scattered in various museums. Including abroad This one may be difficult to get back. But I want you to come back. Because local people want antiques to return to Thailand.”
Diaspora antiquities:
If you rely on the words from suggestion number 3, it means that there are antiques that are not in the area. “Yes, there are many antiques that are abroad. But I don’t know the number. Both are abroad and in Thailand, but in Thailand they are private property of the private sector,” Ms. Thanatchaya told the news team.
The news team asked, how can we be sure that those evidences we want to return are returned? It is an ancient artifact of the city of Sri Thep. Ms. Thanatchaya replied that
“This one is difficult to answer as well. Because it had already been dug up by thieves. The only thing left is the hearsay that the seller said about the item. Coming from Si Thep city But some pieces have messages posted in foreign museums saying which pieces are from Si Thep. Therefore, this is information that we can know. Another thing is that some pieces can be known from the shape and pattern that they belong to the Sakul Srithep craftsman.
But the difficulty is Excavated artefacts taken out of context and original source of residence We may not know where the piece came from. Antiques therefore seem to have lost some academic value. However, I want it back. Because those things still have value to the mind. and the ancient city of Si Thep
Returning is always beneficial. For example, an idol that is abroad. In the past, we could only study from photographs. It makes us not know all the surrounding features. For example, we can’t see the back. Because it’s just a photo of one side. So we want to see what the real thing is like. Because the item is abroad When he followed and looked, it was no longer convenient.
We want to come back and study. But I understand that it is very difficult. Because it is a matter of international government. We are just speaking for the Sri Thep people who want things to come back to their homes. But we must understand that if we come back now, there will still not be a museum to support it.
The antiques at Si Thep City are very precious. I want everyone to be aware of the value of antiques. If an ancient artifact is separated from the context in which it was once located, Academic value is lost. I want everyone to be aware of this. Subject work is not just about having things. or beautiful antiques, then it will be good.”
The news team asked in closing: What about the loss of ancient objects like this? Does it affect the status of being a world heritage site or not? The answer was, “It does not affect being a world heritage site. Because when it was announced as a world heritage site, UNESCO and the committee didn’t talk about it. or protest about this matter.”
Even now Si Thep Historical Park It will be registered as a world heritage site. But maintenance, development and excavation must continue. Perhaps in the future this area may find other important evidence. that helps to further connect the stories of Sri Thep City even more Until it might allow us to know the true history…
Thairath Online special news team reports
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