Sukhothai is popularly considered to be Thailand’s first national capital. The ruins of the great temples of the kingdom are now one of Thailand’s five inscribed World Heritage Sites and comprise Thailand’s most impressive archaeological complex. In the official Thai historical narrative, the eponymous kingdom (13th -15th centuries) was the direct ancestor of the modern Thai state. King Ramkhamhaeng is revered as the first great king of the Sukhothai Kingdom, ruling wisely and benevolently over an area roughly equivalent to the area encompassed by Thailand’s borders today. The glory of his rule is celebrated in the famous Sukhothai Inscription No. 1. It is now being displayed in the National Museum in Bangkok in which is known to every Thai.

In this trip organised by the Siamese Heritage Trust Section of The Siam Society, Dr Piriya Krairiksh, former President of the Society and author of many books on Thai art history, will lead members to a few of the most important temples of both Sukhothai and also nearby Si Satchanalai. Dr Piriya will share with members the fruits of a lifetime of evidence-based investigation of the temples, inscriptions and history of the Sukhothai Kingdom. He will be presenting an interpretation that challenges much of the official Thai historical narrative originally developed by Prince Damrong Rajanubhab and George Coedes a century ago and which is still taught in the official Thai school curriculum to this day. This trip will be an opportunity for members to see this Sukhothai World Heritage Site in a new perspective, with Dr Piriya setting forth evidence that contests much of the official version.

Besides, members will get to visit a traditional silk weaving village in Si Satchanalai. They will learn from a local historian the history of the Thai Phuan inhabitants of the village about their origins in Laos long ago, along with the weaving traditions they’ve brought along from their ancestral home.

By the evening of Saturday, Khun Jim Stent, the Chairman of the Siamese Heritage Trust Committee, will describe to members the cultural heritage works being undertaken by The Siam Society. He will lead a discussion on the main challenges to heritage conservation that exist in Southeast Asian nations.