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The Phimai Heritage Trust as the Voice of Voiceless People | A Talk by Rungsima Kullapat

About this lecture

This paper focuses on the relationship between Thailand’s Fine Arts Department (FAD) and the administration of Phimai Municipality, on the one hand, and ordinary people in local communities on the other. Thai scholars, aware of losses to their heritage, have been enlisted to raise the awareness of ordinary citizens to the concomitant dangers to their way of life. Phimai Old Town has been a living community from the prehistoric period to the present. However, Thai government policy planning focuses only on the layer of Khmer (archaeological) Architecture, neglecting the heritages of the people currently living in this space. In 2004, Phimai Old Town was added to UNESCO’s Tentative List for a future World Heritage inscription. This nomination sparked conflict between the local communities and the government about land use. Scholars, employing the Palimpsest Landscape approach coupled with knowledge of international charters for the preservation of heritage, have provided advice and ammunition to support efforts by members of the local communities. Additionally, the national media have assisted in conveying the strength of these local communities. The cultural heritage management process impacts on local communities by gathering them together to set up a heritage trust. The Phimai Heritage Trust has thus become the voice of voiceless people.

To comply with social distancing rules, we must limit the audience to 50 persons. Please book your seat in advance by emailing or phoning your booking to the Society.

About the speaker

Dr Rungsima Kullapat is a research collaborator and a Thai language instructor at the Carolina Asia Center, University of North Carolina, USA. In 2016, her dissertation “Living Heritage through Literature: The Development of Pachit Oraphim Cultural Routes” received the Excellent Award from the National Research Council of Thailand. She is involved in a new project with the Thai National Film Archives (Fapot) for a feasibility study to restore and rehabilitate Sala Chalerm Thani, an old wooden movie theater in Bangkok’s Nang Loeng district. Ajarn Rungsima has been appointed as expert to the Tourism management and Urban Planning for Phimai and Nakhon Ratchasima Old Town Master Plan. Local communities in Phimai and Nakhon Ratchasima are experiencing conflict with the national government regarding preservation and tourism. Dr Kullapat is a columnist in Thai magazines and newspapers. Her research and writing are focused on cultural heritage, across contemporary culture and the voices of local people.

When

Thursday, 30 July 2020 | 19:00

Where

Lecture Room, 4/Floor, The Siam Society

Admission

Members and Students — Free of charge
Non-Members — THB 200

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