Research & Article

The discovery of Arab-Islamic coins in Dvaravati and Srivijaya period archaeological sites is evidence of trade relations between the indigenous peoples of ancient Thailand and Arab-Persian merchants who played an important role in the maritime trade network of the 8th-11th century A.D. However, previous studies have had difficulty deciphering Arabic inscriptions on these coins, affecting dating accuracy. The objective of this study is to examine, analyze, and ultimately decipher inscriptions on 11 Arab-Islamic coins to determine the correct dating. The results can be classified into 3 groups 1) a late Umayyad silver coin from mid-8th century A.D., found at the ancient city of Wieng Sa 2) 9 early Abbasid copper coins found in the vicinity of U Thong ancient city, and 3) an early Abbasid silver coin found in Laem Pho archaeological site, dated to early 9th century A.D. These results correspond to the archaeological chronology of the sites and maritime trade activities of Arab-Persian merchants, who travelled from the main port cities of the Persian Gulf and the Red Sea to the territory around the Indian Ocean and Southeast Asia until they reached China, as recorded in the contemporaneous Arab documents.