“Throughout Southeast Asia, conservationists and heritage officials need to look at how past reconstruction practices have harmed archaeology and our appreciation of it. We should correct excessive makeovers and return a sense of authenticity to ancient sites.”

The Siam Society Under Royal Patronage is delighted to share with you today the nineteenth article from “Heritage Matters”, a monthly series aimed at identifying the challenges and opportunities of cultural heritage conservation published by The Siam Society in the Bangkok Post.

In this article, Khun Jeff Allen and Khun Waraporn Suwatchotikul draw our attention to the significance of historical accuracy and the effort to capture a true sense of the past in conservation. From minimising unnecessary physical intervention to utilising the developments in technology, the authors detail how our understanding of the meaning of historical sites can be deepened, paving the way for improving interpretations, engaging with the public and sustainable monuments for future generations.

The full article can be read here.

Jeff Allen is senior programme director for Southeast Asia at World Monuments Fund (WMF). Waraporn Suwatchotikul is project manager for the Wat Chaiwatthanaram Conservation Project and Burmese Farmhouse Documentation Programme at WMF. The Fund is a private, non-profit organisation founded in 1965 and dedicated to preserving historic architecture and cultural heritage sites worldwide.