A Visit to Sukhothai – Si Satchanalai
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.
When
Leader
Dr Piriya Krairiksh, Senior Honorary Advisor to The Siam Society’s Council
Mr James Stent, Chairperson of Siamese Heritage Trust Committee
Booking
Or contact Khun Supanut
supanut@thesiamsociety.org
The tentative programme will be as follows:
Saturday, 28 November | |
05:30 | Meet at Bangkok Donmueang Airport, check-in at Air Asia counter. |
06:55 | Depart for Phitsanulok by AirAsia Flight FD 3308 |
07:55 | Arrive at Phitsanulok Airport |
Morning: | Breakfast in Phitsanulok with an orientation by Dr Piriya Krairiksh |
– | Proceed to Sukhothai. Visit Noen Prasat and Wat Mahathat |
Noon | Lunch at a local restaurant |
Afternoon: | Visit Wat Sorasak, Wat Phra Phai Luang, Wat Si Chum, Wat Chetuphon |
16:45 | Check-in at Sukhothai Heritage Resort |
18:00 | A talk on “Challenges to Cultural Heritage Protection in Asia” by Khun Jim Stent, Chairperson of Siamese Heritage Trust Committee |
Dinner at the hotel | |
Sunday, 29 November | |
Morning: | Breakfast at the hotel |
08:00 | Check-out from Sukhothai Heritage Resort Visit Chalieng, Wat Chao Chan, Wat Chom Choen, Wat Mahathat |
11:30 | Lunch at a local restaurant |
Afternoon: | Visit Si Satchanalai, Wat Chang Lom, Wat Chedi Chet Thaeo Visit Ban Had Sung weaving village |
15:30 | Leave for Sukhothai |
16:30 | Arrived at Sukhothai Airport. |
17:30 | Depart from Sukhothai Airport by Bangkok Airways Flight PG 214. |
18:50 | Arrive at Suvarnabhumi Airport |
The Siam Society reserves the right to change the programme as necessary. |
Booking
Note – To comply with the measures recommended by the government due to the COVID-19 pandemic, protect yourself and others around you by knowing the facts and taking appropriate precautions. The Society kindly asks our participants to follow the safety and precaution measures that have been declared by the government and health organisations.
The contribution of THB 17,500 (THB 18,500 for non-members) will cover transportations as mentioned in the programme, accommodation for one night (two persons per room, single room surcharge THB 800), meals, gratuities and other costs incurred to make this trip possible. It also includes basic travel insurance for the benefit of each participant. There is a 4% surcharge for credit/debit card payment to cover bank charges. Please pay by cash or cheque payable to “The Siam Society”.
Alternatively, you can transfer the money to The Siam Society travel account at TMB Bank, Asoke Branch, saving account no. 053-2-18000-7. Please fax or email the deposit or transfer slip to us.
For further information and bookings, please contact Khun Supanut at Tel. 02-661-6470-3 ext. 506, email: supanut@thesiamsociety.org, or Khun Jarunee ext. 204, email: jarunee@thesiamsociety.org,
Fax 02 258-3491. The Society office is open from 9:00 to 17:00, Tuesday to Saturday.
More upcoming study trips
-
Discover the Enchanting Beauty of Bhutan in SpringการศึกษาสัญจรMonday, 14 to Wednesday, 23 April 2025
-
Uzbekistan: The Crossroads of the Silk Road Where History Meets CultureการศึกษาสัญจรFriday, 14 to Sunday, 23 March 2025
-
วิกฤตโบราณสถานอันซีนในพระประแดง กับความท้าทายของการอนุรักษ์การศึกษาสัญจรวันเสาร์ที่ 8 มีนาคม พ.ศ. 2568
-
Discover Sindh and the Ancient Civilisation of the Indus Valley, PakistanการศึกษาสัญจรSaturday 18 to Monday, 27 January 2025