The Journal of the Thai Khadi Research Institute

Artistic Prototypes from Wat Phra Chetuphon During the Reign of King Rama III

Sakchai Saisingha — 2024-06-25

Inside Wat Phra Chetuphon, the artistic works renovated in the reign of King Rama III may be considered as evidence of a significant change in Rattanakosin period style, blending. Thai traditional and overseas influences. The ordination hall and hall of the reclining Buddha images amalgamate Thai traditional imagery and the King’s own preferences. Unconventional stylistic elements include unornamented square pillars, while tradition is exemplified by roof, pediment, and door frame decorations. Door frames with a Prasada-type top are inspired by ornamented chedis, which were popular since the reign of King Rama I. The aforementioned works were widespread prototypes during the reign of King Rama III.

Therefore, the artworks in Wat Phra Chetuphon from the reign of King Rama III portrayed a transformation of royal style, preserving Thai tradition and applying new imagery, in a trend that would influence later artisans.

Wat Muang, Bang Pahan District, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya: Traditional Thai Paintings by Royal Artisans outside the Capital Area during the Reign of King Rama V

Siraporn Kawinsuporn — 2024-06-25

The mural paintings of Wat Muang, Bang Pahan district, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya were created during the reign of King Rama V, when mainstream paintings by royal artisans acquired Western-style realism. However, the mural paintings of Wat Muang also sustained characteristics associated with Thai traditional painting style of the early Rattanakosin era. This study examined the mural paintings of Wat Muang to understand the origins and inspirations of the artists.

Art history research methodology was used to explore two main areas: 1) stories and presentation styles: the Wat Muang mural paintings depict stories from Buddhist scriptures following early idealized Buddhist scripture paintings outmoded among royal artisans in the capital area, such as the placement of the Trailokya mural painting behind a Buddha statue, the temptation of Mara before a Buddha statue, and allegory and biography of Buddha on the lateral walls of a Buddha statue; and 2) techniques and styles: the Wat Muang mural paintings employed techniques and methods found in early Thai traditional painting combined with Western techniques such as perspective. They also revealed compositions found in other artworks in the capital, indicating artistic influence on the creators.

Narrative and pictorial techniques expressed in the Wat Muang mural paintings exemplify traditional Thai painting outside the capital area during the reign of King Rama as influenced by artworks from the capital.

How the Words ‘Siam’, ‘Thai’, ‘Lao’ were Understood before the Nineteenth century

Tanapong Luekajornchai — 2024-06-25

This article studied the understanding of the words Siam, Thai, and Laos in two groups of documents: 1) local evidence such as inscriptions, legends and chronicles; and 2) Western travel records, to discern similarities and interrelationships. Historical methods were used to analyze and synthesize documents to explore meanings and connotations in the use of the words Siam, Thai, and Laos in both groups of documents, to enhance understanding of current Thai and Lao national and ethnic conflicts.

Results were that before the nineteenth century, the words Thai and Laos were not used regionally to refer to the names of nations or ethnicities as in Europe, but as generic terms to describe a person or individual status. Outside the Tai language family, the word Siam referred to a group who used the Tai language (Thai, Lao, and others) stereotypically. Therefore, the terms Siam, Thai, and Laos had fluid meanings which cannot be precisely fixed in reference to a specific group. However, in Western records with different epistemologies, the words Siam, Thai and Laos named specific nations, with Thais and Laotians belonging to different nations. These records evidenced the existence of decisively separate Thai and Lao nations, forming the basis of subsequent foundation of the Thai and Lao nations.

Historical Writings and the Making of the Siamese Army’s Honour from the Late 1900s to the 1920s

Pattarat Phantprasit — 2024-06-25

This article explores four historical works produced by the Siamese army from the 1910s to the 1920s: Tamnan krom thahan rap thi si (History of the Fourth Infantry Regiment) (1914), Phongsawadan yutthasilpa (History of Military Strategies) (1916), Tamnan krom thahanbok rap thi nueng (History of the First Infantry Regiment, King’s Own Bodyguard) (1919), and Tamnan kan ken thahan (History of Military Conscription) (1921). Previous studies have overlooked these volumes authored simultaneously with the creation of official nationalism led by King Vajiravudh (reigned 1910-1925). Army historical writings did promoted nationalist spirit and incorporated the Siamese army into national history. The books share common themes: the sacrifice of ancient warriors and the tradition of military conscription since ancient times. This process meaningfully instilled pride and honor among soldiers and encouraged Siamese males to serve their country in the military.

Sport and Politics: The South East Asia Peninsular Games as an Instrument of Thailand’s Foreign Policy

Jintavat Sirirat — 2024-06-25

This research studied the South East Asia Peninsular (SEAP) Games, of which Thailand was a key initiator. The article’s conceptual framework is realism in sport and politics. Results were that the SEAP Games was a viable instrument for Thailand’s foreign policy in three ways: 1) as an anti-communist venture against mainland Southeast Asian communist movements, according to Field Marshal Sarit Thanarat's perspective on communist expansion; 2) enhancing neighboring ties, as the first regional mechanism to improve relations between Thailand and its neighbors, especially the Kingdoms of Laos and Cambodia; 3) in terms of regional hegemony, serving as a platform for Thailand to demonstrate its status as an elder brother or regional hub. These underlined the importance of sport in Thai politics during the Cold War, when conventional approaches were insufficient for achieving national objectives.

Using Theatre Activities to Promote Knowledge Management: An Initiative

Mongkolchai Wiriyapinit — 2024-06-25

This exploratory research initiated the use of theatre activities to promote knowledge management (KM) in a context of a master’s degree level course teaching and learning KM - related subjects. Management theatre was used as a didactic instrument, as students collaborated to produce a play to share lessons learned from the course. Qualitative research was done with data collected from students by open - ended questionnaire and a class diary. Results were that theatre activities and the theatre performance director supported KM, insofar as theatre activities may be applied to develop KM - promoting skills.

Wanthong (2021): The Adaptation of Sepha Khun Chang Khun Phaen in Adaptation Industry

Praphakorn Klaisaman — 2024-06-25

This article aims at examining the adaptation of Sepha Khun Chang Khun Phaen into Wanthong (2021) television series. The study shows that there are various aspects of the adaptation. Firstly, the television series’ plot is adapted in order to present the new theme, “Wanthong is not a double - minded woman.” Secondly, there are the addition, the reduction, and the change of some events’details in Sepha Khun Chang Khun Phaen. Thirdly, there are the addition and the reduction of some characters and also the change of some characters’ personalities. Fourthly, there are the uses of intertextuality from Sepha Khun Chang Khun Phaen, its other adapted versions mainly focusing on Wanthong, and also some social and cultural aspects in Thai contemporary society. Lastly, there are the uses of paratext for criticizing the television series. Those are as follow: teasers for elaborating some parts in Sepha Khun Chang Khun Phaen; special teasers, posters, and sets of poster description for promoting the series; series soundtracks for portraying main characters in brighter light and for connecting to the audiences’emotion; and also, the audiences’criticism influenced by the Thai contemporary context in relation to any adaptation mentioned above. Suffice to say that all of these factors shed brighter light on the adaption process of Sepha Khun Chang Khun Phaen into Wanthong (2021) television series in the age of Thai digital television and adaptation industry.

Storytelling Creativity to Promote Food Tourism in Mon Community, Thong Pha Phoom

Ong Bunjoon — 2024-06-25

This qualitative research created a narrative through community engagement with food related to history and marginalized ethnic minorities to promote food tourism in the Thong Pha Phum Mon community. Data was collected by interview and participatory observation. Experience - based storytelling linked memories to food, enhancing flavors and reproducing narratives to enhance food tourism.

During the Ayutthaya era, the Mon Thong Pha Phum community was among seven Raman cities acting as a border security force. Currently, the Thai community of Mon descent interacted with Mon immigrants from Mon State in post - colonial Burma, comprising a history and culture of two Mon cities.

Results were that Mon food culture in Thailand and Mon State remained culturally linked through historical and food culture narratives to preserve culture, generate community income, innovate with tourist perceptions, and boost acceptance from government organizations and legal insurance by somewhat modifying its narrative to build identity from past history and culture to serve the present.

New Era and Monarchy in the Royal Ceremonies of the Twelve Months

Nithi Nuangjamnong — 2024-06-25

N/A