The Journal of the Thai Khadi Research Institute’s primary objective is to disseminate original research and academic articles in the field of Thai studies. In this issue, eight articles published deal with art, history and contemporary culture.

Artistic Prototypes from Wat Phra Chetuphon during the Reign of King Rama III by Sakchai Saisingha

This article analyzes Wat Phra Chetuphon’s artistic works initiated in the reign of King Rama III on the assumption that the architectural style of ordination hall amalgamates Thai traditional imagery and overseas influences. Results were that royal artisans notably transformed the architectural style and ideology, preserving Thai traditional 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 Local Artisans outside the Capital Area during the Reign of King Rama V by Siraporn Kawinsuporn

This article explores stories and presentation styles as well as pictorial techniques and methods of mural paintings created in a temple outside the capital area during the reign of King Rama V, when mainstream paintings by royal artisans acquired Western-style realism. Results were that the Wat Muang mural paintings sustained characteristics associated with Thai traditional painting style, as influenced by artworks from the capital.

How the Words ‘Siam’, ‘Thai’, and ‘Lao’ were Understood before the Nineteenth Century by Tanapong Luekajornchai

This article studies two groups of documents: local evidence and Western travel records, to discern similarities and interrelationships of the words ‘Siam’, ‘Thai’, and ‘Lao’. It also studies the reason why Siam after the reforms of King Rama V tried to change ‘Laotians’ into ‘Thais’ not ‘Siamese’. Findings sheds light on the existence of decisively separate Thai and Lao nations which forms 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 1900’s to the 1920’s by Pattarat Phanprasit

This article explores four historical works produced by the Siamese army from the 1910’s to the 1920’s to identify the meaning of being a soldier and Thai military ideology. Results were that the army historical writings were a viable instrument to promote soldier and military honor, create unity, and instill pride in serving the king and the country among soldiers.

Sports and Politics: The South East Asian Peninsular Games as an Instrument of Thailand’s Foreign Policy by Jintavat Sirirat

This article studies the roles of the South East Asian Peninsular (SEAP) Games in politics. Results were that the SEAP Games was a viable instrument for Thailand’s foreign policy in three ways: an anti-communist venture against mainland Southeast Asian communist movements; the first regional mechanism to improve relations between Thailand and its neighbors; and a platform for Thailand to demonstrate its status as an elder brother or regional hub. These underlined the importance of sports in Thai politics during the Cold War and the roles of sports as a complement to politics in Southeast Asia since old times.

Using Theatre Activities to Promote Knowledge Management: An Initiative by Mongkolchai Wiriyapinit

This article reports an exploratory research initiated the use of theatre activities to promote knowledge management (KM) in a context of teaching and learning. Qualitative research was done with data collected from students by open-ended questionnaire and a class diary. Results were that theatre activities may be applied to develop KM-promoting skills, such as teamwork, leadership, narration, and two-way communication. These skills are useful not only in academic contexts but also in different social contexts in real life.

Wanthong (2021): The Adaptation of Sepha Khun Chang Khun Phaen in Adaptation Industry by Praphakorn Klaisaman and Natthakarn Naknuan

This article examines the adaptation of Sepha Khun Chang Khun Phaen, a Thai folk epic, into Wanthong (2021) television series. The study shows that there are various aspects of adaptation, including reinterpretations and the adaptation of plot, characters, events and other components as well as the use of some social and cultural aspects in Thai contemporary society. Wanthong (2021) television series exemplify literary adaptation in the age of Thai digital television and adaptation industry.

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

This article studies the creation of narratives through community engagement with food related to history and marginalized ethnic minorities to promote food tourism in the Thong Pha Phoom Mon community. Results were that Mon food culture remains deep-rooted. Through historical and food culture narratives Mon community preserves their culture, generates community income, innovates with tourist perceptions, and boosts acceptance from government organization by somewhat modifying its narratives to build identity from past history and culture to serve the present.

Book review: : New Era and Monarchy in the Royal Ceremonies of the Twelve Months.  Authors: Thongchai Winitchakul, Pitchaya Soomjinda, Wipat Lertratanarangsri and Athit Srichan. Book reviewer: Nithi Nuangjamnong.                                                                                                     

A book summary and an analysis of its contents, methodology, findings and conclusion. The reviewer points out that the book makes important contributions to Thai studies: it opens the boundaries of knowledge, generates a better and wider understanding of social history phenomenon and exemplifies the use of multidisciplinary approach to explore social phenomenon.

Finally, the editorial hopes that the Journal of the Thai Khadi Research Institute will continue serving as platform for publishing and sharing research outcomes, promoting the advancement and diversity in the field of arts and culture and different ways of living, and enabling readers and the society to access and build upon those discoveries.