DOCSLIB.ORG

The Case Study of Living Heritage Temples in Rattanak

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
The Case Study of Living Heritage Temples in Rattanak THE GUIDELINE FOR CONS ERVATION OF LIVING HERITAGE TEMPLES IN THAI CONTEXT: THE CAS E S TUDY OF LIVING HERITAGE TEMPLES IN RATTANAKOS IN ISLAND By Bhakhak anok Ratanawaraporn A Thesis Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY Program of Architectural Heritage Management and Tourism (International Program) Graduate School SILPAKORN UNIVERS ITY 2011 THE GUIDELINE FOR CONS ERVATION OF LIVING HERITAGE TEMPLES IN THAI CONTEXT : THE CAS E S TUDY OF LIVING HERITAGE TEMPLES IN RATTANAKOS IN ISLAND By Bhakhak anok Ratanawaraporn A Thesis Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY Program of Architectural Heritage Management and Tourism (International Program) Graduate School SILPAKORN UNIVERS ITY 2011 The Graduate School, Silpakorn University has approved and accredited the Thesis title of “The Guideline for Conservation of Living Heritage Temples in Thai Context : The Case Study of Living Heritage Temples in Rattanakosin Island” submitted by Ms.Bhakhakanok Ratanawaraporn as a partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Architectural Heritage Management and Tourism ……........................................................................ (Assistant Professor Panjai Tantatsanawong, Ph.D.) Dean of Graduate School ........../..................../.......... The Thesis Advisor Professor Emeritus Ken Taylor The Thesis Examination Committee .................................................... Chairman (Professor Emeritus Trungjai Buranasomphob, Ph.D.) ............/......................../.............. .................................................... Member (Assistant Professor Pibul Jinawath, Ph.D.) ............/......................../.............. .................................................... Member (Professor Emeritus Ken Taylor) ............/......................../.............. 52056951: MAJOR : ARCHITECTURAL HERITAGE MANAGEMENT AND TOURISM KEY WORDS : CONSERVATION/HERITAGE/BUDDHISM/TEMPLE BHAKHAKANOK RATANAWARAPORN : THE GUIDELINE FOR CONSERVATION OF LIVING HERITAGE TEMPLES IN THAI CONTEXT : THE CASE STUDY OF LIVING HERITAGE TEMPLES IN RATTANAKOSIN ISLAND. THESIS ADVISOR : PROFESSOR EMERITUS KEN TAYLOR. 172 pp. Living heritage temple in Thai context refers to Theravada Buddhist temple having heritage significance in which the monks reside and the religious rites have taken place continuously. In Thai society, Buddhist temples are considered as one kind of cultural heritage imbued with unique intangible value. Thus, a relevant conservation concept is needed to protect their special significance and cultural context. Although many living heritage temples have been protected by the laws enacted by the government sector, these laws still have the limitation on conservation concepts which pay more attention to protect tangible aspect and lack a clear concept for safeguarding intangible aspect. Indeed, the preservation of physical components will become completely meaningless if the physical aspects endure while their true meanings are neglected. The process to achieve the right understanding of living heritage temples should be started with the assessment of cultural significance which is an essential prerequisite to making decisions about the conservation policy. Cultural significance of living heritage temples consists of historic, aesthetic, spiritual and social value. Historic value of Buddhist temples encompasses the history of aesthetics seen in their physical components and the relationship with society found in the continuous traditions of religious activities, including the inspiration from Theravada Buddhism in the creation of tangible aspects and in the formation of religious traditions. Aesthetic value of architectural designs and decorations as well as of images of the Buddha and his disciples found in Buddhist temples reflects the religious belief devoted to the ideal of Theravada Buddhism. This is the true meaning inherent in physical aspects of Buddhist temples. Furthermore, the tranquil surroundings are inextricably linked with physical aspects of Buddhist temples. Spiritual value of Buddhist temple refers to the Teachings of the Buddha or the Dharma. Social value has emerged from the inheritance, maintenance and dissemination of the Dharma or spiritual value by the elder monks to the young monks and to the laity. The right understanding of cultural significance of living heritage temples can lead to the appropriate conservation policy and is to ensure that all heritage values, tangible and intangible, will be protected. In addition, the conservation policy of living heritage temples should not attempt to freeze them at a moment in time, but rather guide the inevitable changes in ways which are sympathetic to the existence of past and present expressions. Moreover, the conservation policy should be created from a bottom-up approach with residents’ participation integral to the planning process. The dissemination of information to the residents and all related stakeholders is an important part for decreasing any further conflicts of misunderstanding and for the accomplishment to sustainable conservation of living heritage temples. Program of Architectural Heritage Management and Tourism Graduate School, Silpakorn University Academic Year 2011 Student's signature ........................................ Thesis Advisor's signature ........................................ c Acknowledgments Foremost among the long list of kind people who assisted me throughout the formation of this dissertation is my advisor, Prof. Ken Taylor, for whom I have always had the highest regard. He stimulated me to think freely and provided many inestimable suggestions which can guide me during my writing. It is therefore my very pleasure to thank him for his invaluable help. I am so grateful to Venerable Kantasilo Bhikkhu and Phra Maha Chatchai of Wat Bowornniwet Vihara who suggest the valuable information of Buddhist philosophy and to all Buddhist monks of 12 royal temples in Rattanakosin Island who suggest the information of heritage temples which lead to the complete work of this dissertation. I would like to thank all foreign professors of the International Program in Architectural Heritage Management, Silpakorn University for special knowledge and vision of architectural heritage management. I would like to thank Dr. M.R. Pumin Varavarn for the suggestion during the dissertation formation. I am grateful to Saint John’s University for the scholarship and the opportunity of doctoral learning. I am appreciative of the friendship from all my old friends of Saint John’s school and Triamudom School. Special thanks for Ms. Kamala who always encourages me and for Mr. Suphot who always gives me a helping hand. Moreover, a word of deep appreciation is extended to my lovely father and my family who always support all my doing. d Table of Contents Page Abstract .............................................................................................................................................................c Acknowledgments ...........................................................................................................................................d List of Figures ..................................................................................................................................................h Chapter 1 Introduction ..................................................................................................................................1 Statement and significance of the problem.....................................................................1 Goal .......................................................................................................................................1 Objectives .............................................................................................................................2 Scope of the study ...............................................................................................................2 Research methodology .......................................................................................................4 Research instrument............................................................................................................4 Collection of data ................................................................................................................4 Analysis of data ...................................................................................................................5 Process of the study ............................................................................................................5 Sources of data.....................................................................................................................5 2 The concepts of cultural heritage conservation ......................................................................6 The concepts of cultural heritage conservation at international level ........................7 The Venice Charter.......................................................................................................7 The World Heritage Convention ................................................................................7 The Florence Charter....................................................................................................8 The Washington Charter..............................................................................................8
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Management Plan of Historic Site for Cultural Tourism
    MANAGEMENT PLAN OF HISTORIC SITE FOR CULTURAL TOURISM ATTRACTION: Management Plan Proposal for IRIH Center at Ministry of Defence By Korn Prabhasabhakdi A Research Project Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree MASTER OF ARTS Architectural Heritage Management and Tourism (International Program) Graduate School SILPAKORN UNIVERSITY 2005 ISBN 974-11-6522-6 The Graduate school, Silpakorn University has approved and accredited the research project title of “Management Plan Proposal for IRIH Center at Ministry of Defence” submitted by Mr. Korn Prabhasabhakdi as a partial fulfillment of the requirement for the degree Master of Arts in Architectural Heritage Management and Tourism ………………..…………………………………. (Associate Professor Wisa Chattiwat, Ph.D.) Vice President of Academic Affairs Dean of Graduate School …..…………./…………………./……………..... The Research Project Advisor Asst. Prof. Sunon Palakavong Na Ayudhaya The Research Project Examination Committee …………………………………………….. Chairman (Prof. Trungjai Buranasomphop Ph.D.) …………./…………………./……..…….... …………………………………………….. Member (Asst. Prof. Den Wasiksiri) …………./…………………./…………...... …………………………………………….. Member (Asst Prof. Sunon Palakavong Na Ayudhaya) …………./…………………./………..….... b K 46056310: MAJOR: ARCHITECTURAL HERITGAE MANAGEMENT AND TOURISM KEYWORD: MINISTRY OF DEFENCE, INNER RATTANAKOSIN ISLAND, TOURISM MANAGEMENT PLAN, SIGNIFICANT. KORN PRABHASABHAKDI: MANAGEMENT PLAN OF HISTORIC SITE FOR CULTURAL TOURISM ATTRACTION: MINISTRY OF DEFENCE. RESEARCH PROJECT ADVISOR: ASST.PROF. SUNON PALAKAVONG NA AYUDHAYA, 80 pp. ISBN 974-11-6522-6. The research project is about creating the history center of Inner Rattanakosin Island at Ministry of Defense, Bangkok. It is specifically designed to give the background about the history of Rattanakosin period. History center can be the best way that will give background for visitors who will visit Rattanakosin Island, so that they will acquire much more knowledge, and also appreciate what they will see.
    [Show full text]
  • A Model for the Management of Cultural Tourism at Temples in Bangkok, Thailand
    Asian Culture and History; Vol. 6, No. 2; 2014 ISSN 1916-9655 E-ISSN 1916-9663 Published by Canadian Center of Science and Education A Model for the Management of Cultural Tourism at Temples in Bangkok, Thailand Phra Thanuthat Nasing1, Chamnan Rodhetbhai1 & Ying Keeratiburana1 1 The Faculty of Cultural Science, Mahasarakham University, Khamriang Sub-District, Kantarawichai District, Maha Sarakham Province, Thailand Correspondence: Phra Thanuthat Nasing, The Faculty of Cultural Science, Mahasarakham University, Khamriang Sub-District, Kantarawichai District, Maha Sarakham Province 44150, Thailand. E-mail: [email protected] Received: May 20, 2014 Accepted: June 12, 2014 Online Published: June 26, 2014 doi:10.5539/ach.v6n2p242 URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.5539/ach.v6n2p242 Abstract This qualitative investigation aims to identify problems with cultural tourism in nine Thai temples and develop a model for improved tourism management. Data was collected by document research, observation, interview and focus group discussion. Results show that temples suffer from a lack of maintenance, poor service, inadequate tourist facilities, minimal community participation and inefficient public relations. A management model to combat these problems was designed by parties from each temple at a workshop. The model provides an eight-part strategy to increase the tourism potential of temples in Bangkok: temple site, safety, conveniences, attractions, services, public relations, cultural tourism and management. Keywords: management, cultural tourism, temples, Thailand, development 1. Introduction When Chao Phraya Chakri deposed King Taksin of the Thonburi Kingdom in 1982, he relocated the Siamese capital city to Bangkok and revived society under the name of his new Rattanakosin Kingdom (Prathepweti, 1995). Although royal monasteries had been commissioned much earlier in Thai history, there was a particular interest in their restoration during the reign of the Rattanakosin monarchs.
    [Show full text]
  • THE ROUGH GUIDE to Bangkok BANGKOK
    ROUGH GUIDES THE ROUGH GUIDE to Bangkok BANGKOK N I H T O DUSIT AY EXP Y THANON L RE O SSWA H PHR 5 A H A PINKL P Y N A PRESSW O O N A EX H T Thonburi Democracy Station Monument 2 THAN BANGLAMPHU ON PHE 1 TC BAMRUNG MU HABURI C ANG h AI H 4 a T o HANO CHAROEN KRUNG N RA (N Hualamphong MA I EW RAYAT P R YA OAD) Station T h PAHURAT OW HANON A PL r RA OENCHI THA a T T SU 3 SIAM NON NON PH KH y a SQUARE U CHINATOWN C M HA H VIT R T i v A E e R r X O P E N R 6 K E R U S N S G THAN DOWNTOWN W A ( ON RAMABANGKOK IV N Y E W M R LO O N SI A ANO D TH ) 0 1 km TAKSIN BRI DGE 1 Ratanakosin 3 Chinatown and Pahurat 5 Dusit 2 Banglamphu and the 4 Thonburi 6 Downtown Bangkok Democracy Monument area About this book Rough Guides are designed to be good to read and easy to use. The book is divided into the following sections and you should be able to find whatever you need in one of them. The colour section is designed to give you a feel for Bangkok, suggesting when to go and what not to miss, and includes a full list of contents. Then comes basics, for pre-departure information and other practicalities. The city chapters cover each area of Bangkok in depth, giving comprehensive accounts of all the attractions plus excursions further afield, while the listings section gives you the lowdown on accommodation, eating, shopping and more.
    [Show full text]
  • FIGURE CONTENT Figure Page 2.1 Landscape of Luang Prabang
    [6] FIGURE CONTENT Figure Page 2.1 Landscape of Luang Prabang…………………………………………………………………………………….7 2.2 Landscape of Luang Prabang (2)………………………………………………………………………………..8 2.3 A map showed the territory of Mainland Southeast Asian Kingdoms……………………11 2.4 Landscape of Bangkok……………………………………………………………………………………………….17 3.1 A figure illustrate the component of a Chedi………………………………………………………….25 3.2 A That at Wat Apai…………………………………………………………………………………………………….26 3.3 3 That Noi (ธาตุนอย) at Wat Maha That……………………………………………………………………26 3.4 That Luang, Vientiane……………………………………………………………………………………………….27 3.5 Pra That Bang Puen, Nong Kai, Thailand…………………………………………………………………28 3.6 A That at Wat Naga Yai, Vientiane……………………………………………………………………………28 3.7 Pra That Nong Sam Muen, Chaiyabhum, Thailand………………………………………………….28 3.8 Pra That Cheng Chum (พระธาตุเชิงชุม), Sakon Nakorn, Thailand…………………………….29 3.9 Pra That In Hang, Savannaket, Lao PDR…………………………………………………………………..29 3.10 That Phun, Xieng Kwang, Lao PDR………………………………………………………………………….30 3.11 A front side picture of Sim of Wat Xieng Thong, Luang Prabang…………………………30 3.12 A side plan of Wat Xieng Thong's sim……………………………………………………………………31 3.13 Sim of Wat Xieng Thong, Luang Prabang, Lao PDR……………………………………………….32 3.14 Sim of Wat Pak Kan, Luang Prabang, Lao PDR……………………………………………………….32 3.15 Sim of Wat Sisaket, Vientiane, Lao PDR………………………………………………………………….33 [7] 3.16 Sim of Wat Kiri, Luang Prabang, Lao PDR……………………………………………………………….34 3.17 Sim of Wat Mai, Luang Prabang, Lao PDR………………………………………………………………34 3.18 Sim of Wat Long Koon, Luang Prabang,
    [Show full text]
  • Tour Description
    Bangkok's Historic Rattanakosin Downloaded on: 1 Oct 2021 Tour code: BKKDBRWT Bangkok City Day Tour ( Private ) Tour Level: Moderate Tour Comfort: Standard Tour Period: Morning Bangkok Contact [email protected] www.diethelmtravel.com Copyright © Diethelm Travel Management Limited. All right reserved. Bangkok's Historic Rattanakosin tour description A morning walking tour which explores the hidden side to Bangkok's famous Rattanakosin Island. We first early pick you up from hotel and take local transport to visit a local park which used to be the site of a prison and is now a public park and popular place for local Thai's exercising in the morning. It's a memorable sight watching everyone stop their work-outs to stand for the national anthem, atmospherically played over the loudspeaker system at 8:00 hours sharp! Next we visit the city's famous Giant Swing (Sao Chingcha), originally used for Brahmanic ceremonies, before we discover a fascinating local fresh market, bustling with local life in the early morning hours. This market is rarely visited by tourists and after wandering through small alleys and past wooden houses we stop for a drink in a Coffee house. The focus of this tour isn't Bangkok's temples, but we'll make a visit to the relatively unknown Wat Ratchabophit, distinct for its circular courtyard and mosaiced tilled exterior. The temple is also home to the Royal Cemetery, where the ashes of Chakri Dynasty Royals are housed, including the late former King Bhumibol Adulyadej. The in-depth walking tour finishes at the atmospheric community of Phraeng Phuton where the quiet streets are lined with beautifully restored Thai-European heritage shophouses.
    [Show full text]
  • From the Myths and the Beliefs on Naga of the Isaan People to Cultural Tourism: a Case Study in Nongkhai Province, Thailand
    International Journal of Innovation, Creativity and Change. www.ijicc.net Volume 15, Issue 8, 2021 From the Myths and the Beliefs on Naga of the Isaan People to Cultural Tourism: A Case Study in Nongkhai Province, Thailand Dr. Arunee Sriruksaa, Dr. Kittisan Sriruksab, aASEAN Languages Center, Faculty of Humanity and Social Sciences, Khon Kaen University, Naimuang Subdistrict, Muang District, Khon Kaen Province, 40002, Thailand, bFaculty of Fine and Applied Arts, Khon Kaen University, Naimuang Subdistrict, Muang District, Khon Kaen Province, 40002, Thailand, Email: [email protected], [email protected] This article highlights the evolution of the myths and beliefs on Naga of the Isaan people into cultural tourism through a case study in Nongkhai province, Thailand. The article is part of the research results on the beliefs around Naga in Nongkhai province, Thailand. The research aimed to study the history of the belief in Naga, and the area in Nongkhai province where the belief is still prominent, through non-participatory observation, non-structured interviews, and the study of the related documents and research. The study revealed the Nongkhai people have been passing down the myth and the belief of Naga, through storytelling from their ancestors to the current generation, as a way to maintain their faith in Buddhism and to draw the connection between the belief and their settlements. Currently, the myth is being passed on to the tourists who show an interest in knowing more about the tradition and culture. The "Naga fireballs" phenomenon, which had become a majestic festival that reflects the identity of the children of the City of Nagas, is also being passed on this way.
    [Show full text]
  • 2012 Annual Compilation
    PresentThe Voices and Activities of Theravada Buddhist Women Volume 6 | Number 1 | 2012 Annual Compilation An Interview with Venerable Ayya Tathaaloka Earth Day Earth Witness Can the Theravada Bhikkhuni Order Be Re-Established? It Already Has An Interview with Tenzin Kiyosaki Lasting Inspiration What Buddhism Gave Me International Bhikkhuni Day 2012 The Reading Habits of One Bhikkhuni Blessings: The Tsoknyi Nangchen Nuns of Tibet The Art of Disappearing: The Buddha’s Path to Lasting Joy Present | The Voices and Activities of Theravada Buddhist Women | 2012 Annual Compilation Issue 1 PThe Voicesresent and Activities of Theravada Buddhist Women Volume 6 | Number 1 | 2012 Annual Compilation ISSN 2156-0099. Present is published in four installments per year by Alliance for Bhikkhunis, a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation. PO Box 1058, Santa Barbara, Califor- nia, USA 93102-1058, www.bhikkhuni.net Editor-in-Chief Sarah Conover Managing Editor Dennis Crean Editorial Board Sarah Conover Dennis Crean Jayanta Shirley Johannesen Caroline Starkey Venerable Tathaaloka Bhikkhuni Venerable Sudhamma Bhikkhuni Design & Layout Helen Geld Special Thanks To Susan Pembroke, Jacqueline Kramer, Carol Annable, Emma Tomalin, Dion Peoples, Susmita Barua, Pamela Kirby, Hisayo Front Cover Feminine Buddha Image Wat Thepthidaram, Thailand Photo: Anandajoti Bhikkhu www.photodharma.net Present is an independent publication and does not repre- sent any particular lineage, monastic, or teacher. The journal is produced for and supported by the Theravada Fourfold Sangha, and as such reflects the interests of that commu- nity. Present publishes essays, nonfiction, scholarly articles, news, and book and movie reviews relevant to bhikkhunis and the Fourfold Sangha. We welcome submissions.
    [Show full text]
  • Chapter Iii a Comparison on Lan Xang and Early
    CHAPTER III A COMPARISON ON LAN XANG AND EARLY RATTANAKOSIN BUDDHIST ART AND ARCHITECTURAL DESIGNS As a Buddhist kingdom, both Lan Xang and Rattanakosin cherished their temples by put every effort to build one and decorate it with the most beautiful artwork they could create at that moment. Those architectures and artworks not just express how luxury each kingdom was, but also represent the thought and circumstance in the meantime. Even though Lan Xang and Rattanakosin had a same religion and were neighbor, their arts and architectural designs are different as follow: 3.1 Lan Xang Buddhist Art and Architectural Design Lan Xang was a kingdom with diversity; even in the Lao race itself. Since the end of the reign of King Suryawongsa Thammikkarat, Lan Xang was divided into three separated kingdom; Luang Prabang, Vientiane and Champasak. Even though they were split up, they still shared their art and architectural designs. Each kingdom had been influenced by the neighbor surround and outsider as described below: 3.1.1 Lan Xang Architecture Developed through centuries, Lan Xang architectures may contain a lot of outsider influence, but at some point, they have their own unique style of architecture. Lan Xang temples can be divided into two part; Buddhawat and Sangkhawat. This chapter will discusses only on the Buddhawat area which cantains of That (ธาตุ), sim (สิม), Ho Wai (หอไหว), Oob Mung (อูบมุง), Hotrai or a library (หอไตร) and Ho Klong or a drum tower (หอกลอง), 3.1.1.1 That (Pagoda or Stupa) That (ธาตุ) in Lan Xang architecture is a Buddhist monument which can refer as a Chedi or pagoda (in Thai Architecture).
    [Show full text]
  • The Old Bangkok: Diethelm Standard
    Half Day Rattanakosin - The Old Bangkok: Diethelm Standard Downloaded on: 7 Oct 2021 Tour code: EXBHOBPC Bangkok City Day Tour ( Private ) Tour Level: - Tour Comfort: - Tour Period: Morning 4 hours English,French,German Bangkok Contact [email protected] www.diethelmtravel.com Copyright © Diethelm Travel Management Limited. All right reserved. Half Day Rattanakosin - The Old Bangkok: Diethelm Standard tour description Straddling the Chao Phraya River and situated just north of Chinatown, Koh Rattanakosin - the old city - is where you'll find Bangkok's most spectacular and revered historical attractions. Not only part of the Kingdom's rich past, but intrinsic to it, with shimmering, spire-shaped eye-candy on nearly every corner. A very unique structure in the Bangkok skyline is the Wat Ratchanatdaram Worawihan (formerly Wat Ratchanadda), a Royal temple best known for the Loha Prasat. The Loha Prasat, which means iron castle or iron monastery, is a 36m high and has 37 black metal spires symbolizing the 37 virtues that are required to reach enlightenment. You can climb the spiral stairs to the top of the structure. Just below the shrine on top is an open air walkway from where you will have a good view of the temple area, as well as the Wat Saket temple and the Golden Mount. The Loha Prasat of Wat Ratchanatdaram Worawihan is the only one of its kind in existence today and thus under consideration with UNESCO to be made a World Heritage Site. A short walk brings you to Wat Thepthidaram, also known as Temple of the Heavenly Daughter, unique because it contains images of female disciples of Buddha.
    [Show full text]
  • Thailands Beaches and Islands
    EYEWITNESS TRAVEL THAILAND’S BEACHES & ISLANDS BEACHES • WATER SPORTS RAINFORESTS • TEMPLES FESTIVALS • WILDLIFE SCUBA DIVING • NATIONAL PARKS MARKETS • RESTAURANTS • HOTELS THE GUIDES THAT SHOW YOU WHAT OTHERS ONLY TELL YOU EYEWITNESS TRAVEL THAILAND’S BEACHES AND ISLANDS EYEWITNESS TRAVEL THAILAND’S BEACHES AND ISLANDS MANAGING EDITOR Aruna Ghose SENIOR EDITORIAL MANAGER Savitha Kumar SENIOR DESIGN MANAGER Priyanka Thakur PROJECT DESIGNER Amisha Gupta EDITORS Smita Khanna Bajaj, Diya Kohli DESIGNER Shruti Bahl SENIOR CARTOGRAPHER Suresh Kumar Longtail tour boats at idyllic Hat CARTOGRAPHER Jasneet Arora Tham Phra Nang, Krabi DTP DESIGNERS Azeem Siddique, Rakesh Pal SENIOR PICTURE RESEARCH COORDINATOR Taiyaba Khatoon PICTURE RESEARCHER Sumita Khatwani CONTRIBUTORS Andrew Forbes, David Henley, Peter Holmshaw CONTENTS PHOTOGRAPHER David Henley HOW TO USE THIS ILLUSTRATORS Surat Kumar Mantoo, Arun Pottirayil GUIDE 6 Reproduced in Singapore by Colourscan Printed and bound by L. Rex Printing Company Limited, China First American Edition, 2010 INTRODUCING 10 11 12 13 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 THAILAND’S Published in the United States by Dorling Kindersley Publishing, Inc., BEACHES AND 375 Hudson Street, New York 10014 ISLANDS Copyright © 2010, Dorling Kindersley Limited, London A Penguin Company DISCOVERING ALL RIGHTS RESERVED UNDER INTERNATIONAL AND PAN-AMERICAN COPYRIGHT CONVENTIONS. NO PART OF THIS PUBLICATION MAY BE REPRODUCED, STORED IN THAILAND’S BEACHES A RETRIEVAL SYSTEM, OR TRANSMITTED IN ANY FORM OR BY ANY MEANS, AND ISLANDS 10 ELECTRONIC, MECHANICAL, PHOTOCOPYING, RECORDING OR OTHERWISE WITHOUT THE PRIOR WRITTEN PERMISSION OF THE COPYRIGHT OWNER. Published in Great Britain by Dorling Kindersley Limited. PUTTING THAILAND’S A CATALOGING IN PUBLICATION RECORD IS BEACHES AND ISLANDS AVAILABLE FROM THE LIBRARY OF CONGRESS.
    [Show full text]
  • Thai Royal Burial Sites by Scott Mehl
    Thai Royal Burial Sites by Scott Mehl House of Chakri (1782-present) The funeral and cremation rituals of the Thai royals are perhaps some of the most spectacular displays. Steeped in tradition and driven by their Buddhist beliefs, the ceremonies take place over six days, usually months after the actual death. The primary reason for the delay is the amount of work involved in building and creating the ceremonial funeral pyre, on which the remains are cremated. These ceremonies take place on the Sanam Luang, a large open field and park, just north of the Grand Palace complex. Once the cremation ceremonies are finished, the ashes are taken to the Grand Palace briefly, before being enshrined within a Buddhist temple. The Kings are traditionally enshrined in the base of a Buddha statue within one of the temples. The ashes of other members of the royal family are typical housed in smaller memorials or monuments at the Royal Cemetery at Wat Ratchabophit. The most recent burial was that of Princess Bejaratana, held in April 2012. For detailed information about the traditions and details about the royal cremation, I suggest the following links: Ancient Traditions for Royal Cremations Royal Cremation Ceremony of HRH Princess Galyani Vadhana Royal Cemetery Royal Cemetery Rama I King Buddha Yodfa Chulaloke reigned April 6 1782 – September 7 1809 King Rama I was born March 20 1736, in the Kingdom of Ayutthaya. He was a prominent military leader under King Taksin, and this enabled him to crown himself the first King of Siam (now Thailand) in 1782, establishing the Chakri Dynasty which remains on the throne today.
    [Show full text]
  • 339 Chapter Six Three Royal Wats Through the Turmoil
    CHAPTER SIX THREE ROYAL WATS THROUGH THE TURMOIL OF NATIONALIST GOVERNMENTS AND DICTATOR REGIMES (1910-1957) Introduction In the previous chapter, we saw how the royal wats lost their sources of direct state support, resulting in their dependence on rent revenues derived from their donated land and their abbots became responsible for their physical condition. Real estate properties of wats became the key for their survival, and the royal government also supported them to be independent entities in the market economy. In this chapter, we will see the increasing gap between the government and the Buddhist monastic order. This was especially the case after King Vajiravudh appointed his uncle and preceptor, Prince Wachirayan as the Supreme Patriarch, whose control of monastic affairs included urging wats to manage and invest in their land properties. Moreover, he also developed strategies to increase the Buddhist religious central assets, with the aim of making the Buddhist monastic order more independent from the state. He also created primary schools and Buddhist standard texts and promoted monastic practices which supported the unity of the nation in keeping with King Vajiravudh’s ultra-nationalist ideology. In this reign, the wats and monks were separated from the management of public education. Moreover, the king did not support any new construction or preservation of the royal wats as previous rulers had in the past. Therefore, royal wats lost their prominent role in society and state affairs, but at the same time they gained significant financial stability in terms of their private investment. After the bloodless revolution in 1932, King Prachathipok (Rama VII) became a constitutional monarch and the People’s Party comprised of lower ranking officials took control of the kingdom.
    [Show full text]