Sukhothai and Associated Towns to Be Developed as Models for Thailand’s Cultural Tourism

(17/02/2013)

The Ministry of Culture plans to develop Sukhothai, Si Satchanalai, and Kamphaeng Phet historical parks as models for Thailand’s cultural tourism. The Historic Town of Sukhothai and Associated Historic Towns, which include Si Satchanalai and Kamphaeng Phet, are recognized as World Heritage Sites by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). Culture Minister Sontaya Kunplome said that the Ministry of Culture was pushing for the implementation of the project to develop cultural towns for tourism. He said that the project would contribute to the country’s favorable cultural image and income generation from tourism. The Ministry of Culture plans to seek a budget of 325.2 million baht to carry out 25 projects for the development of cultural towns for tourism. The projects aim to renovate the three historical parks and improve the landscape there. The area-based development also includes management to facilitate the visit of tourists to the historical parks. Sukhothai was the capital of the first Kingdom of Siam in the 13th and 14th centuries. It has a number of fine monuments, illustrating the beginnings of Thai architecture. The great civilization which evolved in the Kingdom of Sukhothai absorbed numerous influences and ancient local traditions; the rapid assimilation of all these elements forged what is known as the “Sukhothai style.” The small historic park of Sukhothai constitutes a masterpiece of the first Siamese architectural style. Si Satchanalai was a very important town during the Sukhothai period as most of its rulers were the heirs to the Sukhothai throne. This town was regarded as the second capital and was a great rival of Sukhothai in terms of art and culture developments. The historic town of Si Satchanalai was famous for its ceramics. Excavations by a team of Thai and Australian researchers yielded evidence of the existence of an indigenous ceramic industry predating the establishment of Sukhothai and Si Satchanalai. Kamphaeng Phet, literally the Walls of Diamond, is an important archeological site and is famous for ancient ruins, such as walls, forts, and temples, reflecting the glory of this old city in the past. It served as a frontline city during the Ayutthaya period, providing a strong fortress to protect the kingdom. There are many things to see in Sukhothai, Si Satchanalai, and Kamphaeng Phet. Anyone wishing to know more about the birth of the Thai nation should visit the three historical parks, which are representative of the first period of Siamese art and the creation of the first Thai state. Because of their historical importance, Sukhothai and its associated towns were developed as historical parks and were added to the World Heritage List in 1991. Today, Sukhothai, Si Satchanalai, and Kamphaeng Phet historical parks are under the care of the Fine Arts Department, under the Ministry of Culture.