The cultural heritage of Siam is exceptionally rich and very distinctive. As everywhere, this heritage is under threat – from the pace of change, from the demands of tourism, from mismanagement, and from neglect. Today there is a growing awareness of the value of Siam’s heritage and the need to protect it. This book is
the first to examine the issues and challenges. The authors of the 20 essays include the pioneers of conservation over the last generation along with the activists of today.
Table of Contents
Introduction: Siam’s Threatened Cultural Heritage
by James Stent
A Brief History of Heritage Protection in Thailand
by Piriya Krairiksh
A Record of Historical Conservation, 1964–2012
by Sumet Jumsai
The Siam Society’s Role in Heritage Protection
by Euayporn Kerdchouay
Long-term Strategies for Thai Heritage Preservation: Civil Roles in Lopburi Province
by Phuthorn Bhumadhon
The Development of Law on Tangible Cultural Heritage: Case of the Law on Ancient Monuments, Antiques, Objects of Art and National Museums
by Rewadee Sakulpanich
Tourism and Heritage: A Tense Relationship
by Surin Pitsuwan
The Crown Property Bureau and Heritage Conservation
by Yongtanit Pimonsathean
Rattanakosin Charter: The Thai Cultural Charter for Conservation
by Chatri Prakitnonthakan
Cultural Rights and Conservation of Old Bangkok
by Tiamsoon Sirisrisak and Natsuko Akagawa
Reviving the Neglected Heritage of the Rattanakosin Era: The Case of the Old Chao Phraya River Oxbow
by Worrasit Tantinipankul
Reconnecting Bangkok’s Heritage Landscape: Urban Waterways and the Modern City
by Montira Horayangura Unakul
The Crypto-Colonial Dilemmas of Rattanakosin Island
by Michael Herzfeld
Mapping Living Heritage at the Phanom Rung Historical Park: Identifying and Safeguarding the Local Meanings of a National Heritage Site
by Alexandra Denes
Atrocity Heritage Tourism at the “Death Railway”
by Apinya Baggelaar Arrunnapaporn
Heritage Across Borders: The Funerary Monument of King Uthumphon
by Woraphat Arthayukti and Edward Van Roy
Heritage Conservation in Asia: Shifts and Developments, 1972–2012
by H. Detlef Kammeier
Exploring Shared Histories, Preserving Shared Heritage: Penang’s Links to a Siamese Past
by Khoo Salma Nasution
Yangon’s Heritage: Steps Towards Preservation
by Paula Z. Helfrich
Lessons from the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation: International Best
Practices in Thailand
by Richard Engelhardt, Montira Horayangura Unakul and Julia Davies
