Dvaravati, the first Kingdom of Siam, in the BANI World.

Vishnunad Katanyuthaveethip

Abstract :

The BANI World concept originated from Jamais Cascio, an American anthropologist and futurist, who wrote about it in his article ‘Facing the Age of Chaos’ (akson.com) in 2020. It serves as an indicator that change is constant. If we have a strong mind and can adapt without clinging to the drastic changes around us, we can continue to live a quality life.

The belief in the existence of a pure ‘Thai ethnicity’ since 1939 has distorted Thai national history, contradicting the reality evident from newly discovered evidence in both the arts (such as Khao Klang Nok at Si Thep Historical Park, Phetchabun Province) and sciences (such as DNA testing, which reveals connections between various ethnic groups in Thailand). This distortion stems from the inability to accept the existence of the ‘Dvaravati Kingdom’ as the earliest kingdom of Siam, due to its use of the Mon language, rooted in the belief that Thailand must be a land of pure Thai ethnicity communicating only in Thai, which is not true (Suchit Wongthet, Silpa Watthanatham). Despite the clear evidence of archaeological artifacts and UNESCO’s recognition of sites like the Khao Klang Nok stupa at Si Thep Historical Park as a World Heritage Site in 2023, located at the heart of Thailand, how can the existence of the Dvaravati state as part of Thai national history be denied? Especially in the BANI World, it is appropriate to abandon ethnic-based history and shift towards a national history that encompasses diverse lands, peoples, and cultures living harmoniously.

Because in reality, the ‘roots’ of the Thai people lie in a diverse mix of ethnicities and cultures that have blended together, rather than originating from a single group (Wiphu Kuttanan, Assoc. Prof. Dr., lannernews.com).

The shift from ethnic-based history to national history can only be achieved with the support of the public and government agencies involved in education, which must update curriculum content. This includes promoting historical and cultural tourism, creating and improving Brand Signatures and Graphic Design Elements to effectively attract target audiences to visit and learn, with the goal of ensuring that all Thai people contribute to the continuous transmission of Thai national history. Si Thep Historical Park in Phetchabun Province, which was registered as a World Heritage Site in 2023, has the potential and suitability to be the first to have its Brand Signature and Graphic Design Elements designed or improved. This begins with the design of the park’s logo in the form of a reddish-orange bird, derived from the reddish-orange ‘Dok Chan’ flowers found throughout Si Thep Historical Park. Given the evidence that Dvaravati art forms are widespread throughout all regions of Thailand, this is likened to a small reddish-orange bird flying, carrying the essence of ‘Dvaravati’ to all directions in Thailand. Subsequently, the reddish-orange bird symbol will be used to design other Graphic Design Elements.

Objectives :

To create a correct understanding of Thai national history for the public.
To correct the belief in a non-existent ‘pure Thai ethnicity’ towards ethnic diversity.
To push the Ministry of Education to correct Thai history lessons.
To promote the importance of Thai history and revitalize the teaching of history.
To support Si Thep Historical Park, which has been registered as a World Heritage Site, by creating a brand signature and graphic design elements that can be further developed for cultural tourism.

Conceptual Framework :

The discovery of new historical and archaeological evidence necessitates a change in the previously held belief that the Sukhothai Kingdom was the first capital of the Thai people. This historical narrative requires revision and correction to align with the new evidence. Furthermore, this accurate information should be incorporated into textbooks for students at all levels across the country, ensuring they receive up-to-date knowledge about Thai national history.

By making Si Thep Historical Park more well-known and attractive, it will serve as a center for disseminating the correct understanding and pride in Thai national history, as H.G. Geoffrey Quaritch Wales once proposed that Dvaravati was the earliest state of Siam and the origin of Thai history. This will be achieved by creating a well-crafted Brand Signature and Graphic Design Elements for Si Thep Historical Park, which have never existed before, to effectively engage target audiences in the BANI World.

The choice to create a symbol for Si Thep Historical Park in the form of a reddish-orange bird originates from the ‘Dok Chan’ or ‘Thong Kwao’ flower, which is scattered around Si Thep Historical Park, causing the park’s ground to be filled with bright reddish-orange hues covering the entire area. Additionally, the ‘Dvaravati’ culture, with the city of ‘Si Thep’ as its former religious center, evidenced by the ‘Khao Klang Nok stupa’, led to the spread of Dvaravati culture in all directions throughout Thailand. This is comparable to a bright reddish-orange bird flying in all directions, carrying the essence of ‘Dvaravati’ on its wings, from the north to the south, and from the east to the west. The art forms of ‘Dvaravati’ are evident throughout Thailand.

Process / Methodology :

To study newly discovered archaeological evidence found at Si Thep Historical Park.
To conduct analytical studies of all deities discovered at Si Thep Historical Park.
To conduct analytical studies of Dvaravati-era inscriptions found at Si Thep Historical Park and other locations.
To study the beliefs about Vishnu (Narayana) in the ‘Mahabharata’ epic.
To study the history of Si Thep Historical Park and its related folklore.
To study the potential of Si Thep Historical Park and the problems that need to be addressed and improved.
To develop Brand Signature and Graphic Design Elements.

Techniques and Materials :

Adobe Illustrator – Vector Graphics Software.

Result / Conclusion :

To ensure that Thai people receive accurate historical information

The people of the Dvaravati Kingdom were an ancestral group of the Thai people

The roots of the Thai people are a blend of ethnic and cultural diversity.

Dvaravati at Si Thep is the origin of Thai national history (not Sukhothai).

In the BANI world, accepting the change of knowledge data to be up-to-date will correct the Thai national history that has been erroneous for 100 years.

Si Thep Historical Park, Phetchabun Province, will be the center for disseminating accurate knowledge about Thai history to Thai citizens and foreigners.

And to protect Thai culture from the misappropriation of its cultural ownership.