In a move that cements Thailand’s burgeoning stature on the world’s cultural map, UNESCO has bestowed upon the Ancient Town of Si Thep the coveted title of a World Heritage Site. This enshrining comes during the World Heritage Committee’s 45th extended session in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. With this distinguished accolade, Thailand’s tally of World Heritage Sites reaches a resounding seven – a blend of four historic marvels and three nature’s spectacles.
Venturing into the depths of Phetchabun province, Si Thep unravels a three-part tale rooted in the Dvaravati Empire. A twin-town enclave embraced by moats, the commanding edifice of Khao Klang Nok and the Khao Thamorrat Cave monument collectively herald the ingenuity and artistic zenith of an era that spanned from the 6th to 10th centuries. They echo the resonances from India, which birthed the esteemed Si Thep School of Art when melded with local traditions. This creative movement seeped into the very soul of Southeast Asia.
Three other jewels bear the baton of Thai cultural inheritance: Sukhothai, Ayutthaya, and Ban Chiang. The Thungyai-Huai Kha Khaeng, Dong Phayayen-Khao Yai, and Kaeng Krachan complexes stand sentinel as guardians of nature’s magnificence.
As a mark of celebration and beckoning global art aficionados and historians, the Fine Arts Department has ushered in free admissions to Si Thep Historical Park till 24 September. Moreover, a dedicated exhibition offering a deep dive into Si Thep’s illustrious legacy graces the Bangkok National Museum till 14 January 2024.
Yet, Phetchabun isn’t merely an archaeological treasure trove. 340 km north of Bangkok, it’s a canvas of nature’s finest brushstrokes, renowned for majestic national parks and the serene Phu Thap Boek peak, acting as a beacon for trekkers and campers.
From the misty embrace of its mountains to the spiritual solace of the five Buddha statues at Wat Phrathat Pha Son Kaeo and the awe-striking That Yai Waterfall, Phetchabun emerges as a testament to Thailand’s vibrant past and its verdant present.
Written by: Supaporn Pholrach (Joom)
