Phetchaburi: A renowned historian has highlighted the significance of "Don Yai Thong" as a vital piece of evidence in understanding the Suvarnabhumi civilization and ancient global trade routes.
According to Thai News Agency, Sujit Wongthes, a distinguished historian, revealed groundbreaking information in the field of history, indicating that "Don Yai Thong" was the earliest community in Phetchaburi and a center of trans-peninsular trade over 2,000 years ago. Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Committee on Religion, etc., announced his commitment to promoting a Phetchaburi Provincial Museum, hoping to preserve the roots and pass on cultural heritage to future generations.
A special lecture on the topic of "The Don Yai Thong Archaeological Site and the Potential Museum in Phetchaburi" was held at the Faculty of Education conference room, Phetchaburi Rajabhat University. The speakers included Professor Sujit Wongthes, a historian and National Artist in Literature (Poetry); Ms. Thivalrat Angkinan, Member of Parliament for Phetchaburi from the Bhumjaithai Party and Chair of the House Committee on Religion, Arts and Culture; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kanjana Boonsong, Dean of the Faculty of Education, Phetchaburi Rajabhat University; and Mr. Taweeroj Klamklomjit from the Phetchaburi Museum. The event attracted considerable interest from academics, students, and the public. Professor Sujit stated that the "Don Yai Thong Archaeological Site" is considered one of the earliest communities in Phetchaburi, dating back over 2,000 years. The discovery of the bronze drum is crucial evidence confirming that this area was once the center of an ancient community and a "central courtyard" or place for r ituals in the prehistoric era, predating the present-day Phetchaburi city.
Furthermore, Don Yai Thong played an important role in the trans-peninsula trade route. Historically, its location near the ancient coast made it a bustling maritime trading post, facilitating trade with India and various regions, particularly in copper trade, which is one of the origins of the name "Suvarnabhumi." Professor Sujit also proposed a new idea regarding the patterns on the bronze drums, suggesting that the radiating patterns on the drumhead, often interpreted as the sun or stars, may actually be "a representation of the conch shell on a person's head," according to ancient animistic beliefs. The bronze drums, buried with the deceased, served as musical instruments in rituals to send the spirits of tribal leaders to the heavens. Another significant piece of evidence is the discovery of an ancient gold ring, approximately 2,100 years old, inscribed with the Brahmi script "Pusrakhitas," meaning "of Pusarakhita." This may have been an item given by Indian merchants or Brahmins to the local leader of D on Yai Thong to foster friendship and trade networks during that era.
Professor Sujit proposed the establishment of a "Phetchaburi Museum" to showcase the province's unique identity and attractions, including ox-drawn carts, salt, the Phetchaburi River, and contemporary cultural traditions like Phetchaburi folk dance. He also suggested promoting Phetchaburi's bid for World Heritage status, using the city's surrounding mountains as a key criterion. Furthermore, he proposed establishing a museum alongside an art gallery, under the operation of the Phetchaburi Provincial Administrative Organization, to serve as a learning resource and creative cultural space for people of all ages.
Ms. Thivalrat Angkinan, MP for Phetchaburi from the Bhumjaithai Party and Chair of the House Committee on Religion, Arts and Culture, stated that after visiting the area and listening to information from academics, archaeologists, and the public, it is clear that "Don Yai Thong" is important evidence reflecting the flourishing civilization in Phetchaburi Province and is a valuable historical heritage that can deeply tell the roots of the city. "Don Yai Thong is not just a mound of earth or ancient ruins, but evidence that tells the story of the greatness of Phetchaburi's civilization. It is a priceless treasure that we all must help preserve. As Chair of the Committee on Religion, Arts and Culture, I am ready to fully support and promote the conservation and development of this archaeological site in a concrete and sustainable manner," Ms. Thivalrat said.
Simultaneously, a declaration of intent was made to promote the establishment of a complete and modern provincial museum in Phetchaburi. This museum would serve as a central hub for collecting knowledge, showcasing artifacts, historical evidence, and the history of Phetchaburi from the past to the present. The Chairman of the Committee on Religion, etc., emphasized that the conservation of historical sites and cultural heritage is not the responsibility of any single agency, but a shared mission of all sectors: government, private sector, educational institutions, and the public. He stated that the legislative branch is ready to act as a bridge to connect all sectors and drive this initiative forward seriously. Following the presentation, the meeting proposed inviting relevant agencies to a meeting to establish a working group to concretely promote the establishment of a provincial museum in Phetchaburi. This would allow future generations to study and understand their historical roots, and contribute to the preservation of Phetchaburi's valuable cultural heritage.