Talk to focus on temple traditions

Talk to focus on temple traditions

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Buddhist temples around Thailand all have certain fundamental features in common _ not only their architectural design, but also their cultural role in the community. But over the centuries, the appearance of temples and the cultural activities associated with them in different parts of the Kingdom have displayed great diversity, reflecting different local and regional cultural styles, different historical development and the tastes of different eras of Thai history.

This diversity enriches Thai culture and is part of the pride and identity of the regions of the country. In recent decades, this diversity has declined, as local styles and practices have been replaced by a homogenous Bangkok-centric national style of temple architecture and cultural practice.

Local styles and practices are less understood, less cherished and less followed, reducing the rich diversity of Thai temple architecture.

To address the problem, the Siam Society's Siamese Heritage Protection Programme for celebrating His Majesty the King's 84th birthday will host an academic seminar entitled "Thailand's Buddhist Cultural Heritage: The Preservation Challenge" on March 21 from 1-4:30pm.

Conducted in Thai, the seminar will focus on two questions: Why is this diversity of temples being lost? And what can be done at national and community levels to promote appreciation and preservation of local temple traditions in the face of pressure to conform to "approved" styles applied nationwide?

Speakers include Phra Rajawethee, assistant to the abbot of Wat Pho; Phra Adhikarnprasart Khemapunyo, abbot of Wat Thamaram, Ayutthaya; social critic and scholar Sulak Sivaraksa; Asst Prof Piriya Krairiksh, a historian; Vasu Poshyanandana, an expert architect from the Fine Arts Department; and Anukul Siripun, an academic and local community leader from Lampang province. Acting as moderator is Savitri Suwansathit, former deputy permanent secretary for education and former secretary-general of the National Committee for Unesco.

Free admission and all participants are welcome to share their opinions in the discussion.


Advanced registration is required. Call 02-661-6470_7 ext 204 or email

jarunee@siam-society.org.

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