Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Anthropology Centre (SAC), an academic institution under the Ministry of Culture is preparing to co-host Indo-Pacific Prehistory Association Congress (IPPA 2022).
The event is aimed to showcase and up to date knowledge and research in anthropology and archaeology. It will promote the field’s multidisciplinary integration and collaborations between relevant Thai and international networks.
“Our works involve compilation of anthropological and archaeological databases, including ethnicity, museums, ancient manuscripts, inscriptions, heritage sites, and physical anthropology, as well as anthropological films ”
“These collections of anthropological evidence are assembled online allowing anthropologists, archaeologists and the public to access and use them at all times. This, in turn, supports learning and benefits diverse public causes.”
“Information is also organised and processed as datasets, content packages, knowledge packages, and learning innovation to fulfil each target group’s purposes.” Dr. Komatra Chuengsatiansup Director, Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Anthropology Centre (SAC)
SAC is proceeding with inscription datasets to support ancestral languages study at higher education level. This is achieved through development of its Culture Learning Platform where users design their own studies. Public discussion forums are hosted along with publishing academic journals, curriculum development, board game creation, and learning media support.
Over the past few years, SAC has collaborated with relevant networks in Thailand and overseas to conduct research and promote fields of anthropology to the public.
In the field of archaeology, SAC collaborates with École Française d'Extrême-Orient (EFEO) to collect data for inscription research in Thailand and Southeast Asia. It also collaborates with Silpakorn University and archaeologists in Southeast Asia. The research will be presented at the 10th BUMA conference (BUMA X) and Archaeological Field School (SAFS2022) digital platform.
“At the upcoming IPPA 2022, our highlight feature will be Suvarnabhumi Civilisation studies that collate multi-national historic documents found in Arabia, China, India and European countries. The studies are conducted by the Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Anthropology Centre and alliance networks. Their objective is to understand ancient ways of life and perceptions of Southeast Asia gained from foreigners. Other studies include Ptolemy mapping, the 2nd century map that helps interpret city locations in Suvarnabhumi territories.”
Featured studies based on ethnic policy and cultural wisdom heritage at the IPPA congress include Thai law on the Protection and Promotion of the Way of Life of Ethnic Groups and Special Cultural Zones. All this conforms to Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Anthropology Centre goals.