THAI HISTORIGRAPHY OF AYUTTHAYA 1997 - 1986

Abstract

This article investigates Thai historiography related to Ayutthaya from 1977 to 1986. It starts out by surveying and collecting data concerning the state of the field of Ayutthayan historical studies. Subsequently, prior historiographical materials were analyzed in context and with consideration to the factors that contribute to the studies of Thai historiography concerning Ayutthaya in various aspects. Investigative results suggest that Thai historiographical works concerning Ayutthaya from 1977 to 1986 include a wide variety of subjects, such as, political history, economic and commercial history, social and cultural history, history of international relations, and art history. This reflects the diverse interests in the studies of Ayutthayan history by academics, historians, and members of the general public with a special interest in history. Most historical investigations from this period continue to recount stories of royalty, especially the monarch’s role in politics, the economy, and international relations. Nonetheless, there appeared to be an obvious trend towards explanations concerning the social situation of Ayutthaya, such as, the various social groups, the lifestyle of people in society of the Ayutthayan Empire. The explanation of history that appeared in historiographical works concerning Ayutthaya in 1977-1986 arose from the social context of the mainstream historical explanation, which evolved around the nation-state, the monarchy, and nationalism, the Marxist historical explanation, and the discovery of new historical evidence both in Thailand and abroad. This resulted in new findings and new knowledge in the studies of Ayutthayan history. Furthermore, academics from various fields came to propose new interpretations from the old set of evidence. These new interpretations contributed new perspectives and new knowledge to the field of history. This period also saw the rise of new historiographical works that respond to new directions and new perspectives in historical research.