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Book Discussion “Art in Thailand: An Illustrated Introduction” by Chedha Tingsanchali
27 April, 2025 @ 4:00 pm - 5:30 pm
Background
On 27 April 2025 at 4pm, SEA Junction partnering with John F. Kennedy (JFK) Foundation of Thailand will host a discussion of the book “Art in Thailand: An Illustrated Introduction”, written by art lecturer Chedha Tingsanchali. This handbook for understanding Thai art from the 5th-20th centuries is an attempt to document for a general public the whole timeline and tendencies of art history in Thailand from the beginning of civilization to the early 20ᵗʰ century CE
In the mid-20th century, Prince Damrong Rajanubhab initiated a classification system for ancient Thai objects and monuments based on historical kingdoms, including both Pre-Thai and Thai periods. This effort sparked interest among Thai art historians, leading them to develop various theories about Thai art. One significant contribution came from Prince Subhadradis Diskul, who founded the Department of Art History at Silpakorn University. In 1963, he published the first English-language book on the subject, Thai Art: A Brief History. His work paved the way for further research by his students to promote a deeper understanding of Thai art. In this new compact guide book, Chedha summarized the long and complicate art histories, theories, and tendencies in a nutshell with the aim to simplify the history of Thai art and make it accessible to foreigners who like to learn about Thai art, with the exemplification of masterpieces, illustrations, and short captions.
At the event, the author will briefly present his book before having a Q&A with the public. Copies of the book will be available at the talk for signing by the author.
Speaker Bio
Chedha Tingsanchali is a Thai professor and scholar of art history. He is a lecturer in the Department of Art History, Faculty of Archaeology, Silpakorn University, with expertise in Indian and Southeast Asian art and history, especially on the influence of Buddhism and Brahmin on art, as well as the influence of Indian art in Southeast Asia.
For more information, please email: info@seajunction.org or phone/wa: +66970024140
NB: The event is free, donations are welcome to support SEA Junction activities.
Organizers
SEA Junction, established under the Thai non-profit organization Foundation for Southeast Asia Studies (ForSEA), aims to foster understanding and appreciation of Southeast Asia in all its socio-cultural dimensions, from arts and lifestyles to economy and development. Conveniently located at Room 407-8 of the Bangkok Arts and Culture Center or BACC (across MBK, BTS National Stadium), SEA Junction facilitates public access to knowledge resources and exchanges among students, practitioners and Southeast Asia lovers. More information at http://seajunction.org/.
JFK Foundation Thailand
The JFK Foundation in Thailand was founded by H.E. Dr. Thanat Khoman, the former Ambassador to the United States, with the purpose of commemorating President Kennedy’s principles through education, public service, and good governance that benefits mankind in Thailand, the United States, and ASEAN, now and in the future. For more information, please visit https://jfkth-foundation.com/index.php/en/
