[Article] Dig site to open study centre.

Ban Chiang village in Udon Thani to showcase pottery tradition, prehistoric past.

March 27, 2010 | Bangkok Post | Writer: Naowarat Suksamran.

Ban Chiang, a popular archaeological site in Udon Thani, will soon become a research and study centre where tourists and members of the public can learn more about the prehistoric settlement.
The planned development of Ban Chiang in Udon Thani's Nong Han district, listed as World Heritage Site No. 359, follows advice given by Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn during her visit to the site early last month.

The Princess was interested in archaeological studies and wanted to see the conservation of national treasures.

Fine Arts Department director-general Kriangkrai Sampatchalit put his deputy, Sahawat Naenna, in charge of the project to develop Ban Chiang as a study centre.

Ban Chiang village dates back to the Bronze Age and is built on the site of an ancient cemetery. The earliest grave dates from about 2100 BC.

Mr Sahawat said he had consulted archaeological experts, historians and academics about the establishment of the centre at Ban Chiang.

If the project proves successful, it would be expanded to other archaeological sites nationwide, he said.

Once it is developed as a research and study centre, Ban Chiang will attract visitors interested in items excavated at the site, including ancient artefacts, human skeletons, and historic pottery. The site would also serve as a learning centre for those interested in the patterns of painted earthenware in prehistoric cultures, and painting techniques used on pottery and other utensils that showcase ancient technology, said Mr Sahawat. [...]

Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn looks at ancient objects displayed at the Galyani Vadhana Building at the Ban Chiang National Museum in Udon Thani on Feb 9 after presiding over the opening of the building.

Photo Courtesy of Udon Thani Public relations Office.

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