To the layman, Paniat is unheard of. It is an ancient town that lies in the eastern province of Chanthaburi. It sits at the foot of Khao Sa Bap, a square settlement that was once guarded by walls but levelled out, buried and forgotten to make way for an orchard village. However, the site retains remnants of Khmer culture that highlight the dynamic interaction between Siam and its neighbours.
Located on the site of Paniat, a traphang (pond) was used for performing rites. (Photo: Thana Boonlert)
“In BE 12, Dvaravati towns in the Central Region were circular or oval in shape, but those in Khmer culture were square in shape, and this place fits this description,” said Assoc Prof Santi Pakdeekham, a historian and vice-secretary of the Office of the Royal Society, on a trip to Chanthaburi. It was organised by the Media Centre for Arts and Culture, Thai PBS, on June…
