The Glorious Thai Kingdoms since 13th Century Exhibition: A Review of the Historical Dynamics of Thai Political Society

Abstract

This article aims to study the history and the historical development of Thai political society presented through the Glorious Thai Kingdoms since 13th Century Exhibition by studying the documentary together with the
historical synthesis. The review is presented by items based on the topics of the exhibition namely, From the Ancient States to the Thai Kingdom, Thai State in the Land of Suvarnabhumi, From Siam to the Kingdom of Thailand, and
Siamese Monarchy, together with the analysis of power and political relations. This study indicates a change in the viewpoint of presenting the history of Thai political society. It has changed from one-sided history amplifying the royal nationalism ideology to establish legitimacy in power and to create a common awareness of the unity of the people in the nation to presenting a holistic historical perspective that recognizes the multi-cultural society of Thailand with multi-ethnic and cultural diversity as well as the independence of the ancient city-state before merging into a Thai state. Therefore, the significance that the author wants to reflect through this article is the call for the study of history in Thai society to review the principles, concepts and goals of the study to understand the history that should be rationally used; to be moreopen-minded to learn about people, stories, and events in history with aneutral mind; and not to fade away, diminish, and devalue anyone in history. If these positions were realized seriously and sincerely, the repercussions of the history that had ignited the fires of hatred would have extinguished andtransformed into the bond of brotherhood leading to the acceptance and
respect of various differences for the coexistence of people in the society.