To Investigate the Evolution of Geography, Weather and Trading Route from the Diary of I-Ching (Monk) and Sieng- Jun (Envoy) to Support Tourist Route: to Reflect the Picture of Chaiya District in Surat Thani and Around Ban Don Bay Used to Be the Capital of Srivijaya Empire

Abstract

This paper is a part of the research: Interpreting the evolution
of history and culture of “Siam-Lawo and Srivijaya” to support
historical and cultural tourism around Ban Don Bay in Chaiya, Surat
Thani. The objective of this paper is to proof that the situation of
“Chaiya in Surat Thani used to be the capital of Srivijaya by
investigation the evolution of geography, weather and trading route
from the diary of I-Ching (Monk) and Sieng-Jun (Envoy) to support
tourist route. The key analysis is comparing the Srivijaya history with
geography and weather from the early period of Srivijaya to the
present. The research methodology is qualitative that surveys of the
cultural landscape, observations to obtain general information of the
existing condition will be constructed. This will include photographing
and mapping. Information will be gathered from stakeholders by an indepth
interview approach seeking information around Ban Don Bay and
Chaiya District in Surat Thani.
Srivijaya used to be the center of Mahayana Buddhism and it
was the entrepot between the merchants from the west coast and the
east coast. The Takuapa-Ban Don Bay route was one of the famous
trans- peninsular routes and could be the most convenient one for
transportation from before Srivijayan age. From investigation,
investigation about the evolution of geography, weather and trading
route from the diary of I-Ching (Monk) and Sieng-Jun (Envoy), it could
be concluded the situation of Chaiya in Surat Thani used be the capital
of Srivijaya. Its landscape was suitable to be the entrepot for trading.
Chaiya was a hub of international commerce and it was an entrepot to
control the east-west trade that was the direct line of communication
with India, Chinese, Arabia and Persia. Maritime trade was significant for
the Srivijayan world that contacted trade worldwide. However, heritage
interpretation to support the historical and cultural tourism is an
important important material for heritage conservation and
development to be sustainability.