VI
EN
A three-headed dragon statue welcomes visitors at the entrance to Suvarnabhumi Airport.
Although located in Suphanburi, one of the 76 provinces of the Kingdom of Thailand, the U Thong Museum encapsulates a condensed period of the country's ancient history. This is why it has been designated a National Museum. It's also very convenient for visitors, as it's easily accessible by car from Bangkok, a short 100km drive northwest, situated right on the interprovincial highway.
The copper plate bears inscriptions of early writing.
The museum's appeal lies not only in its modernity but also in its rare artifacts, many of which were unearthed right in the heart of U Thong. A highlight of U Thong's history is its status as one of the most important cities of the Dvaravati Kingdom, the first Mon kingdom established in Thailand, spanning from the 6th to the 13th centuries. Located in the central plains of Thailand, connecting the northeast and southwest, U Thong is home to an earthen rampart surrounded by a moat, measuring approximately 1650 meters in length and 700 meters in width. Twenty ancient Buddhist relics have been discovered both inside and outside the ancient city of U Thong, making it a popular destination for nostalgic visitors seeking to admire moss-covered brick stupas or search through rubble for remnants of a bygone era.
Beads, jewelry beads made of gemstones, agate, and glass.
Many artifacts found at U Thong have shown that it was a major center for the spread of Buddhism, as well as an important East-West trade link connecting the Persian Gulf in the Middle East, Europe, and India with Southeast Asia and China. Ancient Chinese and Indian texts mention many merchant ships docking at U Thong to trade spices, fragrant wood, copper, tin, and other goods.
The museum also displays various types of Roman coins minted in distant Germany, Arabic coins, Tang Dynasty copper coins (China), as well as local coins of the time. These are compelling evidence of long-distance trade and exchange. Many stone, terracotta, and gold Buddha statues, reliefs, and ceramic human and animal figures are on display. Each statue is accompanied by a specific story or legend. Many statues are quite vivid, such as the popular motif of a person leading a monkey. There are also meticulously carved Buddhist Dharma wheels displayed alongside unique linga symbols, symbols of Hinduism. Some artifacts still bear the marks of gold leafing techniques or ancient inscriptions on copper plates or terracotta.
Beads, jewelry beads made of gemstones, agate, and glass.
The U Thong Museum also boasts another strength: it preserves almost all the artifacts from a prehistoric and early historical period, when humans practiced agriculture and cultivated this fertile land. This was the Suvarnabhumi period, dating from approximately 300 to 100 BC, also known as the Indo-Roman era. The name Suvarnabhumi means "Land of Gold." During this time, U Thong was an important trading center. Many artifacts from India, China, and Southeast Asian countries can be found here. Notably, the U Thong site preserves typical artifacts of the Dong Son culture of northern Vietnam, such as the Dong Son bronze drum, as well as unique artifacts of the Sa Huynh culture of central Vietnam, such as the jade earring with two animal heads. These were likely the first traveling "ambassadors" of cultural exchange between ancient Vietnamese people and Thailand, dating back about 2000 years. Furthermore, some artifacts found at U Thong were also found in the ancient village of Lai Nghi, Quang Nam, belonging to the Sa Huynh culture, such as a tiger statue made of precious red stone, proving that cultural exchange between Thailand and Vietnam at that time was reciprocal.
A corner of the exhibition space of the museum during the Le Dynasty.
Many precious and semi-precious stone jewelry items, such as beads and pearls from eastern India, were also found here during the trade routes with countries in the region, including Vietnam. The museum also displays seals made of precious stones and ivory. The Suvarnabhumi culture was the foundation for the development of Dvaravati culture right here in U Thong. Because of their respect for the heritage of the Suvarnabhumi era, the Thais named the new, modern international airport near Bangkok, alongside Don Muang airport, after it. Another noteworthy feature of the museum is a stilt house with gables decorated with buffalo heads and a thatched roof, situated in the museum courtyard – typical of the tens of thousands of Thai stilt houses in the Kingdom.
Stone Buddha statue
Terracotta relief sculpture of a human figure.
A simple stroll through the U Thong International Museum can answer basic questions about the history of this land of smiles: from the Suvarnabhumi period to the Dvaravati period, the Kingdom of Siam, and present-day Thailand, a history marked by transformation and the blending of ethnic groups from various regions with the indigenous population. Through numerous visual exhibits, visitors can also learn about the unique "Thai" character through each historical period and the fascinating artifacts on display.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Trinh Sinh
