200YEARS-010724 - Flipbook - Page 31
The Emergence of Modern Art
in Thailand
Assistant Professor Sitthidham Rohitasuk, Ph.D.
In the wake of Rattanakosin9s establishment, Siam9s ruling class implemented
various measures to avert a fate akin to Ayutthaya9s demise. The early
Rattanakosin era witnessed a substantial influx of Chinese immigrants to
Siam, facilitated by burgeoning trade relations with China. This trade brought
economic prosperity and facilitated artistic and cultural integration, manifesting
in the influence of Chinese arts and culture within Thai society. Examples include
the translation of Chinese chronicles into Thai, such as the Three Kingdoms,
Sai Han, and Liadkok (Liad Kingdom), as well as the emergence of an artistic
style blending Chinese and Thai elements in temple construction. This was
particularly notable during the reign of King Nang Klao, with non-royal temples
or royal-style art from King Rama III9s era exemplified by Wat Ratcha Orasaram,
Wat Nang Nong, and Wat Thepthidaram. Despite the significant trade and
cultural exchanges with China, Siam also had contact and knowledge
exchange with Westerners, albeit to a lesser extent. However, as Western powers
began to exert influence over the Chinese court, Siam astutely recognized the
need to adapt and learn from Western technology. It adopted a
