CO-OP research cohort visits sites, museums in northeast Thailand

From 5 to 14 January 2024, the Circumambulating Objects: on Paradigms of Restitution of Southeast Asian Art (CO-OP) research cohort attended the first of three critical thinking labs in northeast Thailand.

Prof Ashley Thompson and Dr Stephen Murphy led the group through site visits, seminar discussions, and roundtables over the 10-day trip. The annual programme unites individuals with a commitment to examining local Southeast Asian epistemologies and needs at the intersection of current global debates and practices around restitution.

Site visits

The trip focused on sites of object circulation, from ancient or contemporary instances of object removal, circumambulation, boundary-making, and more. Dr Stephen Murphy led visits to sema (boundary) stone locations on the Khorat Plateau, an area of his research expertise. The group also visited a mountaintop site in Kalasin district and two Khmer temples which are now national historical parks—Phimai and Phnom Rung.

Looking at a lintel in the central shrine at Phimai. (Photo by Kanat Naktanomsub, courtesy of Getty)
Looking at a lintel in the central shrine at Phimai. (Photo by Kanat Naktanomsub, courtesy of Getty)

At many of the sites, the group was joined by Tanongsak Hanwong (pictured above, second from left), an independent archaeologist and activist. Currently living in Pak Chong, Nakhon Ratchasima province, he is active in local repatriation efforts. In addition, CO-OP thanks the heritage professionals, curators, site conservators, and monks who graciously welcomed the group at their respective sites.

Seminar discussions

Alongside site visits, seminar discussions and roundtables contributed to centering thinking on the topic of object circulation. The trip began with two days of intensive discussion amongst the cohort before introducing themes which emerged into roundtables with regional museums in Khon Kaen and with scholars at Thammasat University. Both events were organized and hosted by Dr. Udomluck Hoontrakul, a member of the CO-OP core academic team and Director of the Thammasat University Museum. 

Speaking with a villager from nearby the ancient site of Muang Fa Daed. (Photo by Emma Efkeman)
Speaking with a villager from nearby the ancient site of Muang Fa Daed. (Photo by Emma Efkeman)

Whether spontaneous, as pictured above at Wat Pho Chai Semaram temple near Muang Fa Daed, or pre-organised, the cohort found these sharing sessions beneficial for hearing the practical concerns of individuals and institutions facing questions of object circulation and repatriation in their daily work.

For further information can be found on the Circumambulating Objects project website.

Header image: Udomluck Hoontrakul and Natasha Reichle outside a small image repository at Wat Phu Khao, Kalasin district. (Photo by Emma Efkeman)

    The group has introductions at Khao Yai National Park. (Photo by Emma Efkeman)
    Touring the collection at the Khon Kaen National Museum. (Photo by Kanat Naktanomsub, courtesy of Getty)
    The group in front of the reclining Buddha at Wat Phu Khao. (Photo by Kanat Naktanomsub, courtesy of Getty)
    Dr Heidi Tan sharing in a group discussion during site visits. (Photo by Kanat Naktanomsub, courtesy of Getty)
    Visiting a small site museum at Wat Dhammachakra Sema Ram near the ancient site of Muang Sema, Nakhon Ratchasima province. (Photo by Kanat Naktanomsub, courtesy of Getty)

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