Journal of Ayutthaya Studies

Nutritional Beliefs of the New Generation Toward the Consumption of Thai Desserts Originating in the Ayutthaya Period by Thao Thong Kip Ma (Marie Guimar)

Sarat Thongngam — 2025-12-26

This research article aimed to (1) examine the nutritional beliefs about Thai desserts originating in the Ayutthaya period and attributed to Thao Thong Kip Ma among the new generation, (2) study the consumption of these Ayutthaya-period Thai desserts among the new generation, and (3) investigate the influence of nutritional beliefs on their consumption. This quantitative study employed a survey research design. The sample consisted of 400 Generation Z and Millennial participants aged 18–42 years, selected through convenience sampling. A questionnaire was used as the research instrument. Data were analyzed using frequency and percentage, mean and standard deviation, and multiple regression.

The findings revealed that (1) most respondents were female, aged 18–22 years, held a bachelor’s degree, were students, earned less than 15,000 baht per month, originated from Bangkok and its metropolitan area, and had no chronic diseases. Most had visited Ayutthaya Province three to four times. Regarding awareness of Thao Thong Kip Ma, most had heard her name but were unsure of the details, with information primarily obtained from social media. When asked about Thai desserts originating from Thao Thong Kip Ma, they correctly identified their origin. (2) Overall, the new generation held nutritional beliefs about Thai desserts from the Ayutthaya period at a high level. Considering individual dimensions, beliefs about cultural and historical value ranked highest, followed by beliefs about health impacts, while beliefs regarding the specific properties of each dessert ranked lowest. (3) Consumption of these Thai desserts was also at a high level. Respondents demonstrated the highest ability to identify the names and characteristics of Ayutthaya-era Thai desserts, followed by their intention to recommend traditional Thai desserts to others. Consumption during ceremonies, auspicious events, or essential festivals showed the lowest mean score. (4) Regarding the influence of nutritional beliefs on consumption, multiple regression analysis indicated that all seven belief dimensions were highly correlated with dessert consumption. Three variables significantly influenced consumption at the .05 level: (1) beliefs about nourishing bodily elements according to traditional wisdom, which showed the most substantial positive influence; (2) comparative beliefs between traditional and modern desserts, which showed a moderate positive influence; and (3) beliefs about health impacts, which showed a negative influence.

Developing Service Standard Indicators for Pet-Friendly Tourism in a World Heritage City, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya

Jessada Kwamkhunkoei — 2025-12-26

This research, "Developing Service Standard Indicators for Pet-Friendly Tourism in a World Heritage City: Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya," aimed to: 1) analyze the key components of pet-friendly tourism services in the World Heritage City context of Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya; 2) synthesize and develop a set of service standard indicators for pet-friendly tourism for use in the World Heritage City area of Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya; 3) validate the content validity and appropriateness of the developed service standard indicators by experts; and 4) propose guidelines for applying the indicators for entrepreneurs and related agencies.

A Research and Development (R&D) methodology was employed. Data collection consisted of in-depth interviews with 31 stakeholders across three groups: tourists, entrepreneurs, and government agencies. A two-round Delphi technique with 17 experts was used to develop and validate the indicator set. The validated checklist was then applied to assess 50 establishments. Qualitative data were analyzed using content analysis, while quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, including mean and standard deviation.

The results revealed three significant gaps in pet-friendly tourism services: expectation, readiness, and policy. Consequently, a service standard indicator set comprising 5 dimensions and 17 indicators was developed. This set was validated by experts, demonstrating very high validity and appropriateness (Mean = 4.66, S.D. = 0.49), with the "World Heritage Impact Management" dimension rated as the most critical. This indicator set is the first tool in Thailand developed specifically for pet-friendly tourism within a World Heritage context and can be applied to other heritage sites. Field assessment results indicated that most establishments (66%) operate at a moderate level. Based on these findings, the AYUTTHAYA H.E.A.R.T. strategic framework was proposed to enhance sustainable pet-friendly tourism services.

The Gateway to History: Place-Based Learning in Ayutthaya

Panthakarn Dung-nga — 2025-12-26

This article aimed to present the concept and outcomes of integrating Place-Based Learning into history instruction at schools under the jurisdiction of the Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Secondary Educational Service Area Office. In the context of Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province, Place-Based Learning involved utilizing local spaces as primary learning tools and sources of knowledge. It emphasized understanding the relationships among humans, places, the environment, and various phenomena occurring within the area. Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province served as a large, living classroom where students could visit, explore, and experience the archaeological sites, artifacts, and museums that remained. Experiencing real locations that once served as the settings of significant historical events made learning more concrete and engaging. Traditional history instruction, which relied solely on memorizing textbook content, was insufficient in fostering students’ 21st-century skills. As a result, instructional approaches were developed to make history learning more dynamic and meaningful through a range of activities. Place-Based Learning enabled students to gain a deeper understanding of history, connect classroom knowledge to real-world contexts, and develop an appreciation for cultural heritage and a sense of local pride. Therefore, this article demonstrated that learning from local historical sites was an essential tool in enhancing the effectiveness and sustainability of history education.

Decoding the Authorship of Klong Yuan Phai: A New Hypothesis Identifying “Somdetphra Intharacha”

Natawut Klaisuwan — 2025-12-26

This academic article aimed to present a new assumption regarding the poet who composed Klong Yuan Phai. Previously, scholars assumed that the poet who wrote Klong Yuan Phai might have been either a monk or a high-ranking female member of the Sukhothai royal family. However, the results of the present study, which employed close reading and analyzed information from Klong Yuan Phai, the Local Chronicles of Chiang Mai, and the Royal Chronicles of Ayutthaya (Luang Prasert Aksoraniti edition), revealed that Somdetphra Intharacha, the son of King Borommatrailokanat, was the poet who composed Klong Yuan Phai. This conclusion was drawn because he participated in every military campaign alongside King Borommatrailokanat; therefore, Somdetphra Intharacha witnessed all the events described in the poem. The findings further indicated that Somdetphra Intharacha did not compose Klong Yuan Phai solely to praise King Borommatrailokanat, but also to restore the king’s honor after his two defeats in the wars against King Tilokaracha. In addition, Somdetphra Intharacha composed the poem out of his admiration for Ayutthaya’s victory over Lanna in the war to reclaim Muang Chaliang (Chiang Chuen) from Lanna’s possession.

World Heritage Volunteers 2024: A Proposal for Effective Tourist Management in Ayutthaya World Heritage Site

Patiphol Yodsurang — 2025-12-26

This academic article presents the outcomes of the 2024 World Heritage Volunteers (WHV) project conducted at the Ayutthaya Historical Park. The project aimed to manage and distribute tourist flows more effectively, reducing congestion in the historic core and promoting tourism in the peripheral zones of the World Heritage property. Its central goal was to enhance volunteer engagement in the conservation and development of UNESCO World Heritage sites. Ayutthaya was inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1991 for its Outstanding Universal Value (OUV), embodied in its architectural heritage, urban layout, and sophisticated water management system. The project is grounded on the principle of redistributing tourist flows from the congested city center to surrounding heritage sites and communities, thereby fostering a deeper understanding of Ayutthaya’s OUV. The operational process consisted of field surveys, quantitative and qualitative analyses of tourism routes, the development of a heritage tourism master plan, and participatory collaboration with local communities through presentations and feedback sessions.

The results are summarized in four key aspects: 1) Integrating living culture with historic sites, which revitalizes underused monuments through community-based cultural activities and reintroduces heritage as part of living traditions; 2) Harmonizing mobility and authenticity representation, which enhances connectivity between heritage sites through improved transportation systems, water routes, and creative interpretation strategies such as aerial viewpoints; 3) Combining heritage, community, and water management, which involves developing the “Ayutthaya Go” campaign that links spiritual tourism, local gastronomy, and creative economy initiatives to strengthen cultural and economic sustainability; and 4) Revitalizing Thung Kaew–Thung Khwan, which transforms the northern floodplain into an integrated heritage and ecological tourism zone through canal restoration and networked water routes.

These outcomes demonstrate innovative, community-driven approaches that integrate cultural values, water-based heritage, and participatory management to achieve a balance between conservation, tourism, and long-term sustainability at the Ayutthaya World Heritage Site.

Political Roles of Prince Thepphiphit from the Late of Ayuthaya Period to the Early of Thonburi Era

Thanee Sukkasem — 2025-12-26

The purpose of this article was to examine the political role of Prince Thepphiphit during the late Ayutthaya period and the early Thonburi era. The study was conducted using both primary and secondary historical sources. The findings indicate that Prince Thepphiphit, one of the sons of King Borommakot, played a prominent political role during these transitional periods. His political involvement can be divided into two phases: (1) the period before the fall of Ayutthaya, and (2) the early Thonburi period. Before 1767, Prince Thepphiphit supported Prince Phonphinit in ascending the throne as King Uthumphon. When Prince Anurak Montri later ascended the throne as King Ekathat, Prince Thepphiphit entered the monkhood but was subsequently accused of treason against King Ekathat and was exiled to Ceylon. During his exile, he became entangled in a local rebellion and eventually fled back to Ayutthaya. In the final years of the Ayutthaya Kingdom, while the city was under Burmese siege, Prince Thepphiphit attempted to mobilize forces to resist the Burmese army but was defeated, forcing him to flee to Phimai and Nakhon Ratchasima. After the fall of Ayutthaya in 1767, Prince Thepphiphit established the Phimai polity (Phimai Clique). When King Taksin of Thonburi launched a military campaign to suppress regional polities and reunify the Siamese kingdom, the Phimai Clique was defeated. Prince Thepphiphit was ultimately captured and executed.

Reconstructing Pre-modern State Power:A Critical Analysis of Nakhon Ratchasima within the Ayutthaya and Early Rattanakosin Power Periphery

PHEERAPHAT CHATPHIBUNPHUWIANG HOAHERM — 2025-12-26

This article examined the dynamics of power relations and the processes of territorial incorporation between the Ayutthaya capital and Nakhon Ratchasima, a strategically significant outer city in the northeastern region. Employing a historical-analytical approach through the examination of historical evidence, the study revealed that the relationship between Ayutthaya and Nakhon Ratchasima did not operate as a rigid or unilateral imposition of central authority. Rather, it functioned as a flexible and negotiated political process. The Ayutthaya court intervened through mechanisms such as the appointment of centrally affiliated officials to oversee local administration, while simultaneously constructing legitimacy through patron–client relationships and kinship ties with local elites. These strategies gradually transformed Nakhon Ratchasima from a semi-autonomous territory into an integrated component of the Ayutthaya kingdom.

This article, therefore, proposed a new argument that Nakhon Ratchasima during the Ayutthaya period functioned as a “contact zone of power,” where the pre-modern mandala state was required to adapt and negotiate with pre-existing local authorities. This dynamic reflected a distinctive characteristic of pre-modern Thai governance, in which political authority was not fully centralized but instead depended on interpersonal relationships, negotiated power, and the management of shared interests between the center and the periphery.