Thai Buddhist Art in the ASEAN Context

Abstract

The role of Thai Buddhist art in ASEAN is twofold:

I. As the recipient of Buddhist art influences from other SEA countries
The main artistic influence from Thailand’s neighboring countries on Thai Buddhist art was from Myanmar, an important center of Buddhism, second only to Sri Lanka. The most influential Burmese art style is Pagan art, especially on the Lanna and Sukhothai art. Art influences from other SEA countries are rarely found, except, for example, traces of Central Javanese art discovered in the Mahayana Buddhist art works of Srivijaya. Khmer art influenced Thai Buddhist architecture in terms of styles and concepts, as seen in the prang-style chedi or stupa. Buddhist art from Vietnam was also rare.

II. As the influencer of Buddhist art on other SEA countries
Thai Buddhist art had a major influence on the Buddhist art of Laos and Cambodia, probably due to the fact that all practice Theravada Buddhism, share borders, and have linguistic, cultural, and political affinities. The influence of Thai Buddhist art is rarely found in Myanmar, except for the little that remains from the Siamese settlement after the second invasion of Ayutthaya during the late Ayutthaya and early Rattanakosin period.