https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Surin,_Thailand
If you’re interested in Surin use the link above to get more information.
The interesting thing about this area is it’s a mix of different cultures; Lao, Khmer (Cambodia) and Kuay. Quote from the museum: “This is the native population of Surin, Si Sa Ket, Buri Ram, Ubon Ratchathani and some parts of Maha Sarakham. They speak Mon-Khmer, and their physical appearance is very similar to the Semang. They have thick lips and curly hair. Some scholars believe that the Kuay are the same group as the people who speak Munda, who live in eastern India. During the Bangkok Period, when Surin was unable to meet Its tax demands from Bangkok, the administrators sent Kuay people as tribute. These Kuay have their own rituals and traditions. The best known is elephant capture, and the healing ceremony with its attendant rituals to cure the sick.”
The Dvaravati Culture in Isan, or northeast Thailand, has its own identity that differs from that in the central and other parts of the country. One of the distinguishing characteristics is the concept in making large Buddhist boundary stones, which are not found anywhere else. These were made of large, flat, rectangular sandstone slabs, with tips shaped like a lotus petal. Some were carved with decorative designs,and others are plain. Most of the designs are relevant to Buddhism, such as the boundary stones from Fa Daed Sung Yang in Kalasin and Khonsawan of Chaiphum. The locations of the boundary stones varied, and were significant in different ways:
1. Some were located around ancient monuments, such as the boundary stones of Wat Dhammachaksemaram. Sungnoen district, Nakhon Ratchasima
2. Others delineated the rectangular space which might have symbolized the ordination hall for monks, such as the boundary stones of Muang Phai, Khornburi district, Nakhon Ratchasima
3. Some stones surrounded large mounds, such as the boundary stones at Ban Khonsawan. Khonsawan district, Chaiphum
In Surin. old manufacturing centers for Dvaravati boundary stones have been found at the ancient communities of Ban Trum.
Sikhoraphum district, and Noen Simma Yai. Non Simma Noi and Ban Plaikhla in Chumphonburi district.
Dvaravati culture in Isan declined in the 11th century.When the powerful ancient Khmer culture of Angkor spread through and began to dominate this part of Thailand. Sera stones at Ban True in Sikhoraphum district,Surin Province
Phanom Sawai Forest Park photos below
