Reflexive Narratives: An Internalist History of Thai Archaeology in Honour of Professor Victor Paz

Rasmi Shoocongdej

Department of Archaeology, Faculty of Archaeology, Silpakorn Universit, Thailand; rasmi@su.ac.th

This paper is dedicated to Professor Victor Paz, whose enduring passion for the history of archaeology

has profoundly shaped our understanding of the discipline’s intellectual roots in Southeast Asia. Inspired

by his scholarly rigor and reflexive approach, this study explores the history of archaeology in Thailand from an "internalist" perspective. Rather than viewing the field solely through the lens of external influences, this paper examines the local developments, institutional milestones, and the evolving socio-

political contexts that have defined Thai archaeological practice. By tracing the trajectory of Thai archaeology, the paper situates national developments within the broader framework of Southeast Asian prehistoric and historic research. It highlights how local traditions, research priorities, and methodological shifts are often derived from a complex and calibrated context unique to each nation. This synthesis seeks to contribute to a more holistic understanding of the discipline’s growth in the region, emphasising that the diversity of traditions within Southeast Asia is not a barrier, but a rich repository of knowledge. In this light, it echoes Professor Paz’s commitment to decolonising narratives and recognising the tangled, localized histories that inform our shared regional identity.