Publications
Planning for the Development and Rehabilitation of the Sustainable Degraded Khmer Stone Sanctuary Site in Lao PDR Case Study: Archaeological Site “Tomo” Pathoumphone District, Champasak Province
A sustainable development model for the Oup Moung (Wat Tomo) archaeological site, a degraded Khmer stone sanctuary in Lao PDR, reveals that elevating it into a local museum with Anastylosis restoration can preserve its historical and cultural value while promoting heritage awareness. The study, employing mixed-methods surveys of local communities and stakeholders, identifies the site's unique 'Hin Nam Nor' architecture and Pre-Angkorian artifacts as key assets. It proposes a balanced approach to conservation and cultural tourism, controlling facility construction to maintain environmental harmony and prioritizing education to foster community income without compromising original cultural values. This research provides critical guidelines for government agencies in formulating management policies and strategic budget allocations.
Transnational Khmer cultural landscapes: A comparative analysis of symbols, belief systems, and communal structures in Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, and Laos
A comparative analysis of Khmer cultural symbols across Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, and Laos reveals distinct patterns of symbolization and identity formation. While Cambodia has nationalized the Khmer symbolic system as a cornerstone of its national identity, Vietnam's Khmer community acts as a soft agent of indigenization, preserving symbolic forms through rituals, temples, language, and performative practices. In contrast, Thailand and Laos have largely assimilated or excluded these symbols from public representation. The study proposes a three-tiered model of symbolic analysis—encompassing visual, functional, and mnemonic dimensions—and introduces a new approach to minority identity studies in regional contexts, highlighting the unique intermediary role of the Vietnamese Khmer within Southeast Asia's cultural architecture.
Cultural landscapes in Southeast Asia
Five UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Southeast Asia are recognized for their cultural landscape significance, highlighting the interplay between human ingenuity and ecological sustainability. These sites—Bali's Subak system, Vat Phou and its ancient settlements, the Philippines' rice terraces, Singapore Botanic Gardens, and Trang An landscape complex—demonstrate how traditional knowledge, ecosystem protection, and livelihood opportunities are crucial for their preservation. Unlike Borobudur, which relies on expert-led conservation, sites like the rice terraces depend on continuous community maintenance to survive. This underscores a broader need for integrating local practices with scientific conservation strategies to safeguard cultural landscapes, ensuring their enduring value.
Characterization of Historic Bricks and Binder at Vat Phou World Heritage Site in Lao PDR and Selection of Compatible Replacement Units for Restoration
A groundbreaking study at Vat Phou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Lao PDR, reveals that natural wood resin, not lime, was used as the binder in historic brick masonry. This challenges traditional assumptions about mortar composition in Southeast Asia and provides empirical evidence for an alternative binding method. The research employed micro-analytical techniques, including X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy, to characterize both the bricks and their binder. Additionally, physicomechanical tests ensured compatibility between historic and newly manufactured replacement bricks, guiding restoration practices. These findings offer critical insights for preserving similar sites across the Mekong River Basin region.
Institutional dynamics and adaptive capacity in world heritage management: case studies from Southeast Asia
World Heritage site management institutions face increasing complexity due to evolving heritage concepts and global threats, yet many struggle to adapt. A refined framework for adaptive capacity is proposed, identifying six key factors—cognitive frame, learning capacity, formal governance structures, organizational relations, agency, and resources—that shape institutional dynamics. This study, focusing on three Southeast Asian sites (Vat Phou in Lao PDR, Ayutthaya in Thailand, and George Town in Malaysia), demonstrates that while adaptive change concepts are useful beyond climate contexts, existing frameworks fall short of capturing dynamic processes. The research suggests restructuring World Heritage policy to address the growing complexity of heritage conservation.
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