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Abstract

This research aims to study the characteristics of temples or “Prasat” and reservoirs of

the Khmer communities in the northeast region of Thailand during the Baphuon period (ca. early
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11 century to early 12 century), in order to understand the construction pattern and social,
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culture, and economic settings during this period.
Historical and archaeological data from inscriptions and field surveys showed that the

ancient kingdom of Cambodia under the long reign of Suryavarman I as well as the reign of
Udayadityavarman II and Jayavarman VI (AD 1002 – 1107) saw the prosperity in various sectors,
in particular the dramatic development of local communities compared to the preceding

periods. This growth was evidenced by the construction of Hindu temples in many areas of what
are now Cambodia and Thailand. These construction projects shared similar plans, such as
layouts and orientations of the temples, architectural styles, and the presence of temples and
communities’ small reservoirs (Trapeang) and large reservoirs (Baray). These ancient reservoirs

made water available for rice farming, prevented flooding, and held symbolic meaning of them
being the sacred sea.
During the Baphoun period, at least 33 temples had been built in the northeastern region

of Thailand both in the Mun and Chi River valleys, Sakon Nakhon basin, and in the area of the
Dangrek Range. Of these, the Mun River valley were densely occupied by Khmer communities due
to the area being located not far from the present-day Cambodia where the Khmer administrative

center at Angkor, the ancient city of Battambang, and the great temple of Preah Vihear were
situated. Furthermore, the Mun River valley’s soil fertility favored large-scale agriculture, and the
area also contains large amount of rock salt.

During the Baphoun period, the communities of various degrees were all under the
supervision of the nobles or local officials. The small communities might have been directly linked
to the small cities that were held by high-ranking nobles. All small communities and cities were
directly dependent on large cities that had very close linkage with the Khmer king. This hierarchical

system under the reigns of Suryavarman I, Udayadityavarman II and Jayavarman VI laid a firm
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ground for the following monarchs, especially Jayavarman VII who reigning during the 13 century
or Bayon period. This last great king of the Khmer Kingdom created a good public health project

involving the construction of local hospitals (or Aārogyasālā) in 102 communities throughout his
kingdom. Of which, at least 6 hospitals were identified in the northeastern region located in the
vicinity of the nearby Baphoun temples. Jayavarman VII’s political power and public health policy
were therefore likely to have been built upon already existed efficient and well-performed

strategy, i.e. the construction of prasat with trapeang or baray, since the Baphoun period.