U THONG ANCIENT CITY: THE CENTER OF TRADE AND BUDDHISM IN THE EARLY DVARAVATI PERIOD

Abstract

This article aims to study the ancient city of U Thong as the center of the Dvaravati Kingdom, emphasizing its role as a port city, trade center and the oldest Buddhist center, in order to connect the glorious past of Suvarnabhumi with the new generation. Through systematic document analysis and a comprehensive overview, it is found that:

The U Thong ancient city was an important center of the early Dvaravati Kingdom (9^th-13^th Buddhist centuries), located on what is believed to be Suvarnabhumi. It evolved from a prehistoric settlement into a port and trading center with connections to both the East and West. With the king at the center of administration, it was able to effectively organize and direct economic activities. Key evidence confirming this status is the discovery of Roman coins, beads and silver coins inscribed with the name “Sīdvāravati Śvārapūnya”

U Thong is also the oldest center of Buddhism in the region, blending local animist beliefs, which regard artificial mountains as sacred, with Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism influenced by India and Srivijaya. Evidence of Hindu-Brahmanic practices, such as Hindu temples and lingams, is also found, reflecting the cultural fusion of the area.

U Thong declined in power and was abandoned during the 16^th-17^th Buddhist centuries due to changing geographic and political factors, but remains a historically significant site and symbol of Buddhism in Suvarnabhumi. This is reflected in the construction of the current Phra Phuttha Pusyakiri Sri Suvarnabhumi statue.