Abstract:
Since 1922 archaeologists of the Fine Arts Department of Thailand and archaeological academics have discovered ancient rock art in Southern Thailand a total of 22 sites. Numerous rock art sites have been found throughout the four regions of Thailand, especially in Northeastern but also in Northern, Southern and Central Thailand. Previous studies on ancient rock art arrived at results from comparative study and data only. Unfortunately, they did not use absolute dating techniques from color pigments. This study purposes to criticize previous dates, given clear dates, chronology and the story of
ancient rock arts in Southern Thalland. The methodology of this study uses evidence from site- formation process analysis, absolute dating - indirect dating and ancient literature or inscription
analysis and relative dating - rock art forms comparative, associated finds, art historical approaches and chronology. The results of this study can be divided into; 1. Prehistoric rock arts, dating approximately to 5,000 to 2,000 years before present or about Late Neolithic to Bronze Ages and Iron Ages at Tham Phee Hua To (Phee Hua To Cave), Laem Chao Lay (Chao Lay Headland), Tham Chao Lay (Chao Lay Cave), Leam Tai Raed (Tai Raed Headland), Leam Fi Mai (Fi Mai Headland), Khao Khian (Khian Mountain), Khao Raya (Raya Mountain), Tham Naga (Naga Cave), Khao Phra Aad Thao (Phra Aad Thao
Mountain), Khao Jaow Mai (Jaow Mai Mountain), Khao Na Prao (Na Prao Mountain), Khao Yala (Yala Mountain) and Tham Silpa (Silpa Cave). 2. Srivijaya rock arts in Hindu and Buddhist monuments dating to the 7 to 10 centuries A.D. at Khao Khu-Ha (Khu-Ha Mountain) and Tham Silpa (Silpa Cave).
3. Dvaravati rock arts in Buddhist monument dating to 10 century A.D. at Tham Khu-Ha Khu-Ha Cave)CICICICIS GUJUQUGTII 4. Ayutthaya rock arts in Buddhist monuments from the 15 to early 19 centuries at Khao Rub-Ro (Rub Ro Mountain), Tham Phra (Phra Cave), Tham Singhara (Singhara Cave), Tham
Khao Sam Baht (Sam Baht Mountain Cave) and Tham Viking (Viking Cave). 5. Rattanakosin rock arts during the reign of King Rama III until the period of King Rama IX at Tham Sum (Sum Cave), Tham Suwan Khu-Ha (Suwan Khu-Ha Cave) and
Khao Yala (Yala Mountain)