< PreviousGI Thailand Magazine 10 GI TRIP After learning that “Si Thep ancient town” was accepted and registered as a UNESCO world heritage site at the end of last year, 2023, many wondered where that was as they had never heard of the name of the place ever before. So GI magazine would like to show our readers this 2,000 year old historical site. Si Thep is an historical park situated in Si Thep District, Phetchabun, about 4 kilometres from Pa Sak River. It covers 2,889 rais of land and consists of ancient community sites, town on top of a bigger town. The site is outstanding for its art, architecture, religion, and culture as it was civilized and urban center of commercial exchange for 3 different periods, namely, prehistoric, Dvaravati, and Khmer. In modern time, it was first explored during King Rama V reign, in 1904 by Prince Damrong once he was Interior Minister. He went on fieldwork at Phetchabun and discovered a big urban site according to ancient records. It was then further explored and registered as an ancient site of Thailand in 1935, and as a historical park by Department of Fine Arts in 1985. On 19 September 2023, it was admitted and registered as UNESCO’s world heritage site, the seventh of Thailand, and the fourth for world cultural heritage, under the name of ‘The Ancient Town of Si Thep and its Associated Dvaravati Monuments’. Si Thep site can be classified into 2 parts, that is, inner and outer town. Inner town occupies 1.87 square kilometer, is surrounded by moat and wall. There are 48 ancient sites within, with main features of Khao Klang Nai ancient monument and Song Phi Nong Stupa along with over 70 ancient ponds. Outer Town is of 2.83 square kilometer with 64 ancient sites and numerous ancient ponds. Furthermore, there have been discoveries of more than 50 ancient sites along moats. The key ancient sites include Khao Klang Nok, Prang Ruesi stupa, Sa Kaeo pond, and Khao Thamorrat Cave ancient monument, etc. This trip would not just mean amazing ancient architecture, but Phetchabun still has a lot more natural beauty to offer as well. These feature 2 national parks like Thung Salaeng Luang and Nam Nao, Pha Hua Singha, Phu Phaeng Ma, Sridit Waterfall, Khao Khor, Phu Thap Boek. While Wat Pha That Sorn Kaew and Huay Tong Bridge are nice places for Back in History A World Heritage Site at Phetchabun Thailand’s Geographical Indication Journal Khao Klang Nai Ancient MonumentAncient Ponds Khao Klang Nok Khao Klang Nok11 ISSUE 7 : APRIL 2024 photographing and social media check-ins. Before leaving there are more famous things to taste from Phetchabun including 2 GI products. Rai Leum Pua Petchabun Rice is a black glutenous rice which is a light sensitive, local wild rice, cultivated at 400 – 800 meter elevation from mean sea level of Phetchabun province. The grain is blackish purple and fragrant when cooked. It is also chewable with soft center, and rich in nutrients. Phetchabun Sweet Tamarind is the most famous fruit from Phetchabun and have been very popular abroad. It is registered as GI product in Vietnam already, and pending in China. The tamarind can be curve or straight with smooth brown color, thick and soft flesh with low fiber. It is cultivated only in Phetchabun. This Petchabun trip is well rounded, filled with happiness, nature, history, and delicious treats. Next time, let see where we will take you next time Nowadays food and beverage industries have been highly competitive. Furthermore, consumers become even more diverse and different, leading to a growing need of niche markets. Many leading market research companies predicted that, 2024 market for healthy food and beverage will grow to 1.9 trillion USD. This year will also see the growing trend of local foods because consumers are open to more unique foods with local ingredients which lend support to communities. This is then an opportunity for GI products to grow in niche markets of food and beverage domestically and internationally. Department of Intellectual Property continues its attempts to register GI products abroad to improve commercial opportunities and expand markets for GI products. Now 8 Thai products are already registered abroad, that is, Thung Kula Rong-Hai Thai Hom Mali rice, Sangyod Maung Phatthalung Rice, Doi Tung Coffee, Doi Chaang Coffee, Isan indigenous Thai Silk Yarn, Lamphun Brocade Thai Silk, Phetchabun Sweet Tamarind, and Lamphun Golden Dried Longan, covering 33 countries worldwide such as European Union (27 countries) Japan, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, and India. There is also 1 product in registration process to be Thai GI product in Vietnam, which is Khao Yai Wine. In addition, the Department also supports Thai GI food producers to push beyond their geographical limits by processing products to expand business and quantity for export potentials. TIPS & TRICKS เกร็ดความรู้ ส�าหรับ GI Thailand’s Geographical Indication Journal GI Product Potential Promotion in Food and Beverage Industry and Export Kanitha Kungsawanich Deputy Director General Rai Leum Pua Petchabun Rice Phetchabun Sweet Tamarind Thung Salaeng Luang Wat Pha That Sorn Kaew TempleNext >