The Sriwijaya Empire, which flourished between the 7th and 13th centuries, was a powerful maritime state based in Palembang, Sumatra (now part of Indonesia). It controlled much of the Malay Archipelago and played a key role in the region’s trade, culture, and religion. Its reach extended far beyond Sumatra, influencing coastal areas of what is now Southern Thailand, where it left a lasting imprint on local political, religious, and economic structures.
This article explores how Sriwijaya’s influence shaped the development of Southern Thailand, from political control to religious diffusion, and how remnants of its cultural legacy still persist in the region today.
A Strategic Crossroads
Southern Thailand, located at the crossroads of the Indian Ocean and the South China Sea, was a key region for trade and travel in Southeast Asia. The Isthmus of Kra, which connects the mainland with the rest of the peninsula, provided an important land bridge for traders moving goods between China, India, and the islands of Southeast Asia. Cities like Ligor (Nakhon Si Thammarat), Tambralinga, Chaiya, and Pattani were strategically located along these routes and became essential centers for trade and commerce.
For Sriwijaya, maintaining influence over these southern territories was vital for controlling the flow of goods through the region. By securing these trade hubs, Sriwijaya could facilitate the exchange of goods such as spices, gold, camphor, and luxury items between the East and West. The region was a critical point where maritime trade routes converged, making it a valuable asset for Sriwijaya’s economic and political ambitions.
Political and Diplomatic Influence
Sriwijaya’s political influence over Southern Thailand is evident in several historical records and inscriptions. One of the most significant pieces of evidence is the Ligor inscription, which dates to the 8th century. This inscription, found in Nakhon Si Thammarat, commemorates a Buddhist vihara (monastery) built by Sriwijaya’s King Dharmasetu, highlighting both the religious and political reach of the empire. The fact that such inscriptions exist in Southern Thailand suggests that Sriwijaya held suzerainty over this region, even if the control was not absolute.
Wat Sema Mueang Temple, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand
Many of the smaller city-states in Southern Thailand, including Tambralinga, Langkasuka, and Pan Pan, likely acknowledged Sriwijaya’s dominance through a tributary system, in which local rulers paid tribute to Sriwijaya in exchange for protection or trade privileges. At the same time, these regions maintained some level of autonomy and often acted independently when the power of Sriwijaya waned.
Cultural and Religious Diffusion
Beyond politics, Sriwijaya played a crucial role in the spread of Buddhism, particularly Mahayana Buddhism, across the region. Sriwijaya was known as a center of Buddhist scholarship, with pilgrims from China and India visiting its shores to study the teachings and scriptures of Buddhism. The famous Chinese monk Yijing recorded his travels through Sriwijaya in the 7th century, describing it as a vital stop for monks seeking knowledge of Sanskrit and Buddhist philosophy before continuing their journey to India.
In Southern Thailand, the influence of Sriwijaya can be seen in the architectural styles and religious practices that spread through the region. Buddhist stupas and monasteries built during this period often reflect the Sriwijayan style, characterized by square bases and tiered structures that resemble those in Palembang and other parts of Sumatra.
The Chaiya Stupa, located in Surat Thani, is one of the most notable examples of Sriwijayan architecture in Southern Thailand. It combines elements of both Sriwijayan and Indian architectural traditions, and its design is thought to have influenced the later development of Thai Buddhist architecture. Other archaeological sites, including temple ruins and inscriptions found throughout the region, also point to the presence of Sriwijaya and its cultural impact on local traditions.
Remnants and Cultural Traces of Sriwijaya in Southern Thailand
Although Sriwijaya declined by the 13th century, its cultural and religious influence endured in Southern Thailand. One of the most visible remnants of Sriwijaya’s presence is the architecture of its religious structures. The Chaiya Stupa and other sites such as the Wat Phra Borommathat temple in Nakhon Si Thammarat stand as testament to the Sriwijayan style. These structures, with their distinct tiered designs and influence from Indian Buddhist architecture, are key markers of the region’s connection to the empire.
In addition to religious monuments, elements of Sriwijayan culture can still be found in local customs and practices in Southern Thailand. Traditional festivals and rituals in cities like Nakhon Si Thammarat and Surat Thani bear some resemblance to those practiced during Sriwijaya’s reign, particularly those related to Buddhist celebrations and royal ceremonies. The Mahayana influence is particularly evident in the older customs, though today, Theravāda Buddhism predominates in Thailand.
Linguistic traces of Sriwijaya's influence may also persist in Southern Thai dialects. The region’s use of certain Malay and Sanskrit loanwords, particularly in trade and religious contexts, reflects the historical connections to the Old Malay used in Sriwijaya’s administration.
Trade Networks and Economic Integration
Trade was the cornerstone of Sriwijaya’s power. The empire controlled critical maritime routes, ensuring the flow of goods such as spices, silk, and precious metals across Southeast Asia. Southern Thailand’s ports were integral to this trade network, serving as intermediary points for goods traveling between the Indian Ocean and the South China Sea.
Through its control of the Isthmus of Kra and its influence over key trade hubs like Ligor, Tambralinga, and Chaiya, Sriwijaya facilitated the movement of goods between China, India, and the rest of Southeast Asia. Goods from India, including spices, cotton, and glass beads, were transported through the peninsula, while Chinese products, such as ceramics and silk, flowed southward.
This trade also helped the local economies of Southern Thailand thrive, integrating them into the larger economic system of the region. The wealth generated from trade and taxes collected by Sriwijaya contributed to the rise of local kingdoms that continued to control these territories after the empire’s decline.
Decline of Sriwijaya and Rise of Southern Thai Kingdoms
By the 11th century, Sriwijaya’s power began to wane, particularly after a devastating naval attack by the Chola dynasty of South India in 1025 CE. As Sriwijaya’s grip on its territories weakened, local kingdoms in Southern Thailand, such as Tambralinga and Ligor, began to assert their independence. These emerging kingdoms established their own diplomatic relations with China and other regional powers, marking the end of Sriwijaya’s political dominance in the region.
Despite this decline, Sriwijaya’s cultural and religious influence continued to shape the new political landscape. The legacy of Sriwijaya’s Buddhism, along with its trade networks, remained integral to the development of Southern Thailand’s political and cultural institutions.
Enduring Legacy
Today, the legacy of the Sriwijaya Empire can still be seen in the archaeological remains, architectural styles, and cultural practices of Southern Thailand. Temples, stupas, and inscriptions from the Sriwijayan period continue to provide valuable insight into the region’s ancient history. Furthermore, Sriwijaya’s influence on trade, religion, and governance helped lay the foundation for the growth of later kingdoms in Southern Thailand.
Southern Thailand’s connection to the Sriwijaya Empire offers a glimpse into the broader interconnected world of Southeast Asia in the medieval period. Far from being isolated, the region was an integral part of a vibrant network of trade, culture, and diplomacy that spanned the Indian Ocean, and its legacy continues to shape the region to this day.
