Thailand

Southeast Asian Regional Centre for Archaeology and Fine Arts – Southeast Asian Maritime and Underwater Cultural Heritage (SEAMUCH)

http://www.seameo-spafa.org/southeast-asian-maritime-and-underwater-cultural-heritage-seamuch-database/

Contact:

SEAMEO SPAFA Building, 81/1 Si Ayutthaya Rd, Thewet, Dusit, Bangkok, 10300 Thailand

Email: spafa@seameo-spafa.org

Background:

SEAMEO SPAFA has been active in the field of underwater archaeology since 1978, offering a number of ad-hoc training courses and meetings to Southeast Asian heritage professionals.

At different gatherings, heritage professionals have expressed the need for a more concrete regional programme in underwater archaeology, highlighting the role of a regional database of maritime and underwater cultural heritage as well as capacity-building and awareness-raising activities. Recognizing the need, it is necessary for a regional organization such as SEAMEO SPAFA to initiate the establishment of a comprehensive regional programme on underwater archaeology in order to promote an effective management and the study of maritime and underwater cultural heritage for their protection.  The SEAMUCH database is a significant component of this regional programme.

Objectives:

  1. Collect data on various types of maritime and underwater cultural heritage including wreck sites as well as maritime sites, ports and jetties, and fresh water underwater sites
  2. Heighten the status of underwater archaeology knowledge in the region
  3. Provide a basis for future collaboration and better maritime and underwater cultural heritage protection and management under regional cooperation