The Role of the Kui People Based on Historical and Archaeological Evidence

Pitchanun Ngaongam

This study aims to examine the roles and historical background of the Kui ethnic group through the analysis of archaeological evidence and historical documents. The research covers the period from prehistory to the historical era, including the Ancient Khmer, Ayutthaya, and Rattanakosin periods. The main sources of evidence include several prehistoric archaeological sites, namely KhaoChanNgam in NakhonRatchasima Province, Phamon and Tham Chang in Ubon Ratchathani Province, Thailand, as well as Khao Phnom Dak in Preah Vihear Province and rock paintings in Pursat Province, Cambodia. Prehistoric rock paintings examined in this study reflect a close relationship between humans and elephants, suggesting the ethnic group most closely associated with elephants in this region may have been the Kui people, widely recognized for their long-standing expertise in elephant capturing and elephant husbandry. Historical evidence such as inscriptions, documents, and bas-reliefs refers to the Kui as an ethnic group widely distributed across northeastern Thailand, particularly in the lower northeastern region. They are regarded as an indigenous group with their own culture, language, and identity. Based on available evidence, the roles of the Kui in past societies can be classified into six categories: ironworkers, traders, guardians of ancient monuments, royal attendants, officials in the Department of Elephants, and local rulers. Previous studies have mainly focused on cultural aspects such as traditions, beliefs, local history, and linguistics, while research integrating archaeological and historical evidence remains limited. Therefore, this study compiles and analyses such evidence to provide understanding of Kui roles in past.