Abstract:
This research is to study the development of Ubon Ratchathani historiography from 1934 to
the present by analyzing various studies concerning Ubon Ratchathani historiography, namely, books,
articles, theses, and researches written in this period. The study has found that social contexts
influenced the development of Ubon Ratchathani historiography. After the 1932 Revolution, people
became a focus point of politics and nationalism spread into the Northeastern region. These contexts
played an important role in writing style of historicalwork from traditional to academic style which was
similar to Western historiography.The first Ubon Ratchathani’s historical book was Nin Panpheng’s
“Prawatsatchangwat Ubon Ratchathani” of 1934. Scopes of historical study also expanded such as
works of local history. These writings providevast knowledge for the study of Ubon Ratchathani history. Between 1957 to the present, an increasing of a close relationship between Ubon Ratchathani and
Bangkok which influenced from the provincial development and an expansion of local historical study
have affected the outline of historical writings, presenting the history of Ubon Ratchathani under the
context of Bangkok. Since 1987, the study of Ubon Ratchathani history has expanded. Various works
are produced such as theses, researches, and seminar proceedings. The initial works mainly relied on
official documents. Later, after a great development of palm leaf manuscripts they became a main
primary source. Also, oral history, archaeological data, and air-photography have been used for the
study. Since 1934, the development of Ubon Ratchathani historiography is clearly outstanding. The
studies include social, economic, and political history. Some are interdisciplinary studies. This research
provides valuable knowledge regarding the pattern of development of methodology in Ubon
Ratchathani historiography which can be applied for further studies.
