Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Anthropology Centre (SAC)

Overview

The Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Anthropology Centre (SAC) Thai: ศูนย์มานุษยวิทยาสิรินธร) is a public academic institution under Thailand's Ministry of Culture, headquartered in the Taling Chan District of Bangkok. It functions as Thailand's premier resource center for the collection, processing, and dissemination of anthropological data, with a particular focus on Thai and Southeast Asian cultures, history, archaeology, linguistics, and material heritage. The Culturio platform is SAC's digital knowledge-sharing and learning platform, designed to provide interactive access to anthropological content, databases, and research resources.

History and Founding

The Centre was initiated in 1989 by Silpakorn University as a project to honor Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn on the occasion of her 36th birthday in 1991, reflecting her deep personal interest in anthropology, history, linguistics, and archaeology. The Centre was formally established in 1992 as a faculty-equivalent unit within Silpakorn University. In 2000, it became an autonomous organization under the Ministry of Universities, and subsequently moved under the Ministry of Culture. It is named after Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, the Princess Royal of Thailand and daughter of King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX).

Collections and Holdings

SAC maintains extensive collections of anthropological and archaeological databases encompassing ethnicity records, museum catalogues, ancient manuscripts and inscriptions, heritage site documentation, and physical anthropology data. Its film archive holds hundreds of anthropological films. The Centre's library collection, with over 200,000 items, serves as a major resource for researchers in the humanities and social sciences. SAC has also developed inscription datasets to support the study of ancestral languages and collaborates with the École Française d'Extrême-Orient (EFEO) on inscription research across Thailand and Southeast Asia.

Culturio Platform

The Culturio platform is SAC's digital learning and cultural knowledge-sharing environment. It allows users to explore anthropological databases, design their own learning paths, participate in public discussion forums, and access research materials. The platform hosts a range of content formats including digital exhibitions, academic journals, curriculum materials, and multimedia resources. SAC's Culture Learning Platform is designed to serve both academic researchers and the broader public.

Access and Services

The SAC main portal is accessible at sac.or.th. The Centre offers library services, permanent exhibitions, meeting facilities, audiovisual resources, and regular public programs including seminars, conferences, and educational events.