Can modern design help us unlock the secrets of Thailand's ancient sacred script?

Science · Published 20 October 2026 · Updated 21 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Khom Thai, an ancient script once vital for recording religious and historical texts, is fading from memory. As younger generations lose the ability to read it, researchers are experimenting with new letterform designs to bridge the gap between modern Thai aesthetics and this traditional, sacred writing system.

Developed around the 15th century, the Khom Thai script served as the official medium for historical records and religious texts in Pali, Sanskrit, and Thai. For centuries, it held a position of prestige, used in royal protocols and sacred contexts like talismanic images and yantra tattoos. However, its usage declined significantly following 20th-century educational reforms and nationalist policies, culminating in the 1945 cancellation of the Sanam Luang Buddhist studies exam, which effectively removed the script from formal institutional learning.

Today, the script remains largely inaccessible to the general public, creating a barrier to the country's historical heritage. To address this, recent doctoral research at the University of Huddersfield explored whether redesigning Khom Thai letterforms could improve recognition for modern readers. The study developed three experimental designs: TLK Deva, TLK Brahma, and TLK Manussa. While the first two maintain traditional proportions, TLK Manussa was specifically adapted to mirror the characteristics of contemporary Thai script, serving as a mnemonic aid for beginners.

Testing these designs with participants revealed that while overall identification accuracy did not differ significantly between the three, individual letters resembling modern Thai characters were recognized more easily. This research suggests that design interventions can play a crucial role in preserving non-Latin scripts. By providing systematic guidelines for future type designers, these efforts aim to ensure that the knowledge contained within Khom Thai manuscripts remains accessible to future generations, rather than being lost to time.

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