[JimSEA]

Definitly with the introduction of Hinduism and Buddhism (200 BC to 100 AD), Pali is taught in the monistaries to this day. Chinese would have been used in Nang Chau but incriptions don't appear in Chinese the more Southern areas. Thai written script appears first in the 1200's but in such a form that it might have been in use earlier (Its invention is ascribed to King Ramkanghang). Although metallurgy, agriculture, pottery and walled cities all occured with the Ban Chiang Culture, there is no sign of any writing.

[Fedora]

Definitly with the introduction of Hinduism and Buddhism (200 BC to 100 AD), Pali is taught in the monistaries to this day. Chinese would have been used in Nang Chau but incriptions don't appear in Chinese the more Southern areas. Thai written script appears first in the 1200's but in such a form that it might have been in use earlier (Its invention is ascribed to King Ramkanghang). Although metallurgy, agriculture, pottery and walled cities all occured with the Ban Chiang Culture, there is no sign of any writing.

I guess I should answer these in order next time!--just mentioned Ban Chiang in my Post #69 before noticing you mentioned it here :) Do you know if Ban Chiang artifacts have any type of proto-writing symbolism?