HOA3

• Thailand is a Southeast Asian country. It's known for tropical beaches, opulent royal palaces, ancient ruins, and ornate temples displaying figures of Buddha.
• Cultural Blend-The Architecture of Thailand


  The architecture of Thailand is a brilliant reflection of its history and culture--- political, religious, and sociological that adds to its existing beauty of majestic beaches, vibrant nightlife, a multiplicity of cuisines, and fascinating culture.
• With the advent of different dynasties, the kingdom witnessed an amalgamation of cultural diversity influenced profoundly by its neighboring South-East Asian states and the West which brought to the country bright and vibrant ornamentation that formed a part of the décor of the architectural magnificence in the former kingdom.
• Thai architecture


  Reflects traditional designs from its neighboring Asian countries, gradually evolving into a more contemporary style invented by the country itself. It has been divided into conventional which includes religious and secular, and modern Thai architecture.
• Influences on Architecture


  • Geographical
  • Geological
  • Climatic
  • Social
  • Historical
  • Religious
• Total Land Boundary: 4, 863 km
• Geographical Borders


  • North - Laos and Myanmar
  • East - Laos and Cambodia
  • South - Gulf of Thailand and Malaysia
  • West -The Andaman Sea and Myanmar
• Maritime Boundaries: Southeast - Vietnam in the Gulf of Thailand, Southwest- Indonesia and India in the Andaman Sea
• Bangkok


  Also called Krung Thep, meaning "City of Angels". Krung Thep was adopted from its original name. (Listed in guinnes world book of records as the longest name of a place)
• Population: 71.8 million (2024)
• Thailand's architectural heritage is important and reflects the challenges of surviving in the country's frequently harsh climate as well as the historical significance of building to the religious beliefs and sense of community of the Thai people. Many of Thailand's neighbors have influenced its architectural traditions, which has led to the development of notable regional difference in its vernacular and religious buildings.
• Architectural Materials


  • Brick
  • Stucco
  • Wood
  • Sandstone
  • Porcelain
  • Glass Mosaic
  • Lacquer
  • Gilt
  • Inlaid Mother of Pearl
  • Gold leaf
• Thailand generally experiences a tropical savanna and tropical monsoon characterized by three seasons: hot, rainy, and cool. However, the climate can vary slightly across different regions of the country.
• Regions of Thailand


  • Southern Region
  • Eastern Region
  • Western Region (south)
  • Northern Region
  • Northeast Region
  • Central Region
  • Western Region (north)
• Social Hierarchy in Thailand


  The key components included the monarchy, nobility, Buddhist clergy, and rural-urban divide.
• Types of Thai Architecture

  • Traditional Thai Architecture (Religious, Secular)
  • Modern Thai Architecture
• Religious Thai Architecture


  • Built and patronized by the royal families of Thailand, displaying extensive ornamentation and intricate details. Most temples were dedicated to Buddha or Hindu Gods. Symbols represented the culture, religion, and belief system.
• Secular Thai Architecture


  • Includes traditional Thai houses depicting the architecture. The basic idea continues to be the same, depending on materials used and superstitious beliefs. It was vital to have a guardian spirit house along with the residence to keep the evil away.
• In the present era, Thailand has one of the most captivating constructions in Asia. With soaring skyscrapers and huge multi-storied malls, Thailand has entwined modernity and tradition in its establishment.
• Prasat Hin Phimai


  Buddhist temple in Phimai Historical Park, featuring exquisite Khmer architecture. Built between the 11th and 12th centuries, facing South-East towards Angkor in Cambodia.
• Prasat Hin Phimai


  • Temple walls depict stories from Ramayana, Mahabharata, and Buddha's life, forging a link between religious identities - a Buddhist temple built by Hindu rulers.
• The Wat Rong Khun, otherwise known as The White Temple, is rightly named because of its white colour. The temple reflects the sunlight, creating a sparkle because of the use of glasses in the plaster.
• Wat Rong Khun


  Although known as a temple, it is more of a privately-owned exhibit, influenced by Buddhist architecture. The white color represents the purity of Buddha, and the glass symbolizes his teachings, Dhamma.
• Wat Phra Kaew


  The most important Buddhist temple in Thailand, but not a Buddhist monastery. It was once the private chapel to the kings of Thailand and members of the court. Today, it is open to the public and enshrines the Emerald Buddha.
• Wat Pho


  • The oldest temple in Bangkok, enlarged by King Rama I to include statues recovered from Ayutthaya. The highlight is the Reclining Buddha, 15 metres tall and 46 metres long, with exquisitely decorated feet.
• Traditional Thai House


  • Elevated from the ground, raised due to heavy flooding and predators. Mostly made from a variety of wood (bamboo). Usually built as a cluster of physically separated rooms arranged around a large central terrace. Roof Gable (Ngao) evolved from Khmer Architecture and elaborated from religious building and palaces. Lamyong, sculpted in an undulating serpentine evoking the Naga (Mythical creature that represents water and abundance). Prosperous families usually have a gate. A jar of water is placed so that visitors and residents can wash their feet before entering/ascending. The Sala or living room, an open-sided pavilion.
• Floating House / Market


  • Early Bangkok had many floating shop houses, where the family lived and traded. The floorboards in such structures are loosely fitted to allow for movement as the water rises and falls.
• The Grand Palace Chakri Maha Prasat Hall


  Built by King Chulalongkorn (RAMA V), used for the Reception of Foreign Ambassadors. Blend of European and Thai architecture.
• Khoob Khun! ขอบคุณ
• Indonesia is situated between the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean and comprises over 17,000 islands, leading to diverse architectural styles influenced by various cultures
• The Javanese are the largest and politically dominant ethnic group in Indonesia
• Geographical influences


  • Location between the Indian Ocean and Pacific Ocean
  • Vast number of islands (over 17,000)
• Geological influences


  • Abundant natural resources such as limestone
  • Building materials like alang-alang grass, rice straw, coconut fiber, brick, sugar palm leaves, coconut trunk, timber/hardwood
• Climatic influences


  • Tropical climate
  • Hot, wet monsoon climate
  • Vernacular architecture with features like stilts and steeply pitched roofs
• Rumah Adat


  Traditional house, each province has its own distinctive style
• Historical influences


  • Austronesian, Indian, Chinese, Arabian, and European cultures
• Significant Hindu and Buddhist architectural elements

  • Dieng Plateau in Java
  • Borobudur temple
• Islamic influences


  • Mosques in Sumatra and Java
  • Domes and minarets
• Indonesia's philosophical foundation, Pancansilais, includes "belief in the one and only God"
• Indonesia only recognizes six official religions: Islam, Protestantism, Catholicism, Hinduism, Buddhism and Confucianism