Thailand Architecture

Lect. July 04, 2024

Prof. Ar. NK Latogan, MSArch.
The dazzling
Cityscapes https://www.celebritycruises.com/blog/content/uploads/2021/06/what-
is-thailand-known-for-hero-1600x890.jpg
https://www.celebritycruises.com/blog/content/uploads/2021/06/what-is-
thailand-known-for-bangkok-skyline-1024x683.jpg
 Introduction:
• The Architecture of Thailand is a major
part of the country's rich cultural legacy and
reflects both the challenges of living in
Thailand's sometimes extreme climate as well
as, historically, the importance of architecture
to the Thai people's sense of community and
religious beliefs.
• Influenced by the architectural traditions of
many of Thailand's neighbors, it has also
developed significant regional variation within
its vernacular and religious buildings.
Geographical

https://cdn.britannica.com/73/183773-050-
BBBC8F18/World-Data-Locator-Map-
Thailand.jpg
 History of Thailand
• The earliest archaeological signs of human
habitation in Thailand can be found in the
Northeast hamlets of Ban Chiang and Ban
Prasat where evidence of rice cultivation dates
back to 4000 BC (China by contrast was
growing and consuming millet at that time).
• Thailand is also credited for fostering the
world's earliest Bronze Age civilization during
the period.
• Over the next several thousand years, three
major groups of people migrated south from
China to present-day Thailand - the Mon,
Khmer and Thai.
• Today, The Mon settled in Myanmar, the
Khmer in Cambodia, and the Thais by 1200
had established dominance in three northern
Thai states: Lanna, Sukhothai and Phayao.
• Sukhothai (Dawn of Happiness) is regarded
as the first truly independent Thai state and
the birthplace of Thai culture.
• The Sukhothai era, which declared its
independence in 1238, saw the Thais' gradual
expansion throughout the entire Chao Phraya
River basin, the establishment of Theravada
Buddhism as the dominant religion, the
creation of the Thai alphabet and the first true
Thai art forms including painting, music,
architecture and literature.
• The Sukhothai era declined in the 1300s and
eventually became a vassal state of Ayutthaya, a
dynamic kingdom further south.
• Founded in 1350, Ayutthaya, approximately 86
kilometers north of Bangkok, was regarded by
both Asians and Europeans as one of the most
progressive and wealthiest kingdoms on the
planet during that period.
• During 417 years of Ayutthaya's prominence,
the Thais brought their distinctive culture to
completion, purging their lands of the Khmer
presence and fostering contact with Arabian,
Indian, Chinese, Japanese and European
powers, especially Portugal and Holland.
• Ayutthaya's destruction in 1767 by the
Burmese was a severe blow to the Thais.
• However, the Burmese could not maintain
control of the Kingdom.
• In 1769, King Taksin the Great, ruling from
the new capital in Thon Buri, on the banks of
the Chao Phraya River, regained control of the
kingdom.
• In 1782, King Rama I the great, the first
ruler of the Chakri Dynasty moved the royal
capital across the river to Bangkok.
• Two Chakri monarchs, King Mongkut (Rama
IV), who reigned between 1851 and 1868.
• And His son King Chulalongkorn (Rama V),
who reigned from 1869 to 1910, saved
Thailand from Western colonization through
brilliant diplomacy and selective
modernization.
• It is largely due to these two monarchs that
Thailand was able to retain dominance over its
own destiny without the interference of
foreign powers.
• Today, Thailand has a constitutional monarchy.
• Since 1932, Thai kings including the present
monarch, H.M. Bhumibol Adulyadej, have
exercised their legislative powers by means of
a cabinet headed by a prime minister and their
judicial powers through the law courts.
 A Brief History of Thai Architecture
• Thai architectural style has been influenced
primarily by Indian and Khmer
architecture, although China and other
countries have had impact as well (Thai people
have been thought to have emigrated from
South China).
• Most early Thai architecture was built of wood
and has since disappeared. However, many
stone temples remain to tell the story of the
development of Thai architecture. Like Khmer
architecture, many structures of Sukhothai
used sandstone for door parts, lintels, and
rectangular windows. In the 12th century,
brick replaced sandstone as a primary building
material. It was mortared with vegetable glue
and sheathed in stone. Later, stucco was used
to cover the brick core.
 Geological

- Materials used in Thai Religious Architecture:

1. Wood
2. Glass Mosaic
3. Gold-Leaf
4. Porcelain
5. Stucco
6. Lacquer
7. Inlaid Mother of Pearl
 Historical periods
• The history of Thailand has been categorized into
five historical periods which have had their own
influence on the development of a Thai
architectural style:
I. Nanchao (Dvaravati & Khmer), 650-1250 AD
II. Sukhothai (Sukhodaya), 1238-1378 AD
III. Ayutthaya (Ayudhya), 1350-1767 AD
IV. Thonburi (Tonburi), 1767-1772 AD
V. Bangkok (Rattanakosin), 1782-
• Many important structures and design
elements contribute to the unique Thai style.
Some of the most common structures used in
Thai religious architecture are listed at the left
with the first encompassing the others, the
Wat.
 Wat
• A Wat refers to a group of religious buildings
generally enclosed by a wall with gateways. Some
of the most important buildings that you would
find in a Wat are:
1. Bot - meditation hall
2. Vihara - replica of Bot; houses Buddha images
3. Phra Chedi - stupa; domed shrines
4. Phra Prang - tower like shrines; similar to stupa
5. Mondop - hall for holy objects
6. Pra Sat - royal throne hall
 Other structures include:

1. Ho Trai - library
2. Sala - resting pavilion
3. Ho Rakhang - bell tower
4. Kuti - monastery
 Bot
• In Buddhism, second to the symbolic stupa, the
most important structure is the Chaitya Hall, in
Thai called Bot or Ubosot. The Bot is used for
Bhikka (monk) meditation, studying the
philosophy of the Doctrine, ordaining novices and
performing most all other ceremonies. It may
have one large nave or one nave and lateral aisles.
The classic type has a rectangular plan and a large
gilded sitting Buddha image modeled in stucco or
cast in bronze at one end. Similar to many Greek
temples, some of the larger Bots may have pillars
surrounding the main rectangular hall.
Ubosot
or Bot

Ordination hall and most sacred area of Wat

Bowonniwet in Thailand.

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f_.jpg/1024px-
• In general, a large Bot is erected on a terrace
which gives more nobility and beauty to the
monument. Some Bots such as that of Wat Na
Pra Mane in Ayutthya have between two
lateral doors a large and high niche containing
a standing Buddha image in the front and back
facade. Surrounding the Bot are eight
‘semas’ (in the form of the Indian cell) that
indicate the holiness of the ground on which it
is built. These semas may be placed over a
basement or may be contained in small square
temple-like structures.
https://previews.agefotostock.com/previewimage/medibigoff/6d54b96915
98f17d1c098a84961122bb/ibr-1023254.jpg
 1. 'Makara' Sukhothai Period
2. 'Chofa' Ayutthya and
Bangkok periods

1. Wat Na Phra Mane in Ayudhya

2. Type of Thai temple with
colonnade around main structure
and a more complex roof.
 Vihara
• The Vihara is used to house Buddha images. Its form is
essentially a replica of the Bot. In central Thailand the
Vihara is smaller than the Bot, while in the north it is
the reverse. This is because in northern Thailand there
are so many Wats that each one has few Bhikkas
(monks) and therefore needs less space.
• The Vihara is generally built in the center of a
courtyard enclosed within a perimeter gallery. The
gallery has solid walls on its exterior that are
perforated by four or more elaborate gateways. The
interior of the gallery is open to the courtyard and is
defined by square pillars that support a glazed tile roof.
Along this gallery resides many Buddha images.
 Vihara Structure in
Bangkok showing
Indian influence

https://www.webpages.uidaho.edu/arch499/nonwest/thaiweb/vihara1.jpg
https://www.thailandbytrain.com/TempleTerms/P1000284.jpg
 Phra Chedi
• The Phra Chedi, or Stupa, is the most venerated
religious structure of Buddhism. Originally, it
enshrined relics of Lord Buddha. Later, it
contained relics of holy men or kings, and now
has become a religious symbol much like the
cross. A Stupa was often built to announce the
arrival of Buddhist monks carrying the Doctrine
from India to Southeast Asia or Ceylon. Sizes of
the Phra Chedi range from about two meters
high to the larger stupas of which may reach up
to 115 meters. When newer or larger ones were
desired, they were built encasing the old rather
than destroying them and starting anew.
 (3) Three types of
stupa in Northern
Thailand

https://www.webpages.uidaho.edu/arch499/nonwest/thaiweb/3stupas.GIF
Phra Chedi

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/p/AF1QipNkCzHVCszTxCp2GcVxhyv0I7z9MYl7JtCdr92N=s680-w680-h510
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/p/AF1QipND
bj4Sn3jQTEL6qA3zvaol2buaAsUUsV9lS49w=s6
80-w680-h510
• The prototype of the Chedi originated in
central India. It is composed of the drum
(basement); dome (tumulus); surmounted by
a cubical chair symbolizing the seat of Buddha;
and over it the chatra (umbrella), which
originally only had one tier and later on
became a slender pinnacle formed by many
tiers.
Seated of Buddha

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/p/AF1QipME
DWEDhamBwehfz0DG_CrITGYYkaGN3YzQI
OH5=s680-w680-h510
 Numerous variations of the stupa exist in
Thailand, but they can be limited to these
principal types:

1. Northern Type: formed by a cubical solid

mass having four niches at its sides containing
images of Buddha in high relief or round relief;
this cubical mass is superimposed by one or
more stories and crowned by the domed stupa.
 1. Classic type of Phra Chedi
2. Composite Thai Phra Chedi
of Ayudhya

https://www.webpages.uidaho.edu/arch499/nonwest/thaiweb/stupas.GIF
2. Reminiscent of the Sat Mahal Pasada at
Polonnaruva in Ceylon, formed by many receding
cubical stories enriched with horizontal rows of
standing Buddha images in high relief. This type
of Phra Chedi is common in northern Thailand.
 Standing Buddha
images

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/p/AF1QipPSiy
pQaKOAWrOopWEYLcGrTzy-
zD4qakqaXoo7=s680-w680-h510
3. Round-planned stupa having the same
elements as the Indian prototype which was
introduced from Ceylon. This stupa has a high
drum formed by many moldings of the same
design, a bell-shaped dome, a square throne
surmounted by a low circular colonnade
supporting the high and slender chatra.
4. Ayudhya period stupa: by adding four niches,
borrowed from the northern art, to the dome of
the classic Phra Chedi, the Thai composed a
newly refined type of stupa form.
 Phra Prang
• The Phra Prang originated from the corner tower
of the Khmer temple and became a new form of
Thai stupa. It is square in plan with a tall domed
roof. It has three niches and one entrance door
reached by a very steep staircase (Figure 1). The
interior of the Prang contains images of Buddha.
• From about the end of the 17th century onwards,
the shapes of the Phra Chedi and Phra Prang
began to change significantly to narrower domes
and larger dominating bases (Figure 2).
 Phra Prang

https://www.caingram.info/Cambodia/Pix/angkor_w
at_pc3.jpg
 1. Classic Phra Prang up to
the 16th century.
2. Phra Prang of the 18th
century.

https://www.webpages.uidaho.edu/arch499/nonwest/thaiweb/phraprangs2.GIF
 Mondop
• Mondops, like many other structures in Thai
architecture, may serve to enshrine a holy
object or to catalog and store objects used in
religious ceremonies. The Mondop resembles
the Mandapa of Indian temples with a square
plan, cubical form, and a pyramidal roof.
• Mondops may be all brick, or they may have
brick walls and pillars surmounted by a timber
roof structure. The more recent Mondop has
such a roof system decorated with wood
carvings, gilded and enriched with glass mosaic.
The superstructure is formed by a series of
receding stories with the same decoration
descending from the Indian 'cell'. In later
periods, the roofs of some Mondops were
decorated all over with mosaic composed of
small pieces of porcelain.
 https://www.webpages.uidaho.edu/arch499/nonwest/thaiweb/mondop.jpg

Mondop at Wat Si Chum, Sukhothai. Late 14th century.

At one time, it may have had a wooden pyramidal
superstructure roof that has since disappeared.
 Mondop

https://portfolio.photoseek.com/img-
get/I0000iKdLvrZn.KI/s/1200/I0000iKdLvrZn.KI.jpg
 Pra Sat
• The Thai Pra Sat serves two distinct purposes. It
is the Royal Throne Hall, and it houses venerated
objects.
• The form of the Pra Sat is a direct descendent of
the Greek-cross plan of the Khmer temple. It is
composed of a square sanctuary with a domed
sikhara and the four porch-like antechambers
attached to the sides of the cell . The Thai Pra Sat
is formed by a square central room with three
projecting long wings and one short, or four
wings of the same length
 1. Side elevation of a stone Khmer
temple at Lopburi, 12th century
and its prang (A)
2. Thai Pra Sat with its version of
the prang (A)
3. The stone vault of the Khmer
temple
4. The gable of the timber roof of
the Thai temple
https://www.webpages.uidaho.edu/arch499/nonwest/thaiweb/prasat.GIF
 Pra Sat
https://img.freepik.com/free-photo/prasat-pha-nom-wan-ancient-stone-thailand_554837-
309.jpg?w=740&t=st=1689055320~exp=1689055920~hmac=4b0621f613cf38f0d6de6f68f82048e6760
be928a963d743eec3d26d9bb2f983
 Ho Trai
• The Ho Trai in Thai architecture is essentially a
library. There are no definite design guidelines
for this structure, so it varies in form and size
from site to site. However, in the past it was
often built of wood on poles over ponds to
prevent white ants from harming the palm-
leaved books.
 Ho Trai
https://t3.ftcdn.net/jpg/04/54/89/02/360_F_454890287_BCra4J1xP5FeJmWYR0zw99vOgf5umhEF.jpg
 Sala
• The Sala is an open pavilion, usually
rectangular in plan, used for resting. It is made
up of four wooden or brick pillars supporting
the architrave over which rests the steep roof.
An eave extends from the architrave to
increase the shaded area of the Sala which is
often used as a resting post for users of roads
and canals.
 An example of a Sala
structure in the
foreground of a Pra Sat in
Bangkok being used for
shade in a market setting.

https://www.webpages.uidaho.edu/arch499/nonwest/thaiweb/sala1.jpg
https://media-cdn.tripadvisor.com/media/photo-s/12/ad/de/c1/sala.jpg
 Ho Rakhang
• Ho Rakhang refers to the Thai belfry.
Although it also has no definite design type,
one of the simplest is formed by four wooden
poles on top of which sits what looks like a
small temple. Others have been built of brick
on a high pedestal with steps. Historically, the
bell has been struck by hand, so the height of
the structures has remained fairly modest.
 Ho Rakhang

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/
 Kuti

• The Kuti is the Thai monastery. It comes in

many different forms throughout Thailand, but
all are made up of a series of small rooms,
either in a row or clustered, that often have
verandahs.
 Kuti

• A Kuti is a small structure, built on stilts,

designed to house a monk.
• Its proper size is defined in the Sanghathisep,
Rule 6, to be 12 by 7 Keub (or 4.013 by 2.343
meters).
• This tiny footprint is intended to aid the
monk's spiritual journey by discouraging the
accumulation of material goods.
 A cluster
arrangement
of Kuti around
a central
terrace.
Kuti

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/4f/016_Two-Storied_Kuti_%289213461461%29.jpg
Khmer Architecture Thailand
• Khmer (kuh Mehr) existence was totally
dictated by Hindu beliefs, astrology and
defeat to the Gods and their God Kings.
• The role of architecture was to demonstrate
these beliefs for the believers and enforce by
demonstration the system to those ruled to
the system.
• Architecture was based on a system where
boundaries, axes, and other architectural
parameters have measurement or size based
on their physical extent and internal divisions
(that is subdivided parts into logical parts with
each measurable against the whole) but where
additionally these structures contained
calendar and cosmological concepts.
• Khmer Temple Architecture, Lop Buri Thailand.
The concept of cycles and sub cycles
astronomy and systems and subsystems
architecture, the interrelationships between
various cycles (astronomy) and various
systems (architecture), and the arithmetic
calculations that result in time related data,
either time eras, time cycles, or dates, were
shared in the methodology and practice of
Khmer astronomers and architects.
• While the positions of the planets and stars
can be determined without using
trigonometry in Khmer astronomy, it is clear
with some Temples that the angles between
towers, the moon and sun, and the
observation points in the Temples, that these
were carefully calculated and that by the 5th-
6th Cent. the Indian astronomy adopted in
Cambodia included that knowledge first
recorded by the ancient Greeks and Romans.
 Thai Stilt House

• As the name “Thai stilt house” suggests, one

universal aspect of Thailand’s traditional
architecture is the elevation of its buildings on
stilts, most commonly to around head height.
• The area beneath the house is consequently
used for storage, crafts, lounging in the
daytime, and sometimes for livestock.
• The houses were raised as a result of heavy
flooding during certain parts of the year, and in
more ancient times, predators.
• Thai building and living habits are often based
on superstitious and religious beliefs.
• Many other considerations such as locally
available materials, climate, and agriculture
have a lot to do with the style.
Traditional Thai houses in central Thailand
 Religious Buildings
• Thailand features a large number of Buddhist
temples, a reflection of the countries
widespread Buddhist traditions.
• Although the term Wat is properly used to
refer only to a Buddhist site with resident
monks, it is applied loosely in practice and will
typically refer to any place of worship other
than the Islamic mosques found in southern
Thailand.
Wat Chedi Liem
 The Sala Thai nestled in
front of the apartments
for the Wat, this is
behind the large Wat or
Buddhist Temple close to
Khao San Road. The Sala
Thai is on the right rear
corner before you enter
an area of apartments for
Monks. I am not positive
on this information.
The architecture of the temples is a mix of Lanna (Northern
Thai) and Burmese styles. The photo below of Wat Sa Bo
Kaeo shows the distinctive roof structure typical of a Shan
temple. The Burmese influence can be seen in many parts of
northern Thailand.
Wat Phra Kaeo, Kamphaeng Phet Historical Park
Mud buildings in resort near Khao Sok NP
 Modern Architecture

The characteristics of modern Thailand architecture are:

• Characteristics of Thai architecture include steeply-
sloping tile roofs with up turned edges, open air spaces
and lush gardens. Stupas are bell-shaped, similar to the
Sri-Lankan style. Sometimes Thai architecture is best
appreciated for its details.
https://images.asiahighlights.com/allpicture/2020/03/6b4930f59eab42f68cc4ab18
_cut_750x500_264.webp
1. Snøhetta Unveils Design for New Innovation
Hub and Elevated Gardens in Bangkok, Thailand

https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/63f7/4c50/2b86/6c2e/2667/6ee3/newsletter/snohetta-unveils-
design-for-new-innovation-hub-and-elevated-gardens-in-bangkok-thailand_1.jpg?1677151379
 Alliance Francaise Bangkok / Stonehenge.

https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/5dc6/a9a5/3312/fd0b/0a00/007f/newsletter/Alliance_Francaise_Bangkok_-
_Contemporary_Architecture_in_Bangkok_-_Virginia_Duran.jpg?1573300639
 Central Embassy in
Bangkok (2017) –
Architect: AL_A

https://virginiaduran.files.wordpress.com/2019/10/central-embassy-
contemporary-architecture-in-bangkok-virginia-duran.jpg?w=610&h=611
 Bangkok Tree House Hotel - Architect:
Nuntapong Yindeekhun + Bunphot Wasukree

https://virginiaduran.files.wordpress.com/2019/10/treehouse-hotel-contemporary-
architecture-in-bangkok-virginia-duran-2.jpg?w=610&h=458
BU Landmark Complex -
Architect: Architects 49
https://virginiaduran.files.wordpress.com/2019/10/bu-landmark-complex-contemporary-
architecture-in-bangkok-virginia-duran.png?w=610&h=474
 King Power MahaNakhon -
Architect: OMA

https://virginiaduran.files.wordpress.com/2019/10/mahanakhon-by-oma-
contemporary-architecture-in-bangkok-virginia-duran.jpg?w=610&h=915
Glasshouse at Sindhorn -
Architect: OFFICE AT

https://virginiaduran.files.wordpress.com/2019/10/glasshouse-at-sindhorn-
contemporary-architecture-in-bangkok-virginia-duran.jpg?w=610&h=488
LiT BANGKOK Hotel & Residence -
Architect:VaSLab Architecture
https://virginiaduran.files.wordpress.com/2019/10/lit-bangkok-hotel-residence-contemporary-
architecture-in-bangkok-virginia-duran.jpg?w=610&h=470
 Lightmos -
Architect:
Architectkidd

https://virginiaduran.files.wordpress.com/20
19/10/lightmos-contemporary-architecture-
in-bangkok-virginia-
duran.png?w=610&h=944
Office of Lee &
Son Leather -
Architect:
ASWA

https://virginiaduran.files.wordpr
ess.com/2019/10/lee-son-
leather-aswa-contemporary-
architecture-in-bangkok-virginia-
duran.jpg?w=610&h=458
 Rosewood
Bangkok -
Architect: KPF

https://virginiaduran.files.wordpr
ess.com/2019/10/rosewood-
bangkok-contemporary-
architecture-in-bangkok-virginia-
duran.jpg?w=610&h=407
END!
 References:
• http://www.thailandsworld.com/img/angkor/Lopburi_WatPhraSamYod_Khmer_12_13C.jpg
• http://www.planetware.com/i/map/THA/wat-phra-kaeo-don-tao-lampang-map.jpg
• www.hobotraveler.com/2007/11/sala-thai-archit...
• www.planetware.com/picture/samut-prakan-muang..
• http://www.thailanddestination.com/
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Architecture_of_Thailand
• https://virginia-duran.com/2019/10/22/23-contemporary-buildings-you-shouldnt-miss-in-bangkok/