Architecture
Despite having been influenced by neighbouring countries
(mainly India, Cambodia and China ) and foreign cultures over the centuries
both the art and architecture of Thailand are unmistakably Thai and
instantly recognisable. With over 200 years as the nation's capital, Bangkok
is he ideal place to see how traditional styles have evolved up to the
present day. The city is home to thousands of glittering temples, majestic
palaces and stately homes, which document how foreign influences have been
adapted to become uniquely Thai in character. The Grand Palace complex has
no equal in terms of visual splendour but it it not alone in its brilliance.
Most of the city's temples achieve the same effect, albeit to a lesser
degree, with their mosaic of dancing colors, shimmering like celestial
beacons in the light.
Traditional Thai architecture has been heavily influenced by both Buddhism
and Hinduism since the 5th century where the Mon Dvaravati peoples embraced
Theravada Buddhism. The Khmer empire and their magnificent city of Angkor
during the 9th to 13th centuries, greatly influenced architecture in the
entire region. After the fall of Angkor and the rise of the Thai Kingdom of
Sukhothai, the Kingdom developed and artistic style that is seen by many as
the highpoint of Thai cultural expansion and development. During the period,
Indian, Khmer and Chinese architectural influences were refined into and
unmistakable Thai identity. This evolved during the Ayuthaya period to
become more ornate, with highly intricate gold and jewel-encrusted detailing
evident on temples and chedis
When Bangkok became the capital, the buildings of the new city owed their
influence to all three major periods, with examples of Sukhothai, Ayuthaya
and Khmer architecture complimented by an emerging trend in western styles.
The gusto with which the Thais embraced these foreign architectural styles
is best recognised in the palaces and temples erected during the reigns of
Rams IV and Rama V. Best examples are Bang Pa-In Palace, a bizarre blend of
Chinese, Thai and European architecture and the Chakri Maha Prasat Throne
Hall at the Grand Palace, whose traditional Thai roof crowns and English
design. The many styles of Thai roofs are perhaps the country's most
distinguishable architectural form. Soaring high, they grace the capital's
disappearing wooden houses, its temples and its wats. As much of the city
disappears into grey concrete apartment blocks and towers of steel and
glass, finding its architectural gems is becoming more difficult but
thankfully, some fine examples have been spared, allowing Bangkok to retain
its unique history for future generations.
