History of architecture in thailand in ancient days

1. ARCHITECTURE
OF THAILAND

2. Introduction
Prathet Thai, meaning "land of the free"
Previously known as Siam
21st most populous country
One of the most devoutly Buddhist
countries in the world
Thailand

3. Introduction
Capital City is Bangkok
The country’s center of political, commercial,
industrial and cultural activities
Thai is the official language
Buddhism is the primary religion
Thailand

4. Geography
North- Laos and
Myanmar
East- Laos and
Cambodia
South- Gulf of Thailand
and Malaysia
West- the Andaman
Sea and Myanmar.

5. Geography
Maritime boundaries
Southeast- Vietnam in
the Gulf of Thailand
Southwest- Indonesia
and India in the
Andaman Sea

6. Climate
Humid Tropical Climate- average
of 29° all year round.
3 Seasons - the wet season (May
to October), the cool season
(November to February) and the
hot season (March to May).

7. National Symbols
“Ratchaphruek“ (or
golden shower)
symbolizes
Thai royalty
“Chang Thai” (or Thai
elephant)
“Sala Thai”
(or Thai-style
arbor)
National Flower National Animal
National
Architecture

8. Materials
Sandstone
Wood
Brick
Porcelain
fragments-
Stucco

9. Materials
Materials such as glass mosaic
pieces highlighted gables and
pillars, as well as wooden and
stucco figures, and other
decorative techniques utilized
lacquer, gilt, mother-of-pearl inlay,
gold leaf, and porcelain fragments
to obtain the desired effect of
gleaming elegance.

10. Religious Influences
Buddhism
Judaism
Hinduism
Sikhism
Islam
Christianity

11. Buddhism
Theravada Buddhism reached Thailand
around the 6th century AD.
it was made the state religion only with
in the 13th century A.D.
93.4% of Thailand's population is
Buddhist of the Theravada school

12. Hinduism
Hindu deities are worshipped by many
Thais alongside Buddhism, such as the
famous Erawan shrine, and statues of
Ganesh, Indra, and Shiva, as well as
numerous symbols relating to Hindu
deities are found, e.g., Garuda, a
symbol of the monarchy

13. Hinduism
Erawan shrine
Statues of Ganesh

14. Islam
Islam is most popular in southern
Thailand.
Vast majority of the country's
Muslims, predominantly Malay in
origin, are found.

15. Islam
Pattani Central Mosque

16. Judaism
The Jewish community of Thailand
today is mostly made up of the
Ashkenazi descendants of refugees
from Russia and the Soviet Union.
There are also Persian Jews who
emigrated during the 1970s and 1980s
to escape the Iranian Revolution.

17. Sikhism
Ladha Singh-first Sikh to migrate to
Thailand (1890)
Sikhs began migrating to the Kingdom
of Thailand in the early 1900s. By the
year 1911, many Sikh families had
settled in Thailand

18. Sikhism
A gurdwara or gurudwara, is a place
of assembly and worship for Sikhs but
its normal meaning is place of guru or
"Home of guru".
Guru Tawan Sikh Temple,
Bangkok

19. Historical and Political Influences
Khmer- (9th to 13th Century)
Sukhothai- (Mid 13th to 15th Centuries)
Ayutthaya- (Mid 14th to late 18th Centuries)
Lanna- (Mid 13th to 19th Centuries)
Rattanakosin- (Late 18th Century to present)
5 different historical periods where significant changes
can be seen in the various religious architecture styles:

20. Khmer Influence
Dvaravati Period (16th Century)
Khmer cultural influence was
brought in the form of
language, art and religion.
The "Sanskrit" language was
entered in Mon-Thai
vocabulary.

21. Khmer Influence
Dvaravati Period (16th Century)
The Khmer built stone temples
in the northeast, stone
sculptures and stone Buddha
images

22. Khmer Influence
Khmer Architecture
Dictated by Hindu beliefs, astrology and subjugation 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 subjugated to the system

23. Khmer Influence
Khmer Architecture
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 these structures
contained calendar and cosmological concepts.

24. Khmer Influence
Khmer Temple,
Lop Buri Thailand

25. Khmer Influence
Phimai Temple,
Isaan, Thailand

26. Sukhothai Influence
Founded in 1238 by two Thai governors, Khun Bang Klang
Thao and Khun Pha Muang who rebelled against the Khmers;
and gave independence to the region.

27. Sukhothai Influence
Wat Si Chum, Sukhothai
Landmark temple featuring a 49-ft.-
tall Buddha surrounded by stone
walls, with an open ceiling.
The largest, the most puzzling and
historically important
Buddhist temple from the Sukhothai
period

28. Sukhothai Influence
Wat Si Chum, Sukhothai

29. Ayutthaya Influence
Ayutthaya was a society of builders
rather than sculptors.
It was preoccupied with building
monuments to impress outsiders by
sheer immensity.
It erected a major portion of
its 400 wats in Ramathibodi's reign.

30. Ayutthaya Influence
Phra Nakhon
Si Ayutthaya
Historical Park

31. Ayutthaya Influence
3 Palaces for its Rulers:
Wang Luan (Royal Palace)-occupied by the principal king,
Wang Na (Palace to the Front) built for the second or Vice-
King
Wang Lang (Palace to the Rear) later occupied by princes of the
royal blood

32. Lanna Influence
Lanna or Lannathai means "Land of a million rice fields”.
Influenced by Chinese, Indian and Mon with mixture of
harpunchai, chiang saen and sukhothai but developed its own
character.
Made use of wood but more of stones and bricks

33. Lanna Influence
Lanna Architectural Style
Had its own distinctive characteristics which emphasizes on
the enormous size of the shrines and relatively small sermon
or temple’s hall.
Wats or temples were the main structures built at this era.

34. Rattanakosin Influence
Economic activity in the Rattanakosin Era was primarily,
agriculture.
Thai art, culture, philosophy, and literature was created,
developed and mainly influenced by Buddhism and Hinduism
religion.

35. Rattanakosin Influence
Lopburi Architectural Style
Prang at Wat Arun
Mostly constructed from bricks and cut
stones with influences from both the
Mahayana Buddhism sect and the
Hinduism religion.
A PRANG is a tall finger-like spire,
usually richly carved.

36. Rattanakosin Influence
Wat Phra Keow
Temple of the Emerald Buddha
Constructed in 1782 to house the Emerald
Buddha.
The Emerald Buddha is an ancient statue
believed to have magical powers. It is said
that whoever possesses the statue will
rule the entire kingdom.
Reserved for the exclusive use of the
royal family.

37. Rattanakosin Influence
Wat Phra Keow

38. Architectural
Character

39. The cultures of Burma, China, Khmer, India and Sri Lanka,
can all be seen to have had an important and distinctive
influence on architecture in Thailand.

40. Most noticeable in Thai architecture:
Swooping multi-tiered rooflines
Distinctly ornamental decorations
The stunning interior murals
Vivid colors
and the lovingly crafted and gold-
adorned Buddha images

41. Traditional
Architecture

42. Thai House
The basic thai house of the past, rarely
seen today, was simple structure of bamboo
and thatch, raised off the ground for
protection against floods and wild animals.

43. Elevated on stout round posts, it has steep roofs with curved
bargeboards and paneled walls leaning slightly inward; the various
components are prefabricated to enable easy dismantling and
reassembly. The simplest house consists of a single unit with an
outside veranda, while those accommodating larger families might
have several separate units arranged around a central platform.
Thai House
Central Plains Houses

44. Similar in design to those
of commoners except that
they were generally closer
to the ground and had
more decorative
features. Built by King Rama I as a residence
for one of his queens
Royal houses
Tamnak Daeng (The Red House)
Traditional
Architecture

45. A distinctive feature of
the Central Plains house
is the elegant curved
decoration at the
ends of the peaked
bargeboards
surrounding the gables.
Central Plains house
Roof Gable (Ngao)
Traditional
Architecture

46. Sheltered by a Thai-style
roof that opens on to the
central platform.
A jar of water is placed
at the bottom of the
steps.
Gate
Traditional
Architecture

47. An open-sided pavilion
-familiar structure in Thailand
found in the courtyards of
temples and along heavily
traveled routes.
The Sala
Traditional
Architecture

48. Serves as a shelter, giving
shade from the hot tropical sun
and heavy monsoon rain.
It also is a ‘living room’ and a
hub for community social
gatherings and village activities.
The Sala
Traditional
Architecture

49. A rice barn is a component of most
traditional compounds in the
northern region.
Raised on pillars and with a ladder
for access, it is a solid structure
with few windows, used to store
grain
Traditional Architecture
Northern rice barn

50. RELIGIOUS
ARCHITECTURE

51. Religious Architecture
The most important area of religious architecture is
the Thai temple or wat.

52. WAT
A Wat refers to a group of religious buildings
generally enclosed by a wall with gateways.
In addition to being a place where the lessons of
Buddha were taught, the Thai wat was traditionally a
school, hospital, community center and even an
entertainment venue.

53. Important buildings in Wat:
Bot - meditation hall
Vihara - replica of Bot; houses Buddha images
Phra Chedi - stupa; domed shrines
Phra Prang - towerlike shrines; similar to stupa
Mondop - hall for holy objects
Pra Sat - royal throne hall
WAT

54. The capitals of the columns, for
example, are shaped like lotus
buds or water lilies symbolizing
the purity of Buddha's thoughts.
WAT

55. WAT
Important buildings in Wat:
Bot - meditation hall
Vihara - replica of Bot; houses Buddha images
Phra Chedi - stupa; domed shrines
Phra Prang - towerlike shrines; similar to stupa
Mondop - hall for holy objects
Pra Sat - royal throne hall

56. Bot
All wats usually include an ordination or assembly hall
as known as an ubosot. The bot is reserved for monks to
perform ceremonies, meditate and sermonize. It faces
east and usually houses the main Buddha image.

57. Ubosot: Wat Benchamabophit, Bangkok

58. Bai Semas
Surrounding the bot are bai semas.
These are sacred boundary stones,
Normally eight are used in total, but
double slab stones for royal wats. This
is also an example of how animist
beliefs coexist with Buddhism.

59. The Vishnu
At the top of a Chedi may be a
stylized thunderbolt sign of the
Vishnu, an ancient Hindu lord of
the universe.

60. The Wihan
A second assembly hall, similar to the bot but
usually larger, is the wilhan.
The wilhan is used by laypeople to make their
offering before a large Buddha figure. Normally
there are no bai semas surrounding the wihan.

61. Wihan Phra Mongkhon Bophit,
Ayutthaya, Thailand

62. The Prang
A few wats have prangs, which are
towering phallic spires as can be seen
in the famous Wat Arun on the banks
of the Chao Phraya river in Bangkok.

63. Wat Arun, Bangkok Thailand

64. The Chofa
Most recognizable architectural detail
in any wat. Chofa means, ‘tassel of
air’
The Garuda is also a royal symbol and
can be seen on other buildings
denoting that they operate ‘by royal
appointment’.

65. The Mondop
The mondop is a square-based
structure topped with either a
cruciform roof or a spire. The edifice
contains sacred text or an object of
worship.
Mondop at Wat Arun

66. The Bodhi tree
Also known as the Sacred
Figar Pipal tree.
The Buddha is thought to have
attained enlightment (Bodhi)
while neditating under a Bodhi
Tree at Boghi-Guy in India.

67. The Cloister
The cloisters or main wall will
enclose the main area of the wat
complex.
The cloisters are sometimes
painted with decorative murals
and also may house a row of
Buddha images.

68. The Minor Salas
This hall acts as a meeting
place for Pilgrims.

69. The Ho Trai
This is the wat library and
houses Holy Scriptures.
A ho trai is a rare feature of the wat
complex. In the countryside
they are usually on a high base
or surrounded by water to
minimize insect damage by
insects.

70. Phra Chedi
The Phra Chedi, or Stupa, is a solid
dome-shaped structure and 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.

71. 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.
.

72. Pra Sat
It is the Royal Throne Hall and it
houses venerated objects.
It is composed of a square sanctuary
with a domed sikhara and the four
porch-like antechambers attached to
the sides of the cell.
.

73. ROYAL
ARCHITECTURE

74. Royal Houses and Mansions
Mixture of Thai wat, traditional Thai house
style and western architecture.
Teak wood is the main structural material.
Doors and windows have ornate pediments
and frames.
Roof has a chofar.

75. THE GRAND PALACE

77. The Grand Palace
The Grand Palace in Bangkok is the largest palace complex, embodying the
typical features of Thai architecture.
Situated in the heart of
Bangkok and is built
across the bank of river
Chao Phraya.

78. Map
of
the
Grand
Palace

79. The Grand Palace
It has been the official residence of the Kings of Siam (and later Thailand)
since 1782.
Situated in the heart of
Bangkok and is built
across the bank of river
Chao Phraya.

80. The Grand Palace
triple roofs
high, upturned 'eagle beaks' on the
ridges symbolizing royal authority.
glittering golden stupas,
exquisite murals,
finely carved beams
columns are luxurious and grand
Features:

81. Chakri Mahaprasat
The largest of the palace buildings is the Grand palace hall,
also known as Chakri Mahaprasat.
The exterior of the building is a beautiful blend of Italian
renaissance and Thai architecture as each building is mounted
with layered ornamented spires.

83. Temple of the Emerald
Buddha
Also known as Wat Phra Kaew.
It is not a singular building; instead, it refers to
a temple complex that includes a variety of
structures.
The highly revered Buddha image meticulously
carved from a single block of jade.

84. Temple of the Emerald
Buddha
It is an entire complex that includes libraries, chedi or
reliquary mounds (in Sanskrit, stupa), as well as assembly halls
(in Sanskrit: vihara; in Thai: wiharn) and outdoor sitting
pavilions (sala) along with other structures.

85. Temple complex Wat Phra Kaew

86. Temple complex Wat Phra Kaew

87. Phra Si Rattana Chedi, a chedi (reliquary mound)
covered in gold mosaic tiles