Thailand Architecture

ROBINES, KAREN JOY
EMBERADOR, CHRISTIAN REY

AMAGA, HONEY LYN
THAILAND 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. In the
twelfth 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.
Materials used in Thai Religious Architecture:
-Wood -Stucco
-Glass Mosaic -Lacquer
-Gold-Leaf -Inlaid Mother of Pearl
-Porcelain
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:
Nanchao Period (650 - 1250 AD): After founding a Thai kingdom in Southern China, the
Thai people migrated further south where they settled on the Central Plain under the
rule of the Khmer Empire. The independent Thai state of Sukhothai was founded in
approximately 1238 AD.
Sukhothai Period (1238 - 1378 AD): Thai history's 'golden era', the 13th
Century was a time when the Thais became a powerful force in independence
and forged an ideal state governed by kind rulers. However, the more powerful
Ayutthaya asserted itself over Sukhothai in 1350.
Ayutthaya Period (1350 - 1767 AD): Reverting back to Khmer principles, Ayutthaya
gained more power over its sovereigns which saw conflict between neighbouring
principalities. After diplomatic relations began in the 17th Century, the Burmese invaded
in 1767, capturing Ayutthaya. Although, control didn't last for long.
Thon Buri Period (1767 - 1772 AD): Fearing another attack, Ayutthaya's capital was
transferred to a site closer to the sea to facilitate defence, procurement and foreign
trade. A new capital was established in Thon Buri and rulers were tough, however, the
kingdom disintegrated quickly due to a lack of authority.
Rattanakosin Period (1782 - the Present): A new ruler then transferred the capital to
Bangkok and established the Grand Palace. Further rulers employed social and
economic reform, restoring relationships with surrounding provinces, Western nations
and trade with China and ending European treaties, establishing modern Thailand and
avoiding colonisation..
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:
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
Other structures include:
Ho Trai - library
Sala - resting pavilion
Ho Rakhang - bell tower
Kuti - monastery
Wat Arun
“Wat Arun Ratchawararam
Ratchawaramahawihan”
Temple of the Dawn, a Buddhist Temple in
Bangkok district. The temple derives its
name from the Hindu god Aruna, often
personified as the radiations of the rising
sun.
Wat Pho
“ Wat Phra Chetuphon Vimolmangklararm
Rajwaramahaviharn”
Temple of the Reclining Buddha, one of
the largest temples in Thailand, and is
home to more than one thousand Buddha.
Bot
In Buddhism, second to the symbolic stupa,
the most important structure is the Chaitya
Hall, in Thai called Bot. 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.
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.
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. The interior of the Prang
contains images of Buddha.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.

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ROBINES, KAREN JOY

EMBERADOR, CHRISTIAN REY

Bot - meditation hall

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