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The Thai Monarchy and Thai Architecture*

Wanida Phungsoonthorn
Associate Fellow of the Academy of Arts,
The Royal Society of Thailand

What is Thai architecture? From a personal point of view, Thai architecture can be

defined as “The art of building that combines the essence of Thai art and culture which
possesses great value. They reflect the knowledge and wisdom accumulated over time along

with the Thai identity that has continually developed throughout the ages while also expressing
local characteristics that respond to the climatic conditions of each geographical region, and

are widely accepted not only by experts, but also the society in general”.
Thai architecture is a physical representation of culture that is highly significant at

the national level, as it symbolizes the nation and can be instantly recognized by its style
and contextual landscape. Important works are generally those with Buddhistic art-style

ornamentation, and those that are associated with the monarchy. In fact, it was the monarchy
that has been instrumental in giving birth to Thai architecture and in creating valuable cultural

heritage that has been passed down since the formation of the nation. This can be traced
back to the period of Dvaravati down through Srivijaya, Lopburi, Sukhothai, Ayutthaya, and

present-day Rattanakosin in which it continues to prosper and evolve along with constantly changing
developments in technology, construction materials, and contemporary needs and requirements.

Without doubt, the Thai monarchy has always played an important role in laying a strong
foundation for subsequent growth and development of the nation’s civilization since ancient

times. It has constantly patronized the works of artisans, especially those who dedicated
themselves wholeheartedly to creating outstanding works and perpetuating the existence of

Thai architecture from past to present. The intricate beauty apparent in such works can therefore
also be attributed to the support given by the monarchy whilst the craftsmen, known collectively

as the “Royal Artisans”, were given due attention and support all along by the king and other
royal families throughout their undertakings as well.

* This is an English version adapted from the article with the same title in Thai published in the book
“The Royal Institution and Academic Advancement of the Nation” (สถาบัันพระมหากษััตริย์์กับัวิิวิัฒนาการทาง
วิิชาการของประเทศ).

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