The forms and materials of a central Thailand house are well-adapted to the local climate and environment: hot weather, abundant rain, numerous waterways, and frequently-flooded basins. A common house is built with a bamboo or wooden structure, fastened together with rattan strips. The floor is raised high above regular flood line to deter poisonous animals such as snakes and centipedes. The breeze which flows be'neath the house keeps the lower area dry. After the flood recedes, the downstairs area is used as a living and resting area, as well as for storage and animal shelter. Roofs are thatched with palm or grass leaves.
Where there are numerous waterways, houses are built along rivers or canals. Some are houseboats which are generally double detached houses built over bamboo float or log float parallel to the waterway. The outer part of the house is used as a vending area or an exit to the water while the inner part is for sleeping and the rear is a cooking area.
The well-to-do live in raised, wood-planked houses. House structures are constroucted so that they can be slipped together and transfixed with wood pins. The walls and floors are made with wood planks. The base of the house is wider than the top part and the posts are erected so that they lean towards the inside. As a result, they carry much of the weight from the roof structure and stand securely.
The house floor is on a higher level than the porch floor which is proportionate to the lower roof that protects the house from the rain.
The roof is A-shaped and covered with thatch, wood or terra cotta tiles, it slopes up high so that rainwater is drained quickly and hot air is lifted up and vented out.
Initially, the house may comprese only of a bedroom and a kitchen. After a family has additional children or after the children grow up and get married, more houses or rooms are added within the compound to suit the size of the extended family; for example, there may be extra bedrooms, a living room for family use, for guests, or for holding gatherings.
Wealthy people with many servants may have a large compound of houses with rooms as stated above. In addition, they may have a parlour for aodministrative purposes, a chapel where for Buddha images are kept a multi-purposed open area as well as an area for hanging dove cages. The outer porch is used for hobby activities such as growing potted plants and miniature trees, raising pet fish, making handicrafts, etc.
The styles of houses in the central region have changed significantly due to urbanization, change in lifestyle, and new construction technology. Shop houses, housing, apartments, condominiums, and highrise buildings have emerged in western-style architecture.
Since the central region has been the political center for over 700 years, there are numerous places of significante instance, in the ancient capitals of Sukhothai, Ayutthaya, Lop Buri, and Thonburi. Unfortunately, some of these places are in a dilappidated condition.
The layout of the Grand Palace in Bangkok is similar to that of the royal palaces in the ancient capitals. -Located in the heart of the town it is secured with layers of moats, palace walls, and gates. The buildings, resplendent in majestic beauty, reflect the nation's long stability and affluence.
Within the Grand Palace, there is a cluster of buildings with the King's private quarters and throne halls (for administrative purpose and for holding rituals. Other throne halls were subsegnently added inside and outside the royal complex.
The most striking feature of these palace is the multi-layered roofs intricately decorated with gold. The use of symbols such as Garuda and Naga, or Vishnu mounting on Garuda signifies the King's great honor since he is revered as a reincarnated god who will eliminate evil in the kingdom.
After Thailand had adopted western culture, the artistic and architectural styles of royal palaces gradually altered. The use of foreign forms, techniques, materials, and art style resulted in a mixture of European art with traditional Thai art or tfihe replacement of traditional Thai art altogether.