 Thai
architectural style is unique and very memorable. But what
is often simply referred to today as 'traditional Thai architecture',
has in actual fact taken over seven centuries to fully evolve
and develop. Traditional Thai architecture is the result of
a combination of many different styles, methods and influences.
At various stages down the years, 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.
Most recently even western neoclassical styles and features
have been adopted, following visits to Europe by early Thai
kings and from the European expatriate's presence in Thailand.
Nevertheless, overall the architectural style remains instantly
identifiable and unquestionably Thai.
Most
noticeable in Thai architecture are the swooping multi-tiered
rooflines, the distinctly ornamental decorations, the stunning
interior murals, the vivid colors and the lovingly crafted
and gold-adorned Buddha images.
 In
addition to traditional dwellings - which include the familiar
and much celebrated teak wood Thai house, religious and royal
based architecture are the two principal areas where Thai
architectural style is most prominent and best viewed. Another
part of what can best be described as Thailand's great architectural
past, were the miles of interlocking man-made waterways. Unfortunately,
most of the immense network of canals (khlongs) in the nation's
capital have since been filled-in and replaced with traffic-jammed
roadways.
Whereas
there are still many fine examples of later period and contemporary
Thai of wood and have sadly long since disappeared - taking with
them the architectural principles according to which they
were built. Consequently historians have been forced to carefully
piece together a developmental history of Thai architecture
style by tracing it through the few surviving early stone
or brick buildings and temples.
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