Evolving Urban Landscape: Colonial Influences and Selective Modernity in Sam Phraeng Shophouses and Aristocratic Palaces During King Rama V's Reign

Main Article Content

Chutarat Chitsopa

Abstract

This study examines the architectural and urban transformation of Sam Phraeng, a historic Bangkok precinct, during King Rama V's reign (1868-1910). Employing Maurizio Peleggi's concept of 'Selective Modernity' and Iderlina B. Mateo-Babiano's work on urban space transformation, the research investigates modernity in an area near the Grand Palace considering historical restrictions on foreign residences.


The study notes that Western-style architecture near the Grand Palace was primarily limited to government offices, contrasting with areas like Northern Charoen Krung Road, which was developed as a foreign residential and commercial district since the late King Rama IV's reign. Against this backdrop, it explores Sam Phraeng’s unique development through historical document analysis, architectural typology, comparative analysis, and socio-economic context examination.


The research reveals Sam Phraeng’s evolution from a royal enclave to a vibrant commercial and cultural hub, reflecting broader societal changes while maintaining proximity to traditional power centers. The architectural landscape, particularly shophouses in Phraeng Nara and Phraeng Phuthon, showcases a blend of colonial design elements with local techniques and aesthetics.


This study contributes to understanding how non-colonized nations like Siam navigated the pressures of modernity, selectively adopting foreign elements while preserving cultural identity. Sam Phraeng’s architectural and urban evolution offers insights into the complex processes of engagement with modernity, urbanization, and cultural adaptation in late 19th-century Siam, highlighting nuanced development approaches near traditional power seats.

Article Details

How to Cite
Chitsopa, C. (2024). Evolving Urban Landscape: Colonial Influences and Selective Modernity in Sam Phraeng Shophouses and Aristocratic Palaces During King Rama V’s Reign. Nakhara : Journal of Environmental Design and Planning, 23(3), Article 417. https://doi.org/10.54028/NJ202423417
Section
Research Articles

References

Arkarapotiwong, P. (2021). Chiang Mai city hall: western or Siamese architecture in Lanna. Nakhara: Journal of Environmental Design and Planning, 20(1), Article 104. https://doi.org/10.54028/NJ202120104

Boonma, S. (Ed.). (2014). Chotmaihet lao rang thanon mung Bangkok (Vol. 1) [Archives of the streets of Bangkok]. Department of Public Works and Town and Country Planning.

Bowring, J. (1977). The kingdom and people of Siam: With a narrative of the mission to that country in 1855 (Vol.1). Cambridge University Press. (Original work published 1857).

Bunnag, P., Noppakhun, D., & Thadaniti, S. (1981). Khlong nai Krung Thep: Prawattisāt kanplianplaeng lae phon kratop to Krung Thep nai rop 200 pi (Pho. So. 2325 - 2525) [Canals in Bangkok: History, changes, and impacts on Bangkok over 200 Years (1782 - 1982)]. Chulalongkorn University.

Chungsiriarak, S. (2016). Sathaapattayakam baep tawantok nai sayam samai ratchakan thi 4 - pho. so. 2480 [Western architecture in Siam in the reign of King Rama IV – 1937 A.D.]. Silpakorn University.

Heng, C. K., Boontharm, D., & Nakhasit, N. (2010). Persistence and gentrification in Rattanakosin, Bangkok. Proceedings of the 14th International Planning History Society Conference, 12-15 July 2010, Istanbul, Turkey. International Planning History Society.

Ingram, J. C. (1971). Economic change in Thailand 1850 – 1970. Stanford University Press.

Jhearmaneechotechai, P. (2022). Selection criteria of ordinary urban heritages through the case of Bangrak, a multi-cultural & old commercial district of Bangkok. Nakhara: Journal of Environmental Design and Planning, 21(2), Article 209. https://doi.org/10.54028/NJ202221209

Kaewmontha,W. (2013). Seuk-saa bpra-wat-dti-saat paan ngaan sa-taa-bpat-dta-ya-gam yaan chum-chon Saam Praaeng [Studying history through Sam Phraeng architecture] [Individual Study, Silpakorn University].

Kohen. A. P. (2016). Saam Praaeng wan waan soo wan nee: Gaan bplian bplaaeng lae gaan-bprap-dtuua taam-glaang kwaam bpen meuang [Sam Phraeng from old days to today: Changes and adaptations among urbanization] [Individual Study, Silpakorn University].

Li, T. (2007). A Study of Ethnic Influence on the facades of colonial shophouses in Singapore: A case study of Telok Ayer in Chinatown. Journal of Asian Architecture and Building Engineering, (6)1, 41–48. https://doi.org/10.3130/jaabe.6.41

Marome, W., Sununtharod, S., Natakun, B., & Liengboonlertchai, P. (2023). Urban policy supporting cultural adequacy in Nang Loeng, Bangkok. Nakhara: Journal of Environmental Design and Planning, 22(2), Article 311. https://doi.org/10.54028/NJ202322311

Mateo-Babiano, I. B. (2012). Public life in Bangkok's urban spaces. Habitat International, 36(4), 452–461. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.habitatint.2012.04.001

National Archives of Thailand. (R.S. 120). R.5 N.5 8/40 Ekkasan lek thi 1/1439, "Chaophraya Naritsara Nuwattiwong senabodi krasuang nakhonban song san thung Monsia do Lamot witsawakon yai Krom sukhaphiban" [R.5 N.5 8/40 Document No. 1/1439, "Prince Naritsara Nuwattiwong, minister of local government, sends a letter to Monsieur de Lamotte, chief engineer of the sanitation department"]. National Archives of Thailand.

National Archives of Thailand. (R.S. 127). R.5 YT.9/108 "Ruang kansang thanon Thaiwang lae chattang talat Tha Tian" phraratchasan thi Phrabat Somdet Phra Chunlachomklaochaoyuhua song mi phraratchatan dae Krom Phra Sommot Amoraphan lek thi 21/241 [R.5 YT.9/108 "Regarding the construction of Thaiwang Road and the establishment of Tha Tian Market" Royal Autograph Letter from King Chulalongkorn to Prince Sommot Amoraphan No. 21/241]. National Archives of Thailand.

Noranitpadungkarn, C. (1963). Somdet Krom Phraya Damrong Ratchanuphap kap krasuang mahatthai [Prince Damrong Rajanubhab and the ministry of interior]. Thammasat University.

Office of Archaeology. (1978). Raingan kansamruat borannasathan nai krung Rattanakosin lem sam praphet wang san chao anusawari akhan rankha [Survey Report of Historical Sites in Rattanakosin, Volume 3: Palaces, Shrines, Monuments, and Commercial Buildings]. The Fine Arts Department.

Pantuphakorn, P., & Tanyapirom, S. (2004). Kansusa lae ruapruam baep lai khom pang khing khong samnaktang Chanthapuri [A study and collection of gingerbread-style fretwork patterns from the Chanthaburi school of craftsmanship]. Faculty of Fine and Applied Arts, Burapha University.

Peleggi, M. (2023). Chao chiwit chao sapphasing: Kansng phaplak samaimai khong sathaban ratchawong Sayam [Lord of all things: The construction of the modern image of the Siamese royal institution]. Same Sky.

Phanthuphakon, P. & Tanyaphirom, S. (2004). Kansuksa ruapruam luat laimai chalu baep khanom pang khing sakun chang Chanthaburi [Study of the gingerbread motifs of Chanthaburi school]. Burapha University.

Sangha. (2002). Krung thep mua wannii (4th ed.) [Bangkok Yesterday]. Sarakhadi publishing.

Sanitwong, P. S. (1963). Chkchat nai chiwit thi phochai [A satisfying life's fortune]. Teachers' Council of Thailand Publishing.

Suksri, N. M.R., Krittikakul, N., &Kaewmuang, D. (1982). Phra rat wang lae wang nai Krungthep (pa.sa.2325 - 2525) [Palaces and royal residences in Bangkok (1782 A.D. – 1982 A.D.)]. Chulalongkorn University.

Tadtong, P., Kasemsuk, A., & Prajongsan, P. (2021). Representative of in-between space upfront row houses: Case study Phraeng Phuthon. Veridian E-Journal Silpakorn University, 11(2), 2232–2250. https://he02.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/Veridian-E-Journal/article/view/144563/106957

Thiphakorawong, C. P. (1980). Phraratchaphongsawadan Krung Rattanakosin: Ratchakan thi 1 [The royal chronicles of Rattanakosin: Reign of King Rama I].Teachers' Council of Thailand Publishing.

Tiptus, P. (2002). Ban nai Rattanakosin 2: Tae ratchasamai Phrabat Somdet Phra Chomyuhua thung ratchasamai Phrabat Somdet Phra Chunlachomklao Chaoyuhua (Pho. So. 2394 - 2453) [Houses in Rattanakosin 2: From the reign of King Mongkut to the reign of King Chulalongkorn (1851 - 1910 AD)]. Chulalongkorn University Press.

Wirasinchai, S. (2004). Yan kankha "Tawantok" haeng raek khong Krung Thep: Sam Phraeng Phraeng Phuuthon, Phraeng Naraa, Phraeng Sapphasat [Bangkok's First Western Commercial District: Sam Phraeng, Phraeng Phuthon, Phraeng Nara, Phraeng Sappasat]. Matichon.