CHANGES AND IMPACTS TOWARD SPATIAL IDENTITY OF “THE OLD MARKET” TRADITIONAL SHOP – HOUSES IN YAOWARAT COMMUNITY

Abstract

The purposes of this study are 1) to identify the process of change and the impacts of the spatial identity of the commercial shops within the old market area of Yaowarat community; 2) to study the causes, factors, and characteristics that are elements in changing the spatial identity of the commercial shops in the old market area of Yaowarat community by collecting data from documentary research and qualitative research with the interviewing 15 relevant people in conjunction with non-participatory observations and Geo-Social Mapping. The results of the study revealed that 1.) the old market areas were socially and culturally transitioned throughout time The spatial identity of the old markets remains a residential and commercial area for the Thai-Chinese community. 2.) Nonetheless, changes were formed by newcoming shops within the area in response to customer needs that have changed from the economic expansion 3.) tourism which play a role in the Yaowarat area, resulting in the change towards the commercial shops in the old market area. 4.) However, the spatial identity of the old markets remains a significant commercial area for the Thai-Chinese community. It depicts the livelihood of the Thai-Chinese people in the old market area or Leng Buay Eiah market of Yaowarat community, even though the societal context in the area has changed in the midst of time.