Dynamics of Old Districts in Thai Conservation Cities

Abstract

This paper synthesizes the dynamics of conservation districts in three Thai cities: the market district in Chiang Mai, public space in Chiang Saen, and Nathon commercial district on Samui Island. The research problems were derived from the communities with mutual aims of identifying the characteristics, problems, and needs of the communities and suggesting preliminary conservation guidelines. The methods were based on qualitative fieldwork, content analysis, data synthesis, and theoretical discussions. The findings revealed the characteristics of the three districts as constructed from historical, geographic, economic, social, and political factors and backgrounds. These characteristics are valuable to communities, but there is a considerable lack of knowledge as well as means of information management for appropriate use by the communities. The research has stimulated and built preliminary conservation processes for the communities which can be applied to policy and action plans for conservation of historic districts in Thai cities.