Research & Article

When the word Rattanakosin comes to mind, most people would refer to the Grand Palace, Temple of Emerald Buddha, Sanam Luang, and a few more touristspots in the heart of Old Bangkok - - not many would also include places like Bang Lampoo, Ratchadamnoen Avenue, Brahman's Giant Swing, bustling Pahuratretails node, and some other areas within its periphery despite the fact that these settlements have emerged since the inception of this living historic city.

Early residents of Old Bangkok consisted of a wide variety of ethnic groups such as Chinese, Indian, Mon, Laotian, Burmese, Cambodian, Vietnamese, Malaysian, Portuguese, etc. Most of whom were either prisoners of war or fled from neighboring countries. Cross-cultural activities have since then been flourished and become the nature of Bangkok lifestyle. During the past two centuries, tangible heritage as well as intangible one were created and passed on from one generation to another. However, due to lack of adequate public awareness and concern, loss of certain heritage in many settlements started to be felt. The editoris afraid that unless in-depth studies and preservation efforts are introduced soonest possible, safeguarding cultural environment of this historic city would become too late.

This paper has been edited from a field survey of cultural heritage conducted by a number of architecturalstudents ofSilpakorn Universityinthesummer of2003. Itis meantforuseasan introduction to the areas less known to the public in order to help secure awareness in the protection of heritage at risk. The survey was carried outineightsub-areas which coincide with the existing political boundaries. A brief note of history is provided along with the lists of valuable buildings/places/ways of life foundin each sub-area. The editor also added his comments wherever appropriate as earmarks for further studies/investigations.