The architecture of Thailand is a major part of the country's cultural legacy and reflects both the challenges of living in Thailand's sometimes extreme climate as well as, historically, the importance of architecture to the Thai people's sense of community and religious beliefs.
Thai architectural style has been influenced primarily by Indian and Khmer architecture, although China and other countries have had impact as well (Thai people have been thought to have emigrated from South China).
Most early Thai architecture was built of wood and has since disappeared. However, many stone temples remain to tell the story of the development of Thai architecture. Like Khmer architecture, many structures of Sukhothai used sandstone for door parts, lintels, and rectangular windows. In the twelfth century, brick replaced sandstone as a primary building material. It was mortared with vegetable glue and sheathed in stone. Later, stucco was used to cover the brick core.
Photo Gallery: © Jordi Zaragozà Anglès / Thailand 2006
Extended info about Thailand Architecture