Shophouses of the Chinese in Bangkok's Chinatown 1960-2000

Abstract

Chinatown is geographically located in the central part of Bangkok Metropolis. It is between Charoen Krung Road (New Road) and the Chao Phraya River, with Yaowarat Road cutting through it. The main axis in Bangkok's Chinatown from the past until now is Sampeng Lane. It is famous in Bangkok as the location of wholesale shops. The development of Chinatown to be the biggest commercial area in Bangkok at present has been caused by the immigration of Chinese from China. Chinese who live in their "shophouses" are satisfied with the physical condition of their "shophouse" while the younger generation prefers better housing. The "shophouses" is the first generation of architecture that serves both commercial and residential purposes in the same building. Most of the Chinese still maintain their unique cultures by preserving Chinese architecture evident in the shophouses and following Chinese festivities brought over from China. The presence of the overseas Chinese in Bangkok demonstrates that Thai society is multi-cultural. The Chinese maintain their Chinese culture and tradition while adopting the Thai nationality and following Thai way-of-life. The concept of double identity is more appropriate than assimilation in the case of Chinese in Chinatown.