Abstract

Nakhon Si Thammarat Province in Thailand has an environment reflecting fishermen's way of life. The orientation of its vernacular houses are affected by the direction and speed of the wind coming from the sea. It is assumed that there is a significant influence of the sea in the formation of settlements along the Tha-Sala littoral. This study investigates the origins of the fishing settlement patterns and housing characteristics in the Tha Sala coastal area. It examines the natural cultural and environmental factors of the coast as significant factors affecting the settlement. The research intends to discover how, along with the life styles of the community, what factors influence the community and the characteristics of the vernacular houses. The study examines particularly the influence of land and sea breeze on the community. The layout and arrangement of the vernacular houses, along with the nature of living in the houses, are all assumed to affect the life of the fishermen as depicted in the environment. The paper is based on qualitative research employing a field survey and interviews with the house owners. Three local houses that reflect fishermen's traditions and ways of life have been identified as case studies. The research observes vernacular houses and develops its thesis by analysing the data related to pictorial representations as well as history, economy, social and cultural changes, and integrative theory. The findings highlight the adaptation of coastal communities in settlements and house planning. They show that the influence comes from the natural environment to cope with the annual monsoon winds, as well as the lifestyles of the relatives. It shows that religious beliefs of the people affect house planning and the changes affect the community expansion of transportation routes. That makes the houses to be oriented toward the road with distinctive features. In fact, the houses are oriented in an East-West direction so that they do not have to resist the sea wind.