Abstract

This article is a study of the adaptation of colonial buildings in the modern context, located near the old seaports, in the Eastern and the Western coasts of Thailand’s southern peninsula. They were once multicultural territories, with people from various cultures, ethnicities, and religions. Culture of these regions and their architecture have been inspired by many influences, especially Chino-European architecture. These seaport areas still conserve the historical architecture influenced by the culture and architecture style named Peranakan, based on the Southern part of Thailand. However, regardless of the times, these historical structures are still in use flawlessly. The study employs a qualitative research method: case studies in the seaport areas in the southern parts of Thailand. It uses a field survey along with data gathering from related documents. The paper concludes that economic factors, at the time when cultural tourism was popular, were the major causes of adaptation of colonial buildings. The purpose of adaptation is to attract the newer generation of tourists. Therefore, the buildings have been repaired, renovated, expanded and restored in order to revitalize the cities to bring them back to life away from economic stagnation. In fact, these buildings have been eventually put into use again. This is the adaptation to the modern context to support tourism in a creative manner. At a time when cultural heritage elements were the selling points, these colonial buildings have been modified into trendy boutique hotels, cafés, restaurants, craft studios, museums, art galleries, cultural spaces, and event spaces, which promote the uniqueness of these classical buildings.