The implementation of Thai art in five-star hotels in Thailand: An evaluation study of central and northern region of Thailand on hotel lobby decorations

Abstract

Thailand is a country with a long and rich history due to its strategic location. The Thai people have their own unique and distinctive art as well as cultural heritage. These were brought about through each generation by the many episodes of social and cultural adaptations, evolution, and development over the centuries. The heritage has been passed down and carried on until today. However, the rapid progress in technology and communications brought about by the era of globalization has also resulted in some drawbacks to this. In addition, Thailand has also struggled to balance between rapid development while maintaining traditional values in the modern context. In the construction field, the country has developed in many aspects. These include designs, resources, construction procedures, needs and demands, purposes, and images. This article attempts to distinguish how current buildings and structures had implemented Thai art to reflect a local image and identity. This article aims to evaluate Bangkok's and Chiang Mai's five-star hotels in terms of their implementation of Thai art as decorations in their respective lobbies. Qualitative data was set through this research, with direct observation being applied in the hotel lobbies. It was found that Thai art was applied more into the decorative aspect than for other purposes. Some of the architects and designers had been reluctant to use Thai art in their designs due to their feeling that heritage is not relevant to current needs. It was also found that the Thai people remain respectful of the values of Thai Buddhism in their daily life.