Much of Thailand’s architecture is intrinsically connected with the country’s contemporary and secular art that has emerged gradually over the past decade.

Thailand’s architecture is a brilliant expression of its rich culture and history. Although the country is known for its pristine beaches, diverse cuisines and vibrant nightlife, the fascinating architecture of the land offers a taste of its pulsating sociological, political and religious culture. Thai architecture mirrors the magnificence of the traditional designs of its Asian neighbour countries and gradually evolves into something more unique and fresh with as taste of contemporary art. Here are some of Thailand’s architectural structures that are a testament of brilliance.

Wot RongKhun

Also known as The White Temple, the Wot RongKhun is a majestic white coloured temple that screams gorgeousness. The temple is the life’s project of the Thai artist, ChalermchaiKositpipat, whose goal is the restoration of this majestic but crumbling building from the 20^th century. The biggest highlight of this temple is that the plaster used for the temple structure has glass blended in the mix that creates a sparkling effect when light reflects off the temple’s body. The Wot RongKhun has been influenced by Buddhist architecture where the white represents the purity of Lord Buddha and the glass represents his teachings.

Elephant Tower

Inaugurated in 1997, the Elephant Tower in Bangkok was conceived to represent Thailand’s national animal. In fact, this beautiful modern tower had been named fourth in 2011 on CNN’s “20^th World’s Iconic Skyscrapers” list. The tower is 102 metres tall and has 32 floors. A collection of office, residential as well as shopping spaces; the Elephant tower was created under a joint venture of Dr. ArunChaisaree and Ong-at Satrabhandhu. There are three towers to the building that make up the shape of the body of the elephant while the right edge of the building makes its tusk and eyes.

King Power MahaNakhon

MahaNakhon was Thailand’s tallest building until 2018 and was inaugurated in 2016. Designed and created by Ole Scheeren, the building is 314 metres tall and has 78 floors. The design of the building is such that it gives the impression of a square curtained by glass and wrapped inside a spiral made of cut cuboids. The building seems to be dissolving down towards the base. The name MahaNakhon suggests “Great Metropolis” and represents the integration of the land with the sky.