ABSTRACT
Known for most of its history as the Kingdom of Siam (its current name was ocially adopted only in 1947), Thailand’s leadership has long been invested in conserving its important historic architectural and other cultural assets. Thailand’s experience in protecting and restoring its monuments is based in the tradition-oriented nature of the Thai people and their deep respect for the authority of the reigning Chakri dynasty, which has reigned since 1782 and has been a driving force in heritage conservation, especially over the past century. Tenets of the country’s predominant religion, Buddhism, have also incentivized a conservation mentality, because it is believed that donors gain spiritual merit whenever their actions advance the religion (for example, by constructing or improving a religious structure, sculpture or image). Taken together, these two strong forces have helped Thailand maintain its wealth of built heritage, despite the deleterious eects of its tropical, ood prone environment.
