Emerging Urban Vernacular: Squatter Settlements in Thailand and their Transformations as Chumchons
Chindarat Malakul
Abstract
Chindarat Malakul
Abstract
Today, urban slums and squatter settlements are a serious issue in Thailand. In response, the Thai government implements a housing program to address this issue. However, it does not properly incorporate the unique cultural concepts of communities in Thailand known as the chumchons. These emerged from the communist movement in the rural areas to encompass both rural communities and the urban slums. This study examines the characteristics of ‘chumchon’ as a unique vernacular Thai community. It proposes ways to incorporate this concept in housing by revealing the similarities among various chumchons and identifying the unique concepts and characteristics It employs case study as a method, comparing three sites developed through the program located in Khlong Toei. They include an on-site upgrading project, a site-and-service scheme, and a secure housing program. Across these sites, surveys were conducted in 30 plots of land and houses, revealing the patterns of land developments. Patterns of housing in terms of their formation factors and land tenure were also observed. Interviews were conducted with 39 informants to collect personal histories. The findings reveal that the patterns of land tenure and housing tenure, are similar in many of the sites, and resemble previous patterns in vernacular settlements. It identified that the ways of living in vernacular settlements have been either renewed or maintained by the new developments brought about by redevelopment of housing. They provide insights into the concepts and characteristics of chumchons, derived from the vernacular settlements useful for transforming the slums, into wholesome human settlements.
Keywords:
Vernacular Settlements, Thailand, Chumchon, Land, House, Development, History.