Morphology of the Agriculture-based Deltaic Settlement in the Western Basin of the Chaophraya Delta

Abstract

The morphology of the agriculture-based deltaic settlement in the Western Basin of Chaophraya Delta is explained through an analysis of the correlation between the following factors; topographical conditions and historical and social background. This also reflected the production from land development, and the settlement formation process. We separated the pattern of settlement formation into 3 types; (1) Multi-centric network settlement, (2) Strip-axis settlement, and (3) Single-centric settlement. These were then classified through consideration of an analysis process on the geographical section of the north-south and west-east axis of the Delta. As well as adapting to the deltaic topographical features, it could be considered that the patterns and transformation process of these settlements were based in paralleled with; (1) initiation of the Phrai system, and (2) a declination of the Phrai system. The Chinese traders, who organized the waterfront market network, could also be considered the key persons who motivated this process. It could be considered that the multi-centric network settlement was developed under the influence of the Phrai system, while the fish-bone type strip-axis settlement was developed after a declination of the Phrai system.