Landscape Changes of Thai Traditional Orchard: Case Study of Food and Beverage Precincts in Orchards in Nonthaburi and Nakhon Pathom

Abstract

The Thai traditional orchard is a valuable agricultural landscape that should be conserved as cultural heritage. There are owners who are trying to maintain their heritage by establishing new businesses in their orchards. This article aims to explore the landscape changes of Thai traditional orchards that have been modified into food and beverage precincts. It also analyzes and compares the characteristics of landscape changes during the year. During the rainy season and dry season, the landscape characteristics and atmosphere of five food and beverage precincts located in Thai traditional orchards in Nonthaburi and Nakhon Pathom provinces were surveyed, observed, and then compared. The results show that all sites have preserved the crucial physical characteristics of the agricultural landscape of the Thai traditional orchard, with various degrees of change to accommodate the business. In terms of landscape changes during the year, the water level in ditches has slightly changed, whereas changes made by humans were clearly found, whether the additions of construction, site improvement, or decorative elements, including adding and moving plants. There were also seasonal changes that were natural. That is, during the rainy season, the plants were lush and plentiful. In the dry season, many plants bloomed and bore fruit, giving different atmospheres and colors. These landscape changes tend to offer a variety of meaningful experiences for visitors. This is possibly beneficial to business and consequently supports the conservation of Thai traditional orchards.