Urban Dynamics of Nakhon Ratchasima's Historic Quarter: Transformations and the Roles of Ethnic Groups

Abstract

This article examines the urban dynamics of the historic quarter of Nakhon Ratchasima and the roles of ethnic groups in driving socio-economic transformation. The study applies the concept of the production of space proposed by Henri Lefebvre, combined with historical document analysis, field surveys, and in-depth interviews with representatives of ethnic groups in the area. The analysis covers the period from 1656 CE to the present and can be divided into three main phases. The first phase, prior to 1657 CE, represents the formative period of the historic urban area and the initial settlement of early ethnic groups, characterized by a stratified social structure and an agrarian-based economy. The second phase, from 1657 CE to 1900 CE, marks the emergence of ethnic diversity, particularly with the migration of Chinese communities and the transition toward a trade-based economy. A significant turning point occurred with the opening of the Bangkok–Nakhon Ratchasima railway in 1900 CE, which accelerated migration and commercial expansion. The third phase, from 1900 CE to the present, reflects the transformation of the area into a multicultural society and a commercial center. The findings reveal that the production of social space in the historic quarter of Nakhon Ratchasima follows a discernible sequence. It begins with conceived space shaped by the centralized planning of the Siamese state, followed by perceived space formed through settlement patterns and economic activities of various ethnic groups, and finally lived space emerging from collective experiences and shared memories of the community. However, the process of space production in a multicultural context is not strictly linear but rather complex and interconnected. Notably, lived space can resist and negotiate state control, as reflected in the adaptive strategies of Thai-Chinese communities during the nationalist policies of 1941 CE. Each ethnic group has played a distinct role in shaping urban space. Thai-Chinese communities have been the primary drivers of economic development, establishing new commercial areas and transforming spatial power structures. Thai-Sikh communities have contributed to diversity in both economic and cultural dimensions, while ethnic groups of Mon, Lao, Vietnamese, and Khmer descent have laid the cultural foundations and social hybridity of the area. Although the historic quarter has shifted from a city-level commercial hub to a community-level commercial district due to urban expansion, it continues to reflect the significant roles of ethnic groups in urban development across different periods. This study highlights the importance of inclusive participation and collaborative mechanisms in urban planning to guide future development while preserving cultural diversity.