Landscape architects play a vital role in urban and rural development all over the world. Thailand has also contributed qualified landscape architects to the world Landscape architects in Thailand offer valuable designs and plans for various work settings. Landscape architecture has been recognized as distinct profession like medicine, engineering etc in Thailand.
Those who want to practice as landscape architect in Thailand needs to complete the Bachelor degree in landscape architecture approved by the ministry of University affair. The Chulalongkorn University was the only University in Thailand teaching landscape architecture course for 5 years. But now Thammasart University has also started the Bachelor degree in landscape architecture in Thailand. There are around 100 new landscape architects in Thailand every year.
There are more than 30 Thailand landscape architect firms most of them located in Bangkok. More than 80 freelance landscape architects are working in the small landscape architecture firms. While other landscape architects join in International landscape architecture firms. Nearly one third of the students of Bachelor degree in landscape architecture wish to go to other countries for practical training like Singapore, Hong Kong, Australia, and USA etc. Thailand landscape architects need to obtain license from the Board of architects.
Thai association of landscape architect plays an important role in developing acceptable professional standards in the field of landscape architecture. Thailand landscape architects engage in some mega projects like designing highways, mass transit system, airport and number of renovation projects in the country. The large scale projects like Royal Flora expo in Chiangmai and Suvarnabhumi Bangkok International airport are perfect examples of landscape architecture development in Thailand.
The council of Architects is a special type of private organization which works under Ministry of Interior and it is responsible for regularizing four environment related profession including landscape architecture. However the landscape architects occupy mere 15% of the total environment related profession in Thailand.
The council of architects issues license to Thailand landscape architects based on 3 E concepts. The 3 E represents education, experience and examination. The person who wants to get license under CoA must complete bachelor degree in landscape architecture from the approved institution. The proof of continuous period of work must be provided to get license. The interview and written exams are also required for new entry of all landscape architects.
Though there is only small percentage of landscape architects in Thailand, they offer valuable services for the urban development of the nation. Some of the famous Thailand landscape architects are described below:
Somwang Leevanijkul is the Deputy President of Thai landscape architect and he is the Managing Director of Belt Collins International co. ltd, Thailand. He has vast experience on landscape master planning and varied landscape design projects. He offers numerous landscape design plans to various projects throughout Thailand and abroad.
His services include hotel designs, resorts, educational institutions, sports, recreation, commercial and residential design plans. He works both for private and Government sector. He has provided innovative landscape design plans for Thai University campus.
M.R. Chanvudhi Varavam is another famous landscape architect in Thailand who engages in various landscape design and planning projects.