Abstract:
The objectives of the research are 1) to study on the transformation of urban structure and physical elements of Mae Hong son city from the past to present, 2) to study the factors that affect the transformation of urban structure and physical elements of city. A survey is conducted using interview methods, aerial photos and digital maps (GIS). The period of the study is separated into 3 periods. According to study the transformation, structure and physical elements are divided into 4 components: 1) geography, boundary and settlement 2) infrastructure and transportation 3) land use and 4) build environment. The research finds that the pattern of urban structure and physical elements of Mae Hong son city is Tai-Yais pattern. During the time pasts, there are 4 components of urban transformation: 1) The geography and boundary extend to the north-east of city considerably significance. 2) The infrastructure is developed to connect the routes between inbound and outbound of the city. This influence more convenient transportation and lead the urban growth. 3) There are 2 more commercial nods in the city. 4) The built environments are affected by the transformation of houses architecture. Also, pattern of the settlement where people change to settle down along the street instead of assemble in hamlet (called Pok). The government policies are the key factors to develop the roads network and airport and to develop Mae Hong son city to be environmental and cultural tourist attractions. However, the important components that cause the transformation of urban structure and physical elements of Mae Hong son city are: 1) Buddhism and local believe of Tai-Yai 2) development policy of the government 3) The 3 periods of transformation from the past to present It is suggested that, in order to develop Mae Hong son city, people should concern about preserving the physical identities of the city and the cultural and traditional of Tai-Yai. At the same time, they should be able to maintain the importance of tourism both in economic and social aspects.