SUPHAN BURI : Unesco has given an Award of Merit to Sam Chuk community and old market, honouring its outstanding preservation of the century-old wooden architecture and the revitalisation of the historic commercial hub.

"Sam Chuk community has set a good example for turning a crisis into an opportunity," said Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, who received the award from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation on behalf of the community.

He talked about the situation about 10 years ago when the market was on the verge of collapse due to few customers and pressure to knock down the wooden shophouses to pave the way for modern buildings.

"We want to see this happen in other areas too, and nobody can do that but people in a community," he said.

He praised Sam Chuk locals for not allowing external pressures to damage their century-old heritage.

In granting the award, Molly Lee, head of Unesco Bangkok's Asia-Pacific Programme of Educational Innovation for Development, commended the community for revitalising the market which was once in serious socio-economic decline through its far-sighted vision.

"The conservation work has been undertaken in an holistic way, including not only the architectural heritage but also the living heritage of this historic commercial hub," said Mrs Lee.

The market was one of 48 contenders from 14 countries competing for Unesco's recognition awards. The top award went to Sangiin Dalai Monastery in Mongolia.

"Without a doubt, this Sam Chuk project has set the standard for conservation projects in other heritage communities around Thailand, in Asia and around the world," said Mrs Lee.

The community, located on the banks of the Tha Chin River, was established as a trading post for the Central Region in 1894.

After restoration efforts, it has now become a popular tourist destination and the local economy has been improving, said Pongwin Chaiwirat, chairman of the Sam Chuk restoration committee.

The secret behind the success is the effort to make it a living museum, said Mr Pongwin.

"The key strength of the market is its century-old architecture. But that would not survive well without income for local people and activities for visitors," he said.

The market is a combination of small lanes crowded with rows of two-storey wooden shophouses - many have been left with their original interior decoration intact, but some have had minor interior design changes to attract young visitors.

Restaurants, coffee shops, gift shops, photo studios and drug stores are lined up offering visitors a wide range of things to see and do.

Ngueng-hong Sae-eap, the 80-year-old owner of a 59-year-old photo studio, said she was delighted to hear about the award as she was determined to keep her shophouse in its original form.

Her studio is now run by her daughter using a decades-old camera admired by customers who always come back, she said.

Pattanin Udomparkdeepong, 32, just renovated his relative's shophouse two years ago and opened a now-popular gift shop.

"We're so proud that we got the award," he said. "For me, the market is a mix of the past and the present with its unique style."

"Visitors do not come here just to take a look, they come here to spend the day," he added.