Showing 1 - 10 of 27
Going green
Life, Pichaya Svasti, Published on 03/01/2019
» When people talk about Koh Yao, an unspoiled island off Phangnga province, many think of the popular Koh Yao Noi. As a matter of fact, Koh Yao consists of two islands -- Koh Yao Yai (big long island) and Koh Yao Noi (little long island) and is widely known as a paradise for holiday makers. Tourists can enjoy swimming, snorkelling or scuba diving in the sea, birdwatching and kayaking in mangroves, cycling and even rock-climbing.
A social disease
Life, Pichaya Svasti, Published on 24/09/2018
» One of my favourite actors recently left this world prematurely due to frail health caused by chronic excessive drinking. It is sad, because Warut Woratham, once the country's No.1 heartthrob, had managed to quit drinking and opted for a healthy lifestyle a few years prior to his death, but the alcohol-related damage to his health had been done. Warut was just 49 when he died.
A caravan of friendship
Life, Pichaya Svasti, Published on 09/08/2018
» Travelling in a four-wheel-drive on a 2,700km route from Myanmar's old capital of Yangon through Thailand via the Dawei-Kanchanaburi border sounds tough for many. Yet, it was considered a small adventure for some 80 Myanmar and Thai people who recently took part in the "Myanmar Tourism Marketing-Tourism Authority of Thailand Heritage Trail Tourism Cross-Border Rally" because most of them love challenges.
When photos were works of art
Life, Pichaya Svasti, Published on 28/05/2018
» Modern technology allows people to capture a dozen pictures per second with a smartphone. In the 19th century, one single photograph on collodion wet plate required an hour of setting up, and for the subject to pose, a process of artistic endeavour unthinkable to the instant generation.
Preserving literary heritage
Life, Pichaya Svasti, Published on 09/04/2018
» At Wat Sung Men in Phrae province, monks and a dozen local villagers are busy scanning the temple's old manuscripts into a computer. The same activity, in fact, is happening at several temples in the North, including Wat Phra That Si Chom Thong in Chiang Mai as well as others in Lamphun and Nan. Initiated by a German professor, the novel efforts of digitising and conserving ancient manuscripts have caught on with enthusiasm among locals.
A sporting chance
Life, Pichaya Svasti, Published on 05/02/2018
» Several teenagers were playing table tennis and badminton, their eyes fixed on movements, their brains whirling, their hands skilfully moving as they played forehand and backhand drives. Most of them are young people who were once juvenile delinquents but now they are trying to turn their lives around. Some of the support they receive is from sports training and empowerment projects initiated by Her Royal Highness Princess Bajrakitiyabha.
Moulded by music
Life, Pichaya Svasti, Published on 04/12/2017
» His trembling hands work with bamboo wood and turn it into Thai xylophone and gong wong mallets. Despite difficulties as a result of a stroke he suffered years ago, Chalor Jaichuen, one of the country's last craftsmen who still makes Thai xylophone and gong wong mallets by hand, maintains the dexterity of an expert.
Heavenly rides
Life, Pichaya Svasti, Published on 05/08/2017
» Like a journey through clouds towards heaven, marvellous royal chariots and vehicles will be moving smoothly and gracefully around the Grand Palace and Sanam Luang in a stunning procession for the royal funeral of the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej on Oct 26. Amid great sorrow and mourning, everyone will be mesmerised by the grandeur of the royal ceremonies befitting the great king.
Carving out history
Life, Pichaya Svasti, Published on 27/03/2017
» Their skilful hands focused on art pieces they were creating, and their eyes were locked on the details. Their hearts, apparently, were with HM the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who passed away on Oct 13 last year. At the Fine Arts Department's Office of Traditional Arts in Nakhon Pathom, two groups of 20 men and women from all walks of life brought out their best during a recent audition where the office recruited volunteers to help official artisans build a royal urn and coffin and sculpt statues for decorating the royal crematorium.
Forever grateful
Life, Pichaya Svasti, Published on 15/02/2017
» 'My Dearest Khun Prisna, I am now in one of the most beautiful places. Our hotel's name is 'Castello del Sole' (Castle of the Sun). Isn't it chic? The name is like one in a fairy tale. This town is so cute. It has a bright-coloured lake and nice houses on slopes. Routes and paths criss-cross the hills. Colourful flowers blossom everywhere ..."