Showing 1 - 10 of 10
A stroll back in time
Life, Pongpet Mekloy, Published on 02/07/2020
» A refreshing breeze blew from the other side of the river, greeted by cheerfully rustling leaves of land and aquatic plants along its expansive path. Different kinds of egrets, thanks to their sizes and bright white plumage, could easily be spotted foraging near the waterside, but faint chirps in the air also revealed the presence of numerous other birds hiding among the foliage. In the river, a monitor lizard emerged from the dense floating patches of water hyacinth and swam leisurely in the open to the far bank. Meanwhile, along the lively yet tranquil waterway line traditional-style wooden houses built on tall stilts, some with boats moored at the water's edge.
Back to the basics
Life, Pongpet Mekloy, Published on 02/01/2020
» On the breezy top of the limestone cliff on the east side of Doi Pha Phueng, 1,600m above sea level, I zipped up my jacket and let the sights and sounds of the natural surroundings soak in. Before me was a sea of forest-clad mountains, bathed in the warm rays of the morning Sun. The air was filled with blissful silence, with faint songs from invisible birds occasionally seeping in from the canopy below.
Return to Prasae River
Life, Pongpet Mekloy, Published on 23/05/2019
» It was early in the afternoon. The Sun was high in the sky, blasting down rays so scorching as if they were meant to kill. But in the winding narrow river along which our boat was leisurely cruising, the ambience was pleasant, thanks to the light yet refreshing breeze, and the thick greenery along both banks that provided comfortable shade.
Outing extraordinaire
Life, Pongpet Mekloy, Published on 25/04/2019
» Less than 40km from the capital and packed with an assortment of attractions, Nakhon Pathom's districts of Nakhon Chai Si and Phutthamonthon (the latter neighbouring Bangkok's Thawi Watthana district) are a great destination for a day trip.
Smart and organic
Life, Pongpet Mekloy, Published on 01/08/2018
» Two events on alternative agriculture are taking place this weekend in Bangkok and Chiang Mai.
A closer look at a royal study centre
Life, Pongpet Mekloy, Published on 26/10/2017
» A full year has passed but millions of Thais still mourn the loss of beloved monarch King Bhumibol Adulyadej who had dedicated much of his seven-decade reign to improving the living conditions of Thai people across the country through almost 4,000 projects.
Following history's trail
Life, Pongpet Mekloy, Published on 19/10/2017
» During the Ayutthaya Period, Queen Suriyothai was killed while trying to defend her husband King Maha Chakkraphat during a battle with invading Burmese forces.
Cycling around Sapa
Life, Pongpet Mekloy, Published on 13/10/2016
» Visiting Sapa -- the gateway to Fansipan, Vietnam and Indochina's tallest peak -- used to be on my bucket list. But over the past years since I gave up trekking and engaged more in bike riding, the small mountain town in northeastern Vietnam was edged out of the list by numerous other destinations. Recently, however, Sapa was once again blinked on my radar.
A drought of understanding
Life, Pongpet Mekloy, Published on 09/05/2016
» Tonight there will be a new moon. According to the Thai lunar calendar, tomorrow will be the first day of the sixth month. And that reminds me of the classic Thai country song Fon Duen Hok (Rain Of The Sixth Month) and its famous description of rice fields at this time of year, when the air is moist with light rain and filled with the resonating frog calls that mark the beginning of monsoon season.
Nakhon Si Thammarat is a place for all seasons
Life, Pongpet Mekloy, Published on 11/10/2012
» Mention Nakhon Si Thammarat and the image of the province's most revered Phra Borommathat pagoda would pop up in the mind of many Thais. That, perhaps, is followed by the famous sat duen sip ceremony, the grand event in which locals gather to make merit for their deceased relatives; nang talung shadow puppets; manorah folk performance and many more.