Showing 1 - 8 of 8
Exploring Thailand in one day
Life, Pichaya Svasti, Published on 26/04/2018
» Thirty-six years ago, the 10-year-old me felt excited to see the replicas of more than 100 historic monuments, life-sized and smaller, in one place. Many other Thai students must feel the same since one of the must-sees on any school study trip is Muang Boran (Ancient Siam) in Samut Prakan province. Nowadays, Muang Boran has become a Thai art and culture learning centre and also a popular setting for the filming of TV series and movies.
To the beat of the drum
Life, Pichaya Svasti, Published on 29/06/2017
» Nan is a northern city which was founded more than 700 years ago, and has unique art and culture. Its people have a proverb saying that Nan's heavenly sounds are "the sound of beating gongs and drums", "the sound of rice-pounding mortars" and "the sound of scripture-reciting monks". They believe the city continues to prosper as long as it is rich in food and resources, the people live comfortably, Buddhist monks are good and the sound of musical instruments and the puja drums resonate as offerings to the Lord Buddha.
Angel delight is a passing fad
Life, Pichaya Svasti, Published on 28/01/2016
» Angel child dolls, or luk thep in Thai, have become widely known since the middle of last year and increasingly popular, especially among those in the entertainment business who believe the dolls bring them good fortune. The trend for luk thep -- dolls with added spirits of angels that are believed to have the power to fulfill the wishes of their owners -- has become a centre of criticism since a number of owners treat their dolls as if they are real infants in public.
Winter fair in Phetchaburi
Life, Pichaya Svasti, Published on 18/12/2014
» From Dec 26 to Dec 28, a winter fair will be held at Mrigadayavan Palace in Phetchaburi province from 8am-6pm. Visitors can enjoy the beauty of King Rama VI's former palace and view the "Three Royal Ladies Of Siam" exhibition on the lives and work of that king's mother, Queen Saovabha Phongsri, his only child Princess Bejraratana Rajsuda and one of his consorts Phra Nang Chao Suvadhana. The display shows reproductions of their jewellery, antiques and photos. In addition, there will be cultural performances, traditional Thai and contemporary music, delicacies and high tea. Admission fees are 30 baht for adults and 15 baht for children.
A mountain palace
Life, Pichaya Svasti, Published on 18/12/2014
» Anyone travelling to the south of Thailand by car or bus must have noticed a palace atop a mountain at the entrance of Phetchaburi town along Phetkasem Road. Many Thais know this place as Khao Wang, but not all of them have visited the summer palace of King Rama IV, or King Mongkut, and even known its full name, Phra Nakhon Khiri.
The circus comes to town
Life, Pichaya Svasti, Published on 04/12/2014
» During last month's Harmony World Puppet Carnival Bangkok Thailand 2014, audiences had the rare opportunity to experience the art of puppetry from 80 countries in one place — Rattanakosin Island, the old quarter of Bangkok. More than 100 stages and street shows were inspired by history, pop culture, social situations and used traditional forms of puppetry as well as influences of other performing arts such as circus. Many shows brought smiles, laughter and tears, and many were thought-provoking.
Should single people subsidise a baby boom?
Life, Pichaya Svasti, Published on 11/09/2013
» Many were flabbergasted last Thursday to hear reports of a suggestion made by economist Terdsak Chomtohsuwan that the government should provide subsidies to parents having their first child while introducing a tax on single people. The academic reasoned that Thailand risks future labour shortages and a population-age imbalance and will have to spend huge sums of money to support the increasing number of elderly citizens. At the same time, the number of people in employment and teenagers soon to enter the workforce is on the decrease.
Stepping back in time
Life, Pichaya Svasti, Published on 10/07/2012
» Standing tall in a tiny alley off Lan Luang Road is a two-storey wooden house with a gabled roof. Today the structure is in a sorry state, with the walls, floors and window frames all badly in need of repair.