Showing 1 - 10 of 21
Pieces of silver
Life, Pichaya Svasti, Published on 11/12/2018
» One of Bangkok's grandest villas, once the private residence of princes, will be open to the public on Dec 15 and 16 for the "Unique Silver And Nielloware Exhibition At Chakrabongse House". As the name suggests, the exhibition features a stunning collection of silver and nielloware, as part of the release of a new book celebrating Thailand's rich heritage in these crafts. This is also a rare opportunity to visit the magnificent riverside villa of Chakrabongse House, opposite Wat Pho.
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.
Northern heritage
Life, Pichaya Svasti, Published on 03/08/2017
» Millions of people know Chiang Mai, a northern province of Thailand and the former capital city of Lanna Kingdom. However, few know Wiang Tha Kan, an ancient town from before Phaya Mangrai (1261-1311), the king of Hirunnakhon-ngoenyang on the Chiang Rai-Chiang Saen basin plain, established Lanna in 1296. Now located in San Pa Tong district of Chiang Mai, the ancient town is a historic site worthy of exploration.
Religious countdowns
Life, Pichaya Svasti, Published on 30/12/2016
» A number of Buddhists in Thailand will cross into the New Year tomorrow by chanting prayers at Sanam Luang, national and historical parks, shopping malls and temples nationwide as well as certain temples abroad.
Potty about pottery
Life, Pichaya Svasti, Published on 17/11/2016
» Sometimes, precious things are just under our nose. So is Sam Khok district of Pathum Thani province. Situated about 50km from the heart of Bangkok, Sam Khok is a centuries-old community dating to the early Ayutthaya Period about 600 years ago. Much of local history and art can be learned through temple visits in this area. One-day trips are good choices because of Sam Khok's close proximity to the capital and convenient routes.
Handle with care
Life, Pichaya Svasti, Published on 12/07/2016
» Around 2 million fascicles, or phuk, of manuscripts have been found so far in Thailand, massive records of ancient stories and knowledge mostly kept in temples. Many of them are in a sorry state, only about 10% of these manuscripts having been registered by the Fine Arts Department's Manuscripts and Inscriptions Group since 1975. The rest need the care of monks and local villagers to save them from the ravages of time.
Roads are a dammed hindrance
Life, Pichaya Svasti, Published on 25/09/2015
» Earlier this month, I visited the Thai-Danish Dairy Farm and Training Centre in Saraburi province and heard some terrible news. A guide told me that the farm's Burmese Rosewood (Pterocarpus macrocarpus) forest, home to over 10,000 naturally grown trees would soon be gone as it has been marked for land expropriation under a motorway project.
A dairy farm diary
Life, Pichaya Svasti, Published on 17/09/2015
» When it comes to the Muak Lek district of Saraburi and the nearby Pak Chong district of Nakhon Ratchasima, many immediately think of waterfalls, farms, vineyards, milk, steak and curry puffs. Although a large proportion of tourists flock to privately-owned farms and theme parks in the area, they may not know of the country's first dairy farm, despite its importance for agriculture and agro-tourism in Thailand.
Whale watch
Life, Pichaya Svasti, Published on 14/08/2015
» Campaigners and government agencies are determined to add the mesmerising Bryde's whale to the conserved species list
Slaying the beast of human-elephant conflict
Life, Pichaya Svasti, Published on 23/07/2015
» A Thai proverb says, "You can't hide a dead elephant with a lotus leaf". This means a guilty conscience needs no accuser. It is absolutely true. The consequences of last week's brutal killing of a family of three wild elephants at a meditation centre in Hua Hin district, Prachuap Khiri Khan, prove the rule of karma does exist. The tragic deaths made headlines and raised public concerns. Officials later found the three pachyderms were electrocuted. An employee of the meditation centre was finally arrested for erecting the electrified fence that killed the elephants. He was charged with hunting protected animals and faces up to four years imprisonment and a 40,000 baht fine under the Wildlife Conservation Act if found guilty.