Showing 1 - 10 of 17
Where royal souls reside
Life, Pichaya Svasti, Published on 21/12/2017
» Apart from Wat Bowon Niwet, which is King Bhumibol Adulyadej's symbolic temple, Wat Ratchabophit on Ratchabophit Road is one of only two temples that enshrine his ashes. Since Nov 7, when the temple started permitting the general public to pay respects to the royal remains, many have flocked there for this purpose.
The final resting place
Life, Pichaya Svasti, Published on 23/11/2017
» Within walking distance from Bangkok's popular Khao San Road in Phra Nakhon district is one of Thailand's most important temples -- Wat Bowon Niwet. Since Oct 29, many have flocked to the temple to pay respects to the ashes of King Bhumibol Adulyadej, enshrined in the base of the principal Buddha image, Phra Phuttha Chinnasi.
Sophisticated art for royal funeral pyre
Life, Pichaya Svasti, Published on 25/10/2017
» A funeral pyre for cremating a deceased royal is decorated with beautifully arranged flowers, carved banana stalks and fruits, and colourful papers as part of the royal paraphernalia. The funeral pyre for the royal cremation of King Bhumibol Adulyadej is more magnificent than anything ever made -- sophisticated handmade art fit for a great monarch.
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.
Floral merit-making
Life, Pichaya Svasti, Published on 06/07/2017
» To mark Asarnha Bucha and Khao Phansa days, special activities will be held at a number of Buddhist temples in Bangkok from Saturday to Monday.
Steampunk special
Life, Pichaya Svasti, Published on 23/03/2017
» Sometimes, people wish they could turn back the clock to the "good old days". Thus visiting ancient places and collecting antiques is trendy, especially in Thailand.
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.
River temples by a free boat
Life, Pichaya Svasti, Published on 30/07/2015
» It was both a sunny and rainy day in Nonthaburi province. Sprays of water were sprinkling our skin as a chartered boat whisked us down the Chao Phraya River around Koh Kret, an island where the descendants of Mon immigrants during the Thonburi period live and still maintain their Mon culture. Throughout this five-hour trip, we hopped on and off the boat to visit 10 temples on and around Koh Kret during the Nonthaburi Provincial Administration Organisation's annual boat excursion project. The PAO provides two free five-hour boat trips per day on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays until the end of September. Temples on the list feature good examples of the Ayutthaya and Rattanakosin periods' architecture, art and murals.
Remembering the importance of community
Life, Pichaya Svasti, Published on 06/11/2014
» Situated in the two old buildings of Thailand's first school for printing press operators near Phra Sumen Fort in Bangkok, is the Pipit Bang Lamphu Museum.
The royal chariot awaits
Life, Pichaya Svasti, Published on 25/09/2014
» Stepping into a studio at the Office of Traditional Arts in Nakhon Pathom, I was immediately in awe of the exquisite beauty of the two glittering golden chariots that were being repaired for the royal cremation of the late Supreme Patriarch.