Showing 1 - 10 of 10
A giant in size and importance
Life, Pongpet Mekloy, Published on 14/01/2021
» Prasat Nakhon Luang is one of the largest examples of historical architecture in Ayutthaya. Its role in the politics of the old Siamese kingdom that the province was named after was as immense as its size.
Splendour in the city
Life, Pongpet Mekloy, Published on 22/10/2020
» At this time of year, a lot of Bangkokians would be looking forward to a visit to Wat Saket, home to the Golden Mount and the venue of one of the city's best-known temple fairs, which coincides with the Loy Krathong Festival.
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.
Songkran alternatives
Life, Pongpet Mekloy, Published on 04/04/2019
» In Thailand, April is usually the hottest time of year. But thanks to Songkran, it is also one of the most fun. With a few exceptions, in most parts of the Kingdom the water festival runs from April 13-15.
A town built with teak
Life, Pongpet Mekloy, Published on 27/09/2018
» A picture is worth a thousand words, so they say. But sometimes even a thousand pictures cannot say enough. The photos you see on this page show some of the many beautiful houses in Phrae's old town. But, of course, there is more than meets the eye. Each house has its own story, some also played an important part in the history of the town, and even that of the Kingdom.
Lighting up Lampang
Life, Pongpet Mekloy, Published on 10/05/2018
» Chae Son National Park in Lampang province is famous for its hot springs. However, not many people know that every April the park's geothermal area becomes the venue for nightly mass gatherings of cicadas. Perhaps even fewer people are aware that hidden in the back of the park headquarters, there's a road that goes across the forested mountain all the way to the popular Chiang Mai village of Mae Kam Pong.
A rugged beauty
Life, Pongpet Mekloy, Published on 18/05/2017
» As the glorious rays of the rising Sun advanced on the massive limestone canyon replacing any remnant of darkness, the true beauty of Oman's geological wonder Jabal Akhdar (Green Mountain) is gradually revealed before my eyes.
Get a head start on cycling safety
Life, Pongpet Mekloy, Published on 25/08/2016
» Cycling is not just about pedalling power. To enjoy the sport to the fullest and make sure you come home in one piece after the ride, you need to have some bike handling skills. A fast cyclist who doesn't know how to brake properly in a critical situation, for example, is a potential hazard to himself and anyone nearby.
Ghost riders in Suphan Buri
Life, Pongpet Mekloy, Published on 24/03/2016
» 'When I was young people believed there was a secret city on this hill. At night, sometimes they heard traditional music being carried by the wind down from the hilltop," Sompong Taengthap, also known as "Hang Nak 4", which is his radio call sign, related in a serious voice. He added that once his father could not be found for two days. When he finally returned home he thought the entire family was crazy because he didn't spend the night anywhere. All he did was go up the hill to collect bamboo shoots and stop for an afternoon nap at Phu Hang Nak.
A savour of the South
Life, Pongpet Mekloy, Published on 21/03/2013
» I often find myself spending more time looking at century-old photographs than more recently taken ones. Despite the dearth of colour, vintage pictures can be fascinating, often guiding you on mental journeys back through time to periods before any person alive today was even conceived.