Showing 21 - 30 of 33
Temple fair in Bangkok
Life, Pichaya Svasti, Published on 04/06/2015
» From June 7-14, celebrations of the 150th anniversary of Wat Ratchapradit Sathitmahasimaram, King Rama IV's symbolic temple, will take place from 5-10pm on the temple grounds and in front of Saranrom Palace near the Grand Palace, Bangkok.
Dressing up what 'Thainess' means
Life, Pichaya Svasti, Published on 10/04/2015
» It is not an overstatement to say the past two weeks have been a happy time in my life in the wake of a new trend for Thais to wear traditional costumes in everyday life. The reason is simple — I collect Thai handwoven textiles and want to wear them often.
Works in progress?
Life, Pichaya Svasti, Published on 09/10/2014
» It was about 130 years ago that Thai Buddhists of Mon descent started making use of the sala kan parian, or "preaching pavilion", at Wat Tha Kham in the Bangkok district of Bang Khunthian. Since the pavilion was situated right next to the canal it was the first structure in the temple compound people would encounter after disembarking from their boats.
The right to refuse
Life, Pichaya Svasti, Published on 11/09/2014
» I was 17 when I started university. I remember feeling happy and more than willing to participate in welcome activities or initiation ceremonies. The longing to be among the cream of the crop was stronger than any other feeling I had, so refusal or objection to do so never crossed my mind. Fortunately the activities my faculty organised, in my opinion, never reached what is nowadays called “hazing”.
Behind the Thai mask
Life, Pichaya Svasti, Published on 15/08/2014
» Three men wearing white shirts and red jongkraben (traditional Thai trousers) are practising their khon dance performance in a classroom. From afar they look like your typical Thai masked dance experts, as their posture and movements are smooth and delicate. On closer inspection, however, you may notice something, or someone, out of place, at least according to popular perception. One of the dancers is 30-year-old Canadian Benjamin Tardif.
Let's go to Phu Soi Dao
Life, Pichaya Svasti, Published on 14/08/2014
» Until January next year, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT)'s Phrae office invites tourists who love adventure and nature to enjoy trekking at Phu Soi Dao National Park in Uttaradit province.
A king’s treasure
Life, Pichaya Svasti, Published on 03/07/2014
» Until Aug 31, the Fine Arts Department is hosting a special exhibition, “When East Meets West: A King’s Treasure At The Front Palace”, at the Issara Vinitchai Throne Hall in the compound of the Bangkok National Museum. This exhibition tells of the life and work of King Pin Klao, who was known as the “The Second King of Siam”, who symbolically shared the throne with his brother, King Rama IV who reigned Siam from 1851-1868. It features 77 selected antiques and art pieces, as well as a number of written documents and chronicles relating to the monarch.
Nurturing the grassroots
Life, Pichaya Svasti, Published on 12/06/2014
» Sprawling housing estates and the suburban campuses of several reputable universities are what Pathum Thani is best known for; plus the fact that it’s a convenient gateway to the towns and fertile farmland of the Central Plains. Even though it’s been open for more than a decade, surprisingly few people are aware that the province which borders Bangkok to the north is also the location of a vast museum set up in tribute to His Majesty the King and his lifelong mission to improve the lot of his many subjects who still scratch a living from the land.
A modern retelling of the cloth classics
Life, Pichaya Svasti, Published on 02/12/2013
» New creativity and age-old wisdom will find aesthetic balance next week, when the annual Jim Thompson Farm Tour in Pak Thong Chai district, Nakhon Ratchasima, begins.
Where past and present co-exist
Life, Pichaya Svasti, Published on 09/05/2013
» It is one of the capital's oldest districts, but mention its name to a foreign visitor and the first association will likely be with the bustling backpacker belt centred on Khao San Road. But to native Bangkokians and long-time residents, a reference to Bang Lamphu may summon up the gleaming-white image of Phra Sumen Fort, its crenellated ramparts dominating the Chao Phraya River and the approaches to Thon Buri, or make them long for Phra Arthit Road and its artsy little cafes or nostalgic for the time they first explored these winding streets and alleyways back when they were students at nearby Thammasat and Silpakorn universities.