Showing 1 - 10 of 19
Saving the best for last
Life, Pongpet Mekloy, Published on 25/03/2021
» After spending a couple of late morning hours exploring Photharam on my foldable e-bicycle, I found myself on an islet on the Mae Klong River that runs past the west side of the business district of this old town in Ratchaburi province. The seafood phad kaphrao and rice I had bought for breakfast but didn't have time to eat still looked tempting. With the cool tree shade, the refreshing river breeze and the tranquil natural surrounding, it was a splendid lunch.
Natural born killers
Life, Pongpet Mekloy, Published on 25/02/2021
» 'That's a peacock mantis," said Wissarut Sukhaket as he saw me observing a dull-looking little fellow in a nursery box at the Tropical Insect Sanctuary in Nakhon Ratchasima's Pak Chong district. "Want to know why it got such a name?"
Far from the madding crowds
Life, Pongpet Mekloy, Published on 13/08/2020
» While the Covid-19 pandemic and the resulting border closure has brought about considerable economic impact, not everything is bad news. At the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, which is part of the Grand Palace, the long-lost ambience of tranquillity has returned.
A place where time stands still
Life, Pongpet Mekloy, Published on 16/07/2020
» Despite what the science says, time seems to pass at different speeds. In areas like Si Yan, Samsen and Bang Krabue -- which are all part of Dusit district in Bangkok -- it's as if time hasn't passed into the 20th century.
Keeping an eye on worshippers
Life, Pongpet Mekloy, Published on 30/04/2020
» Wat Ratchabophit Sathit Maha Simaram on Fueang Nakhon Road in Bangkok's Phra Nakhon district is known for many things. Established 150 years ago under the order of King Rama V to be the symbolic temple of his reign, this important Buddhist place of worship houses the cremated remains of eight monarchs of the Chakri Dynasty and is the residence of the current Supreme Patriarch. Architecturally, the temple is a rare example of East-meets-West design, with an exterior that is distinctly Thai and interior showing strong Gothic influence.
Bees can help solve a jumbo problem
Life, Pongpet Mekloy, Published on 08/01/2020
» Conflicts between wild elephants and farmers living near forests can be severe in certain parts of Thailand. The problem happens when the pachyderms venture outside of their natural habitat to forage. That often results in villagers losing a year’s crops, elephants getting killed or both. But a non-violent solution is now a possibility, and the public can help make it happen.
Eye-opening adventure
Life, Pongpet Mekloy, Published on 19/12/2019
» To many Thais, me included, the mention of Sri Lanka will suddenly bring to mind Colombo, the capital, Ceylon tea, the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy, and some other religious sites. But what about Sri Lanka's southern coast? Hmm. Of course, there must be beaches and the sea. But what else?
A high day for dads
Life, Pongpet Mekloy, Published on 04/12/2019
» To mark Father's Day on Thursday, King Power Mahanakhon, the tallest skyscraper on the east side of the Chao Phraya River, has good news for Thai dads: free entry to its rooftop observation deck.
New tricks for an old dog
Life, Pongpet Mekloy, Published on 21/10/2019
» With the constant evolution of the internet and digital technology, the world has changed furiously fast. Many aspects of life are no longer the same. At the age of 51, I know full well if I want to survive another decade I've got to learn a new skill. So I took up aikido.
Where the Mekong ends
Life, Pongpet Mekloy, Published on 04/07/2019
» The Cai Rang Floating Market is one of the largest of its kind throughout the Mekong Delta in Southern Vietnam. Despite having gained such knowledge from a brief pre-trip research I wasn't expecting much when I slumbered my way onto the tour boat early in the morning to visit the place. Back home in Thailand I have seen too many floating markets already.