Showing 1 - 10 of 56
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.
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.
Drawing on the history of old Bangkok
Life, Pongpet Mekloy, Published on 16/12/2020
» Exploring Rattanakosin Island and other old parts of the capital is increasingly popular among Bangkokians. With so many elegant temples and heritage buildings, these areas offer tons of photo opportunities. But instead of using a camera or a smartphone, how about recording your wonderful experience on paper with pencils and paintbrushes?
The temple of our concrete jungle
Life, Pongpet Mekloy, Published on 03/12/2020
» Each day countless numbers of Bangkokians commute past Wat Pathum Wanaram, the royal temple sandwiched between Siam Paragon and CentralWorld. Every day, they see it from the windows of their cars, buses or Skytrains. Few, however, actually step into the temple to learn more about it.
Phra Pathom Chedi fair up and running
Life, Pongpet Mekloy, Published on 29/10/2020
» Wat Phra Pathom Chedi in Nakhon Pathom province boasts not just the tremendous stupa that it is named after but also one of Thailand's largest temple fairs.
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.
Explore hidden gems outside Bangkok
Life, Pongpet Mekloy, Published on 24/09/2020
» The other day when I learned that the Tourism Society, an academic network of communities that run tourism operations, was planning an outing to Ban Sala Daeng Nuea and nearby sites of interest, my heart leapt with joy. This Mon community by the Chao Phraya River is one where the residents still cherish their cultural heritage. Located in Pathum Thani's Sam Khok district, which is only 37km or so from Pak Kret, Nonthaburi, where I live, Ban Sala Daeng Nuea and its namesake temple are among those places in adjacent provinces that I've long wanted to visit but somehow never got the chance to.
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.
Museum dedicated to revered monk Man Bhuridatto reopens
Life, Pongpet Mekloy, Published on 14/07/2020
» Not long before the lockdown began, a museum dedicated to one of Thailand's most respected monks opened at Wat Pathum Wanaram, the religious oasis in Siam-Ratchaprasong shopping district.