Showing 1 - 10 of 12
A royal classic
Life, Pichaya Svasti, Published on 18/02/2019
» Clad in an elegant white suit, Her Royal Highness Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana, the youngest daughter of His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun, was seen enthusiastically monitoring rehearsals by the Royal Bangkok Symphony Orchestra (RBSO) prior to last Friday’s Romantic Variations, the 2019 opening season concert in honour of HM the King. Entrusted by her royal father to oversee the Royal Patronage of the RBSO Foundation since last year, her tireless efforts ensure that RBSO is progressing towards excellence and a world-class reputation.
Akha Swing Fest
Life, Pichaya Svasti, Published on 10/08/2017
» Until the end of next month, the "Akha Swing Festival 2017" takes place daily at all Akha villages in Chiang Rai, including the Centre for Social Development Unit 12 in Muang district, all day. It is one of the most important annual festivals for Akha hilltribe people in the province.
Celebrating the old capital
Life, Pichaya Svasti, Published on 04/01/2017
» Thon Buri turns 250 this year. For the occasion, authorities have planned a series of year-long celebrations to remember the past -- and present -- glory of the former capital of the Kingdom, whose significance to the history of Siam was momentous. Today Thon Buri is sometimes perceived as "the other side" of Bangkok, a sleepy, less glamorous district. But in truth, the area on the right bank of the river is a trove of historical riches, while its economic and cultural importance is integral to the development of the country.
High on fun, low on carbon
Life, Pichaya Svasti, Published on 03/03/2016
» About 60 Thai tourists enjoyed sea, sand and sun and participated in environmentally-friendly activities on the five islands of Trat during the recent three-day Low Carbon Holiday 2015. The success of the first official low-carbon tour in Thailand is proof the project is taking shape in Trat, about 300km from Bangkok.
Whale of a story
Life, Pichaya Svasti, Published on 27/08/2015
» Only 50km away from Bangkok, more than 50 Bryde's whales swim in the Gulf of Thailand. Whale-watching tourism has a bright future since Thailand is the only Asean country where people can see Bryde's whales.
Krabi's hidden wonder
Life, Pichaya Svasti, Published on 07/04/2015
» Krabi's reputation as a tourist destination on the Andaman coast needs no promotion. But apart from its famous beaches and islands, the province has several important archaeological sites, including the oldest site in Thailand and Asia, the Lang Rongrien Rockshelter. A recent Fine Arts Department trip to Krabi revealed the significance of these archaeological sites as well as man's impact on them.
Travelling towards neighbourly understanding
Life, Pichaya Svasti, Published on 06/03/2015
» In December, I expressed concerns about the bad reputation of Chinese tourists in Thailand and other countries. Unfortunately, problems caused by them have persisted and many Thais have started to react. Last month, Wat Rong Khun in Chiang Rai imposed a temporary ban on Chinese tourists after some of them dirtied the temple's toilets. Days later, a picture showed a Chinese tourist kicking sacred bells at a temple in Chiang Mai. Many Thais were understandably outraged.
Time for action against 'troublemaking' Chinese
Life, Pichaya Svasti, Published on 18/12/2014
» The series of troubles and embarrassments caused by Chinese tourists over the past few years has continued, but never fails to take me by surprise.
Culture on a string
Life, Pichaya Svasti, Published on 29/10/2014
» While the epic Ramakien is told through nang talung, the art of shadow puppetry from southern Thailand, a shadow puppet from Hamburg, Germany, will portray a child waking up in the middle of the night.
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.