Showing 81 - 90 of 133
Buddha goes 21st century
Life, Pichaya Svasti, Published on 23/10/2014
» When it comes to the Wat Debsirin, many Thais think of a temple with the country's only permanent royal crematorium. Only a few know that the temple was named after the mother of King Rama V. Even fewer know that Thailand's first Lord Buddha Museum was recently opened in its compound.
The second Vegetarian Festival nationwide
Life, Pichaya Svasti, Published on 09/10/2014
» According to Taoist tradition, the Vegetarian Festival started in China, but has since become a tradition in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand. It lasts for nine days and nine nights in the ninth lunar month.
Radiance reburnished
Life, Pichaya Svasti, Published on 18/09/2014
» Standing tall and graceful in the compound of a Thai-Chinese school near Hua Lamphong railway station is a villa built in a mixture of European styles. Its exterior features identify it as a fine period building, although the architectural style is not easily categorised. It is only when one ventures indoors, however, that the true glory of Phraya Sri Thammathirat's former residence is revealed.
City of 11 gates
Life, Pichaya Svasti, Published on 28/08/2014
» Situated right in the middle of Isan, the country's northeastern region, 512km from Bangkok by road, Roi Et has been a major settlement for more than 300 years. It was once called Saket Nakhon and referred to as "a large city with 11 gates and 11 vassal cities", but in modern-day terms it would be more accurately described as a medium-sized market town.
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.
Class is now in session
Life, Pichaya Svasti, Published on 05/06/2014
» Debsirin School, for many Thais, brings to mind excellent education and an outstanding soccer team.
Flowers in the mist
Life, Pichaya Svasti, Published on 22/05/2014
» On June 1, the three-month-long season for everyone to enjoy the beautiful Dok Krachiao, or Siam Tulip, and the sea of mist in Pa Hin Ngam National Park, Chaiyaphum province, will officially begin with celebrations.
Rare ceremony in Uttaradit
Life, Pichaya Svasti, Published on 08/05/2014
» From May 13-21, the Atthamee Bucha ceremony will be performed at Wat Phra Borommathat Thung Yang in Lap Lae district, Uttaradit province. Held eight days after Visakha Bucha Day, which falls on the full-moon day of the sixth lunar month, for over five decades in this northern province, this event depicts the cremation of the Lord Buddha and is rare in Thailand.
The confidant of kings
Life, Pichaya Svasti, Published on 07/04/2014
» He was the sole tutor of two Thai monarchs — King Ananda Mahidol, Rama VIII, and HM King Bhumibol Adulyadej. In Switzerland in 1936, Cleon Seraidaris, a lawyer, started guiding the young King Rama VIII and Prince Bhumibol towards their educational goals. Up until his death in 1997, his close ties and devotion to HM the King and the royal family of Thailand remained strong.
A town of temples
Life, Pichaya Svasti, Published on 20/03/2014
» It was a bright, sunny day in Nonthaburi. As we set off on a sight-seeing trip along the Chao Phraya, the prow of our chartered boat kicked up a refreshing spray of fine water droplets from the surface of the river. We had all been invited to take part in one of the annual boat excursions organised by Nakhon Nonthaburi Municipality and throughout the day we would we hopping on and off this vessel to visit historic and cultural attractions, including several temples featuring fine examples of art and architecture from the Ayutthaya and early Rattanakosin periods.