Showing 1 - 9 of 9
A legacy lives on
Life, Pichaya Svasti, Published on 28/10/2016
» Many Thais were stunned by the recent news of the sale of the decades-old Swissotel Nai Lert Park Hotel to Thailand's biggest hospital group for development into a health resort. Shortly after, they sighed with relief when finding out that the entire Nai Lert business empire was not sold.
Home of the Iron Man of Laos
Life, Pichaya Svasti, Published on 05/03/2015
» When tourists go to the Unesco World Heritage site of Luang Prabang in Laos, many immediately think of the Buddhist temples and simple, yet beautiful way of life. This city also has some beautiful examples of French colonial and Lao vernacular architecture, like the Royal Palace Museum and old palaces like Villa Santi and Xiengkeo Palace.
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.
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.
New lease of life
Life, Pichaya Svasti, Published on 30/01/2014
» Entering the recently opened Siriraj Bimuksthan Museum, next to Siriraj Hospital, is like stepping back in time. Literally. For you are entering the high-ceilinged ticket hall of the Thon Buri (Bangkok Noi) railway station, a century-old space complete with oval-shaped period benches that was preserved intact after the last passengers disembarked here in October 2003.
Loy Krathong celebrations
Life, Pichaya Svasti, Published on 14/11/2013
» One of Thailand's most popular festivals, Loy Krathong, is back, although celebrations at most venues will be without entertainment as many Buddhists are mourning the death of the Supreme Patriarch. This year, the full-moon day of the 12th lunar month falls on Sunday.
Savouring a sylvan past
Life, Pichaya Svasti, Published on 22/08/2013
» In the late 1760s, when King Taksin was busy establishing his new capital in Thon Buri following the sacking of Ayutthaya, this was a sparsely populated frontier area. Those were unsettled times and the residents of this rural outpost probably lived in constant fear of attack by enemy troops.
Unveiling Antiquities
Life, Pichaya Svasti, Published on 29/04/2013
» Princely drama and art nouveau blend exquisitely in Parusakawan Palace. Once the private abode of princes and a king, whose stories were characterised by romance, heartbreak and splendour, the palace is now open to the public as it houses the first police museum in the country. A visit to the palace is to marvel at one of Thailand's finest examples of architecture and an evocation of aristocratic nostalgia.
East meets west in macau
Life, Pichaya Svasti, Published on 07/06/2012
» When it comes to Macau, many people think casinos. Yet, if you really come to Macau, you find much more than casinos and chips. Diverse cultures, interesting ways of life and unique cuisine are worth exploring.