Showing 1 - 10 of 14
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.
Thai boxing in Ayutthaya
Life, Pongpet Mekloy, Published on 14/03/2019
» From March 16-17, the World Wai Kru Muay Thai ceremony will be performed at the Ayutthaya Historical Park in Ayutthaya province. The 15th annual festival is aimed at showcasing Thai martial arts and paying respects to Nai Khanomtom, a famous Thai boxer during the Ayutthaya period. Nai Khanomtom Day falls on March 17.
Place of peace and tranquility
Life, Pongpet Mekloy, Published on 19/11/2020
» Ask any Thai to mention the names of the five islands that immediately come to mind, chances are Koh Sichang would be included in the shortlist, maybe even the first. This small island 12km off the coast of Si Racha, Chon Buri, is the closest to the capital.
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.
Southeast Asia's birding bubble
Life, Pongpet Mekloy, Published on 08/10/2020
» Normally at this time of year, Puwish Lenvaree would station himself in the forests of West Papua, an Indonesian province on New Guinea Island. Over the past three years, he routinely spent much of the latter half of each year on New Guinea and nearby islands such as Waigeo and Halmahera mainly because it's the mating season for birds-of-paradise, which occurs only in that part of the world.
Humble museum holds keys to past
Life, Pongpet Mekloy, Published on 10/09/2020
» Entering the main hall of Chiang Saen National Museum in its namesake border town 64km or so northeast of Chiang Rai downtown, I was greeted by three beautiful seated Buddha images from the 16th century. Each had a pretty chubby body and a round face with a prominent chin and a closed-lips smile, typical of Chiang Saen, aka Lanna, style.
Rainy days & getaways
Life, Pongpet Mekloy, Published on 04/06/2020
» Interprovincial travel is now possible, although with restrictions in certain cases. Historical parks and national museums are open. Many beaches are starting to see visitors from different provinces dying for a break from the unprecedented lockdown. Still, it's going to be a long while before tourism reaches the pre-pandemic level.
A time for solitude
Life, Pongpet Mekloy, Published on 26/03/2020
» Starting on Thursday, Thailand is under a state of emergency. Hopefully, this will help the country cope with the Covid-19 pandemic more effectively. At the time of writing, a full lockdown is not yet announced. But in line with the emergency decree, it's likely that social distancing will no longer be urged but enforced. Only with people staying calmly at home will it be possible to keep the highly contagious virus under control. China has shown that such stringent measures worked. If everybody complies, it should bring a good result here, too.
Suphan Buri style
Life, Pongpet Mekloy, Published on 23/01/2020
» Downtown Suphan Buri is home to a large number of people of Chinese descent. Even the Lak Muang shrine, where the city guardian statues are kept, was built in the Chinese style. So if you're looking for a place to celebrate the Lunar New Year, Suphan Buri is one of the destinations you should consider.
A royal visit, and ruins restored
Life, Pongpet Mekloy, Published on 05/12/2019
» HM King Bhumibol Adulyadej spent much of his 70-year reign travelling the length and breadth of the Kingdom, mainly to learn about the plights of his people and find out how to help them in a sustainable way. At numerous towns and villages, his royal visits are remembered as a major event in local history. Si Satchanalai in Sukhothai province is no exception.