• THAILAND

  The flora of Laos

  Life, Pichaya Svasti, Published on 13/09/2018

  » Located on the west side of the Mekong River opposite the Lao heritage town Luang Prabang is Pha Tad Ke Botanical Garden. Opened around a year ago, the garden collects Lao plant species with the aim to conserve Laos' rich biodiversity and traditional ethnobotanical knowledge. It showcases a series of ethnobotanical gardens as well as clusters of ginger, orchids, ferns, bamboo and palms around the base of the Pha Tad Ke cliff overlooking the river.

• LIFE

  In praise of a master

  Life, Pichaya Svasti, Published on 13/08/2018

  » One bold pencil stroke after another, Chakrabhand Posayakrit drew a portrait of his physical therapist using his left hand.

• TECH

  Apping out the royal funeral

  Life, Pichaya Svasti, Published on 12/10/2017

  » With heavy hearts, Thais do not want the day of the royal cremation for their beloved King Bhumibol Adulyadej to come, but must accept the truth. In greater Bangkok, mourners can present sandalwood flowers for the royal funeral at 114 assembly points on Oct 26.

• LIFE

  Under the red roof

  Life, Pichaya Svasti, Published on 06/03/2017

  » For over a century, Thais have been familiar with the slang term "langkha daeng", meaning "red roof". If someone says, "go to langkha daeng", it mockingly or cruelly means, "you're crazy, just go to an insane asylum", because Thailand's first psychiatric hospital had its roof painted red. This colloquial phrase is used so widely that a Thai movie about the lives of the mentally disturbed was named Langkha Daeng and became a big hit in 1987.

• TRAVEL

  A Show in Phimai

  Life, Pichaya Svasti, Published on 16/02/2017

  » On Feb 25, the Tourism Authority of Thailand's (TAT) Nakhon Ratchasima Office presents a light and sound show entitled Wimaya Nattakan (Heavenly Dances) from 5-8pm at Phimai Historical Park in Phimai district, Nakhon Ratchasima.

• LIFE

  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.

• TRAVEL

  Back to nature

  Life, Pichaya Svasti, Published on 08/12/2016

  » Kanchanaburi has long been a popular destination for day trippers. However, the scenic Sai Yok National Park and several caves and rafting on the Kwae Noi River seem overlooked by Thai tourists. These places are worth visits besides the infamous Death Railway and the Hollywood-misnamed "Bridge On The River Kwai" that remain popular tourist spots.

• LIFE

  Sad, melancholic rhythms

  Life, Pichaya Svasti, Published on 31/10/2016

  » Since Oct 14, one day after the passing of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the sounds of conch shells, bugles, pipes and drum beats, followed by the melancholic tones of classical music, have been heard from the Grand Palace six times a day. Each session lasts about 15 minutes and often makes many mourners nationwide burst into tears. This royal tradition is called prakhom yumyam.

• TRAVEL

  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.

• LIFE

  A palace of art and nature

  Life, Pichaya Svasti, Published on 20/10/2016

  » Mrigadayavan Palace, the summer palace of King Rama VI located on a beach in Cha-am, is known primarily as a cultural attraction. But caretakers also want it to be recognised as a learning centre and this has led to the project that opens the Archive Room to the public in conjunction with two art exhibitions that will run through next January.

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