Showing 1 - 10 of 15
Unseen Thailand
Guru, Suthivas Tanphaibul, Published on 04/02/2022
» Have you ever wondered why having your hair cut on Wednesday is considered a bad omen in Thai culture? What if Thais embraced their honey complexions instead of whitening it? How did the lottery become a national pastime? We've collected untold stories from Thai history that may make you go "huh!".
Stop and smell the miang kam
B Magazine, Published on 22/12/2019
» The number of traditional Thai snacks has sadly diminished over time. One old favourite, miang kam, is a savoury snack that requires meticulous skill to prepare. Its many ingredients are, however, readily available in the kitchen to achieve the perfect balance of flavours.
Remembering A Prince Of Art
Life, Pichaya Svasti, Published on 29/04/2019
» After two years of temporary closure for restoration, Ban Plainern, the residence of the late Prince Narisaranuvattiwongse -- the Great Craftsman of Siam -- is today reopened for a special occasion. Every year, the Naris Foundation and the Chitrabongs family celebrate Naris Day, the prince's birthday, by opening up the residence in Bangkok's Klong Toey district to distinguished guests on April 28 and to the public all day on April 29.
Performing arts for the royal funeral
Life, Pichaya Svasti, Published on 23/10/2017
» On the grounds of Sanam Luang this Thursday, dancers will dance, puppeteers will weave their magic and singers will croon sad songs. This is the time of mourning, but there is a centuries-old tradition of the royal court to host festivities on the occasion of a royal funeral. A wide range of majestic performances will grace the stages from 6pm on the royal cremation day until early the following morning.
Heavenly rides
Life, Pichaya Svasti, Published on 05/08/2017
» Like a journey through clouds towards heaven, marvellous royal chariots and vehicles will be moving smoothly and gracefully around the Grand Palace and Sanam Luang in a stunning procession for the royal funeral of the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej on Oct 26. Amid great sorrow and mourning, everyone will be mesmerised by the grandeur of the royal ceremonies befitting the great king.
An almost forgotten glory
Life, Published on 28/06/2018
» It was a fine sunny day when more than 70 culture vultures strolled the old Front Palace (Wang Na), the palace of viceroys in the early Rattanakosin period, near Sanam Luang, to learn about its history, importance and changes. Anyone wanting to know the old palace as more than just the National Museum Bangkok can follow the footsteps of the recent "Walk With The Cloud: The Hidden Palace", led by Khun Sirikitiya Jensen, an official of the Fine Arts Department and the youngest daughter of Princess Ubolratana.
The volunteer spirit
Life, Published on 24/10/2017
» Over 2 million Thais registered to serve as volunteers during the royal cremation period, carrying out several unpaid tasks, at Sanam Luang and elsewhere, from venue preparation, catering, public information services and funeral flower distribution to first aid and traffic safety. Here we talk to some of them about their duties and their pride in serving King Bhumibol one last time.
A beautiful responsibility
Life, Pichaya Svasti, Published on 05/06/2017
» Immediately after the passing of King Bhumibol Adulyadej on Oct 13 last year, a team of Fine Arts Department architectural specialists began their work to design the royal crematorium. Kokiart Thongphud -- known as the trusted right-hand man of the late architect Arwut Ngernchuklin, who designed several previous royal crematoriums -- knew that the responsibility would fall on his shoulders. That night his brain began to whirl, his hands skilfully moving the pencil, rulers and paper, his eyes focusing on the details.
Ceremonial splendour
Life, Atiya Achakulwisut, Published on 30/01/2017
» Tongthong Chandransu is the name that comes to the mind of most people when they think about royal ceremonies. His narration of these events, a familiar element during their broadcast, is always filled with insightful facts and wondrous anecdotes about Thai history and centuries-old culture.
Full circle after 24 years
B Magazine, Andrew Biggs, Published on 28/08/2016
» Greetings from Nakhon Pathom. This week your favourite columnist finds himself in a hotel room for five days in this little town just west of Bangkok. "Little town" is hardly a good description, though it was certainly that way when I first visited here a quarter of a century ago. Bangkok has since extended her tentacles, swallowing up the likes of Samut Prakan, Nonthaburi and Minburi.