Showing 71 - 80 of 122
Whale watch
Life, Pichaya Svasti, Published on 14/08/2015
» Campaigners and government agencies are determined to add the mesmerising Bryde's whale to the conserved species list
Our ageing society is on creaky foundations
Life, Pichaya Svasti, Published on 19/06/2015
» My increasing grey hair and fine lines and referring to the young generation as "people these days" are among signs that I am ageing. Although I have long admitted I am old and must prepare myself for a lonely retirement, I am not quite ready for it and the latest news made me feel pessimistic about the future.
Ecotourism in Trat
Life, Pichaya Svasti, Published on 25/06/2015
» When it comes to a community where people of different religions live happily together and co-operate for the success of sustainable tourism, Ban Nam Chieo in Laem Ngop district of Trat springs to mind for many Thai eco-tourism advocates.
Temple fair in Bangkok
Life, Pichaya Svasti, Published on 04/06/2015
» From June 7-14, celebrations of the 150th anniversary of Wat Ratchapradit Sathitmahasimaram, King Rama IV's symbolic temple, will take place from 5-10pm on the temple grounds and in front of Saranrom Palace near the Grand Palace, Bangkok.
Finding dhamma in Yangon
Life, Pichaya Svasti, Published on 21/05/2015
» Although Myanmar has opened itself up to tourism for almost two decades, the old capital city Yangon and its suburbs can still boast largely unexplored Buddhist art and culture.
Relentlessly ambitious Dubai
Life, Pichaya Svasti, Published on 02/04/2015
» Over the past five decades, Dubai has rapidly grown from a small fishing village into a multicultural metropolis full of skyscrapers, shopping malls, restaurants and tourist attractions. This major port city in the United Arab Emirates, situated by the sea and desert, is halfway between Asia and Europe. It is the home of some 200 nationalities, and where old and modern cultures blend in harmony.
Travelling towards neighbourly understanding
Life, Pichaya Svasti, Published on 06/03/2015
» In December, I expressed concerns about the bad reputation of Chinese tourists in Thailand and other countries. Unfortunately, problems caused by them have persisted and many Thais have started to react. Last month, Wat Rong Khun in Chiang Rai imposed a temporary ban on Chinese tourists after some of them dirtied the temple's toilets. Days later, a picture showed a Chinese tourist kicking sacred bells at a temple in Chiang Mai. Many Thais were understandably outraged.
Time for action against 'troublemaking' Chinese
Life, Pichaya Svasti, Published on 18/12/2014
» The series of troubles and embarrassments caused by Chinese tourists over the past few years has continued, but never fails to take me by surprise.
Works in progress?
Life, Pichaya Svasti, Published on 09/10/2014
» It was about 130 years ago that Thai Buddhists of Mon descent started making use of the sala kan parian, or "preaching pavilion", at Wat Tha Kham in the Bangkok district of Bang Khunthian. Since the pavilion was situated right next to the canal it was the first structure in the temple compound people would encounter after disembarking from their boats.
Sunflower Festival in Lop Buri
Life, Pichaya Svasti, Published on 13/11/2014
» From the end of this month until the middle of January, several big fields in Lop Buri will bloom with beautiful blossoming sunflowers. The spectacular floral views provide ideal photo opportunities.