Visakha Bucha Day (วันวิสาขบูชา) or Wan Pra Yai วันพระใหญ่ marks the three important incidents in the life of Lord Buddha (พระพุทธเจ้า) on the same day - the full moon of the sixth lunar month. The three significant separate events are : 1. The Buddha's Birth (ประสูติ) 2. The Enlightenment of Buddha (ตรัสรู้) - While sitting under the Bodhi tree, he found his answer and … [Read more...] about วันวิสาขบูชา (Visakha Bucha Day)
Living in Thailand
Thailand’s New Banknotes with King Rama X
King Maha Vajiralongkorn, or King Rama X, ascended to the throne in December 2016. Now he’s finally taking his place on Thailand’s currency. According to a press release dated 8 March 2018, the Bank of Thailand plans to introduce the 17th series of notes. The fronts feature the new king, Maha Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun, and the backs features two kings in order … [Read more...] about Thailand’s New Banknotes with King Rama X
The Royal Crematorium
On October 13, 2016, a great sadness enveloped the people of Thailand, following the death of the late monarch, His Majesty the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej Boromnathbobitra (Rama IX) Even though it has been almost a year, the sadness never ceases. The royal funeral is scheduled for October 25-29, 2017, with the roal cremation itself taking place on October 26, between 5.30 … [Read more...] about The Royal Crematorium
Don Wai Riverside Market: A day out from the bustling Bangkok
One of the great excursions to do over the weekend is to visit one of the many floating markets within easy reach of Bangkok. The one that I visited last Sunday is called Don Wai Market (ตลาดดอนหวาย) which is in Nakhon Pratom Province (นครปฐม). My mom took me here before a couple of times when I was little and I haven't had a chance to revisit since, so it was nice to be back … [Read more...] about Don Wai Riverside Market: A day out from the bustling Bangkok
Traditional Songkran
Water wars are undoubtedly the focus of modern-day Songkran festivities but they are not the only mode of celebration. The festival is observed in a variety of other ways although is often the central theme. On the first day of Songkran, which is a day to honour the elderly, an old custom called Rod Nam Dum Hua (รดน้ำดำหัว) takes place. This ritual involves young people … [Read more...] about Traditional Songkran
10 Different Types of Krathongs for The Loi Krathong Festival
Loy Krathong is one of Thailand’s most important festivals. As the exact date of the holiday is determined by the Thai lunar calendar, the date is different each year. The festival normally falls in November. The festival starts in the evening when there is a full moon in the sky. Participants carry their Krathongs to the nearby rivers, canals, lake, or ponds. What is … [Read more...] about 10 Different Types of Krathongs for The Loi Krathong Festival
Food Review: Paleo Meal in Bangkok
I have never heard of Paleo food before until one day I went to a Bangkok’s farmer market in K-Village in the city’s downtown and bought a small portion to test. It was delicious but then I forgot about this concept of diet. I have been practicing yoga in the past two years and I am also interested in healthy food both Thai and international cuisine. Last month I got an … [Read more...] about Food Review: Paleo Meal in Bangkok
Thailand Vegetarian Festival is Now!
It's the most wonderful time of the year for Thailand's meat-averse, with the nation's Thai-Chinese population kicking off a 9-day vegan diet as part of the annual Vegetarian Festival (ประเพณีถือศีลกินเจ). Thailand Vegetarian Festival takes place for nine days and nine nights . (Some Thai people will hold the precepts for a total of 10 days.) The festival is celebrated on … [Read more...] about Thailand Vegetarian Festival is Now!
The Reasons Why You Want to Visit Hua Hin
Hua Hin is one of Thailand’s premier beach resort towns on the Gulf of Thailand. It is located less than 200 km south of Bangkok, making it one of the most popular weekend getaway destinations for city residents. "Huahin” pronounced “ Hua - Hin “ หัว Hua in Thai means head and หิน Hin means stone. Therefore, Hua Hin means “ Stone Head “ , was named after the rocks at the … [Read more...] about The Reasons Why You Want to Visit Hua Hin
Thai Wedding Party
Previously I talked about the beautiful and unique traditional Thai wedding many times. My younger sister just got married and it made me thinking that there are some interesting aspects in the wedding party in Thailand that are worth sharing. When Thai couples tie the knot, there are two wedding events; traditional Thai ceremony and the wedding party. Some couples do both … [Read more...] about Thai Wedding Party
One Day in Bangkok : 10 Things to Do and See
Bangkok is a fascinating city. There are lots of activities and attractions for everyone including interesting sites and delicious street food available in every corner - more than you could ever imagine. If you know someone who lives in Bangkok, you might already know that most of us often go to hang out in shopping malls and I assume that is because the weather in Bangkok … [Read more...] about One Day in Bangkok : 10 Things to Do and See
VIDEO: Songkran Festival
Songkran (Thai: สงกรานต์) is a traditional Thai New Year festival where people enjoy themselves by throwing water at each other. In Sanskrit, the word Songkran means ‘to pass’ or ‘move into’ and indicates the passing of the sun, moon and other planets into a new zodiac orbit. Songkran is celebrated on April 13th every year. If you are in Thailand, you would find yourself … [Read more...] about VIDEO: Songkran Festival
21 Interesting Facts About Thailand
Thailand’s name in the Thai language is Prathet Thai (ประเทศไทย), which means “Land of the Free". Thailand was actually called Siam throughout history; the name changed to Thailand in 1939. Thailand is the only country in Southeast Asia that has never been colonised by a European nation. Thailand’s national language is called Thai, which many scholars believe is a form of … [Read more...] about 21 Interesting Facts About Thailand
Chinese New Year in Thailand
Every year, many people in Thailand with Chinese ancestors which are called คนไทยเชื้อสายจีน /kon tai chúea-săai jiin/ (about 14% of the population of Thailand), celebrate the Chinese New Year which in Thai is called วันตรุษจีน (wan dtrùt jiin) with elaborate ceremonies. This year which is the Year of the Monkey (ปีวอก /bpii wâwk/) according to Chinese zodiac, Chinese New … [Read more...] about Chinese New Year in Thailand
10 Gifts You Shouldn’t Give to Your Loved One
Thai people are grown up with superstitious beliefs and taboos. Some are still believed to be true, and some are now used to tease friends. Giving a gift is a nice gesture but some items have negative meaning especially to your relationship. Here are 10 presents some Thai people might consider bringing bad luck; 1. Shoes รองเท้า /rawng - táao/ If you buy shoes for your … [Read more...] about 10 Gifts You Shouldn’t Give to Your Loved One
The Lake of Red Water Lilies – One of the World’s Strangest Lakes
Imagine rowing your boat through a sea of floating lotus flowers that expand as far as the eye can see. Dreamy? Yes, but also completely possible if you visit to one of the world's strangest lakes (according to CNN) in Northeastern Thailand (Isan, Esan). The Sea of Red Lotuses, or the Lake of Red Water Lilies or what local people call “Nong Han Kumphawapi Lake … [Read more...] about The Lake of Red Water Lilies – One of the World’s Strangest Lakes
Constitution Day
December 10th marks the Constitution Day, in Thai is "wan rat-ta-tam-ma-noon" (วันรัฐธรรมนูญ) which is held annually to commermorate the advent of the regime of Constitutional Monarchy in Thailand At the start of the 1930s, Thailand (then called '*สยาม Siam') was suffering economically from the effects of the great depression. The king at the time was Rama VII was seen by … [Read more...] about Constitution Day
Koh Lipe: The Andaman Last Virgin
Lipe island (เกาะหลีเป๊ะ) is a part of Tarutao Marine National Park (อุทยานแห่งชาติหมู่เกาะตะรุเตา). It is located in the Andaman Sea, around 40 kilometers from the town of Satun province or 22 kilometers off the shore from the Pak Bara Pier. The park borders the Muko Phetra National Park on the north and Malaysia sea border in the south. The park covers an area of about … [Read more...] about Koh Lipe: The Andaman Last Virgin
Mother’s Day (วันแม่แห่งชาติ)
Mother’s Day Celebrations in Thailand In Thailand, 12th of August is celebrated as the birthday of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit (Thai: สมเด็จพระนางเจ้าสิริกิติ์ พระบรมราชินีนาถ). As the Queen is also regarded as mother to all Thai people, this day is also celebrated as ‘Mother’s Day’ (วันแม่). The celebrations for the Queen and for mother are being held every year without … [Read more...] about Mother’s Day (วันแม่แห่งชาติ)
My Favourite Riverside Thai Restaurants
I love to eat out because I am working in my home office all day long, but I don’t like to spend a lot of time traveling to a place to eat so I usually go to a restaurant in Sukhumvit area where it can be reached by sky train or a short taxi ride form my home ( Asoke, Phrom Phong , Thongloe, Ekkamai ). However, sometimes I really want to change the scenery and go out from the … [Read more...] about My Favourite Riverside Thai Restaurants
