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
Thai Culture
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. On this occasion, Thai-Chinese people greet with the phrase ซินเจียยู่อี่ ซินนี่ฮวดไช้ Sin Jia Yoo Ee … [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
Father’s Day in Thailand
One of the most important days in Thailand is Father's day (วันพ่อแห่งชาติ, wan-pôr-hàng-châart) It is celebrated on December 5 which is the birthday of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej (วันเฉลิมพระชนมพรรษา, wan-chà-lěrm-prá-chon-má-pan-săa), the monarch of Thailand. King's birthday is a national holiday and is celebrated all over the country. December 5, 2015 is the … [Read more...] about Father’s Day in Thailand
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)
“Nang Kwak” The Goddess of Wealth
นางกวัก /naang gwàk/ is a lady spirit who is traditionally believed that whoever has her in will enjoy brisk business through its mysterious attraction. The Thai Legend of Nang Kwak is highly revered as the Goddess of Wealth or Patron Saint of all Merchants. Nang Kwak is one of the best known legend in Thailand that dates back before Buddhism even reach Thailand. The hand … [Read more...] about “Nang Kwak” The Goddess of Wealth
Thai Coronation Day
Coronation Day (วันฉัตรมงคล [wan chat-mong-kol]) The coronation of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej took place on 5 May 1950. His Majesty is the ninth King of the Chakri Dynasty. On 5 May of every year, the Thai people rejoice and express their affection and loyalty to him by organizing a celebration on his coronation day. Prior to the reign of King Rama IV (King … [Read more...] about Thai Coronation Day
Staying Sane at Songkran
Songkran celebrations allow tourists to experience part of the rich, ancient traditions and rituals of Thailand. Here are some simple Dos and Don’ts. Do Feel free to donate alms to monks Remember to use waterproof or Ziploc bags to protect your belongings if you’re participating in water fights. Say ‘Sawatdee Bpee Mai’ (watch this video to learn other useful … [Read more...] about Staying Sane at Songkran
VIDEO: Songkran Song
During Songkran festival in Thailand, this song called รำวงวันสงกรานต์ Ram Wong Wan Songkran is played everywhere. In case you would like to sing along, here are the lyrics. วันนี้เป็นวันสงกรานต์ wan-níi bpen wan sŏng-graan Today is Songkran day หนุ่มสาวชาวบ้านเบิกบานจิตใจจริงเอย nùm săao chaao-bâan bèrk-baan jai gan jing eoi Young male and … [Read more...] about VIDEO: Songkran Song
Thai scented water and White clay filler
Sawatdee ka, Songkran is one of the most important festivals for all Thai! Click here to read more about Songkran. I am ready to go! Do you have any equipment for Songkran? Besides a water gun (which is not a compressive pressure one. I am afraid I will hurt other people if I use those big compressive pressure guns) I also have white clay filler (ดินสอพอง Din Saw … [Read more...] about Thai scented water and White clay filler
Eat Like A Thai – Khao Rat Gaeng
One of the things we love so much about Thailand is the abundance of delicious food everywhere from luxury to basic street food. One common way to dine in Thailand is going to a khao Raat Gaeng stall which are everywhere in Thailand. ข้าวราดแกง /kâao râad gaeng/ is what thai call the dishes that are already prepared and ready to eat. You just walk to the vendor, … [Read more...] about Eat Like A Thai – Khao Rat Gaeng
National Thai Elephant Day
Credit photo : Flickr by Madeline Snow March 13th marks the 15th iteration of Annual National Thai Elephant Day (วันช้างไทย) – The Secretariat of The Prime Minister appointed this date since 1998 to attract attention to Thailand’s national symbol. The National Elephant Day is not a holiday in Thailand. I don’t think a lot of people of the nation realize such a day … [Read more...] about National Thai Elephant Day
Exotic Thai Food: Spicy Raw Ant Eggs Salad
I am from Southern Thailand, but I love to eat Isan food (Northeastern Thai food), I believe all Thai do. Northeastern Thai street vendors or restaurants are in every corner of Thailand. The food of Isan is very hot and flavored with pungent herbs and seasonings. The common Isan dishes you perhaps have tried or heard of are ส้มตำ Som Tam (Shredded green papaya, tomatoes, hot … [Read more...] about Exotic Thai Food: Spicy Raw Ant Eggs Salad
Awesome Jump Shot Photos
Did you know that Thai people always do "the jump shot"?. It’s exactly what it sounds like, you jump in the air and get someone else to take a photo of you looking fabulously awesome and happy. Here are some of my Jump Shot photos: This is in Phu Kradueng National Park (อุทยานแห่งชาติภูกระดึง) Beach group jump shot is a must! … [Read more...] about Awesome Jump Shot Photos
Thai National Anthem เพลงชาติไทย
Thai National Anthem เพลงชาติไทย /pleeng châad tai/ In Thailand, you will hear the Thai national anthem played every day at 8am and 6pm. Every TV and radio station plays it, and it will be played over government building speaker systems, at the sky train and underground in Bangkok, bus stations, in parks and in most other public places. Thai schools also play the national … [Read more...] about Thai National Anthem เพลงชาติไทย
Loi Kratong Song Lyrics
This week is the week of Loy Krathong day, this year it falls on Nov 17th, 2013. (If you are not sure what this festival is, click here to learn more about it) I have been hearing the Loy Krathong song everywhere I go and also in the local TV. It is kind of catchy so I have this song playing in my head over and over. In case you would like to sing along, here are the … [Read more...] about Loi Kratong Song Lyrics
15 Common Thai Superstitions and Beliefs
If you are familiar with the Thai culture or have Thai friends, I am sure you know that all 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. Although I don't really believe in any superstitions, I think these are worth sharing. 1. ห้ามตัดผมวันพุธ Do not cut the hair on … [Read more...] about 15 Common Thai Superstitions and Beliefs
9 Auspicious Thai Desserts
I have a sweet-tooth. I like all kind of desserts, western and Thai. Recently, I just found a store near my house selling my childhood Thai sweets called ฝอยทอง Foy Tong. I was so happy and have been going back to buy it almost every week (that means more exercise too!). Anyway, I was thinking about the word "ทอง /tong/" that many Thai desserts consist of the word ทอง 'tong' … [Read more...] about 9 Auspicious Thai Desserts
Thai Idiom – Sprinkling Coriander on the Face
What am I doing? I am just trying to teach you a common Thai idiom. : ) In the Thai idiom and psychology, face is the most important thing. We can lose our fortune, but we can't lose our face. Face is not just the body part where we want it to look nice; it is about pride, dignity and social standing. Some people may lose face เสียหน้า /sĭa nâa/, some people may … [Read more...] about Thai Idiom – Sprinkling Coriander on the Face