Thailand Stories

The Mon people of Samut Prakan traditionally celebrate Songkran a week later than the rest of the country. This year it was later than normal as it was held between 22nd and 24th April 2011. The celebrations started with a Miss Songkran Beauty Contest on Friday night. Then each night, along the waterfront, …

One of the more traditional events that takes place during Songkran is “song nam phra”. This is the practice of bathing Buddha images with rose scented water. Most tourists, and even some Thai teenagers, seem to think that Songkran is only about throwing water at each other. However, it was…

Songkran in Thailand has become famous around the world as one big water fight. However, in reality, there is a lot more to this festival which marks the start of the traditional Thai new year. These are some of the pictures that I took on the first day, 13th April. The day started early with prayers, chanting …

Some of the most beautiful parades that I have photographed are ones organized by the Mon people of Phra Pradaeng. They originally came from Southern Burma where they were once rulers of their own kingdom. Due to persecution and wars, they have fled their homeland and can be found in neighbouring countries such as Thailand. It is estimated…

There are many different places around Bangkok where you can celebrate Songkran this year. The most popular places for the water fights will most likely be Khao San Road and Silom Road. However, if you want to see a more traditional side of Songkran, then I…

At the weekend, we had a very special event in Samut Prakan. Late on Saturday night the main two roads through Paknam were closed for traffic. An army of people then went about setting up for a mass alms giving the following morning. They set up, in straight rows, an …

Songkran is the start of the traditional Thai new year. It also marks the height of the hot season. A good way to cool off is to join in with the many water fights that are just starting in Thailand. Traditionally, you are supposed to splash your elders with a little rose scented water. But, these …

In January this year, the Thai government launched their campaign to promote 100% use of crash helmets. It is a year long campaign that started mainly with government offices. It became compulsory for anyone entering or riding in their premises to be wearing a helmet. If they didn’t have a helmet, they were stopped …

Today in Samut Prakan they kicked off a road safety campaign to get everyone wearing a helmet while riding a motorcycle. Free helmets were given out to everyone. – Posted from my iPhone

Songkran Water Fights at Ancient Siam in Samut Prakan It is nearly time for the most popular Thai Festival, Songkran 2011 , which takes place all over Thailand in mid April every year. This is the traditional Thai new year which is…

In less than two weeks we will be celebrating the biggest Thai Festival called Songkran 2011 . This takes place all over Thailand in mid-April. The date used to vary but it is now fixed and takes place on 13-15 April every year. Although these are…

One of the most important places to celebrate Makha Bucha Day, a Buddhist holiday, is at Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan. This royal temple, in Nakhon Si Thammarat in Southern Thailand, houses a relic of the Lord Buddha. On the full…

Safari World and Marine Park This is the continuation of my Bangkok Day Trips for Kids . Probably the most popular open zoo and theme park close to Bangkok is Safari World and Marine Park on the northern outskirts of Bangkok. I have taken Nong Grace here twice and she…

The most important date on the festival calendar for Nakhon Sawan is the annual Paknam Pho Chinese New Year Festival which lasts for 12 days and 12 nights. The highlights are definitely the two “Chao Por-Chao Mae” Processions which take place in the evening and then the following morning. I recently …

I have already started to receive letters asking about the political situation in Bangkok. The questions often go like this: “I’m coming to Thailand on holiday in a few weeks. Will there be any problems with the rallies?” As always, questions like these are very difficult to answer. I …

On Wednesday 3rd February 2011 we will see the start of the Chinese New Year. This time it is the Year of the Rabbit. Already I have started to hear the crash of cymbals and the occasional firecracker. I was in Chinatown yesterday where I took these pictures. There …

The nearest stretch of seaside to Bangkok is probably Bang Pu Seaside Resort (สถานตากอากาศบางปู) in Samut Prakan. Don’t go there expecting beaches as it is only mudflats and mangroves. However, in Bang Pu they have a pier where hundreds of local people go to enjoy the cool evening breeze…

To be honest, before last year I had never heard of QBar. It is apparently Bangkok’s leading bar and nightclub for the rich and famous. In my defence, I live out in the sticks in Samut Prakan so this bar never stood out from the rest for me. That is, until …

When I first started teaching at Sriwittayapaknam School nearly 17years ago, I used to do penpal projects between my Thai students and students in other countries such as America, England and Australia. It was great fun for all the students involved as they got to communicate with people on the other …

The Chinese people of Samrong in Samut Prakan Province believe that their God Jao Por Tap will help them get rich. Behind Imperial World, on the old Paknam Railway Road, they have built a large Chinese shrine dedicated to this God. Every year during January, they hold a parade through town which is attended by literally thousands of…