Thailand Stories

Bangkok’s Chinatown is an old business center covering a large area around Yaowarat and Charoen Krung Roads. There are many small streets and alleys full of shops and vendors selling all types of goods. It has been the main centre … Continue reading

Throughout history, Thai elephants have been indispensible creatures employed in both labor and war. A Thai elephant had even graced the national flag during the reign of King Rama II. I took this picture during a parade in Uthai Thani.

One of the most popular festivals in the central region of Thailand is the Monkey Festival held annually in Lopburi. The city is about 150 kms north-east of Bangkok and is a convenient stopover on the northern railway line to Chiang Mai. The iconic Khmer ruin in this city is Prang Sam Yot, which was originally a Hindu shrine. …

One of the biggest events of the year for Chiang Mai is the International Horticultural Exposition Royal Flora 2011. It was originally intended to open during November, but due to the flooding situation in Central Thailand, it was decided to move the event to December. This is not because the …

The Vegetarian Festival has now reached its seventh day in Samut Prakan. Last night, many devotees went to the City Hall Plaza to float krathongs on the Chao Phraya River. This was done as a kind of invitiation to the dead souls to come to a feast on the…

Yesterday marked the official start of the Vegetarian Festival in Thailand. In Samut Prakan it runs from 26th September to 6th October 2011. We went to Thong Siang Vegetarian House in Samut Prakan to watch this opening ceremony. The event was a signal for the nine Gods to…

The annual Vegetarian Festival is about to start here in Thailand. It happens every year in the tenth Thai lunar month on the first new moon after the equinox. This year it is celebrated between 26th September and 5th October 2011. Most people make the mistake in thinking that…

One of my favourite fruits found in Thailand is the Pomelo, which is the largest of the citrus fruit family. In some ways it is a bit like a grapefruit, though of course larger, and is also often sweeter. However, it has a thick skin …

Over the years I have seen some really great Thai festivals. This is a list of my Top 10 favourites in no particular order. Loy Krathong Festival (1) As the full moon of the twelfth lunar month (usually in mid-November) lights up the night…

One of the biggest and most beautiful festivals in Thailand is the Candle Procession which marks the start of the Buddhist Lent. In Thai this is called Khao Phansa which is the day after the full moon in July.  Traditionally during this…

Over this weekend, the Bangkok Metropolitan Authority (BMA) are organizing the “Sam Praeng – The Colours of Yesterday Festival”. The event is taking place in the communities of Phraeng Phuthon, Phraeng Nara and Phraeng Sapsaat. There are cultural events, exhibitions and lots of…

A number of historical ruins around Thailand put on Light and Sound shows at different times of year. For example at Sukhothai and Ayutthaya. I took this picture a couple of years ago during a similiar show that was put on at Prasat Hin Phimai in the North-east of Thailand. It is always good to see…

I spent most of my Songkran holidays enjoying the more traditional side of this new year festival. Yesterday I visited my local temple to take some pictures of two Songkran activities. The first one was Song Nam Phra where people poured water on the hands of monks. I told you about this one yesterday. The second…

The Wan Lai Bangsaen Festival is taking place this weekend, 16th-17th April 2011, on Bangsaen Beach in Chonburi. This is the annual water flowing festival that takes place a few days after Songkran. People in this area of Chonburi Province are descendants of the Mon and they celebrate Songkran later than the rest of the country. I went down there…

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 …

A foreign tourist is splashed with water by a young boy as people come out to mark the start of the Songkran festival, at a shopping mall in Bangkok on April 13, 2011. Songkran is the Thai New Year which starts on April 13, when many …

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…

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 …

Worshippers take part in a procession featuring Chinese deities in Yala province, southern Thailand, February 16, 2011. The event is celebrated annually by the Thai-Chinese community in the region. (Reuters) More Thailand pictures can be found at www.ThaiPhotoBlogs.com .

Worshippers take part in a procession featuring Chinese deities in Yala province, southern Thailand, February 16, 2011. The event is celebrated annually by the Thai-Chinese community in the region. (Reuters) More Thailand pictures can be found at www.ThaiPhotoBlogs.com .