Human Puppets..
I think we are all probably familiar with the different kinds of puppet shows. Everything from the basic hand puppets to more intricately designed puppets operated by a series of strings. In Thailand, there are also shadow puppets. But, it is not every day that you see a human puppet show. The puppeteers, although wearing black, are still very much part of the show.
One of the better preserved traditional markets in Thailand can be found in Suphanburi Province. It is called Sam Chuk 100 Year Market and it still has its original wooden shophouses that date back to the reign of King Rama V. In those days it was a bustling market alongside the Tha Chin River. This was a main thoroughfare between the north and Bangkok. However, with the building of roads both the importance of the market and the number of customers dwindled. Fortunately, the local people decided to work together to revive the mar,,
According to the Chinese Zodiac, 2012 is the Year of the Dragon. It started on 23rd January and will end on 9th February 2013. This year you are sure to see quite a few different kinds of dragons that will be used as good luck symbols. This giant dragon can be found at Sawan Park in Nakhon Sawon.
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 for trading by the Chinese community since they moved from their old site some 200 years ago.
On the second Saturday in January every year, Thailand celebrates the youth of the country by organizing Children’s Day. Many places, like zoos and theme parks offer free or reduced admission. Even the skytrain and subway in Bangkok let kids ride for free. On this day, the army, navy and air force open their bases for the kids to explore. For some reason, parents like to have their kids pose with big guns or standing alongside fully armed marines. On this day, I saw several kids in tears as their parents were trying to force them to stand next to these guys
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....
In the past, the only schools in Thailand were temple schools. Quite often, poor farmers would send their youngest sons to be novice monks at the temple where they were given free food and accommodation as well as an education. Things have changed of course and there are now schools for everyone. But you still see monastic schools like this one in Nakhon Pathom.
I was taking pictures at a Muay Thai Exhibition when I came across these Thai youngsters. They had just taken part in a demonstration “Wai Khru” ceremony and were eager to have their picture taken.
This is a fascinating building. On the outside it looks just like a Christian cathedral. It even has a spire and stained glass windows. It is Wat Niwet Thammaprawat and was ordered to built by King Rama V in 1878. Once you go inside, you will realize that it is in fact a Thai temple with Buddha images. There was even a monk there when I visited. To go to this temple, you have to use a cable car as it is on an island in the middle of the river in Bang Pa-In District.
Bang Pai In Royal Palace can be found along the Chao Phraya River in a district of the same name between Bangkok and Ayutthaya City. The original complex dates back to the 17th Century, but most of the buildings that we can see today were built by King Chulalongkorn between 1872 and 1889. Although much of this area was badly hit by floods in 2011, the palace itself was never flooded.
The Golden Mermaid..
The Golden Mermaid..
The famous Golden Mermaid can be found at Samila Beach not far from Songkhla. The Golden Mermaid is a character from Phra Aphai Mani, a popular book in Thai literature by Sunthon Phu. In this folk tale, a mermaid sat and combed her hair on a beautiful beach on a stary night. A young fisherman met and frightened her and she fled into the sea. The fisherman waited for her but she disappeared forever.
Chiang Rai’s Golden Clock Tower.
Chiang Rai’s Golden Clock Tower.
One of the most beautiful clock towers that I have seen in Thailand is this one that can be found in Chiang Rai. It was built by renowned artist Chalermchai Kositpipap who also created the White Temple. Every evening at 7 p.m., 8 p.m. and 9 p.m. there is a light and sound display at the clock.
Sunset at the Seaside in Samut Prakan..
Sunset at the Seaside in Samut Prakan..
For people living and working in Bangkok, the nearest place to enjoy a sunset over the Gulf of Thailand is in Bang Pu in Samut Prakan Province. At this time of the year you can see thousands of migratory birds. A pier here is popular with local people in the evening when they come to feed the seagulls between the months of November and March. There is also a restaurant at the end of the pier where you can eat seafood and watch the setting sun.
House of National Artist Thawan Duchanee..
House of National Artist Thawan Duchanee..
If you have ever been to Chiang Rai then you have probably visited the White Temple. But have you ever visited a place which is the complete opposite? Literally! This collection of interesting buildings is at a place called Baan Dam or Black House in English. It is the work of National Artist Thawan Duchanee. The grounds include nearly 40 small black houses made of wood, glass, concrete, bricks or terracotta in various unique styles and design. Inside them are his collections of paintings, sculptures, animal bones, skins, horns and silver and gold items from around the world.
An Akha Woman...
An Akha Woman...
If you have ever been to Northern Thailand then you have probably seen some of the hilltribe people. These are ethnic minorities who have often migrated to Thailand from neighbouring countries. This woman belongs to the Akha hilltribe. They are found in China, Laos, Burma and also Thailand where there are an estimated 70,000 of them. In the tourist areas of Chiang Mai you will find them all dressed up like this one. But they don’t look very authentic. I took this picture at a market at Doi Mae Salong in Chiang Rai Province. You can’t get more authentic than this. I bought some fruit from her so she was happy to give me a smile.
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