Royal Regalia – The Symbols of Sovereignty
The Royal Coronation Ceremony is an ancient rite marking a Thai king’s ascension. During the proceedings, the chief Brahmin – Phra Maha Ratcha Khru – presents the king with the Phra Suphannabat, a golden plaque inscribed with the official title
Saving the Water Buffaloes
Visits to my grandmother’s dairy farm in Lopburi province have given me a love of cows. But while I have first-hand experience of cows’ kind and loving nature, I also feel passionate towards another gentle animal in the same family
The Sweet Scent of Khao Chae
Summer’s here and so is “khao chae”, Thailand’s best-known traditional summer meal. Khao chae (literally “rice” + "soaked”) is rice soaked in chilled fragrant water and best eaten with an assortment of side dishes that chiefly include stir-fried sweetened pickled
The Fragrance of Songkran
A vivid Songkran picture in many people’s minds would be one of a colorful crowd frantically splashing water on each other with so much fun on a balmy summer afternoon. However, many Thais love celebrating Songkran in a more traditional
Kilen Teck Heng Yoo Museum
For many centuries, Siam was regarded as Suvarnabhumi or the “golden land”, one of the most favorite destinations for migrants fleeing war, famine or starvation in their countries. Siam’s abundance was evidenced by this famous Thai saying: “nai nam mee
Los Atico’s Art on the Walls
Sukhumvit Soi 11 is reinventing itself as a food mecca, with last month’s opening of its new community mall, featuring a slew of chic new eateries and bars. One of the coolest of the bunch is Los Atico, a Mexican-styled
Tea, from Past to Present
The Chinese have been brewing tea for more than 4,000 years. Legend has it that the emperor Shennong, himself a keen herbalist, was boiling water under a tea bush when a dried tea leaf accidentally fell into the pot. He
In Search of the History of Love
It is not easy writing about “love” and yet, it is a topic that prevails everywhere and expressed through every medium. Songs aim to depict all sorts of emotions related to love as do love stories, movies and poems. Art and
Siamese Traditional Medicine
One of the Buddha’s greatest teachings is Arogya Parama Labha, meaning “Heath is the greatest gift.” This means that people should take care of their health and never take it for granted. In the old days, it was customary to
Deep in Meditation
Happy New Year! Feeling fresh and starting life anew, people get so hung up on their New Year’s resolutions during this time of the year. One of the most popular goals is to be healthier and stronger. But apart from