Bangkok Legacies blog

Letter From Madrid

Sat, 06 Mar 2010 04:28:43 GMT

Hi Eric, Pena and Delores, Just read about your wonderful visit and the great pics you posted in the Letter from Madrid. Sounds like you had a great

Bangkok Travelbug March 2010 Letter from Madrid

Sat, 27 Feb 2010 03:44:12 GMT

27 February 2010 - Gerardo and Delores from Madrid, Spain visited Bangkok for a few days in late January 2010. Read about their travel experience in their Letter from Madrid.

Gerardo & Delores

Also included in this March issue are highlights of the Chinese New Year fair in Chinatown Bangkok held on 14 February 2010.

Read what other subscribers have said about the Bangkok Travelbug

Next month, we present Ayutthaya, a UNESCO World Heritage site. So dont miss it, subscribe to the Bangkok Travelbug.

Yaowarat Heritage Centre the history of Chinatown Bangkok

Fri, 26 Feb 2010 14:40:32 GMT

26 February 2010 - The Yaowarat Heritage Centre covers the history of the early Chinese immigrants in Bangkok, their integration into Thai society and the growth of Chinatown with Yaowarat Road as the main thoroughfare.

Located on the first level of the building that houses the famous Golden Buddha in Wat Traimit, the museum treats visitors to e memorabl historical journey through the streets of old Chinatown.

Old lantern maker

This is another of the new museums with very innovative displays, videos, life-sized and scaled models and simulation to recreate life in the old days.

Goldsmith shop of old with in house live music

Hello from Germany

Fri, 19 Feb 2010 16:44:22 GMT

I have been following this site for some years already, and it has given me several great ideas for places to visit, not found anywhere in the guide books.

New home for the Golden Buddha

Fri, 19 Feb 2010 03:40:11 GMT

19 February 2010 - This Chinese New Year, the new building housing the Golden Buddha in Wat Traimit is finally open on a regular basis. Last year it was only open for the first 15 days of the Chinese New Year.

Wat Traimit on Chinese New Years Day

I paid a long awaited visit to Wat Traimit yesterday and it was very impressive. It took quite a vigorous climb up to the top level where the Golden Buddha is located.

The Golden Buddha, 3.98m high, 3.13 m across and weighs 5.5 tons

On the second level is a museum covering the history of the Golden Buddha and the method of making huge Buddha images.

The Yaowarat Chinatown Heritage Centre is on the first level. This museum preserves the history of the Chinese immigrants in Bangkok and Thailand.

One of the many life-sized displays in the museum

It is vast improvement over the Samphanthawong Museum. The building housing this museum was demolished in 2006 to make way for this new structure.

The Samphanthawong Museum, I understand, has moved to the Pathum Khong Kha School opposite Wat Pathum Khong Kha which is along Walking Street Chinatown. Thank you Andy of Aachen, Germany for the information.

The two museums are open every day except Mondays from 0900 1700 hours.

This website will be updated with details of this visit in the coming week.

Thailand

Wed, 17 Feb 2010 04:33:02 GMT

Although I'm Dutch, lived 15 years in north Spain, I feel Thai now after a stay in BKK of almost 5 years! You are working on a very nice and interesting

Chinese New Year in Bangkok

Mon, 15 Feb 2010 04:09:03 GMT

15 February 2010 - During Chinese New Year, Yaowarat Bangkoks Chinatown takes on a very special character. The main street and side lanes are all decked in red the colour symbolizing good luck in Chinese tradition.

So we took a trip down to Yaowarat on 14 February 2010 the first day of the New Year to take in the atmosphere of the street fair which was already into its second day.

Our tour started at Wat Traimit. Like last year, the new building housing the golden Buddha and the Yaowarat Heritage Centre was opened to the public for the duration of the New Year period of 15 days.

Wat Traimit

It was far too crowded to get it. I just hope the museum remains open after the festive season.

Road leading to Odean Gate and the start of Yaowarat Road

This was the scene when we got to Yaowarat Road.

Red lanterns to bring in the New Year

Passing the arch of good fortune

The annual street fair was in full swing with stalls lining both sides of Yaowarat Road.

Street fair

As usual the food stalls are the ones that draw my attention. Here are some interesting ones. The people in this picture are kneading the dough for a sweet candy with peanuts and sesame seeds.

Slamming the dough

Another of my favourites, roasted chestnuts. The chestnuts used to be manually stirred in a huge wok, a hot and tedious task. Today they are using mechanical roasters that heat and rotate the chestnuts.

Mechanical chestnut roaster

This one takes the top prize, cha chak or teh tarek as its called in Malaysia and Singapore. The term literally means dragging the tea from one pot to another without spilling a drop.

Cha chak

This process reputedly gives the tea a special flavor that different from the ordinary brew. The vendors are from southern Thailand where the culture is similar to northern Malaysia.

Further down Yaowarat

Youll see nothing but red as you walk down the main street.

Seeing red

We leave you with this shot of kids in their New Year best.

Kids in their New Year clothes

Gong Xi Fai Cai, Happy New Year and good luck.

This 14 February in Thailand

Sat, 13 Feb 2010 05:01:44 GMT

13 February 2010

Gong Xi Fai Cai

This 14 February will see double-barrelled celebrations in Bangkok.

Its the first day of Chinese New Year and also Valentines Day. Business circles estimate that Thais will be spending 39 billion baht (US$1.18 bn) during this festive weekend! Hoteliers in Phuket reported that their hotels are fully for this weekend.

Fire crackers are already going off in the neighbourhood. So to all our readers who celebrate the Chinese New Year, Gong Xi Fai Cai and to all of you, have a Happy Valentine. May you enjoy good health and happiness.

Ive got a third reason to celebrate. Its my 7th anniversary in Thailand.

We hope that with this New Year joy coupled with a day commemorating love, you will double your happiness in the Year of the Tiger.

Tiger, tiger burning bright, in the forests of the night;

Four-faced Buddha story of my own

Wed, 10 Feb 2010 03:25:40 GMT

I went to Bangkok early this year 2010. It was our first night in this hotel. I woke up early in the morning and looked for water to make a hot coffee

Pay my debts and be worry-free

Sat, 06 Feb 2010 00:53:33 GMT

I went to the Erawan Shrine last month to pray to the four-faced Buddha to clear off my debts soon so that I could live a worry-free life and support my

Travelbug photos

Tue, 02 Feb 2010 06:19:40 GMT

Hi Eric, I always enjoy learning something new about Bangkok from the Travelbug newsletter, but over the last couple of issues I have been unable to see

Treasures of Nonthaburi Travelbug February 2010

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 14:22:34 GMT

Fantastic piece Eric - I can feel your emotions lighting up the script like a soft wash glazing a water colour painting!

Ko Kret - from Californa, U.S.A.

Sun, 31 Jan 2010 09:01:39 GMT

I really enjoy your emails. The January 2010 issue was especially interesting because I had just last night been sightseeing the Panoramia photos on GoogleEarth

Al Asad, Iraq

Sun, 31 Jan 2010 03:39:02 GMT

I was a contractor in Iraq and got off work and took this photo in 2006

Bangkok Travelbug February 2010 Treasures of Nonthaburi

Sat, 30 Jan 2010 11:25:46 GMT

30 January 2010 - This month we visit the old province of Nonthaburi just north of Bangkok. Nonthaburi was where I first lived when I took up residence in Thailand in 2003. Here are some of the historical and cultural gems in this province.

A 100-year old building that is now a national heritage

A very different floating market

Handicraft of a community

Home of a great musician

Take a look at the Treasures of Nonthaburi.

Read what other subscribers have said about the Bangkok Travelbug

In next months issue well bring you highlights of Chinese New Year in Bangkok. So dont miss it, subscribe to the Bangkok Travelbug.

Dusit Garden revisited

Tue, 26 Jan 2010 08:04:06 GMT

26 January 2010 - Ive been to Dusit Garden four or five times since I came to live in Bangkok. I never got tired on the place, the peace and serenity of the grounds and the sheer beauty of the buildings.

So when my Spanish friends, Pena and his wife Delores visited Bangkok in mid-January 2010, I took them to Dusit Garden.

We approached Dusit garden from the Royal Plaza to view the splendor of Ananda Samakhom Throne Hall.

Ananda Samakhom Throne Hall

Unfortunately, it was a Monday and the throne hall was closed. So we went to the Abhisek Dusit Throne Hall.

Abhisek Dusit Throne Hall

Pena noticed immediately the similarities between this throne hall and Moorish buildings in Spain.

Distinctly Moorish

Our next stop was the Royal Carriage Museum a favourite with many visitors. Its also the only place in Dusit Garden where you can take photos of the exhibits.

Keeping the best for the last leg, our final tour was the crown jewel of Dusit Garden, Vimanmek Mansion the largest golden teak mansion in the world.

Vimanmek Mansion

We didnt have enough time to see the rest of Dusit Garden. It took me three separate visits to write about this place. However, even with the short visit, my friends went away impressed.

Childrens Day in Thailand

Sun, 10 Jan 2010 08:32:13 GMT

9 January 2010 - The second Saturday in January is National Childrens Day in Thailand. Its a day when museums, zoos, shopping malls whip up treats for kids to a great time.

Once a year on Childrens Day, Government House throws open its doors to the public. This is a once-in-a-year chance to get in and take some close-up shots of this magnificent building. So I became a kid for the day.

Open House

The grounds of Government House have been turned into a huge carnival that promises to be fun for the visiting families.

Others prefer to relax in the shadow of this impressive creation by Annibale Rigotti.

Picnic

Or take an opportunity to pose for memorable shots like these.

Just wait till my friends in school see this

The highlight of the visit is viewing the grand interior of the building.

Long wait to get in

Just look at the queue

The Prime Ministers Office is open to the public and visitors are welcome to his seat, just for a photograph. I pass.

For the history and more photos of this building, please see Government House.

New opening hours MR Kukrit Pramojs Home

Tue, 05 Jan 2010 04:42:34 GMT

5 January 2010 - I passed the MR Kukrit Pramojs Home yesterday evening and noticed a signboard announcing new opening hours. I am not sure when this took effect.

The new opening hours are:

Everyday from 10 am to 4 pm

Admission fees remain unchanged

50 baht for adults and 20 baht for children

This will certainly make it easier for many more people to visit this heritage home. Have you?

Would you like to be part of this blog?

Sun, 03 Jan 2010 14:27:21 GMT

3 January 2010 - Be part of the Bangkok Legacies blog. Share your favourite Bangkok photographs with us here.

Your submission becomes part of this blog, which shows the latest pages. It also becomes a permanent part of Tour Bangkok Legacies for others to view.

View favourite Bangkok photographs taken by others.

Sai Noi floating market Nonthaburis little known treasure

Sat, 02 Jan 2010 04:14:29 GMT

2 January 2010 - Heres another cultural gem in Nonthaburi thats definitely off the beaten track.

The Sai Noi floating market is a very authentic Thai floating market tucked away on the Phra Pimonrat canal in Sai Noi district Nonthaburi about 30 km from Bangkoks northern city limits.

Sai Noi floating market

Its a floating market with a pleasant rustic charm in an atmosphere of peace and serenity.

Happy New Year from Nashville

Fri, 01 Jan 2010 05:42:07 GMT

Hey Eric, Just wanted to say Happy New Year to ya over there. Wish I was there with you guys. I LOVE BANGKOK! Maybe next year dude. Your Pal

Bangkok Travelbug January 2010 Sunflowers of Lopburi

Wed, 30 Dec 2009 09:05:48 GMT

30 December 2009 - Its not too early to fire off New Year greetings to all our visitors in Thailand and the rest of the world.

Happy New Year! May the New Year bring in good health and success in whatever you are doing.

The New Year in Thailand started today for the school children. Schools had a half-day during which New Year presents were distributed to the kids. By early afternoon, I noticed smiling children on their way home clutching their boxes of goodies. Good for them.

The January Travelbug features the sunflower fields of Lopburi to brighten up your New Year.

I cant think of a better way to leave 2009 behind and kick off 2010.

Read what other subscribers have said about the Bangkok Travelbug

In next issue in February 2010, well be discovering the treasures of Nonthaburi. So dont miss it, subscribe to the Bangkok Travelbug.

Have a good year ahead of you.

From Singapore

Mon, 28 Dec 2009 08:46:58 GMT

Living your dream no matter where you are and that is you. For those people who have read your posts and visited Thailand, you have indeed left your

Hi from Nashville Tennessee

Mon, 28 Dec 2009 05:08:29 GMT

Hey Eric, Just wanted to sign your guestbook. I am trying to pinpoint that condo I stayed in. Will keep ya posted. Thanks for your help. Here is a

Museum of Nonthaburi photos of exhibits

Mon, 21 Dec 2009 04:44:15 GMT

21 December 2009 - I am happy to announce that I have been given permission to photograph the exhibits in the Museum of Nonthaburi. Heres a sample of what to expect.

Pride of the province

Lakhon Talung shadow drama

My sincere thanks to Khun Naraporn Pongsanay, Curator of the Museum of Nonthaburi.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

Mon, 14 Dec 2009 13:08:42 GMT

Dear friends and visitors to Tour Bangkok Legacies

May the peace and joy of Christmas be with you and your loved ones during this festive season wherever you may be.

Here are some Christmas scenes in Bangkok in 2009 for me to share my Christmas joy with you.

Central Silom

The spirit of Christmas is in the peace, joy and hope that it brings.

Central World Plaza

Let it touch your hearts and remain in your part of the world today and always.

Hark the herald angels sing Emporium Sukhumvit

Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! May the New Year bring in fresh hope and drive as you pursue your goals.

Intercontinental Bangkok

Christmas tree at Central World Plaza

All the best next year. May it be a better one!

Eric Lim
December 2009

Bangkok snippets

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 04:49:51 GMT

10 December 2009

Today in history

On 10 December 1932, the first permanent constitution for Thailand came into effect.

More delays

I visited the Yaowaraj Heritage Centre again on 9 December banking on earlier information that the centre will open on 5 December. I was disappointed. Its still not open. We will have to wait till next year.

The second delay is the start of the airport rail link. This service is also scheduled to start on 5 December but has now been postponed again to April 2010.

HM the Kings birthday celebrations in Bangkok

Mon, 07 Dec 2009 12:52:18 GMT

7 December 2009 - HM King Bhumipol Adulyadej celebrates his 82th birthday on 5 December. As part of the birthday celebrations, Ratchadamnoen Avenue has been lighted up from 5 13 December 2009.

The highlight of these activities is the light and sound display in the evening against the backdrop of the Ananda Samakhom Throne Hall accompanied by a 128 strong orchestra.

Thousands of people from the other provinces came down to Bangkok to share in the national joy. Political differences were put aside on this happy occasion for the sake of national harmony and unity.

On the evening of 6 December, I went down to the area to take in some of the sights.

I started at Government House, Italian architect Annibale Rigottis re-creation of the 15th C Palazzo Ca dOro or the House of Gold by the Grand Canal in Venice.

The House of Gold

From the next picture you can just catch a glimpse of the Ananda Samakhon Throne Hall in the distance. The crowd was so densely packed I just couldnt get through.

So I turned down to Ratchadamnoen Avenue instead. It was a joy strolling down this usually busy street with no traffic last night.

Along the way, I passed this Malay cultural troupe from southern Thailand.

Cultural diversity

Display signifying the Kings zodiac sign.

The Year of the Rabbit

The elephant sharing the limelight with Lin Ping, the newly born panda from Chiang Mai

Pandamania

The float procession was just getting ready. So it was the ideal opportunity to snap these pictures.

Float representing the Kings Royal Barge Suphannahongse

The Golden Swan

Here are some of the other attractions on the floats

Wat Saket glowing high above the festivities

The Temple on the Golden Mount

Fort Mahakarn one of the two remaining Bangkok forts where there was another show on.

The crowd was entertained by a dance troupe all the way from Kenya.

Kenya comes to Bangkok

Wat Rachanatdaram and Loha Prasat or Metal Castle with its 37 spires representing the 37 virtues for attaining enlightenment

The Metal Castle

Cultural show at Wat Rachanatdaram

Another concert at the Democracy Monument

Carnival atmosphere in Ratchadamnoen

For those who cant get close enough to the shows, therere screens along the way

Lighting up the birthday candles

This is spirit of Thailand, the very soul of the nation.

A very unusual swimming contest pig vs buffalo

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 17:19:17 GMT

1 December 2009 - Nonthaburi province just north of Bangkok celebrated its 460th anniversary last Sunday. Part of the festivities included a swimming contest across the Chao Phraya River between a pig and a water buffalo!

Twenty years ago when they had this contest, a pig from Nonthaburi beat the prevailing champion of the Chonburi buffalo race trotters down.

This year a new pig represented the province. It was a wild pig that was given a few training sessions by the owner. The buffalo is the two time champion of the Chonburi annual buffalo race, the last race was in early October this year.

So whos the winner this year? Well, see for yourself.

Human contestants are also included and as you can see the animals needed a little help in keeping direction. Anyway it was all in good fun. Trust the Thais to think of ways of having fun.

For the more serious aspects of Nonthaburis history and culture, please see Museum of Nonthaburi.

Bangkok Travelbug December Christmas in Bangkok

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 04:32:44 GMT

30 November 2009 - In the December issue of the Bangkok Travelbug, we bring you Christmas scenes in Bangkok in previous years.

Assumption Cathedral, Christmas 2008

In addition, two readers have submitted beautiful photos coincidentally on the same place in northern Thailand; one of the photos was from a reader who lives there, the other was on holiday.

I wont spoil your surprise, take a look yourself at the permalink.

There are also two new pages on museums in Bangkok and neighbouring Nonthaburi province and an update on the Yaowaraj Heritage Centre.

Read what other subscribers have said about the Bangkok Travelbug

In January 2010, well be bringing you the sunflowers of Lopburi. So dont miss it, subscribe to the Bangkok Travelbug.

Hi from Singapore

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 06:43:46 GMT

Hi Eric, You certainly have made this site extremely interesting reading, very different from the 'run-of-the-mill' travelogues! Well researched,

About my daughter's studies

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 03:19:33 GMT

I went to Bangkok in March 2009 to pray to the four-faced Buddha. I prayed for my 11 year old daughter, I told the four-faced Buddha my daughter

Museum of Nonthaburi

Sat, 14 Nov 2009 09:49:54 GMT

14 November 2009 - The Museum of Nonthaburi displays the history of Nonthaburi province, her people and the way of life, culture, arts and craft in a historical building to preserve the heritage of a very old province established in 1548.

The museum, which opened on 15 September 2009, is near the Nonthaburi pier, the terminal pier of the Chao Phraya river boats thats just north of Bangkok. Its located in part of an old building with a long history. The building is now a national heritage in the process of conservation.

Museum of Nonthaburi

For more on this interesting museum, please see the permalink.

Thailand Railway Hall of Fame

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 09:12:29 GMT

10 November 2009 - The Thailand Railway Hall of Fame is a privately run railway museum displaying old locomotives and carriages that preserve the history and development of the railway in Thailand since the late 1800s.

Old steam locomotive

The exhibits are reminders of a significant development in Thailand when public transport took a quantum leap forward with the introduction of rail travel.

But the museum is facing difficulties and and an uncertain future. Find out more at the permalink.

Prayer answered at Erawan Shrine

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 09:21:45 GMT

Thanks a lot four-faced Buddha for prayer answered. From the depths of my heart, my gratitude, words just can't explain the immaculate power and

Pai, Mae Hong Son, Thailand

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 14:56:06 GMT

I heard about Pai for a long time and I just had a chance to travel to Pai during October 17 - 19 2009. I can tell you that it's very very beautiful.

Loy Krathong 2009

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 09:54:09 GMT

3 November 2009 - This year, Loy Krathong Day falls on 2 November. According to the lunar calendar, the festival is on the night of the full moon in the 12th lunar month. I decided to go down to a local park to view the activities.

Here are some of the scenes taken at Benchasiri Park in Sukhumvit Road.

The empty pond at the start

Carnival atmosphere at Benchasiri Park

The krathongs start to fill the pond

Shimmering lights

Krathongs for sale

For the significance of this annual festival, please see Loy Krathong Festival and to view last years festivities, please see Loy Krathong 2008.

Heres towards a better year ahead.

Pai, Northern Thailand

Sun, 01 Nov 2009 12:10:37 GMT

Dear boss/skinflint/slave driver, As of this moment, consider me an ex-slave in your sweat shop.

Question on the four-faced Buddha

Sat, 31 Oct 2009 10:19:56 GMT

I haven't prayed to the four-faced Buddha yet so I can't talk about answered prayers. But does he only answer prayers when people make a promise?

Interesting..... from Malaysia

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 18:34:43 GMT

Dear Eric, As usual, your articles are very informative and very well formated. Congratulations Your Old Buddy

A Letter from London

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 09:17:04 GMT

30 October 2009 - In the November issue of the Bangkok Travelbug, we have the pleasure of one of our readers making a contribution.

Willie Meyer and I were in school together in Singapore during the 1960s. We hardly met after we left school. Later I found out that he had moved to the UK. It took 35 years after we left school for us to meet again, twice, in Bangkok.

The article in the November issue is based on Willies second visit in mid-2009. Thank you Willie for your interesting travelogue. If other readers have similar stories on Bangkok or Thailand, you are welcome to share them with us.

If you havent subscribed to our newsletter, you can read more about this in the November issue.

Read what other subscribers have said about the Bangkok Travelbug

What do you think of the Bangkok Travelbug, we love to hear from you

Subscribe to the Bangkok Travelbug and expect more of such articles in subsequent issues.

From the USA

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 04:58:41 GMT

Great Site

All I can say is Wow! - from NC USA

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 13:17:42 GMT

Eric You did an outstanding job with the Bangkok Travelbug. I enjoyed reading it very much and the photos were just great. Looking at the before and

A great improvement

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 13:13:12 GMT

Dear Eric, Your write-ups on the events in the February Bangkok Travelbug provide excellent details and provide interesting glimpses of the history

Keep it up from Cambodia

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 13:06:04 GMT

Your write-up on the Loy Krathong Festival in the November issue of the Bangkok Travelbug was fascinating. It provided an excellent historical

Thank you - from South Africa

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 09:31:25 GMT

Hi Eric, We would like to thank you for your interesting newsletters and information about Thailand. We have been to Thailand three times now, and

M R Kukrit Pramoj

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 08:20:00 GMT

26 October 2009 - The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) has named Mom Ratjawongse (M R) Kukrit Pramoj (1911 1995) as a World Historic Important Figure.

Besides M R Kukrut, another prominent Thai accorded this honour is Eua Sunthornsanan, (1910 1981) a song writer and musician, for his contribution to education and culture. Most non-Thais may not be familiar with Khru Eua. He wrote more than 2,000 songs and the most familiar tune, to foreigners at least, would be Loy Krathong played during the Loy Krathong Festival.

In April 2009, a list of 90 names was submitted for consideration by the Selection Committee of UNESCO. The results were announced on 24 October 2009.

M R Kukrit Pramoj, the 13th Prime Minister of Thailand was a man of many talents. He was a banker, journalist, writer, traditional Thai dancer, university professor, actor, radio narrator, TV commentator and politician. The award is in recognition of his contribution to education, culture, society and media.

Movie goers in the 1960s may recall his role with Marlon Brando in the movie The Ugly American. In that movie he played the part of the Prime Minister of an imaginary Asian country embroiled in an insurgency. Brando was the US Ambassador to that country.

Khru Eua and M R Kukrit will be honored during the celebration of UNESCOs Anniversaries of Great Personalities and Historic Events for the years 2010 - 2011. The years coincide with the 100th anniversaries of their respective birthdays.

For more on the life of M R Kurkrit Pramoj, please see the permalink.

King Rama V

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 04:49:48 GMT

23 October 2009 - Today is Chulalongkorn Memorial Day. It marks the 99th anniversary of the death of King Chulalongkorn or King Rama V. King Chulalongkorn acceded to the throne in 1868 at the age of 15. During his 42 year reign, he was responsible for far reaching reforms in the kingdom.

These reforms changed the old order and laid the groundwork for a modern nation. Some of major reforms were:

Gradually dismantling the power structures carved out by the old nobility and replacing them with a modern Civil Service organized along functional lines

A centralized system of collecting state revenue with a budget and audit system

Introduction of telegraph, postal and railway services in the country

Abolishment of slavery

His most crucial contribution was steering Thailand clear of the two colonial powers, Britain and France who were making territorial inroads into South-East Asia.

After his death in 1910, a monument was erected in his honour, the King Rama V Equestrian Monument in the Royal Plaza in front of the Ananda Samakhom Throne Hall.

There are also statues in two South-East Asian cities that were legacies of King Chulalongkorn. These gifts of bronze elephants were presented by the king when he visited these cities in 1871.

One of these bronze elephants is located in front of the Arts Museum in the old city district in Singapore and the other in front of the National Museum in Jakarta. The Indonesians call their museum Gedung Gajah (Elephant Building).

Remembering 14 October 1973

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 07:57:32 GMT

14 October 2009 - Today marks the 36th anniversary of the 14 October uprising, a massive protests that resulted in the overthrow of the military government of Field Marshall Thanom Kittikachon.

In October 1973, more than 200,000 students from Thammasat University, workers and the general population massed at the Democracy Monument protesting against the military government. The situation climaxed on 14 October 1973 when the military crackdown on the demonstrators resulted in hundreds of dead and missing protesters.

In the aftermath, the government resigned and a civilian government was appointed together with a new constitution.

Three years later, in October 1976 Field Marshall Thanom returned to Thailand sparking off another round of protests at Thammasat resulting in a tragic massacre of the students on 6 October 1976 by right wing groups. This brought back a military junta which disposed of the post 1973 constitution.

During what was later known as Black May 1992 history was to repeat itself. Protests against the government of General Suchinda Kraprayoon were crushed by the military.

Black May resulted in a new constitution in 1997 which was regarded as the best. It was a peoples constitution drafted by some of the most respected members of Thai society headed by Anand Panyarachun. But that constitution too was shortlived.

The coup on 19 September 2006 trashed the 1997 constitution. The military appointed government promulgated another constitution after a public referendum in 2007. This was the nations 17th constitution.

Today the current government is talking about amendments to that constitution again.

Kobkua Suwannathat-Pian in her book, Kings, Country and Constitutions, Thailands political development 1932 2000, commented that Thai constitutions are nothing more than documents written to ensure the power and interests of those who affected its drafting.

If this is so, the sacrifices of past generations would seem to be all in vain.

October end of the Buddhist Lent

Sun, 04 Oct 2009 08:17:05 GMT

4 October 2009 - Today, the 15th day (full moon) of the 11th lunar month marks the end of the Buddhist Lent. Several cultural activities are lined up in various parts of Thailand to commemorate this occasion. Some of these are:

Water buffalo race Chonburi

Lotus flower throwing festival Samut Prakarn

Bang Fai Phaya Nak (Naga fireball) Nong Khai

Wax Castle Procession Sakhon Nakhon

Lighted Boat Procession Nakhon Phanom

Theres so much to see at about the same time. As these activities take place once a year, I wonder how many years it would take before I can see them all.