culture

  • Guides

    Exploring street art techniques unique to Thailand

    Exploring the vibrant streets of Thailand, you’ll quickly notice the mesmerising street art that adorns its urban landscapes. From the gentrified markets turned art havens to the bustling alleys echoing with the spray of paint cans, Thailand’s street art scene is a dynamic canvas of cultural expression. Artists, both known and emerging, employ a variety of techniques to bring their…

  • Guides

    Iconic Thai street art pieces and their stories

    Thailand’s streets are a canvas, showcasing some of the most iconic graffiti artworks that tell stories of culture, resistance, and creativity. As you wander through bustling cities and quiet alleyways, you’re bound to stumble upon vibrant murals that capture the essence of Thai life and beyond. From the heart of Bangkok’s urban sprawl to the hidden corners of smaller towns,…

  • Guides

    East vs west: Surprising family culture differences

    When you think about family traditions and cultures, it’s fascinating to see how diverse practices can be across the globe. Western and Thai family cultures, for instance, present a stark contrast in their approach to living and values. While Western families often value independence, leading them to establish separate homes after marriage, Thai families in rural areas prefer to stay…

  • Best of

    Crafting elegance: The timeless art of Thai pottery and ceramics

    Thai pottery and ceramics, steeped in history, stand as a testament to the country’s rich cultural heritage. From the rustic charm of terracotta to the sophisticated allure of celadon, these creations offer a glimpse into Thailand’s artistic soul. In this feature, we delve into the world of Thai pottery and ceramics, exploring their origins, evolution, and the enduring legacy they…

  • Thailand News

    Art extravaganza at BACC: Discover Hong Kong West Kowloon and harmonious generations gala

    The Bangkok Art and Culture Centre (BACC) is gearing up for a week of cultural immersion, featuring two events that promise to be nothing short of extraordinary. Unlocking West Kowloon’s Secrets: A 20-Year Odyssey On the 5th floor Auditorium, today, December 19, from 6pm to 7.30pm, join the inaugural session of the BACC Circle executive talk series. Renowned speaker Bernard…

  • Thailand News

    The unique charm of Thai literature

    The rich history of Thai literature traces back to the Sukhothai period (1238-1438). However, in the modern age, Thai literature takes on a different form. Distinct features separate modern Thai literature, written in the 20th and 21st centuries, from its historical counterparts. In this article, we delve into the unique characteristics that define modern Thai literature. What is the Golden…

  • Thailand News

    Culture minister says Thailand’s film industry is set for transformation with new self-regulation bill

    Thailand‘s film industry is poised for a significant transformation following the finalisation of the draft for a new Movies and Games Bill by the Ministry of Culture. Culture Minister Sermsak Pongpanit revealed that the proposed legislation intends to decentralise censorship power from the government, instead placing it in the hands of producers. This bill is set to replace the current…

  • Thailand News

    Thai snack Pa Tong Go in charcoal colour struggles in market

    A recent online post featuring an image of a traditional Thai snack known as Pa Tong Go sparked interest and discussion. Many people are familiar with this snack, typically golden yellow in colour and standard in shape, which is often served in pairs. Some variations may involve moulding the dough into different shapes. However, a recent post that has been…

  • Food

    Thai food that have an Indian twist

    In the heart of Thailand, a delightful culinary fusion is taking place. Thai food, known for its bold flavours and aromatic components, is experiencing an infusion of Indian spice and tradition. This blend of cultures has given rise to a selection of dishes that are both comforting and exciting to the palate. Let’s explore these Thai dishes that draw inspiration…

  • Guides

    Krabi Krabong: The poetry in motion of Thai martial arts

    Often underrepresented on the global martial arts stage, Krabi Krabong nevertheless stands as a vital and captivating tradition deeply rooted in combat styles worldwide. It carries a distinctiveness marked by elegance, dexterity, and meticulousness, exuding the flavour of centuries-old Thai ancestry. It harmoniously melds an organic blend of physical combat techniques with a copious cultural storyline. What is Krabi Krabong…

  • China News

    Cultural symbolism turned treasure: Antique clock appraised at 199 million baht on TV show

    A Chinese son-in-law narrowly avoided a cultural faux pas when his birthday gift to his father-in-law, an antique clock, caused unexpected upset due to its cultural symbolism of death in Chinese culture. The tension was soon diffused when the antique timepiece was appraised on a television show and found to be worth over 199 million baht. When giving a gift,…

  • China News

    Unmasking drama: Upset spectator disrupts Ultraman in Chinese theatre

    An unexpected disturbance unfolded during an Ultraman performance at the Zhangxing Theatre in the city of Huozhou, Jiangxi province, China, on September 28. A visibly upset man interrupted the show, expressing his discontent and confusion over a Japanese character being featured on a Chinese stage. The incident, captured on video, depicts the disgruntled individual not only shouting but also physically…

  • China News

    Apple accused of cultural insensitivity over ponytailed image

    A customer service representative’s image on Apple’s website, sporting a ponytail resembling an Asian appearance, has sparked significant displeasure among a segment of Chinese Internet users. They accuse the renowned US tech firm, Apple, of disrespecting Chinese culture and displaying cultural insensitivity. This drama began flaring across the Chinese social media platform, Weibo after a post featuring the aforementioned employee’s…

  • World News

    Mysterious dragon artefact spooks Heilongjiang farmers with nocturnal noises

    In the autumn of 1965, farmers in Heilongjiang Province, China, stumbled upon a peculiar metal object while constructing a pigsty near their home. The artefact, resembling a dragon, became an enigma when it started emitting strange noises at night, leaving the residents in a state of confusion and fear. The mystery was later unravelled by experts from the Harbin Cultural…

  • Thailand News

    Enchanted discovery: Ancient Bodhi tree’s Naga-like form shines light on Thai temple

    A mysterious Bodhi tree, believed to be over 300 years old and bearing a striking resemblance to the mythical Naga serpent, has been discovered in Wat Pho Sai, Nakhon Phanom. This bizarre spectacle, witnessed by residents, involved an unusual light emanating from the tree during the full moon. In Nakhon Phanom, a region renowned for its natural beauty and cultural…

  • World News

    Iran’s traditional wooden lenj boats face extinction as modern vessels take over

    Hassan Rostam, a 62 years old Iranian captain, has navigated the Strait of Hormuz aboard his traditional wooden lenj for four decades. However, he sadly witnesses these hand-built vessels being replaced by more economical, faster boats. Lenjes have sailed Gulf waters for centuries, their unique form reflecting regional maritime customs similar to the dhows of the Arabian Peninsula. Rostam, who…

  • World News

    Preserving Uyghur language and culture in US weekend schools

    In a weekend school based in the US state of Virginia, the younger generation of Uyghurs are not only preserving their language and culture for posterity, but they are also learning vital vocabulary that will enable them to engage in discussions about the distressing situation faced by their loved ones in China. The Uyghur language, history, and culture classes are…

  • Thai Life

    Thai man’s Emerald Buddha Songkran office party outfit is ‘inappropriate,’ monk says

    A Thai man won 5000 baht for ‘best outfit’ at his office’s Songkran party in Udon Thani province yesterday, but a senior Buddhist monk says that dressing like the Emerald Buddha is “inappropriate.” The Emerald Buddha is a statue of the historical Buddha in a meditative pose, made out of the semi-precious stone jasper and considered the “sacred palladium of…

  • Hot News

    EEC Colourful festival to hit Pattaya March 30

    The Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) Colourful festival is set to hit Pattaya Beach with an array of diverse activities that highlight the local cultures of three neighbouring provinces. Rayong, Chachoengsao, and Chon Buri provinces will be featured in the festival in a bid to spur tourism. Souvenir shops, plays and live music will be available at the event which runs…

  • Thailand News

    Researchers launch first cultural map of Thailand

    Culture enthusiasts will be excited to learn that researchers launched the first cultural map of Thailand, featuring more than 2,000 cultural sites from across the country. The map provides cultural details that are categorized into 11 archetypes, which are: artefacts, architecture, historical sites, cultural spaces, languages, folk literature, knowledge and practices concerning nature and cosmology, performance arts, folk sports games…

  • Lifestyle

    Things to know about Thai culture

    Thailand’s culture is a mixture of traditions and religions that all come together to form a unique and vibrant society. Here are a few things to know about Thai culture that will help anyone landing in the Land of Smiles get around and mix with the locals. Family Thai people typically consider family to be the most important aspect of…

  • Tourism News

    Ministry of Culture to promote 16 Thai festivals internationally

    Thailand’s Ministry of Culture is taking steps to promote the country’s cultural heritage and boost local economies by promoting 16 Thai festivals internationally. Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Yupha Taweewattanakitborvon, announced the move as part of the government’s “5F” initiative, which seeks to promote Thai soft power through the food, film, fashion, fighting, and festival industries. The selected festivals represent…

  • World News

    Province in Vietnam boosting tourism with its rich culture

    One province in Vietnam aims to boost its tourism with its rich cultural heritage. Twenty-one ethnic minority groups reside in the coastal, northeastern province of Quang Ninh. This year, authorities launched several tourism initiatives to draw visitors to the province, and improve accessibility to tourism products tied to ethnic cultures. From November 4-6 this year, the Binh Lieu district’s District…

  • Thailand News

    Thai officials plan to nominate historic park for World Heritage status

    Thai officials are continuing to seek recognition for the kingdom’s rich heritage. The country’s World Heritage Convention Committee is collecting information for an application for the Phu Phra Bat Historical Park to be listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park is located in Thailand’s northeast province of Udon Thani. The site demonstrates Thailand’s prehistoric beliefs, according to Lieutenant…

  • Lifestyle

    Artists sell work at Phuket exhibition to help underprivileged children

    Several artists are selling their work at an exhibition in Phuket, with proceeds going to help underprivileged children. The 1st Andaman Art Creation exhibition opened on November 18 and will run until November 30. It is being held at Central Floresta in Kathu. The exhibition includes over 80 items from 50 artists. The proceeds will go to children in the…

  • Pattaya News

    1 thousand people celebrate start of Buddhist festival at Pattaya temple

    About 1,000 people celebrated the start of a Buddhist festival at a temple in Pattaya on Sunday. The Nong Or Temple had a kick-off event for the Thod Kathin Festival with about 1,000 people in attendance. Photos show a happy crowd of attendees smiling and clapping, as well as attendees presenting offerings to a monk. The Thod Kathin Festival begins…

  • Lifestyle

    The ancient story behind Thai film coming in December

    A Thai film depicting a beloved character from the ancient Ramayana story is coming up in December. The film, titled “White Monkey” will be in cinemas on December 5. The Ramayana is an ancient Sanskrit epic about Prince Rama’s quest to rescue his beloved wife Sita from his enemies. In the story, the white monkey is a Hindu god known…

  • Bangkok News

    Cricket ice cream, anyone? Another quirky food at APEC Summit in Bangkok

    On top of noodles with sandworm sauce, another adventurous food is competing at the APEC Summit in Bangkok this month: cricket ice cream. The cricket ice cream is one of several “future foods” competing in the “plate to planet” competition. The competition’s website describes the ice cream, called ProTim Magnet, as a Magnum-style ice cream. It is made with crickets,…

  • Lifestyle

    Loy Krathong: the stories of the Thai holiday’s origins

    If you live in Thailand, you’ve most likely heard of the Loy Krathong festival by now. You may likely be planning on going to a Loy Krathong float event to get a taste of the holiday. But how did this holiday come into being? Understanding the origins of Loy Krathong might help you understand its significance in the hearts of…

  • Bangkok News

    Actor Ravi Patel to star in film set in Bangkok

    American actor and director Ravi Patel is preparing to star as the villain in an upcoming film set in Bangkok. The film, Kiss of the Con Queen, follows a Bangkok-based actor who heads to Jakarta, Indonesia, for an audition to be the lead in a TV show. While in Jakarta, the actor discovers that a scam is being plotted against him,…

  • Lifestyle

    Thailand: The Land of Smiles decoded

    Known as the Land of Smiles, Thailand is world-famous for its culture which includes spicy foods, amazing hospitality and exotic practices. But, upon arriving in the kingdom, you may notice that smiles are handed out for almost every situation. If you are thinking that the average person cannot just be that happy about everything, you may be right. A Thai…

  • Tourism News

    Tourism officials plan Loy Krathong events for 6 Thai provinces

    The Thai holiday of Loy Krathong is coming up, and tourism officials are planning events in six provinces. Known as Thailand’s festival of lights, Loy Krathong is one of the biggest celebrations on the Thai calendar. This picturesque festival is a time for people to gather around rivers, canals, ponds, lakes, and other bodies of water to release lotus-shaped rafts…

  • World News

    European tourists apologise for peeing on sacred mountain in Indonesia

    A European couple are under fire by Indonesian netizens who are not happy that one of them peed on the sacred Mount Bromo in the Tengger mountains in East Java, Indonesia. According to Coconuts, the pair posted a video on Instagram of their trip to Bromo National Park. In one part of the video, the male tourist is pictured weeing…

  • Thailand News

    You can now submit Thai name ideas for a star and a planet

    Astronomy lovers out there can now submit ideas for Thai names for a star and a planet. The National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand is seeking Thai name submissions as part of an international contest. The contest by the International Astronomical Union is titled “NameExpoWorlds 2022.” The contest aims to name planets and stars outside the solar system that have…

  • Thailand News

    Thai teens win 3 gold medals in world dance competition in US

    A Thai teenage dance team has put Thailand on the map by winning three gold medals in a world dance competition in the US. The team, named ‘Awesome,’ won the medals at the World Hip Hop Dance Championship 2022 for juniors and adults held in Phoenix, Arizona from August 7-13. The team collected their congratulations gifts at the Chon Buri…

  • Thailand News

    In push for religious harmony, Thailand recognises more churches

    In a push for religious harmony, Thailand has officially recognised three Catholic churches in the kingdom this week. The Ministry of Culture officially approved the churches on August 23, after the churches had reportedly waited 93 years for recognition. The newly approved churches are: Saint Thomas the Apostle Church in Bangkok, Saint Monica Church in Nan Province, and Saint Joseph…

  • Sponsored

    Why you should study Thai to explore Thailand

    Sponsored Thailand has always been known as one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations. Why? The land of smiles has so much to offer: tranquil beaches, never-ending options of cuisines, majestic temples and scenery, rich history, and cultural and archaeological sites. There is never enough time to get to know and explore Thailand fully. But, how do you make…