culture
- 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…
- 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…
- 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…
- 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…
- 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
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…
- Travel
How do Thais name their kids? Here is an explaination
Thailand has some really interesting names. Yes, they may follow the Western European tradition of a given name followed by a family name, unlike the patterns of their East Asian cousins. Yet for most people uncommon with the Thai language, the names of people belonging to the kingdom are generally difficult to pronounce and a muddle of confusion. But look…
- Events
Museum Siam launches Ukraine exhibition and Ukrainian language audio guide
Museum Siam in Bangkok will hold a photography exhibition entitled “Diverse Ukraine” to showcase Ukraine’s diverse national costumes from May 9 – May 29. The museum has also launched a Ukrainian language audio guide for their longstanding “Decoding Thainess” exhibition which explores what it means to be “Thai,” giving Ukrainian tourists the opportunity to learn about Thailand’s history, culture and…
- Phuket News
Phuket City Mayor says culture and security will attract tourists
While scores of tourists and potential Thailand travellers (including The Thaiger readers) have been vocal that tourism for major Thai destinations like Phuket won’t really rebound until entertainment venues are reopened and booze is allowed to flow freely, the Mayor of Phuket has some other ideas. Phuket City Mayor Saroj Angkanapilas says that the way to bring Phuket back to…
- Bangkok News
Renovation of Hua Lamphong may wait another three years: BMA
It might be another two to three years until Bangkok’s historic Hua Lamphong station is developed for commercial use. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration’s Office of Town Planning and Development has today put a hold to the State Railway of Thailand’s request to develop station and surrounding buildings for another two or three years. According to reports, the 120-rai site planned for…
- Education
The pros and cons of using a teaching agency in Thailand
Teaching in Thailand can be quite a rewarding experience. From learning all about Thai culture to helping children learn, making your career as an educator here is a noble act. The road to securing a job in Thailand can be travelled in 2 major ways. Some expats use an agency in which to get hired at a school, while others…
- Thailand video news
GMT | Phuket Sandbox, East vs West ‘misunderstandings’, Live from Cafe Waya
Today Tim and Sumi talk with Ajarn Colin G about intercultual communications, the differences between the east and the west and how we can avoid misunderstandings. Sandbox latest. Welcome to Day 2 of our week long LIVE program @ Cafe Waya in Boat Avenue Cherngtalay, Phuket. Drop in and say hello (doing the program from Waya Cafe until next Wednesday)
- Thailand News
Thailand News Today | Violence in soap operas and SPM Shopping Mall scam update | February 10
The governor of the eastern province of Rayong has given the go-ahead for bars and other entertainment venues to re-open after they were closed at the start of January to prevent the spread of Covid-19. The province has now gone 9 days without any new Covid-19 infections. On February 1 Rayong’s Covid zone status was changed from red to orange.…
- Thailand News
Ask The Thais | EP.3 | Ladyboys, Covid situation, Bad Students’ protest
“Ask The Thais” is a new segment on The Thaiger where we ask some of our Thai staff to explain some of the unusual and sometimes inexplicable little nuances of Thai culture. You have a question? Send it in and we’ll get our MUCH BETTER LOOKING Thai staff to explain, from a Thai youth perspective, some of their culture and…
