History
- Thailand News
Bangkok National Gallery’s 200-year Thai art history exhibition
The National Gallery in Bangkok invites you to, 200 Years Journey Through Thai Modern Art History, a spectacular exhibition running until August 31. This exhibition, held in collaboration with the Art Auction Centre, offers a rare opportunity to explore over two centuries of Thai art history. From the traditional works of Khrua In Khong, who flourished during the reigns of…
- Education
Are libraries necessary anymore
Consider a world devoid of libraries. Challenging to envision? They represent more than just edifices housing book collections; they serve as pivotal community hubs, repositories of information, and havens for wisdom enthusiasts. Libraries hold importance in moulding societies, underlining their irreplaceable value. Hence, whether one is a fervent bibliophile, an earnest scholar, or an individual who has not frequented a…
- Thailand News
Bangkok’s gingerbread house gains historical status
Windsor House in the Kudeejeen community and the First Presbyterian Church in the Samre area of Bangkok have been registered as historical sites by the Fine Arts Department. Windsor House, located in the Thon Buri district, stands out for its gingerbread style, intricate woodwork, and weathered appearance. This two-storey wooden house, built during the reign of King Mongkut, was originally…
- Guides
A deep dive into Ayutthaya history in each aspect
Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Thailand’s cultural history as we delve into the intriguing era of the Ayutthaya period. A time when art and culture flourished, and the Kingdom of Siam, now Thailand, was a bustling hub of trade and prosperity. The Ayutthaya period, spanning from 1350 to 1767 CE, was marked by the rise of a distinct…
- Thailand News
Mushroom foragers uncover ancient carvings in Buriram forest
Villagers foraging for mushrooms in the Buriram forest stumbled upon ancient carvings believed to depict the mythological figure Sirimahamaya. The discovery sparked widespread interest and calls for an urgent investigation by the Fine Arts Department. In the dense forests of Buriram, a group of mushroom foragers made an unexpected and potentially historic discovery. Amidst the lush greenery, they found an…
- Guides
The remarkable legacy of Ayutthaya
Situated at the core of Thailand, Ayutthaya presents itself as a portal to another era. This venerable city offers extensive insights into the nation’s historical narrative. Once thriving as the capital, it is now enveloped by remarkable temples and ruins that have withstood the test of time, serving as enduring markers of Ayutthaya’s significant events and cultural heritage. However, Ayutthaya…
- Cannabis
History of Cannabis and Thai Traditional Medicine
On June 9, 2022, Thailand made headlines as it took a bold step towards embracing the therapeutic potential of cannabis by enabling access to it for medical use. This monumental decision ushers in a new era of possibilities for alternative medicine in the country. However, as of February 2024, the landscape is evolving once again as the nation seeks to…
- Thailand News
Thailand’s cultural marvel: Khon dance meets history in Ayutthaya
In a fusion of ancient artistry and historical grandeur, the Khon masked dance will weave its enchanting tales against the backdrop of Ayutthaya next month. This cultural extravaganza promises to be a visual feast, celebrating Thailand’s vibrant legacy in a way never seen before. Part of the esteemed Ayutthaya Sundown 2024 programme by the Ministry of Culture, this Khon performance…
- Lifestyle
Traditional Thai textiles: A journey through time and quality
Traditional Thai textiles are a testament to Thailand’s rich cultural heritage, weaving together centuries of history, art, and craftsmanship. These textiles are more than just fabric; they’re a vibrant expression of Thai identity, embodying the spirit and skill of the artisans who create them. From the intricate patterns of the Northern hill tribes to the royal elegance curated by Her…
- Cannabis
Exploring Thai spirituality and cannabis connection
Diving into the heart of Thai spirituality reveals a unique intertwining with cannabis, a journey stretching back over a thousand years. From its early introduction via ancient trade routes, cannabis has held a sacred spot in Thai culture, blending seamlessly with both medicinal practices and spiritual rituals. Exploring the spiritual landscape of Thailand, you’ll uncover how cannabis has been revered…
- World News
Forensic analysis presents new image of Jesus, challenging centuries of traditional representation
The Popular Mechanics platform sparked controversy by unveiling the potentially most accurate representation of Jesus, challenging the conventional image embraced by the Christian population in the Western world. Historically, Jesus has been depicted with long hair, a slim face, a beard, and a slender physique. Nevertheless, an examination of average skull patterns from Jewish individuals in Galilee, located in the…
- Bangkok News
Stamp spectacle: World’s priciest stamps unveiled in unprecedented exhibition
Stamp enthusiasts, brace yourselves for an unprecedented clash of philatelic titans at the Thailand 2023 – World Stamp Championship Exhibition! The famed British Guiana One-Cent Magenta, a global record-holder at over US$8 million (280 million baht), and the Japan 1871 500mon Center Inverted, valued at a staggering 4.4 million euros (168 million baht), are sharing the limelight for the first…
- World News
Diary decoded: Anne Frank’s secrets unveiled, hidden jokes, sex and unexpected lessons revealed with digital discovery
Hidden jokes and sex education have been revealed from the previously undisclosed content of Anne Frank’s diary, thanks to digital technology. The mysterious brown-paper-covered pages of the diary offered a unique perspective of a 13 year old Jewish girl during World War II. Researchers from the Anne Frank Museum, War, Holocaust, and Genocide Studies Institute of the Netherlands, and Huygens…
- Guides
From market place to meeting place: The history of Khao San Road
In the bustling heart of Bangkok sits Khao San Road, a place that’s really changed over time. This famous street is a perfect mix of Bangkok’s exciting spirit, with bits of history and adventure everywhere. Join as dive into the story of Khao San Road, a street that pulls in travellers from all over the planet. A street steeped in…
- 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…
- Thailand News
Rare ancient book unveiled at Rayong temple to public gaze
An over 300 year old ancient book, one of only two known copies in the world, has been unveiled at a famous temple in Rayong. The treasure, which was collected by a local governor before it could be sold, is priceless. Today at 9am, Wat Khod Thim Tharam in Mueang Rayong opened up its treasure trove for public viewing. The…
- Thailand News
Wat Nang Kui temple’s artefacts spark intrigue amidst Phromlikhit drama comparisons
Wat Nang Kui, a historical temple dating back to the Ayutthaya period, is believed to have been established by a wealthy woman named Nang Kui. The temple, located in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya province, south of the city island and adjacent to the Chao Phraya River, was founded in 1587 during the reign of King Maha Thammaratchathirat. It experienced significant…
- Thailand News
Lottery enthusiasts roll the numbers: October 1 draw sparks decade-long data dive
Lottery buffs are eagerly preparing for the upcoming October 1 lottery draw, delving into the historical data of the past decade to aid in their number analysis. For the lottery draw held on October 1, 2022, the first prize number was 484669. This winning combination featured three-digit prefix numbers 206 and 996, three-digit suffix numbers 278 and 194, and a…
- Thailand News
Ancient mysteries unearthed: Skeletal remains found under South Thailand sports stadium
Three sets of skeletal remains have been discovered underneath Nakhon Si Thammarat’s central sports stadium, believed to be from an ancient cemetery over a century old. The archaeological find was made during construction work for a drainage pipe behind two football fields. An evening inspection, following the report of the discovery, was led by Police Captain Thanathorn Panchu, Investigation Officer…
- Things To Do
A brief history of Muay Thai, Thailand’s national sport
Muay Thai, or Thai boxing, is the probably first sport that springs to mind when thinking of sports in Thailand. People come from all over the world like to give it a try, whether they want to take it up seriously as a sport or just for fun. Muay Thai has played a significant role in Thai culture for many…
- 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…
- Hua Hin News
Last WWII Thai airman died at 102 years old
World War II ended 76 years ago before many of us were born, but this week, the last Thai airman who actively fought in World War II died at the age of 102. Thai airman Choy Lodethanong died on Wednesday morning. At the age of 102, the death was considered to be of natural causes. Choy was part of the…
- Bangkok News
When did Bangkok have its ‘good old days’?
When did Bangkok have its golden era? Of course it depends on when you were visiting, how long you were here, where you stayed, and what you were doing at the time. But the city has certainly had some ‘eras’ in the past that people nostalgically and whimsically recall as ‘special’. Here’s a few of the responses about when Bangkok…
- Thailand Protest News
Could there be another coup in Thailand? VIDEO
Our analysis about the likelihood of another coup in Thailand, along with a list of 12 previous coups and their consequences. Please watch the video and subscribe to our YouTube Thaiger channel. Last Thursday was another day of political cat and mouse, protesters staging three more rallies around Bangkok whilst officials again huffed and puffed, not really sure exactly how…
- World News
Japanese man earns master’s degree in ninja studies
A Japanese man has become the first person in the world to hold a master’s degree in ninja studies. Genichi Mitsuhashi, aged 45, completed the courses which involved learning basic martial arts and climbing mountains in a stealthy way. He spent the last two years at Mie University studying the history, traditions, and fighting techniques of ninjas, including mysterious agents…
- Thai Life
First female doctor in Thailand celebrated by Google
If you do any search on Google today you’ll see a graphic of a doctor holding a baby. The image is of Thailand’s first female doctor, Margaret Lin Xavier, and today marks her 122nd birthday. Xavier, whose Thai name is Lin Srivisarnvaja, was an expert in obstetrics and gynaecology. She opened a private clinic with her sister who was a…
- World News
So you want to move to Vietnam?
“Whilst Thailand is often nicknamed the ‘land of a thousand 7-elevens’, with a convenience store on just about every corner, there are very few of these in Vietnam, for now.” With the Thai Baht on a high at the moment, along with stricter enforcement of visa rules, some expats say they’ve had enough and are heading to Vietnam, or some…
- Tourism News
Prostitution, the CIA, David Bowie and Patpong – Undercover in Bangkok infamous red light district
PHOTO: patpongmuseum.com Let’s start from the very beginning, a very good place to start. Where did Bangkok’s Patpong get its name? It actually goes back to a Chinese immigrant named Luang Patpongpanich. He purchased the land when it was just a banana plantation (I can hear the Benny Hill theme already). During World War II, so the story goes, Patpongpanich’s son and…
- Bangkok News
The coronation of King Maha Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun
PHOTO: A younger King Maha Vachiralongkorn with his father, the Late King Bhumibol Adulyadej May 5, 1950. King Bhumibol Adulyadej was coronated in a grand ceremony at the Grand Palace and around the streets of Bangkok. That’s nearly seven decades ago when the last coronation took place in Thailand. The 1950 coronation ceremony began the reign of King Rama IX,…