History
- 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
Tying the pieces together with the awesome history of shoelaces
Shoelaces might seem like a small part of our daily lives, but they have a surprisingly rich history that stretches back thousands of years. From the first discovery in the Areni-1 cave to the invention of aglets that revolutionized the lace, these strings have been tying together not just our shoes, but stories of innovation and necessity. It’s fascinating to…
- 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…
- 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…
- Things To Do
What you should do for Loy Krathong 2023
The History of the Loy Krathong Festival Loy Krathong, meaning “floating basket,” is a Thai holiday in which people congregate along the kingdom’s waterways to release decorated floating relics. Krathongs are traditionally built of banana trunks and are adorned with flowers, candles, incense, and personal objects. Loy Krathong is thought to have started in the ancient city of Sukhothai, which…
- 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
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
Royal romance evolution: One man, many wives fades within 60 years in Thailand
From the era of Rama V with multiple wives to the era of Rama VII with a single wife, why did the perception of one man, many wives vanish within 60 years? Aside from his work in reforming the nation and abolishing slavery, another facet of King Chulalongkorn, Rama V, is most remembered from our textbooks, his position as 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
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…
- Thailand News
How did the first Go-Go bar in Thailand start? | Patpong, A Brief History
How did the first Go-Go bar in Thailand start? Patpong is more than just a seedy bar area. It is in fact a puzzle with so many pieces containing unique stories, history and legends. Everyone who has been to Thailand has their own perception regarding Patpong and all it has to offer. Follow Bangkok Pat as he lets you have…
- 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…
- 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…
- Phuket News
Newly discovered 3,000 year old cave paintings in Phang Nga
New cave art, reportedly at least 3,000 years old, has been discovered in the southern Phang Nga province’s Phang Nga Bay Marine National Park. The head of the park says he he found the ancient paintings while leading park officials to investigate the Petch Pakarang Cave at Koh Talu in Takua Thung district on Friday. Currently there are 4 locations in…
- 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…
- 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…
- Tourism News
Phuket Town – In CNN Travel’s “Asia’s most picturesque towns”
“Though most famous for its beaches, the Thai island of Phuket offers ample opportunities for cultural immersion as well.” Phuket’s Old Town was listed as one of Asia’s 13 most picturesque towns by CNN Travel. The article mentioned, that whilst the island is renowned for its world-class beaches and leisure, offshore and adventure tourism activities, Phuket Town delivers on romance, history…
- 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,…
