Thai culture

  • Technology News

    Home Sweet Home horror game draws global attention to Thailand culture

    A remarkable partnership in Thailand is harnessing the power of online gaming to stimulate global interest in the country’s rich cultural heritage and potentially boost tourism. The launch of this pioneering project that matches the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) up with the popular horror game Home Sweet Home was announced yesterday in Bangkok. The TAT has united forces with…

  • Thailand News

    Phallic procession invokes divine showers: Thai residents parade huge wooden penis to summon rain gods (video)

    Residents in the central province of Kanchanaburi took part in a ritual with an enormous wooden sculpture of a penis to invoke rain and paraded it around the community while praying to Devas, also known as Buddhism angels. The 600 kilogrammes wooden phallic sculpture, called Palad Khik in Thai, serves as an amulet that many Thai people carry with them,…

  • Thai Life

    Thai monk throws money from the sky to celebrate his birthday (video)

    A Thai Buddhist monk ascended into the air on a crane and threw 150,000 baht cash to attendees of his birthday party at a temple in Surin province in northeast Thailand on Tuesday. To celebrate his 46th birthday and 24th year in the monkhood, Phra Khru Phot Suwannarat – aka Luang Phor Kaen – hired a crane to hoist him…

  • Thai Life

    Thailand lottery winner thanks Buddha with 100 pig’s heads

    A Thai lottery winner today laid out 100 pig’s heads in front of the famous 30-metre-tall Buddha statue at Wat Klang Bang Phra Temple in Nakhon Pathom province in central Thailand. The lucky winner, Panu Nawisamphan from Samut Prakan province, did not reveal how much money he won in the government lottery. Panu said his offering of 100 pig’s heads…

  • Thai Life

    Revered Thai monk’s body defies decomposition 20 years after death

    More than 20 years after revered Thai monk Luang Phu Woraphon Thawitan passed away, his body remains displayed in a glass case at his temple in Khon Kaen province, northeast Thailand. Not only has the deceased monk’s body not decomposed – defying science – but his skin has turned emerald green, reports Sanook. Yesterday, Phra Khru Sri Pattarasan, the current…

  • Northern Thailand News

    Why thousands of Thais are flocking to a Morlam singer’s shrine 30 years after her death

    Yesterday, more than 2,000 people gathered at the shrine of famous Morlam singer Honey Sri-isan in Kalasin province, northeast Thailand, for a lottery number selection event hosted by a 16 year old singer who is believed by fans to carry the reborn spirit of Honey Sri-Isan, who died in a car accident in 1992. Newcomer to the Morlam scene, 16…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • Things To Do

    Siam Niramit Phuket World-Class Culture Entertainment Re-opening on 20th October 2022

    Press Release Siam Niramit Phuket is an attraction which has always received much praise from guests around the world for being one of the best places which brilliantly brings together the fascinating elements of Thai Culture and Heritage. Pannin Kitiparaporn, CEO, said that after temporarily closing due to Covid-19, Siam Niramit Phuket will reopen on October 20 2022. As the…

  • Guides

    10 things foreigners may find strange in Thailand

    As a foreigner living in Thailand, you might notice some strange things and habits that are so far from what you know at home. From cultural quirks to monitor lizards wandering into convenience stores, here are things that most foreigners find surprising and strange in Thailand. Eating raw instant noodles Did you know that instant noodles can make a tasty…

  • Phuket News

    Phuket dwellers honour 10th Lunar Month

    Temples across Phuket have honoured Thailand’s tenth lunar month with food offerings, and traditional puppets. Festivals are held for the tenth lunar month between September and October. During the festival, people offer food to their family members who have died. It is believed that during this time, the spirits of deceased people can come to meet with their relatives. Puppets…

  • Sponsored

    Siam Piwat welcomes world’s women leaders at Global Summit of Women 2022

    Press Release Thailand is hosting the 32nd Global Summit of Women 2022, or the world’s major international forum for the world’s women leaders, during June 23-25, 2022. This is an excellent opportunity to showcase the country’s readiness and capabilities to host an international-standard forum and the potential to become a “Global Destination” for international convention and tourism following the recovery of the…

  • Economy News

    Poll shows that Thais like ‘soft power’

    Thais are liking their government’s new ‘soft power’ promotion of the Kingdom to the rest of the world and to boost the local economy. The idea of soft promotion, or indirect promotion, took off after young rapper ‘Milli’ promoted the country’s signature sticky rice and mango dish in April. In the scheme, Thai authorities aim to promote the ‘5 Fs’…

  • Health

    The Monk Life Project – embrace the path of Dhamma in Thailand

    Press Release Monk Life Project’s new 30-Day Ordination programme with English-speaking teaching monks eases the process for foreigners to embrace the path of Dhamma as monks. It is recorded that when King Ajatashatru of the Haryanka dynasty in Magadha, East India, asked the Buddha about the benefits of ordained life, Buddha said, “The life of the householder is a narrow…

  • Travel

    What are common miscommunications between Thais and foreigners?

    Thailand is an amazing country for foreigners because of its rich history and culture. However, Thais speak in a very different way to Westerners, and cultural misunderstandings can occur if you are unfamiliar with people from the Land of Smiles. Thai people are generally pleasant and laid-back, and they will forgive visitors who make unintended rude gestures. Making the effort…

  • Thailand News

    Former Thai pop star reveals his new business – collecting the faces of dead people

    A former famous Thai pop star may not be making hit records anymore but he’s fine with that now he has a new line of business – collecting the faces of dead people. Jakkapong “Jill” Karnsomphot, one half of the 90s pop combo, Jack-Jill, with his twin brother Jakkaphan “Jack” Karnsomphot, collect the dried facial skins of dead people who…

  • Thailand News

    Sexy makeover of Thai wealth goddess ‘Nang Kwak’ goes viral

    A tattoo artist’s controversial sexy makeover of a Thai goddess on his Facebook page has gone viral. Tattoo artist Ajarn Joe changed the traditional costume on a Thai wealth goddess, ‘Nang Kwak,’ to a sexy dress and it lit the blue touch paper on social media. The response to the post has been mixed, with some passionately defending the makeover…

  • Thailand video news

    10 things foreigners find strange about Thailand!! | This is Thailand

      If you have ever visited or lived in Thailand, you might find some strange things here. Today, I’ll talk about the 10 things foreigners find strange about Thailand!! Let’s see if you agree or feel the same!! Thai people have a nickname that is not related to their full- name In the past, Thais had no nicknames. Some historians…

  • Phuket News

    Thailand’s biggest new attraction “Andamanda” opens in Phuket

    Moisture and adventure meets Thai culture and mythology at Andamanda, Thailand’s biggest water park, covering 58 rai of land in Kathu, in Phuket, southern Thailand. On Saturday, Thailand’s former deputy prime minister Suwat Liptapanlop attended the water park’s grand opening. The new theme park is located on the main road to Patong, about 800 metres west of the Samkong intersection,…

  • 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…

  • Travel

    What you need to know about Thai spirit homes

    When travelling around Thailand, it’s impossible not to notice the spirit houses. Sort of like mini Thai temples. They can be found everywhere at every company, hotel, shopping mall, and even some people’s homes. It’s been part of Thai culture for centuries. You often see them with either food and drinks, or flowers and fruits made as offerings to the ‘spirits’.…

  • Thailand News

    Fortune telling tarantula predicts lottery numbers in central Thailand

    A man from Ang Thong province in central Thailand believes that a tarantula in the forest can predict the future. So far, the tarantula has made two lottery predictions. The man reportedly waits day and night for the furry fortune teller to come out of its hole to see what it might predict next. When the man wants “Phaya Bung”…

  • Thailand News

    Thai netizens laugh at foreign woman who mistook spirit house for a table

    In a video circulating on social media, a foreign woman surrounded by Strawberry Fanta is spotted sitting on a stool and using a spirit house as a table, blissfully unaware of the Thais around her paying their respects to the spirits. The act could be considered very disrespectful to Thai culture, but Thai netizens seem to be entertained, rather than…

  • Thailand video news

    Why is “Rape Culture” normalised in Thai society | This is Thailand

    Thai society has a real problem. Sexual assault and harassment is very common in Thailand. Although there are serious campaigns, social movements or increased legal penalties regarding this crimes. The number of cases of sexual assault or harassment never tends to reduce. Thai society has a problem with Rape culture and Victim Blaming. Today we will try to find out…

  • Thailand video news

    How to retire in Thailand | This is Thailand

    Foreigners who are over the age of 50 and want to retire to Thailand are eligible to apply for a Thai ‘Retirement Visa’, the nickname applied to a series of visas that will allow you to stay in Thailand for periods if you’re over 50 years old. What types of Visas are available? Who is Eligible?, What Documents do you…

  • Thailand video news

    Rise in prices & Promoting Thailand to the world | Good Morning Thailand

    The Ministry of Culture and the Ministry of Commerce has responded to the policy to promote Thailand’s ‘soft power. Are prices going to soar in Thailand after the removal of the diesel cap. Police have come to the conclusion of the controversial death of Thai superstar Tangmo. All this and more on todays Good Morning Thailand.

  • Thailand video news

    Sarong Thai Snack or Fabric? | This is Thailand

    Throughout history, one fashion piece has existed in some form | or other across the diverse cultures of Southeast Asia. It is the “Sarong”

  • Thailand News

    Instant noodles replace flowers at unusual Thai funeral

    Bouquets of instant noodles replaced flowers at an unusual funeral today at a temple in Phitsanulok province, northern Thailand. In a magnificent display, hundreds of sachets of Mama noodles and other dried foods were arranged like flowers around the coffin. Prabhali Konghoon, who died peacefully at age 68, had unique wishes for his funeral which his relatives carried out for…

  • Thailand News

    Bangkok to celebrate 240th anniversary with cultural activities

    Starting today, 20 locations around Bangkok will transform into cultural learning centres to celebrate the city’s 240th anniversary. Attendees are invited to learn more about Thailand’s unique history and culture through activities and performances held from April 20 – 24 around the city. The events are intended to demonstrate the kingdom’s “soft power,” promote cultural tourism and instil pride among…

  • Thailand News

    Monks host funeral for scarecrow named ‘Covid’ to ward off disease

    Well, anything is worth a try at this stage! Monks at a temple in the central Thai province of Suphan Buri have hosted the funeral for a scarecrow, which was named “Mr. Covid Omicron”. Thai locals believed this ceremony could help ward off evil, which is Covid-19 in this case. Residents were scared and worried about the spread of Covid-19…

  • Thailand video news

    What do foreigners love and hate about Thailand | Vox Pop | Ep. 02

    What do foreigners, expats and tourists love about Thailand? What are the changes they would like to see and what food should you avoid eating in Thailand. Welcome to voice of the people where Thaiger goes out on to the streets and asks the people what they think about the different aspects of Thailand.

  • Thailand video news

    Thailand Red Light District & Is Thailand Racist? | Vox Pop | Ep. 01

    What do foreigners and Thais think about the red light district in Thailand? Is Thailand racist towards foreigners? Thailand has re-opened, so where are all the tourists? Welcome to voice of the people where Thaiger goes out on to the streets and asks the people what they think about the different aspects of Thailand.

  • Travel Guides

    Things you shouldn’t do in Thailand

    Are you planning a trip or relocating to Thailand? Then you should know what you can and cannot do in the country. The Land of Smiles is a country with unique cultures and traditions that you’re probably unfamiliar with. Yes, Thais are very used to foreigners, and they’re very forgiving. However, that doesn’t mean that you can be careless and…

  • Thailand video news

    Good Morning Thailand | The Thai time machine, Thai paperwork and red tape, Covid update

    Have you ever experienced Thai time? Thai time seems to tick by at a totally different pace. Some people find it exasperating, others recognise it as part of the Thai ‘sabia sabia’ culture. And then there’s Thai paperwork. When efficiency sometimes takes second place, there’s still mounds of paperwork to fill out where red tape becomes a national sport. Jay,…

  • 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)

  • Bangkok News

    Reporter banned from Government House says police aimed a gun at her at rally

    A Thai reporter who has been banned from Government House claims a police officer pointed a gun at her, 2 days before the run-in with the PM that led to her removal from the press gallery. Kamonthip Aungsakularporn found her access to Government House revoked after challenging PM Prayut Chan-o-cha over claims that Thailand was forcing Burmese refugees back over…

  • Thailand News

    Thailand News Today | Dry Songkran, Prayut’s ‘spare’ political party, protest on NOW | March 24

    It’s going to be another dry Songkran in Bangkok. Last year the annual Thai New Year celebrations were cancelled altogether. This year it will be Songkran without much of the celebration. No water gun flights. No buckets of water poured over… well just about everybody. City officials say strict measures will be in place to prevent the spread of Covid-19…