Thai culture
- Thailand News
Iconic Thai heritage closing for renovation: Kamthieng House Museum shutting down
The historic Kamthieng House Museum, a cultural gem in the heart of Bangkok, is set to close its doors for a major renovation. The Siam Society, custodians of the beloved Kamthieng House Museum, has dropped a bombshell by announcing its closure for extensive renovations starting from December 30. The delay in the restoration, the society reveals, was a meticulous process…
- 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
Unlock the secrets of Thailand’s museums after dark: Night at Museum 2023 unveiled
In a bid to ignite cultural fervour, the Thai government launched the eagerly awaited Night at Museum 2023 initiative. Running from December 15 to 24, the festival encourages the public to explore the nation’s 48 museums under the enchanting cloak of night. Karom Polpornklang, a deputy government spokesman, stated that the festival aims to boost cultural soft power, inviting everyone…
- Thailand News
Thai PM plans revision of 5.1 billion baht for national art and culture
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin yesterday announced plans to revise the substantial sum of 5.1 billion baht (US$145 million), originally designated for the promotion initiatives of national art and culture by the National Soft Power Development Committee (NSPDC). The Thai prime minister expressed the need for judicious use of the funds to maximise efficacy. PM Srettha’s statements followed the NSPDC’s second…
- Thailand News
Mysterious Naga tracks discovered at Lampang temple during Kathina festival
An unusual trail of Naga tracks was discovered near a pond at the back of the Wat San Pa Teung Wana Ram temple in Phra Bat, Mueang, Lampang yesterday during the Kathina (a Buddhist festival) celebrations. Villagers and a famous financial company jointly donated Kathina robes at the temple. The unexpected sight of these mysterious marks, believed by locals to…
- 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…
- Business News
Tasty transformation: Thai instant noodles ride K-pop and J-pop wave
Thai Instant noodles, a staple in many households and offices, have evolved significantly in recent years, influenced by the growing popularity of Korean and Japanese pop culture in Thailand. As a result, manufacturers are diversifying their offerings, serving freshly prepared instant noodle dishes in their restaurants, petrol stations, and luxury retail complexes in Bangkok. The global demand for instant noodles reached…
- Phuket News
Urak Lawoi sea gypsies celebrate traditional Loy Reua festival in Phuket
Sweeping waves gently nudged a hand-carved boat off the coast of Koh Siray, east of Phuket Town, marking the culmination of the week-long Loy Reua festival. Celebrated by the Urak Lawoi sea gipsies, the festival is a time-honoured tradition where a boat, brimming with offerings, is set adrift as an offering to the spirit of the sea in hopes of…
- Pattaya News
November brings vibrant Thai cultural events for locals and tourists alike
A vibrant tapestry of cultural events and celebrations has been planned to light up the Thailand event calendar this month. From the enchanting Loi Krathong festival, the fierce Boat Race Festival, the rhythmic Pattaya Music and International Fireworks Festival, to the challenging Laguna Phuket Triathlon- there’s something for everyone. The Loi Krathong Festival this year is one of the most stunning festivities in…
- Thailand News
Roya Gazette declares Wat Suthat Thepwararam an archaeological site
The Royal Gazette recently announced the Department of Fine Arts declaration, which designates the land area of the ancient site Wat Suthat Thepwararam as an archaeological site, encompassing 28 rai and 76 square wa. Today, it was reported on the Royal Gazette website that the Department of Fine Arts announced the zoning of the archaeological site. The declaration was signed…
- Thailand News
Si Thep Historical Park battles overcrowding after UNESCO world heritage listing
A significant influx of visitors to Si Thep Historical Park in Phetchabun sparked concerns among officials, following its inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage Site list on September 19. The province was ill-prepared for the escalated tourist numbers, leading to calls for immediate action to protect the park and manage the crowds. Chatchaval Benchasiriwong, the 54 year old deputy governor…
- Thailand News
Blackpink’s Lisa to receive Thai cultural ambassador award for promoting local culture
Announced earlier this week, Lalisa Lisa Manoban, a member of the globally renowned K-Pop group Blackpink, is set to receive a prestigious cultural ambassador leader award from Thailand’s Culture Ministry. The celebrated singer, who hails from Buriram, has been recognised for her significant contributions to promoting Thai culture on an international stage. A grand and formal ceremony is on the…
- 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…
- 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…
- 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…
- 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
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”…
