Thailand photo of the day: Phra Rahu, a demon god
Phra Rahu is worshiped in many temples in Thailand, the most famous being the Wat Srisathhong in Nakhon Pathom province. Phra Rahu used to be a demon god who, according to the Thais, took the form of a snake, nowadays he takes on a more demonic human form at temples. Phra Rahu is colored black, with only a torso and a head. He holds a golden sphere in front of his mouth, the golden sphere should represent the sun.
How Siam/Thailand responded to the pull of the West
How did Thailand respond to contacts with the West? How did they view the West? Which things did they admire and which aroused their aversion? What did they adopt, how and for what reasons, and what did they reject? A short cultural guide.
Music from Thailand: I can't live without you - Tae Aphiwat
Thai people generally love music. A party is only complete with music and the louder the more Sanuk it seems. Like in the west, Thai songs are often about love. Although I have the impression that things are a bit more sentimental in Thailand. This is also evident in this video clip.
Kuman Thong – The legend of Khun Chang Khun Phaen
It is clear that superstition plays an important role in Thai culture. Just look at the many ghost houses. Animism, the belief in ghosts, goes quite far. Thai believe in good spirits that protect you and can bring you good luck, but the fear of evil spirits is much greater. A good spirit is the spirit of an unborn child: Kuman Tong.
Mor lam, traditional music of the Isaan
Unrequited love, the struggle for existence and nostalgia for the village life of the Isaan are the themes of mor lam and lug thung songs. Tino Kuis about the traditional music of the Northeast of Thailand. Read and listen.
Thailand… to get poetic about…
I have found over the years that we Farang are generally not very familiar with the literature, let alone the poetry of our host country. Expats who want to integrate generally have a more thorough knowledge of, say, the local range of food, drink or women than of what is generally described as 'higher' culture.
If your Thai partner is “ngon”, are you “ngor”?
Anyone who has or has had a romantic relationship with a Thai knows firsthand the cold grip of “ngon” – the uniquely Thai posture, which is somewhere between pouting, angry and disappointed. Opposite is “ngor”, the act of trying to remove those disappointment and hurt feelings.
You-Me-We-Us: The 'Become My Home' Movie
The film is now ready in the context of the website You-Me-We-Us that I have reviewed about the nearly 500.000 people in Thailand who are stateless or who cannot provide complete paperwork. The movie is called 'Becoming home' which I translated into 'Becoming my home'.
10 questions and answers about ghosts and superstitions
What should you do if your dog starts whining at 2 a.m.? What's the easiest way to see a ghost? For some/most/all Thais, these questions shouldn't be too hard, but readers of Thailandblog will have more trouble with them. In this posting 10 questions about Thai ghosts and supernatural beliefs.
Farang: very strange birds
We find the Thai, at times, but strange. Often there is no rope to tie and all logic for the way of acting by a Thai is missing. The same applies the other way around. Farang (westerners) are just strange birds. Rather rude, ill-mannered and clumsy. But also kind-hearted and a source of entertainment.
Thai society is organized hierarchically. This is also reflected in family life. Grandparents and parents are at the top of the hierarchy and should always be treated with respect. This hierarchical structure is also practical and prevents conflicts.
The Mysterious Thai Smile
The famous 'Thai Smile' (Yim) is one of the many mysteries of Thailand. Although we always experience a smile as an expression of friendliness, for a Thai a smile has a different meaning and function.
The red-horned water buffalo – a short story by Khamsing Srinawk
Here we meet the rascal Sri Thanonchai again. In the book, his name is Thit Si Thanonchai; Thit is the title for someone who has been a monk. But this time he plays such a stupid prank that it costs him money... A story about rice farmers who sell their water buffaloes to the rich village chief to eat. They can then rent the buffalo, but that costs part of the rice harvest.
Thai Buddhist rituals and influencing your karma
Those who visit Thailand will certainly have seen a temple from the inside. What immediately stands out is the geniality. No binding protocols and no straitjacket that determines what is and what is not allowed.
The head, an important body part in Thailand
For Thais, the head, and especially the top of the head, is the most important part of the body. That is where someone's spirit (kwan) resides, the head and everything that has to do with it must be treated with respect.
Congratulations grandfather! – a short story by Khamsing Srinawk
It can just happen to you. You arrive in a village and music blares out of the loudspeakers; there appears to be a party going on. Well, then you're going to watch, aren't you?
Chewing betel nut in the Thai countryside
Anyone who has ever been to the Thai countryside (Isaan) or to the hill tribes (Hilltribes) will have seen it. Women and men who chew on a reddish substance: betel nut.