Khun Chang Khun Phaen, Thailand's most famous legend – part 4
Thailand's most famous epic is about the tragic love triangle between Khun Chang, Khun Phaen and the beautiful Wanthong. The story probably dates from the 17th century and was originally an oral story full of drama, tragedy, sex, adventure and the supernatural.Today part 4.
Khun Chang Khun Phaen, Thailand's most famous legend – part 3
Thailand's most famous epic is about the tragic love triangle between Khun Chang, Khun Phaen and the beautiful Wanthong. The story probably dates back to the 17th century and was originally an oral story full of drama, tragedy, sex, adventure and the supernatural. Over time, it has been constantly modified and expanded, and has remained a popular and entertaining epic told by itinerant storytellers and troubadours. It was at the Siamese court, in the late nineteenth century, that the story was first recorded in writing. This is how a standardized, sanitized version of this famous story was created. Chris Baker and Pashuk Phongpaichit translated and adapted this story for an English speaking audience and published 'The Tale of Khung Chang, Khun Phaen'. Part 3 today.
Classics in Thailand: “Hotel California” by the Eagles
Thailand has a lot to offer for live music lovers. Wherever you go and even in the corners of the country, you will find Thai or sometimes Filipino bands that play music with conviction. The pronunciation of the English language is sometimes difficult for Thai, but the enthusiasm of the musicians is no less.
Khun Chang Khun Phaen, Thailand's most famous legend – part 2
Thailand's most famous epic is about the tragic love triangle between Khun Chang, Khun Phaen and the beautiful Wanthong. The story probably dates back to the 17th century and was originally an oral story full of drama, tragedy, sex, adventure and the supernatural. Today part 2.
Khun Chang Khun Phaen, Thailand's most famous legend – part 1
Thailand's most famous epic is about the tragic love triangle between Khun Chang, Khun Phaen and the beautiful Wanthong. The story probably dates back to the 17th century and was originally an oral story full of drama, tragedy, sex, adventure and the supernatural.
Mae Ya Nang, Patron Saint of the Thai Traveler
On the website of a Thai newspaper I read a short article about a simple ceremony to mark the imminent commissioning of a number of new electric-powered ferries on a canal in Bangkok.
The Emerald Buddha at Wat Phra Kaew
The most sacred Buddha statue in Thailand is the Emerald Buddha. The statue can be admired in the central ubosoth of Wat Phra Kaew in Bangkok.
Pattaya, Pattaya, Phuuying love you mak mak (video)
If you are planning to travel to Pattaya, you should at least know this song by heart. You can now practice. The text is below. You can hear the melody in the video. Good luck!
To Wai or not to Wai?
In the Netherlands we shake hands. Not in Thailand. Here people greet each other with a 'wai'. You fold your hands together as in a prayer, at the level (fingertips) of your chin. However, there is much more to it…
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.
The Thai heart speaks
The Thai word "jai" means "heart". The word is often used in conversations between Thais and it is also a popular word in advertising campaigns. It is usually used as part of a sentence to represent "relationship" or "humanity".
Hi-So and Lo-So, social classes in Thailand
Status is very important in Thailand. Thai society is highly hierarchical. Ranks and positions are quickly clear to the Thai.
The flag of the Netherlands and Thailand
Everyone who visits Thailandblog.nl knows the answer to the question: "What is the similarity between the Dutch and Thai flag?"
Historical Thai Movies on YouTube
The Thai National Film Archive regularly uploads old Thai films to YouTube, such as the first Thai film made in 1927: “Choke Song Chan” (“Double Luck”) and the first Thai animated film from 1955: “The Mahatsajan” made by Payut Ngaokrachang. But you will also find old newsreels about the Thai king, the coup in 1947 and the floods in Bangkok in 1942.
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.
The Lanna influences in Northern Thailand
Those who visit the north of Thailand such as Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai still see many influences from the Lanna era. Lanna means in Dutch: one million rice fields. The Lanna kingdom, which also covered part of Burma, lasted for 600 years and was founded in 1259 by King Mengrai the Great. He succeeded his father as leader of the Chiang Saen kingdom.
The beautiful murals of Suphan Buri
Suphan Buri province has 31 temples with beautiful wall paintings from the time of King Rama V and later. Images from the life of Buddha, everyday scenes and mythical animals. A lust for the eye.
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.
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.
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 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.