Alchemy. From: Fables and legends from Thailand. No. 01.
According to Van Dale, alchemy is 'the ancient secret science that aimed to prepare precious metals and an elixir of life with the 'philosopher's stone'.' But does that mean anything?
If the Kingdom of Ayuthia prospered during the reign of Phra-Naret-Suen (1558-1593), suppliers could not meet the needs of the population. So they send out traveling salesmen. Growers who hear how they can sell their trade come from far and wide to the market with their wares.
Book review: The Kings of Ayutthaya
Anyone who wants to do serious historical research with regard to Siam is confronted with the same problem. When the Burmese destroyed the Siamese capital Ayutthaya in 1767, the country's archives and most important libraries also went up in flames. This makes it damn hard to correctly reconstruct, let alone interpret, the history of Siam before 1767.
The Farmer and the White Man, a short story by Khamsing Srinawk
This is a short story from 1966 by my favorite Thai writer. It is about an encounter between an elderly farmer and a white man and how, despite both good intentions, different views and habits can lead to friction, described through the behavior of a dog. The story also says a lot about the dire and weak condition of the farmer at that time, perhaps not improved that much.
From November 24, “Doi Boy” will be available on Netflix. It is commendable that the streaming giant is making room for new arthouse films. This time it is a production from Thailand and Cambodia, with Awat Ratanapintha in a leading role.
Sculpture of a cat and a rat in Songkhla
If you walk along the beach of Samila Beach in Songkhla, you can just see a statue of an immensely large cat and a rat, which you would not like to see around your house in that size. A cat and a rat, what does that mean and why was it made into a sculpture?
Three true stories of prisoners behind Thai bars
Read the raw reality of life in Thailand's most feared prisons through the eyes of three foreigners who ended up there. Sandra Gregory's “Bangkok Hilton”, Pedro Ruijzing's “Life Sentence in Thailand” and Machiel Kuijt's “Ten Years Behind Thai Bars” provide a disturbing picture of daily life in the infamous Klong Prem Central Prison and Bang Kwang Central Prison, also known as the “ Bangkok Hilton” or “Big Tiger”. Their stories, shaped in the shadows of these dreaded walls, reveal a world far beyond most people's understanding. What do they have to say about their experiences behind bars?
Jim Thompson, the most famous American in Thailand
Jim Thompson's name is inseparable from Thai silk. His name commands a lot of respect from the Thai.
Fans of the award-winning series “The White Lotus” (an HBO series) can hardly contain their excitement as rumors swirl about the third season of the hit series. This time the story could take place in exotic Thailand, with a surprising twist: pop icon Harry Styles could play a role in the new season.
The dangers of the betel nut
Traveling through the far north of Thailand, I took the photo depicted in this story of one of the ladies belonging to the Akha hill tribe. Her fiery red lips and red mouth inspired me to write a story.
'One night in Bangkok and the world's your oyster'
One Night in Bangkok is a 1984 classic by Murray Head an English actor and singer. The sound of this song is very recognizable and makes it unique. Whoever hears the first tones will immediately have an Aha experience where the mind will wander to the City of Angels, Krung Thep.
A light-hearted look at Thailand: about Thai massage (part 2)
Not so serious today dear readers of Thailandblog. Laughter really doesn't hurt. Give it a try. And for the Dutch readers; it doesn't cost any money either.
A light-hearted look at Thailand (part 1)
Not so serious today dear readers of Thailandblog. Laughter really doesn't hurt. Give it a try. And for the Dutch readers; it doesn't cost any money either.
Meeting your Thai girlfriend's parents: serious business!
The cultural differences between Thailand and the West are very large. It is therefore important to immerse yourself in Thai culture. Things that are apparently unimportant to us can have a lot of impact in Thailand. An example is presenting a farang to the parents of a Thai woman.
Discover the spiritual heart of Thailand: a free e-book guides you to 60 special places
Widely known for its breathtaking landscapes and rich culture, Thailand now invites travelers to take a deeper dive into its spiritual roots. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) presents a unique e-book that guides readers through 60 spiritual sites, from sacred caves to city pillars. This guide unlocks the hidden spiritual wealth of the country.
McDang: Thai cooking with regal allure
Occasionally I write on this blog about literature and Thailand. Today I would like to take a moment to think about… cookbooks. For some, no literature at all, but in any case a genre that cannot be ignored because they form an important, still growing niche in the book market.
The girl from Chonburi
Chonburi, a place in Thailand, is not just any city. Located on the Gulf of Thailand, which in the past was called the Gulf of Siam, this place offers a lively mix of nature, culture and industry. The harbour, the market, the inhabitants and the lively atmosphere each tell their own story. In this text we delve deeper into the soul of Chonburi and one of its inhabitants, Rath, whose life is in some way intertwined with that of the city.