Hilltribes Thailand

Lamphun's Little-Known Animal Shrines

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 06:28:00 +0000

The quiet provincial capital of Lamphun, just 26 kilometres south of Chiang Mai, has so long been overshadowed by the Lan Na capital as to have become almost an adjunct. Certainly few visitors stay in Lamphun, preferring to visit as a day trip. Yet Lamphun is at least three centuries older than Chiang Mai, and possibly - at least according to legend - fully five centuries more ancient, which would make it the longest continually inhabited city in Thailand.

Lamphun is generally renowned because of the sophisticated Mon-Haripunchai civilisation of which it became the centre. An offshoot of the larger and better-known Mon-Dvaravati civilisation centred on Lopburi, Lamphun became famous after the enthronement of Queen Chama Thewi, probably during the late 9th or early 10th century AD. The Lan Na chronicles, verified where possible by archaeology and other corroborative texts, suggest that the foundations of the Kingdom of Haripunchai were laid at Lamphun by a group of Buddhist monks from Lopburi some time in the 9th century AD.

These monks asked the Mon king of Lopburi to provide them with a ruler for their city, and he sent his daughter, Chama Thewi, who arrived in Lamphun accompanied by a large retinue of Mon retainers. The new queen was a woman of strong character, who tenaciously defended the interests of Haripunchai against the local Lawa people, and actively promoted Buddhism in the region. She founded a dynasty that was to last until the mid-11th century, and established her capital, Lamphun, as an important centre of Mon culture and influence until its eventual absorption by King Mangrai of Lan Na, in 1281 - long after the demise of the more southerly Mon Kingdom of Dvaravati.

The most important surviving architectural legacy of Mon-Haripunchai civilisation is the revered Wat Phra That Haripunchai, considered one of the seven most important temples of Lan Na, which stands in the centre of town on Thanon Inthayongyot. It was founded in 1044 by King Athitayaraj or Addita of Haripunchai, supposedly on the site of Chama Thewi's royal palace. Legend has it that the queen's personal quarters are enclosed in the main 46-metre high Lan Na-style chedi, covered in copper plates and topped by a gold umbrella.

Almost as important, and certainly of great historical significance, is Wat Chama Thewi, better known locally as Wat Ku Kut. This temple is the site of the two oldest surviving Haripunchai monuments in Lamphun, both brick chedi decorated with stucco figures of the Buddha, dating in their present form from about from 1218, and considered to be the finest surviving examples of Mon architecture in Thailand. The larger of the two, Chedi Suwan Chang Kot, is a stepped pyramid 21 metres high, and thought to have been the model for a similar dagoba at Polonnaruwa in Sri Lanka (See Ancient Chiang Mai 3). Nearby there is another chedi of smaller proportions but similar style. This structure, the Ratana Chedi, is said to contain the ashes of Queen Chama Thewi herself.

Less well known, but more unusual, are a series of four ku, or relic-containing shrines, dedicated to Chama Thewi's royal animals, which were also founded during the late Haripunchai period. These stand quite close together on the northwestern outskirts of town, on the south bank of the River Kuang, about 1 kilometre from from Lamphun Railway Station.

The largest and best known of these unusual shrines is Ku Chang, or the 'elephant relic shrine'. It is dedicated to Chama Thewi's great war-elephant, Blacky-Purple, which was instrumental in Chama Thewi's victory over local the Lawa chieftain King Luang Viranga. The tall black chedi and neighbouring shrine are cluttered with wooden, plaster and stone elephants of every size and description. Fresh bananas and sugar cane are brought for the spirit of Blacky-Purple every morning, and the frequent visitors - predominantly local women - offer lao khao (white liquor), pigs' heads, candles, incense and yellow chrysanthemum flowers to the departed animal. Stalls stand nearby, selling fresh sticks of sugar cane and hands of sweet bananas those wishing to make offerings appropriate to an elephant guardian spirit.

The shrine is clearly highly venerated. Some of the giant wooden elephants within are so covered in garlands that it is almost impossible to see what they are. Accompanying the prayers of the worshippers and smoking incense is the regular rattle of fortune-telling sticks, as visitors cast inscribed bamboo tapers on the ground to see what the future holds for them. Ancient lime trees shade the area, and on sunny days - which are much of the time - a pleasant, dappled light illumines the scene. No doubt Blacky-Purple, the guardian spirit of the city of Lamphun, is pleased by such continuing respect nearly a thousand years after the historic defeat of King Luang Viranga.

A smaller, bell-shaped chedi set close behind Ku Chang marks the site of Ku Ma, final resting-place of Chama Thewi's swiftest steed. Though less venerated than the shrine of Blacky-Purple, local people make offerings of wooden and ceramic horses which crowd around the base of the monument. Taken together, Ku Chang and Ku Ma form the central point of Lamphun's animal relic chambers.

Harder to find is Ku Maeo, the cat chedi--it may be necessary to ask directions from a helpful local resident. Hidden in deep undergrowth at the end of a poorly-maintained park just to the east of Ku Chang, it remains completely covered in vegetation, and can only be discerned by a red flag on a tall stick fixed near the summit. A spirit shrine dedicated to Chama Thewi's cat stands in front, but appears to receive little in the way of veneration.

Finally, a short distance further away behind a small temple is Ku Kai, the chicken chedi, dedicated to Chama Thewi's cockerel, a rooster whose call could reportedly be heard in distant Lopburi! A few years ago, just like Ku Maeo, Ku Kai was in a state of very poor repair, being little more than a pile of rust-red bricks, all trace of stucco gone, behind the temple walls of Wat Kai Kaew, the Temple of the Crystal Cockerel. In recent years, however, this chicken chedi has been carefully restored, and is now bound round with red and gold votive cloths, surmounted by the statue of a small chicken, and protected by encircling railings. Within the temple grounds other reminders of the royal bird can also be found. Golden cockerels with red tails are set in the temple walls above each window, and a much more recent cockerel statue guards the temple grounds.

These Haripunchai-era animal ku are most unusual. While the most important such chedi, Ku Chang and Ku Ma, were restored by the Fine Arts Department at Silipakorn University some decades ago and are now carefully maintained, it is heartening to find the Ku Kai, too, has now been rebuilt, apparently with local funds. I asked about the future status of Ku Maeo, still just a pile of vegetation-covered, crumbling brickwork, at the nearby Ku Chang Shrine. The guardian assured me that it was due to be restored, but he couldn't say when. "It is just a matter of time and money", he opined.

Text by Andrew Forbes, images by David Henley. © CPA Media, 2005

Links with Old Burma

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 06:27:00 +0000

Nowadays the ancient northern Thai Kingdom of Lan Na - literally the ‘One Million Rice Fields’, together with its capital, the venerable city of Chiang Mai, is very much an integral part of the Thai polity. It was not always so, however. Union with Siam took place just two centuries ago, and Bangkok's absolute control was not fully established until the first decades of the 20th century. Five centuries ago, in the time King Tilokarat (1441-87), Lan Na was independent and enjoying a golden age. To the east lay the Kingdom of Lan Chang, or ‘One Million Elephants’, centred on modern Laos. To the south Ayutthaya flourished as the capital of Siam, whilst to the west the Kingdoms of Pegu and Ava were twin centres of Burma's burgeoning influence and strength.

Relations between Burma and Thailand are as old as the history of the two peoples in mainland Southeast Asia. When the Tai first began to settle in the Lan Na region, they found the Mon ruling over the local Lawa people from their capital at Haripunchai - today the quiet provincial capital of Lamphun, probably the oldest continually inhabited city in Thailand.

The Lan Na Kingdom was founded by King Mangrai in the mid-13th century. Mangrai subdued the local Mon and founded his new capital at Chiang Mai on April 18, 1296. He went on to establish friendly relations with Burma when he travelled to the court of King Suttasoma of Pegu. King Suttasoma cemented this alliance by giving Mangrai his daughter, the Lady Phai Kho, in marriage. According to the Chiang Mai Chronicle: 'the two rulers met at the Asa River, and feasted their retainers with food and drink, and staged great entertainments for three days and three nights. They pledged their undying friendship in every way'. The Chronicle also notes that the King of Phukam - later to become Ava - in Upper Burma was also on good terms with Mangrai, and sent five hundred families of artisans, including silver, gold, bronze and iron smiths, as a gift of friendship to the Lan Na court.

For the next two and a half centuries Lan Na flourished as an independent state, trading and exchanging goods and ideas with neighbouring countries. Links were established with distant Sri Lanka via the Burmese port of Martaban, and Theravadan monks travelled between the great Buddhist centre of Anuradhapura and Chiang Mai. As a result of these links, in 1477 King Tilokarat sponsored the 8th Buddhist World Council at Wat Chet Yod - then just outside Chiang Mai, today well within the city confines beside the Superhighway. Delegates travelled to the council from Burma, Sri Lanka and all over the Buddhist world. Lan Na was in its prime, a recognised regional power able to treat on equal terms with both Burma and Siam.

Of course, there were wars too. The kings of Chiang Mai were under constant pressure from the Siamese to the south, and during the century of decline which followed the death of Tilokarat in 1487 suffered attacks not just from Ayutthaya, but also from Yunnan, Shan State, Laos and even Vietnam. For strategic reasons, the armies of Pegu did not take part in these generalised attacks until King Bayinnaung succeeded in subduing Upper Burma and the Shan region in the late 1550s. From this time on, however, Bayinnaung became the main player in the region, and by 1558 the whole of Lan Na was in his hands.

For the next two centuries Chiang Mai was a tributary of Burma. Unlike the Siamese, the people of Lan Na generally do not retain bitter memories of Burmese conquest. Judging by the chronicles, when a suzerain was just and his rule generous, the Northern Tai would support him even against the Siamese. In the beginning, this was indeed the case. As the Chiang Mai Chronicle records, 'The Burmese did no ill or oppression of any sort'. Later, however, as conditions deteriorated, resistance began to develop - though to little or no avail. Only after the armies of Burma had devastated Ayutthaya in 1767 did Chao Kawila, Lord of Lampang, decide to throw in his lot with the Siamese. As a result, on the 14th February, 1775, a joint Lan Na-Siamese army seized Chiang Mai and began the process of uniting the Lan Na Kingdom with Siam.

Visitors to Chiang Mai today do not have to look far for reminders of the city's long links with neighbouring Burma. Unfortunately, little remains from the two hundred year period of direct Burmese rule. This is hardly surprising - when Chao Kawila entered the city in 1775 he found it depopulated and impoverished as a result of the long years of war. Not until March 1797, did Kawila re-establish the city and set about rebuilding it. The restored brick bastions and moats that encompass the Old City date from this time, as do the city's outer earthen ramparts in their present form. To this extent they are a link with Burma, but only in so far as they managed to keep the armies of Ava at bay.

Fortunately, even in times of war the armies of Southeast Asia's great Buddhist nations generally considered religious buildings sacrosanct. Because of this, at least one legacy of the original Burmese administration survives. In 1565, just seven years after Bayinnaung's conquest, the Burmese military commander in Lan Na had a huge bronze Buddha image cast, in cooperation with Queen Wisutthithewi of Chiang Mai. It was named ‘Phra Buddha Müang Rai’, doubtless in honour of King Mangrai, the city's founder. The image has survived the intervening centuries, and today can be seen at Wat Chai Phra Kiat on the north side of the Old City's central Ratchadamnoen Avenue, not far from Wat Phra Singh. It is in Lan Na style, and so was certainly cast by local artisans.

Wat Ku Tao, to the north of the Old City by the old sports stadium, is another survivor from the years of Burma's suzerainty. Here, within an unusual chedi formed like five inverted alms bowls, are believed to lie the ashes of the first Burmese ruler of Chiang Mai, King Nawrahtaminsaw (1578-1607). Another stupa from this period is Chedi Khao, the ‘White Chedi’. Standing by the banks of the River Ping near the gates of the United States Consulate, it now serves as a roundabout at the junction of busy Wichayanon and Wang Sing Kham Roads. According to legend, this chedi commemorates a trial of will between a Burmese soldier and his Lan Na opponent. Once, when Burmese armies stood at the gates of the city, it was decided to settle the issue by single combat. Whichever army's champion could stay under water longest would decide the victory. Both sides chose their best swimmers, but once beneath the waters of the River Ping the Lan Na volunteer tied his clothing to a rock. He thus won the contest at the cost of his life, and Chedi Khao still stands in his honour.

The recapture of Chiang Mai by Kawila in 1775 may have ended Burma's control over Lan Na, but it certainly did not end the relationship between the two neighbours. All through the 19th century Burmese nationals settled in Chiang Mai and other cities of north Thailand to take part in the region's expanding teak logging industry. Many became rich as a result, and some invested their profits in acts of merit-making. The most vivid surviving reminders of Burmese influence in Chiang Mai date from this period, and are well worth visiting.

In the south-east corner of the Old City stands Wat Myanmar, a fine example of a 19th century Buddhist temple which would not look out of place in Mandalay. This temple is associated with the lowland Burman tradition in the city, and pictures of Shwedagon and Sule Pagoda adorn the walls. Further to the east, on the north side of Chang Moi Road in the commercial heart of Kawila's new city, may be found Wat Dok Kham, also closely linked to Burma, but in this case with the Pa-o people from Shan State. Once again the buildings are markedly non-Lan Na in style, more redolent of Taunggyi than of Chiang Mai. Finally, just to the north-east of the Old City, in an area of Shan settlement near Sanam Kila Road, Wat Pa Pao remains the spiritual heart of the Shan community in Chiang Mai. A venerable building with time-warped walls and leaning gateways, this is the oldest of the city's temples linked with Burma. Nearby, at Wat Chiang Eun, a recently-restored octagonal Shan pagoda shelters a Mandalay-style Buddha. In the tea shops and restaurants of this area one can enjoy Shan noodles and even lapet pickled tea. Afterwards, should the mood strike you, why not try a Burma cheroot from the plentiful supplies available at Chiang Mai's Kat Luang (Warorot) Market? Here too you may find lungyi or sarongs from Mandalay, Lashio and even Mytkyina. After all, Burma isn't so very far away!

Text by Andrew Forbes, images by David Henley. © CPA Media, 2007

The Legend( s) of Queen Chamadevi

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 18 Jan 2009 03:14:00 +0000

Queen Chamadevi is historically a somewhat shadowy figure. Believed to have been a 6th or 7th C. Mon princess of Lopburi, sent to found and rule the city of Haripunchai (modern-day Lamphun), she is credited with bringing the benefits of civilisation - Buddhism among them - to the North. But if the history is fragmentary, the legends that have accreted and are still current about her in this part of the North are fully-fleshed and highly-coloured - sensational, even.

What the Northern chronicles, and especially the kon song whose familiars are often associated with the queen, tell us, is that as a baby she was found by a hermit in a giant lotus, and having been parented, protected and tutored by him, was sent to Lopburi where the king completed her education, and married her to one of his sons. She then returned with a full entourage up the Chao Praya and Ping rivers to the city her hermit 'father' had established magically for her. Interestingly, she failed to bring her husband with her, but gave birth to male twins shortly after her arrival, thus securing the succession. This was just as well, the legends tell us, because fellow but rather more primitive Mons in the region were not entirely welcoming. In particular, the leader of the Mon-Lua apparently based around Doi Suthep, one Khun Luang Viranka, was affronted when she refused - or at least strategically put off - his offer of marriage. For a while, Chamadevi kept him at bay with one excuse and another, but eventually, threatened by military force, she compromised. If he could throw his spear from Doi Suthep into her walled city, she would surrender her hand, she told him. Quite a challenge, you might think, given that the distance, Doi Suthep to Haripunchai, is some 15 miles, but this is legend, and accordingly with his first throw the 'barbarian' chieftain landed his spear just outside the walls of the city. Alarmed that he might suceed with his next, Queen Chamadevi sent a present to Viranka, a hat that had been fashioned from an undergarment of the Queen and menstrually soiled by her. The simple fellow, flattered and pleased by what he took to be a compliment, put the hat on - with predictable results. The hero's second throw landed the spear not far from his feet, Viranka then realising that royally deceived and enchanted, he had completely lost his virile power. Out of disappointment and despair, the legends tell us, Viranka sent his last throw directly upwards, the spear falling to pierce the chest and kill the hero. Nevertheless, Khun Luang Viranka continues to be among the major spirits respected by Chiang Mai's people in some of their most important ceremonies. On the other hand, Queen Chamadevi survived, prospered and saw her area of rule extended. And she continues to be not only respected in local ceremonies, but to make appearances from time to time to mOdern-day followers, among other things ensuring that her history is told the way she wants it. But that in itself would be another story.

Lampang

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 18 Jan 2009 03:12:00 +0000

The trip one hundred kilometres down the super-highway to Lampang takes you back to a quieter, slower-moving era, symbolised by the horse-carriage 'taxis' clip-clopping through the streets there. Lampang's mascot is the White Rooster image standing at the City Gate. Townspeople say that during one of the Buddha's legendary visits to the North, the King of the Gods, Indra, concerned that people might not wake in time to welcome the Great Being, took the form of the bird and crowed his warning. Apart from its many his¬toric temples, Lampang is also famous for its handicrafts (available at local shops) and fruit production. Its elephant training centre and hospital, 38 kms. out of the city, is well worth visiting and has a program that allows you to see the great beasts at their best.

Chiang Rai

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 18 Jan 2009 03:11:00 +0000

Chiang Rai, 180 kms. to the northeast of Chiang Mai, has been growing recently, but still shows evidence of its lengthy past, predating the Northern Capital as its foundation does. The easiest approaches are by air and road, but the four-hour boat trip from Ta Thon down the Mae Khok River gives the best introduction. The so-called Golden Triangle meeting point of the Thai, Lao and Burmese borders can claim to be the most famous tourist destination, but its rival is the Doi Tung Development Project. Situated on the 'Reclining Lady' Mountain near the Burmese border and initiated under Royal patronage, Doi Tung has become one of the North's biggest tourist attractions. Different ethnic groups working there produce handicrafts that are known world-wide, and nature-lovers are drawn from far and near to the Mae Fah Luang Arboretum, with its extraordinary diversity of flora. The project also offers accommodation of the highest quality.

Mae Hong Son

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 11:15:00 +0000

Mae Hong Son on the Burmese border to the west is particu-larly attractive. Known as 'The City of the Three Mists', it can be reached in half an hour by plane, though those with the time may find driving round on the excellent highway a good introduction to the forest-covered mountains surrounding it. Home to most of Thailand' s colorful hill-peoples - the Pa Dong women with their elongated ringed necks the most spectacularly different in appearance - it offers the adventurous and energetic hot-springs, caves and waterfalls as near or farther destinations. Rafting on the Pai River is particularly recommended. But the small provincial town, with its morning markets and colorful festivals - don't miss the ordination ceremony of young Shan men into the monk hood - is a great place to lounge around, its temple of Wat Phra That Doi Kong Mu providing the optimum viewing point for the minimum of effort.

Lamphun

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 11:14:00 +0000

Lamphun, meanwhile, only half an hour down the road from Chiang Mai itself, is one of the oldest cities in the region, founded ¬as Haripunchai - in the 7th or 8th C. AD by the legendary Queen Chamadevi. Among its many fascinating cultural activities is the gathering of the water of allegiance and carriage in procession to Wat Phra That Haripunchai. While kon song (spirit mediums) are to be found all over the North, Lamphun's appear to have special cachet, providing those brave enough to consult them with warnings and advice of exceptional shrewdness. So while you should enjoy Chiang Mai to the full, don't miss the many other locations and activities all over the North. The Tourism Authority of Thailand will provide you with all the information necessary to give you the many trips and seasonal festivities that await you.

San Phra Phum , May the gods Be with you...

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 11:09:00 +0000

As Thai society was based on the idea of animism, it is believed that there are good and evil spirits existing in all objects and places, in woods, for example. Hence the major purpose of having a San Phra Phum is to provide the Phra Phum aka Phumi Dhevada, the guardian spirit, with a residence, so that he can protect all family members from evil spirits and bad fortune. Apart from the shelter and daily food offerings we give them in exchange, an annual ritual is also needed. Performed during Thai New Year or Songkran, the ceremony features gifts of spicy shrimp and fish salads with lemon grass and mint placed in a specific banana leaf basket called a Budplee.
Although sharing the animist spiritual belief, the San Phra Phum is not popular among Lanna people since they believe that their ancestral spirits have protected them already and so there is no need to build a shrine for other spirits.

A story behind it
If you look carefully, inside the spirit house there are tiny dolls. One holds a sword in his left hand and a book in the other while the others share a similar appearance. Who are they? Of course, it's easy to guess that the first one is the guardian spirit. However, there's a tale about this. Once upon a time in Plee city, King Tossaraj assigned his nine sons to guard different places in his territory including households, the city's gates, fortresses, granaries, rice fields, woods and rivers. The prince Phra Chaimongkol who carried a sword in his left hand and a book in the other was responsible for guarding the households and had a three-man entourage.

The Hindu influence
The San Phra Phum is usually set in the front part of households or places of business. Having a Hindu influence, the spirit house must be built on a platform in an outdoor area either on the ground floor or on the roof-deck. It must be distant from the toilet and placed slightly higher than eye level. Before construction starts, holy water called Nammon Toraneesarn is sprinkled over the area in order to evict the demons.

Certainly, we are now living in a modern age in which one sees the world through scientific lenses and the idea of San Phra Phum represents the wisdom of people in the old days and how they coped with their fear of supernatural phenomena. Nevertheless, the existence of this tiny spirit shrine demonstrates that the universal idea of psychological insecurity in the human psyche will not always be solved by science.

TRAVELING TO THAILAND

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 18:00:00 +0000

Looking for a great holiday destination, then look no further, Thailand - The Land Of Smiles, Thailand is known as the Land Of Smiles as Thai people are very friendly.

Now a lot of people are concerned about eating in Thailand and becoming sick, well not to worry as the food is great, yes some people have been known to suffer from food poisoning from eating in Thailand, well that is because they have consumed food from the food vendors situated on the street.

If you don't like hot and spicy food there are plenty of restaurants that cater for foreigners, many of the same restaurants you would find in your hometown.

The shopping is something else, if bargaining is something you like doing then you'll be in heaven, there are loads of different markets and stalls just waiting to relieve you from all your money.

There are plenty of different cities in and around Thailand that you can fly to from various airports in Thailand, for the more adventurous traveler you can also take a bus or ride on a train around Thailand, every city has something different to offer. Thailand

Go see the Temples, Elephant Trekking, Snake Farms and Crocodile Farms, visit the rose gardens, ride on the rice barge or see the Lady Boy shows plus many more, there are also many different islands to visit around Thailand.

Thailand is also well known by the single male travelers around the world, there are several beautiful young Thai ladies to show you around on your holiday. There is nothing better (especially if it your first time in Thailand), to be taken from one place to another by a young Thai lady who can help you, especially if you have any translation difficulties. They can also take you to all the best markets for shopping as well as all the great restaurants.

How this particular service works is that you would pay the Thai lady on an agreed amount of money on a daily basis, you would also buy her food and drinks while she is with you, the price for their services are very reasonable and negotionable.

At night the young Thai lady may also take you to a disco where you can really let your hair down, where you can get rid of all that extra energy that they may have in reserve. The music the DJ's play is either modern dance music or techno music, which ever takes your fancy. Some places have live music where you can just sit down with a drink and enjoy the entertainment or hop on the dance floor and show your wares.

Yes Thailand has a lot to offer and many people travel to Thailand every year and just keep coming back, people just cannot get enough of the place, some people even retire over in Thailand and live like Kings. Interested in this subject? Try this link for more of the same

Thailand spa gears up for world marke

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 17:49:00 +0000

A selection of Thai spa products and concepts are to be unveiled during the ISPA 2006 Thailand International Spa & Wellness Conference.

Thailand is known worldwide for its pioneeting spa concepts the oriental wisdom. ISPA 2006, which will take place on May 3-5, 2006 in Bangkok, will enable Thai spa operators to showcase their brands, ideas and products to a global market.

New research has identified Thailands spa industry is performing well despite the Tsunami. According to one survey (www.intelligentspas.com), approximately 3.6 million visits were made to Thai spas during the 12 month period between July 2003 and June 2004, whilst average annual visitors per spa was up 43% compared to the previous period.

The Royal Thai Government sees vast potential in fast-tracking the development of Thailand's spa and health-related services. The mission, spearheaded by the Ministry of Public Health and the Ministry of Commerce, aims to firmly establish Thailand's leadership position as the Spa and Wellness Capital of Asia. The Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) and The Institute for Small and Medium Enterprises Development (ISMED) will co-host the ISPA event.

TCEB Director General Peerapong Oeusoonthornwattana commented: The strong growth of foreign investments in the country as a global business hub and government support have encourage TCEB in association with the Ministry of Industrys Institute for Small and Medium Enterprises Development (ISMED) to nominate Thailand as the Host country for ISPA 2006 which will be attended by 150 biggest international spa experts and consultants from over 20 countries. He further remarked: Our aim is to promote social and economic cooperation and trade, provide business opportunities for spa operators and inspire operators in Thailand developed better products and services to meet global standards.

There will be a 2-day Hosted Buyers Program for ISPA 2006 which will be held on May 3 4, 2006 which will gather international spa buyers who will be provided with complimentary air tickets, hotel accommodations and welcome cocktails. The Hosted Buyers Program benefits the local Thai Spa Industry as an opportunity to meet direct overseas clients and develop new business. This is in line with our role in making Thailand not only as an important tradeshow base in Asia but also as a regional business hub, Mr. Peerapong further remarked.

Chiangmai Yi Peng

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 17:46:00 +0000

S'han acabat les pluges. L'atmosfera ha recuperat
la transparència. El cel és una volta lumínica de blaus...

L'aire és diàfan, lliure de gases bromoses. Esplendeixen els colors.
L'abundor de les pluges ha fet de la natura una Arcàdia. Els homes, feliços, es
manifesten joiosos. És el moment de celebrar festivals, proclamar l'agraïment
als esperits que vetllen pel benestar de les vides, per l'ordre de les coses i
del món. Els humans reclamen protecció i exulten goig. Ha arribat el Yi
Peng..

És negra nit. Una processó
de nois i noies avança pel camí de terra que voreja un canal d'aigua. Van
vestits amb la roba tradicional de la pàtria Lanna, el país del Milió de Camps
d'Arròs. Roba masculina de tonalitats marrons, sabor de terra. Argila vella, un
regne de gairebé mil anys. Porten turbant, armilla que els deixa al descobert el
pit i una mena de bombatxos curts ajustats a les cuixes. Van descalços. Les
noies duen faldilles de tub fins els peus. Porten bruses brodades, ornades amb
puntes fines i lluentons. Els cabells pentinats enrere, recollits al clatell.
Llueixen arracades de penjolls, braçalets daurats o de plata, fermalls al pit i
camafeus.

La processó camina entre
llànties d'oli plantades a les vores del camí. La donzella més bella de l'antic
regne Lanna, avui integrat a Tailàndia, seu en un palanquí transportat per vuit
nois. Al davant avança una legió de penons, banderoles i faroles enceses.
Travessen el canal per un pontet de bambú. Es dirigeixen al començament del
llarg camí que acaba als peus d'un turó. El turó és cobert de plataformes
circulars de fusta sobreposades. Al cim de la mola artificial s'hi alça una
estructura semiesfèrica, de base circular, impol·lutament blanca. Sembla un
iglú. A l'interior s'eleva la figura d'un buda daurat, radiant entre tanta
blancor.

Quan la processó arriba al
camí que duu directament al buda, dotzenes de nois i noies amb fanals s'hi
afegeixen. Al capdavant s'hi posen músics i ballarins. Música dolça i dansa
antiga, respir d'una ànima que es nega a morir. Passen per sota una arcada
monumental, als costats de la qual es drecen els arbres de la vida. Són ficus
immensos, ornats amb faroles de colors. Una multitud a banda i banda del
llarguíssim passeig encatifat es mira la comitiva. No se sent altre so que els
gemecs dels flautins, el repicar dens dels bronzes. La processó arriba als peus
del pujol circular.

Tot al voltant dels
empostissats hi seuen monjos i novicis. Teles de color safrà, cames plegades,
caps rapats, celles afaitades. Són petits budes, la calca humana de la imatge
que fulgeix en la claror rutilant de l'iglú.. Un dels bonzes inicia un
parlament. És una plàtica farcida de paraules convincents, precs a la
perseverança, a la lluita de cada dia, a la confiança en el cicle infinit de la
vida. Malgrat que som milers, desenes de milers les persones convocades, el
silenci és rotund. Encara més quan les paraules del monjo inviten la massa a
meditar. Comença una meditació multitudinària de quinze minuts que segueix
tothom. L'abat recita mantres que
ajuden el cervell a buidar-se. A aconseguir la introspecció des de l'estómac,
l'eix vital on gira l'alè del cos.

Acabada la meditació,
apareixen dos joves proveïts de sengles canelobres. Ascendeixen els graons del
monument. Arribant al cim s'aturen. S'alça l'abat del seu seient. El vell bonze
s'acosta a un peveter emplaçat davant la imatge fulgent del buda. El peveter
s'encén. La flama que dimana és blanca, tan blanca com la neu dels Himàlaies,
pura com el bressol de Xiva. Els dos adolescents acosten els canelobres a la
flama. El foc els pren. S'encén més vida. Descendeixen amb la penyora sagrada a
les mans. Es dirigeixen on seuen les autoritats. El governador de Chiang Mai
encén la punta d'una vara amb la flama dels dos canelobres plegats. Un esquitx,
una petita espurna dispararà un joc de focs de somni. La guspira incendia uns
reguerots de pólvora connectats amb infinitat de peveters. Els peveters cremen.
Són com bengales gegants. Provoquen torres de fum, boires irisades. La multitud
esclata d'alegria. Tothom s'afanya a encendre les llànties escampades arreu de
la vastíssima esplanada. La gent desplega infinitat de globus de paper, tubs
cònics d'un metre i mig d'alçada per uns quatre pams de diàmetre. Encenen el
combustible sòlid fixat a la base del con. Dues, tres o quatre persones sostenen
l'artefacte mentre l'aire de dins s'escalfa. Quan és més livià que el de fora,
el giny s'envola. Es produeix una ascensió massiva de llanternes lluminoses al
cel negríssim de la nit. La lluna creixent ho presideix. Els globus són legions
de punts en moviment que no paren d'enlairar-se. Batallons de bellugadisses
cuquetes de llum ataronjada. N'hi ha que es cremen pel camí. Els que s'incendien
desprenen cues espurnejants, com una estrella fugaç. Altres globus cauen, alguns
s'estavellen contra uns arbres. Molta gent s'agenolla i prega. L'espectacle és
gloriós. Des que ha començat em sento viure en un món imprecís, en una mena
d'àmbit d'ànimes. Animetes escalant el cel fins fondre's en l'escalf del mantell
d'Indra.

Els bonzes segueixen
asseguts als seus llocs. Ara sostenen un fanal entre les mans. Es mantenen
estàtics. Continuen meditant sota la fulgència del buda i la flama de la torxa.
En el seu silenci i immobilitat em sembla veure'ls levitar.

Esclaten focs, castells
pirotècnics que emmarquen l'escampada de llanternes solcant la buidor obscura de
la nit. Es diria que els globus es posen en rengles així que arriben al camí
correcte que ha de menar-los al destí. Miríades de volums vaporosos, una
infinita via làctia de missatgers de llum. Recaders de pensaments, d'anhels.
Pregàries al cel.

Thailand photographer guide

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 12:49:00 +0000

When you first arrive in Thailand, you will be warmly welcomed by countless smiling faces of the locals. Their kindness and acceptance always shines brightly through their eyes, coming from deep within their hearts.

Enjoy city-life photography in Bangkok (also known as "The City of Angels").

When you travel to the north, you can escape into the mountains (considered to be the foothills of the Himalayas) to enjoy the wide variety of exotic birds and wild animals that reside in the lovely forests, relishing in the cooler temperatures.

Chiang Mai is often referred to as "The Rose of the North," where you can enjoy numerous outdoor activities, including trekking tours. Further to the north is Chiang Rai, where you can visit the world-famous Golden Triangle area (where the borders of Thailand, Myanmar and Laos converge).

Travel to the tropical paradise of the southern regions, where you can relax on the very same beaches that Leonardo DiCaprio did in the 2000 film, "The Beach."

The Full Moon Party on Pha-ngan Island is an impressive, world-reknowned spectacle that takes place during the full moon phase each month.

The wide variety of lifestyles in Thailand will not disappoint even the most seasoned traveler. The many minority hilltribes of the north will leave you with a large collection of stock photographs documenting their unique way-of-life. Thai people are always warm and welcoming, and rarely shy away from your camera. You won't feel uncomfortable taking pictures here, which is one reason why Thailand is known as 'The Land of Smiles'!

Thailand's architecture is very unique, and steeped in a rich cultural history... Don't miss the opportunity to photograph temples at twilight, or monks lining up at sunrise to accept donations of food and offer blessings!

One of the best ways to see Thailand is to arrange a special photography tour around the country, as it is simply overflowing with photogenic locations. Be sure to bring along plenty of memory card storage, to capture all of your Thailand pictures to be shared back home!.

Land Mines in Burma

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 09:22:00 +0000

Lay Kee village was burned down. Everyone fled the village, and the Burma Army put landmines in and around the village. Some villagers came down from their hiding places and went back to see what they could find in their village. A boy, Hsa K'Tray Saw, age 13 (grade 2 in school), was with his family and sitting on a log in the destroyed village. He was hitting the ground as he waited for his mother to collect some vegetables. As he was hitting the ground he hit the landmine that the Burma Army had placed there. The blast blinded him in both eyes and wounded his face and upper torso. This is not just about caring for this boy. It is about the dictators army who placed the mines, burned his village and continues to attack his people. It is about a 13-year-old-boy who can't see and who is afraid and hopeless in a hiding place, high on a cold mountain.

The government of Myanmar continues to use landmines to terrorize ethnic minorities along the Thai - Myanmar border.

After chasing the villagers away from the area of Mon Township, the Burma Army entered the village and placed this landmine under a fireplace. A group of the resistance who were helping the displaced people in the area triggered this landmine. Three people died and eight more were injured, four of them seriously. The landmine was not the normal type used by the Burma Army. The hole dug for the mine was over one and one half meters deep and 15 centimeters wide. The hole seemed to be dug by an auger or post hole digger. The device was triggered by a blasting cap and what seems to be a piece of detonation cord that was placed on a stump and ran down to the mine. When the men gathered around the fire they stepped on a pressure plate that fired the blasting cap and ignited the detonation cord that set off the mine. One man suffered massive head trauma and died instantly, one man lost both legs and died instantly and one man died while being carried to a mobile clinic. The survivors are now being treated and when stabilized, some will need to be evacuated for more extensive medical care. In this area over 5000 people are in hiding and suffer from shortage of food and medicine. The Burma Army continues it patrols and laying of landmines. Two days walk North of this area the Burma Army continues to burn villages and on the 6th and 7th of December landed more troops by helicopter into a forward position.

http://ourpenny.org

Hilltribes Akha (Ei-Ko)

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 13 Jan 2008 11:59:00 +0000

Hilltribes Akha (Ei-Ko)

The Akha are called by the Thai "Ei-Ko" [called by themselves Akha] are the poorest ethnic group in Thailand and are well known to tourists for their extraordinary costumes and exotic appearance. There are approximately 20000 Akha living in Thailand. The Akha originate from Tibet and Yunnan in China. It is generally believed that the Akha originated in the Tibetan Highlands. Over the years they left their homeland and migrated south to Yunnan, North Burma and Laos, and have only recently entered North Thailand, [in the last 150 years].
Newcomers from Burma are constantly arriving. The Akha are historically linked with the ancient Lolo tribes that inhabit South Yunnan. The Akha belong to the Tibeto-Burman branch of the Sino-Tibetan linguistic family. The Akha are less open to change than many other hilltribes, proudly retaining their old customs. Chiang Rai was the Akha first destination but today you can see them also in Chiang Mai, Lampang, Phrae, Tak and Kampeng Phet. There are about 50,000 Akha people in Thailand.

The Akha are animists and ancestors worshippers. The Akha generally prefer to live along mountain ridges at high altitudes of approximately 1,000 m. In the past, their settlements were limited mainly to the north bank of the Mae Kok river in Chiang Rai province, and they rarely moved south. In more recent times, as a result of population pressure, the Akha began to spread out of the Mae Kok basin in search of better land. The Akha are settled today in less than 300 villages.

The Akha houses are on low stilts, with a large porch leading into a square living area with a stove, usually at the back. The roof is steeply pitched. The Akha village is entered through ceremonial gates, decorated with carvings of "human" life to indicate to the spirit world that beyond here only humans can pass. Outside the gates are wooden sculptures of copulating couples, and the gates may be decorated with a wide variety of "human" artifacts - weapons, tools, and nowadays cars and airplanes. To touch these carvings, or to show any lack of respect, is punishable by fines or the donation of animals for sacrifices. The gates are replaced every year.

The Akha are customarily monogamous. In practice, however, there is no rule which prohibits an Akha man from having more than one wife.

The Akha are shifting cultivators. They cultivate dry rice for consumption and grow corn, millet, peppers, beans, garlic, sesame and other varieties of vegetables as additional subsistence crops. Crop production is often inadequate to meet their needs. Domestic animals, including fowl, pigs and water buffaloes are also raised by the Akha for special feasts and sacrifices.
The Akha place special emphasis upon ancestor-worship and spirit offerings.

In order to supplement their income, many Akha are now selling handicrafts, employing the traditional skills used in making their own clothing and cultural items. Akha men and women produce various decorative items of bamboo and seeds. The men make crossbows, musical instruments, a variety of baskets, and other items of wood, bamboo and rattan.

There is a giant swing in each village presided over by guardian spirits. The four day Swinging Festival, the most enjoyable ceremonial event, in which the headman, followed by the rest of the village, take turns using the swing. The festival is held during mid-August to mid September.
The Akha celebrate their New Year in December for four days.

This tribe is easily recognized by the black caps covered with silver coins, worn by the women. The women's costume is very colorful. The headgear, which is rarely removed, is a conical wedge of white beads interspersed with silver coins and topped with plumes of red taffeta, dressed with a loose fitting black jacket with heavily embroidered cuffs and lapels. The man's costume of plain black pants and a lightly embroidered loose jacket.
Akha women spin cotton into thread with a hand spindle, then weave it on a foot treadle loom. The cloth is dyed with indigo, then sewed into clothing for the family.
Many Akha villages still grow opium, generally not of high quality. Opium addiction, especially amongst the older men, is a serious problem. The King's Royal Project has contributed greatly to the alleviation of this problem.
copy from http://kentcmb.flixya.com

Hilltribes Karen

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 13 Jan 2008 11:50:00 +0000

Hilltribes Karen

Karen

The Karen,or Yang (called Kaliang or Yang in Thai), belong to the Sino-Tibetan linguistic family. They are found along most of the length of the Thai Burmese border. Their population is about 350,000 in Thailand, with over four million in Burma. This group is the biggest in Thailand.

They are concentrated mainly in Mae Hong Son province, and western areas of Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai and Phayao. Karen are to be found also in the provinces of Tak, Kanchanaburi and Phrachuap Khiri Khan, Lampang, Lamphun, Sukhothai, Phrae, Kamphaeng Phet, Phetchaburi, Uthai Thani, Suphanburi and Ratchaburi.

Over the past 200 years they have tended to move eastward away from Burma into Thailand because of political conflicts with the Burmese.

There are four main subgroups:
The main groups are the Sgaw Karen (White Karen who call themselves Pga-gan-Yaw and are the most numerousor ) and the Pwo Karen who are also known as White Karen. The Pa-0 who are also known as Black Karen. The famous Padung, or "long neck" Karen, and the Kayah [ Red Karen].

The Karen costume for women is very attractive and distinctive. Unmarried girls wear loose white V-necked shifts, decorated with Job's Tear seeds at the seams. Married women wear blouses and skirts in bold colors, predominantly red or blue. Men wear blue baggy trousers, with typically red striped shirts, a simplified version of the women's blouses. Black Karen men wear black shirts with a red cummerbund or head scarf. Karen women are skilled in sewing and dyeing, and dress in white blouse sarong combinations with colorful patterns or beads for trim. They wear their long hair tied back in a bun and covered with white scarves.

Karen villages are located in valleys or mountain slops at an average height of 500 metres. Karen houses are not usually large. Adult children usually leave the home when married - there is no extended family housing in most Karen villages. Houses are on stilts, made of bamboo or teak. Central steps lead to a porch, with a store room or kitchen to one side, a living area and bedroom on the other. Beneath the house is a working area, often with a foot operated rice ponder.

The Karen are gentle, peaceful, and cooperative people. The Karen have strict laws against immorality. They are matrilineal societies, so that two married women do not live in the same house. In some villages, the punishment for adultery is death. The village chief has great power over his community, and is regarded as the spiritual as well as the administrative leader. Kinship is traced through the maternal line and residence is matrilocal. The Karen practise monogamy, and most households are nuclear. In all cases, the family represents the most important basic cooperative unit in all domestic affairs.

They, like all the tribes, are skilled farmers who practice crop rotation, and they also hunt for game, with spears and crossbows, and use tame elephants to help them clear land. Karen construct terraced fields for wet rice but are also engaged in swidden cultivation. Rice and vegetables are their major crops. Some Karen grow opium. They raise pigs, chickens, water buffaloes, cattle and elephants. Some animals, mostly chickens, are killed for ceremonial offerings. The Karen use to hire out their elephants or work with them in elephant camps, performing shows for tourists.

Karen are originally animist, but about 25% of Karen living in Thailand have been converted to christianity by western missionaries.
The Karen New Year celebration takes place in January or February.

Hilltribes - Lawa

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 21:27:00 +0000

Hilltribes - Lawa

Lawa

The Lawa or Lua as the northern Thai call them, are found only in Thailand. The history of the Lawa people is long and poorly understood. It is certain that they have inhabited Thailand 800 years ago and they were certainly in Thailand already when the Thais arrived. They believe that they migrated from Cambodia, but some archaeologists think their origins lie in Micronesia, perhaps 2,000 years ago.
The Lawa identify themselves as Lavu'a (La-woe-a). It is estimated that the Lawa people, once known as the Milakkha or Lowa, migrated into the northern region of the Mae Ping valley around 660 A.D. They are of Austro-Asiatic stock and according to protohistorical tradition, they are believed to be the first settlers in North Thailand. They are linguistically closely related to the Mon-Khmer and have largely been absorbed into Thai society.

With such a long history of cohabiting with the Thais (the legendary king Mengrai who unified Northern Thailand was probably half Lawa), there has been large scale integration, so that most Lawa villages are indistinguishable from Thai settlements. However, in an area of about 500 square kilometres, on the Bo Luang plateau, between Hot, Mae Sariang and Mae Hong Son, and in the mountainous area of Umpai, south east Mae Hong Son. They still live a largely traditional life, although even here the majority have adopted Buddhism and Thai style houses.

Unmarried Lawa girls wear loose white blouses edged with pink. Around the neck distinctive strings of orange and yellow beads are worn. The tight skirt is in parallel bands of blue, black, yellow and pink. On marriage, these brightly coloured clothes are replaced with a long fawn dress, but the strings of beads are still worn. The hair is tied in a turban, and it is usual for women to smoke tobacco from a wooden pipe.

With such a long cohabitation with the Thais, most Lawa villages are indistinguishable from Thai settlements and most Lawa speak thai as their first language., but the Lawa language, related to that of the Wa Tribe of Burma, is still spoken in many villages.

The Lawa in Thailand are estimated to be 17,000.

Their economy is based on subsistence agriculture, with rice grown on terraces according to a sophisticated rotation system. The Lawa practise shifting cultivation of the rotational type and are skillful in making wet rice terraces. They are recognised as being the most conservation - minded land users in the highlands.

The Lawa society is similar to that of other tribes in that descent is traced matrilineal and marriage is monogamous. Their society is regarded as, having a dual structure. Most members are classified as Lua or common people. A small group who trace descent from Khun Luang Wilanka, a proto-historical Lua King, are called Kun.

The Lawa are animists and ancestor- worshippers who, like the Thai, combine their traditional beliefs with Buddhism.

Provided by Tourism Authority of Thailand
copy from http://www.flixya.com/post/kentcmb/100037/Hilltribes_-_Lawa

Hilltribes - Hmong

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 21:19:00 +0000

Hilltribes - Hmong

Hmong

The Hmong, known in Thailand as Meo [Which is not a nice word], are found in many countries in Sout-East Asia such as Laos, Yunnan and Viet-Nam. The Hmong belongs to the Meo - Yao branch of the Austro - Thai linguistic family. There are about 130,000 [including 60000 refugees from Laos living in camps located near the northeastern border of the country]. The Hmong in Thailand are scattered throughout all of north Thailand.

The Meo peoples are known as the Miao in China, where they number about 5 million. Meo migrated from China into upland Southeast Asia in the 19th century, particularly into Laos, where they numbered less than 200,000 in the early 1990s. The Laotian Meo supported the United States during the Vietnam War. Subsequently, many Hmong were killed by the Vietnamese army, fled to Thailand, or were resettled in the United States. Hmong refugees fled to camps to Thailand when their country came under communist control in 1975.

The Hmong are one of the most spread out minority groups. They are scattered throughout South China in Kweichow, Hunan, Szechwan, Kwangxi, and Yunnan provinces. There are also Hmong communities in North Vietnam, Laos, Thailand and even a few in Burma and in USA and Europe. The Hmong are the second largest group In Thailand after the Karen. and made about 20% of all hilltribes people in the country. The Hmong settlement is concentrated in thirteen provinces : Chiang Mal, Chiang Rai, Nan, Phrae, Tak, Lampang, Phayao. Phetchabun, Kamphaeng Phet, Mae Hong Son, Sukhothai, Pitsanulok and Loei.

The Hmong in Thailand are divided to Three subgroups:

The Blue Hmong (Mong Njua), who are also known as the black Meo, Flowery Meo or Striped Meo in Thai. Women in the subgroup wear the distinctive indigo dyed pleated skirt or kilt with a batik design.
The White Hmong (Hmong Daw). White Hmong women wear a white pleated skirt only on ceremonial occasions, but when engaged in everyday work, they put on indigo-dyed trousers.
The last subgroup is known as the Gua M'ba Meo (Hmong Gua M'ba) which literary means Armband Hmong and only recently entered Thailand from Laos. They are actually a subgroup of the White Hmong. Most are confined to refugee camps.

Around and to the west of Chiang Mai, most of the villages are Blue Hmong, whereas in the east only White Hmong villages can be found.

The Hmong are animists and ancestors worshippers they have a shaman and worship nature spirits. The Chinese influence is obvious in their beliefs and practices. The available information indicates that there are eleven clans in Thailand. The names and origins of these clans are recited in Hmong legends.

The Hmong Specialized as poppy growers and you can see beautiful blossom in some villages [Try Doi Pui village near Doi Sutep in Chiang Mai].

The Hmong prefer to locate their villages at high altitudes of 1,000 -1,200 m. Rice and corn are the main subsistence crops, and opium is the principal cash crop. The Hmong are more heavily engaged in opium production than any other highlanders in Thailand.

The Hmong migrated to Nan Province more then 100 years ago from Laos, but they originated in western China, possibly Mongolia.

Blue Hmong women wear beautiful pleated skirts with parallel horizontal bands of red, blue and white, intricately embroidered. Jackets are of black satin, with wide orange and yellow embroidered cuffs and lapels. The hair is tied in a large bun. Men wear baggy black pants and jackets embroidered in a similar way to the women's, closing over the chest with a button at the left shoulder.

White Hmong women wear black baggy trousers with a long wide blue cummerbund with a central pink area which hangs almost to the ground. Their jackets are simple, with blue cuffs. A brimless blue cap is worn by some groups.

Hmong clothing is much in demand in Thailand, and the Hmong have proved in the last few years to be good business people. Hmong women will be seen at markets throughout Thailand selling their handicrafts. Although like the other tribes generally poor, some families have become quite wealthy.

Hmong villages are usually at high altitudes, below the crest of a protecting hill. The Hmong live in houses that sit right on the ground, not on stilts as do some other hilltribes. However, the main floor of their houses is not at ground level, but rests upon a kind of above-ground basement or root cellar that they use for food storage. Moreover, their house-fronts slope outward and downward, an architectural feature that is the trademark of their villages. Some build the more expensive and comfortable Thai style houses, but in general the Hmong have retained their traditional way of life.

Houses have a dirt floor and a roof which extends almost to the ground. They live in extended families, with two or more bedrooms. There is a large guest platform. The headman has little power, since the Hmong are fiercely independent people who take orders from no one. Before marriage, promiscuity amongst the young is normal. Marriage is followed by a trial period before the bride price is paid. The family is the most important basic unit of social organization and polygon is allowed. Hmong men are expected to do most of the work within the family. Men do the heaviest work, but in practice this means they do little, and expect to be supported by their wives. The Hmong historically grew much opium, and addiction rates in some villages are high, mainly among older males.

The Hmong are strict animists, whose shamans use dramatic methods to contact the spirits. Every house has an altar with a piece of paper covered in cock's feathers affixed with chicken blood. So far there have been few converts to Christianity or Buddhism.

For a long time the Hmong have supported themselves by the cultivation of opium poppy. Most of the Hmong people are turning from opium growing, and are now seeking to market their exquisite needlework in order to supplement their income.

The Hmong , even more than the other tribes, practice a strict male-female division of labor. One custom that especially illustrates this is that of giving a newborn boy a gift of metal from which he will one they forge a weapon, whereas newborn girls receive no special gift.

Hmong women traditionally make clothing for their families from cotton or hemp. Their clothing is richly decorated with magnificent embroidery and silver jewelry.
Blue Hmong women wear beautiful pleated skirts with bands of red, blue and white intricately embroidered. Jackets are of black satin, with wide orange and yellow embroidered cuffs and lapels.
White Hmong women wear black baggy trousers with a long wide blue cummerbund. Their jackets are simple, with blue cuffs.
Hmong men make crossbows, musical instruments, and other items of wood, bamboo and rattan. Many of the men are also skilled in blacksmithing and gunsmith.

The Hmong are diligent and independent people, fond of wearing their silver ornaments during ceremonies and much devoted to the sky spirit they believe has created their own ancient way of life.

The New Year celebration which normally takes place in December is the most important festivity.
copy from http://www.flixya.com/post/kentcmb/97606/Hilltribes_-_Hmong

Hilltribes - Taiyai

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 01:44:00 +0000

Hilltribes - Taiyai

TaiyaiA trip to Mae Hong Son is a trip into an enchanted land of cloud covered mountains in rich green and a exotic culture that goes back to a time long before recorded history. Tucked into a mid-level valley on Thailand's northwest border with Burma, a small village was founded by migrant Shan farmers in the early 19th century. Long before this, these farmers' ancestors had formed the powerful Nanchao Kingdom of the Tai in southern China. From the beginning of the 7th century to the beginning of the 19th century, these people slowly moved southward, first occupying northern Burma, which became the Shan states, and finally moving across the Loi Lar Mountain Range,(Daen Lao Range) which today separated Burma from Thailand in the northwest corner.The Shan of Thailand's northwest traveled back and forth between Burma and Thailand for centuries before establishing a settlement here. They came annually to work the forest of Mae Hong Son, but they lived in northern Burma. In Thailand, their first settlement was the village of Baan Pong Mu, which they founded in 1831. Over the following decades, their population grew with the borders of Thailand and a town was founded which later became known as Mae Hong Son.These people chose the site for their settlement according to the tradition of their people. The Tai had always preferred a mid-level mountain region that was suited to their traditional array of crops. This meant hillsides at an altitude that would allow very low temperatures in the winter and valley fields below where very hot summer temperatures would give them the rice yields they required. The area also required the essential element of heavy rains for good harvests of both the summer and winter crops.These Shan settlers selected the perfect site when they began to build Mae Hong Son. Winter temperatures went down to as low as 2 degrees Celsius, providing for the needed winter frost on the many greens they planted; summer temperatures, on the other hand, went up to as high as 40 degrees Celsius, providing for the hot tropical climate so necessary to the growing of their rice. In addition, ample rain in the monsoon season between summer and winter provided for natural irrigation of the land.This rare combination of seasonal temperatures in an area far away from any coast gave the Shan settlers the needed climate for productive growth on the rich, fertile mountain land. The altitude, the climbing hillsides, and the dramatic differences in seasonal temperature and humidity also gave the settlement the unique feature of daily clouds of mist that rose from the morning earth and drifted through the paths and later the roads of the town. These Shan were farmers and settlers, and when they happened upon this site they were keenly aware of its suitability for their people.They took up their hoes and ploughs and in their age-old tradition they terraced the mountain hillsides. They planted their crops and took advantage of the wealth of natural vegetation in the wild all around their new settlement. The endless hills of high and healthy bamboo were used for the building of their temporary shelters as well as their livestock corals and storage depots. High, leafy plants were cut and switched for roofing. And the dense forest provided them with their traditional household building material of hardwood. They built their homes and village on the hill and then slowly extended their farming area to the valley below.In their new settlement the Shan supplanted their religious culture of Buddhism, and being a people long affected by the pure Theravada Buddhist principles of Tai civilizations everywhere, they imbued their children with the Buddhist spirit, and they built festivals and ceremonies with them when they came to Thailand's northwest, and each year they continued these joyous festivities in their new home. In their natural mountainside habitat they passed on, from generation to generation, their culture and they made it even stronger. Now they were a new settlement in a new country and they wanted to reconstruct their own world for themselves.They had their sons trained in Buddhist precepts from the ages of 7 to 14 , and they believed that the best way to maintain their well balanced society of self-sufficiency and generally happy nature was to have their sons learn the staying features of life. This tradition remains today. The most colorful, heartfelt Buddhist festivities in Thailand are the lively Shan festivals celebrated in Mae Hong Son.Before Mae Hong Son became a part of Thailand through the Vestiges of the Northern Lanna Province of Chiang Mai in the late 19th century, the Mae Hong Son Shan had Tai kings of their own. Their first king, Phaka Toekshan , built the famous Wat Phra Norn of Mae Hong Son. This was the first temple built in the city and legend has it that King Phaka Toekshan ordered the magnificent 12 - meter reclining Burmese Buddha, housed therein, crafted so that the temple could be constructed around it. Wat Phra Norn is where the ashes of all of Mae Hong Son's Shan kings are buried and today it is easily found just to the west of Mae Hong Son at Wat Phra That Doi Kong Mu , the famous temple on the hilltop overlooking the city.In the northern province of Mae Hong Son, along the burmese border, we can find a group of people call themselves "Tai Yai". From the Thai language it is transelated as "Big Thai", opposed to "Tai noi" or "Little THai" which we know as the Thai people of Thailand and Laos.The origin of all the Tai is from south China, but these group is known to migrated many years ago [after the Mongol invasion to Burma in 1238 which brought to end the Burmese kingdom of Pagan] , along the fertile upper valleys of the Salaween, Irrawaddy and Chindwin rivers to what is now north Burma, the erea called Shan State, wher theysettled and founded some strong kingdoms, which came to their end with the British conquest of Burma.For many centuries there was a long conflict between the Shan people and the Burmese government for the control of the Shan State. This conflict ended only in recent years, aloowing the shan people some degree of independence .The Shan state of north Burma is somehow independent till today and it gain its fafe thanks to the opium king Kun Sa.The Shan people, or Tai Yai, speak thwir own dialect of Tai language, they are Therawada Buddhist [influenced by Burmese Buddhism], and share many comon aspects with the Tai Noi of Thailand and Laos. In Mae Hong Son, where they arrived in the last 200 years, more of half the inhabitants are Shan. The Shan are wet rice cultivators. They build their houses on stilts and in the centre of a Shan village is a rectangular Buddhist temple complex. Today, the Shan rapidly integrated into the Thai nation state and society. Approximately half the population in Mae Hong Son is still engaged in the agricultural sector, producing rice, soya and garlic.Many religious rituals are unique to the Shan of Mae Hong Son and have become popular tourist attractions. The most popular is the three-day long ordination feastival, Poi Sang Long, held in April. The second in popularity is the processions of elaborate pagoda like structures called Jong Pala, taking place in October. The Shan adapted Thai rituals like the rocket festival, held before rains, and the Bai Si binding.

Hilltribes - Longnecks

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 01:38:00 +0000

Hilltribes - Longnecks

LongnecksThe tribe of the "Long Neck Women"The tribe of the "Long Neck " and "Long Ears" Women.There are three Padung villages and all the three are near the Burmese border, not far from the city of Mae Hong Son.The villages areHuei Sua TaoNa SoiNam Pieng DinYou can fly from Chiang Mai to Mae Hong Son, see one or two villages and fly back on the same day. It is not recommended !!! You better stay at least 3 days in this one of the most beautiful provinces of Thailand - Mae Hong Son. There is much to see in and around the provincial city.The Padung are a sub-group of Karen (Bwe Group) living in Kayah state of eastern Burma on the Thailand border. Their numbor is less than 40,000 people. The Padung call themselves "Lae Kur" or "Kayan". They have their own language belongs to the Kenmic group in the Tibeto-Burman language family.The Karen themseves are not one homogeneous group but rather a loose confederation of heterogeneous and closely related tribes. Among the smallest Karen tribes in Thailand are the Karen Padaung.In Thailand, only a few families of Padaung have settled temporarily as refugees in Muang District of Mae Hong Son Province, living among other hilltribes groups, mostly Karen, and being the one of the main reasons for visiting tourists to that area.The Padung escape from the Kaya State in Burma to Thailand in this century and are actually refugees of a political turmoil. They belong to the Karenni sub-group of the Karen People, which are still fighting for their independence in Burma.The Karen-Padung occupied central Burma before the Burmese arrived from the North and they, together with the ancient Mon, farmed the Irrawaddy and Salween Valleys and built civilizations based on their unique cultures.The Padung women are putting brass rings around their necks. This distorts the growth of their collarbones and make them look as if they have long necks - which they don't. This row of brass rings do not actually stretch their necks but in fact squash the vertebrae and collar bones. A woman generally has about twenty or more rings around her neck. This neck ring adornment is started when the girls are 5 or 6 years old.The rings on the arms and the legs are not quite as prominent as those on the neck simply because the neck rings are so pronounced. However, these rings are just as important. The rings on the arms are worn on the forearm from the wrist to the elbow. Those on the legs are worn from the ankles to the knees, and cloth coverings are kept over most of these rings, from the shins down to the ankles.Other Karen-Padung tribes reside in Phrae Province, and Baan Tha Ton in far north Chiang Mai province [close to Aka's Guest Home 14 km from Baan Tha Ton]. The Karen-Padung in Phrae live in the Wang shin District, in Mae Sin Village, Kang Jai Village and Mae Pong Village. These are in the vicinity of KM 75 on the Phrae-Wangchin Road. The women of. these Karen tribes display their beauty, and their status as married women, by wearing carved elephant tusk in their ears. When a woman is married, her ears are pierced and an elephant tusk of one to four centimeters in length is inserted.During the early stages the ear pieces are quite small, especially for younger women. The weight of the tusks gradually weighs down on the ear lobe and the ear gets larger and larger, and longer and longer. Then larger tusks are inserted and the process repeats itself until the woman's ears become extremely elongated and floppy. The married woman wears these ear pieces for life.The tradition of these Karen - Padung who are sometimes referred to as the "Long-Ears" is one of the oldest of peoples in this part of the world. Long before any of the present day territories were formed by boundaries into nations or countries, the peoples of Southeast Asia, particularly mountain dwellers, practiced a custom known as "Loaded Ears". According to this custom, the ears, being one of the most sacred parts of the body, were an important object of adornment. For beauty in the women and for strength in the men, the ears of both sexes were loaded. Today, among the Karen-Padaung of Phrae and of Burma, this tradition is continued for the female gender only, once married.Unmarried girls in these tribes do not wear the ear pieces, but they do wear white dresses, in contrast to the red and black dresses worn by the married women, and on the backs of their hands a few magical words are written in spiritual languages. These words carry meaning to bless these girls to have a happy life.Most of Padung are animists, but about 10 percent are Buddhists. Now, the number of Christians is increasing because of the Roman Catholic mission. The annual festival for the fertility and prosperity of the whole community is usually held at the beginning of the rainy season. Sacrifices are made to the spirits for good health and bountiful harvests. Rice is the Padung main crop.
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Hilltribes - Palong

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 01:28:00 +0000

Hilltribes - Palong

PalongThe Palong call themselves "Ta Ang". They belong to the Mon - Khmer branch of the Austro-Asiatic linguistic family. At present the total population of the Palong is about 250,000. There are very few Palong villages in Thailand, all of them came from Burma.In general, the Palong can be found in Burma, in the mountainous north-western corner of the Shan State, in the southern part of the Kachin State, and a few - perhaps 20, 000 - in the ,est of China's Yunnan province. About thousand Palong people are to be found in Thailand, all of them in the northern part of Chiang Mai province along the border to Myanmar (Burma).The Palong are subdivided the Gold (Shwe) and Silverer (Pale) Palong, a distinction based on slight differences their costumes.Their main livelihood is the cultivation of tanatep, a large leaf to wrap burmese cigars, and Tea. Besides tea, the they also grow rice, beans, yams, sugar cane, hemp, chillis and other crops. Both men and women decorate their teeth with gold. They [men and women] smoke tobacco and chew betel nuts.Courtship takes place especially during the tea harvest. Marriages are often conducted several together, followed by a three-day party.Their houses are thatched wooden constructions, raised on stilts.The Palong are easily recognized by the striking custom of their women, red sarong like garments, mostly a blue jacket with red collar and broad silver waistbands. Formerly animist, most Palong have converted to Buddhism. They practice a Shan-type Buddhism mixed with animism, which includes ancestor worship and the celebration of the spirit festival in September.

Photo Galleries 1

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 01:46:00 +0000

When can't See >> Click Here !!

Muay Thai Boxing - History And Overview

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 14:55:00 +0000

Muay Thai is an international professional sport and a fighting art. Known as the "King of the Ring" in kickboxing circles, Muay Thai is an art of fighting that originates from Thailand and is their national sport.

Whilst still very much a sport based in Thailand, Muay Thai Boxing is now gaining acceptance in America and the rest of the western world, with local and international tournaments hosted a lot more frequently. The Thai fighters are very tough opponents to beat due to their technique and conditioning, however the rest of the world is catching up, claiming victories against some of Thai's best.

Modern Muay Thai fights are fought in a ring, very similar to the western boxing matches. Perhaps the most attractive and interesting aspect of Muay Thai is the crowd of spectators that gathers to see a match. With techniques including kicks, punches and the extensive use of knees and elbows, Muay Thai is often referred to as the science of 8 limbs.

Muay Thai is the national sport of Thailand and it dates back 3000 years Muay Thai was used by the Thai military for unarmed combat training. Many modern Muay Thai fighters have taken up the sport as a career path. I think it has gained such popularity, especially in Thailand, because many Thai national people saw it as a way to make a good living if they were successful at it. You have to remember the average income in Thailand is pretty low, so the attraction to earn a lot more money doing something they love and are good at was strong.

Fighting Strategies of Muay Thai is the first book to reveal actual fighting strategies and tactics as taught in the boxing camps in Thailand. As you may expect, the conditioning regimen in Muay Thai is legendary for its intensity and rigorous demands. This is an age old question; which fighting style is better? Everyone who practices Muay Thai will say Muay Thai is better and the same with Karate.

Muay Thai kickboxing is no longer a man's sport, with many women nowadays coming to boxing gyms to train for fights, get fit, tone up and learn self defense. Muay Thai is not about throwing wild punches. It teaches crisp strikes that are fast and dangerous. If you have watched a Muay Thai fight in real life or on TV, you would know that while Muay Thai is famous for its leg kicks, the great fighters turn to the neck kick for knockout power. The key to beating the opponent in a Muay Thai fight is shin kicks, delivered in roundhouses to the legs, ribs, and head.

David Di Cristo is Editor of the http://www.twinsboxing.com Muay Thai Boxing blog.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=David_Di_Cristo

Muay Thai Boxing - History And Overview

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 14:54:00 +0000

Muay Thai In Thailand

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 14:44:00 +0000

Learning Muay Thai in Thailand is always a special experience.

Today Muay Thai might have been become very popular in various other countries as well, resulting into top level training infrastructures in those countries.

However, the training experience in no other country can be matched with that in Thailand. It is not a question of training facilities or infrastructure, but of the ambiance.

Thailand is the country that gave birth to Muay Thai. And from the early days of its birth to date this great martial art has enjoyed immense popularity, craze and passion in Thailand.

True, today public craze for Muay Thai can be witnessed in other countries as well. But the enthusiasm and madness found in Thailand is unparalleled. Virtually every second Thai just eats, sleeps and drinks Muay Thai. This great art of fighting is a quintessential part of the Thai culture, enjoying almost a demi-god status in the Thai society.

The Thais’ passion for the sport is reflected in the huge public craze enjoyed by every Muay Thai fight in every Muay Thai event. All the successful Muay Thai fighters enjoy a position of high status, glamour and recognition. They enjoy a huge load of love and affection that nobody can overlook.

This unique level of love, craze and madness has given a special status to Muay Thai in Thailand. You can certainly witness public craze about this sport in other countries. But that craze comes nowhere near what you will witness in Thailand.

This unique ambiance makes learning Muay Thai in Thailand an outstanding experience. You will always have the feeling of learning the art on the soil of its origin. It alone will give you a spectacular charm and pleasure, adding enchantment to your training.

Where in Thailand will you train?

There are a huge number of Muay Thai gyms in Thailand. Apart from the capital Bangkok, there are many a gym in other cities as well. For example, you can learn Muay Thai boxing in Phuket in Thailand

No communication problem

Do not get tense about having any language problem. You are not supposed to learn Thai language to train in Thailand. English is quite in practice in Thailand. And no person who speaks English can have any communication problem in that country. So you will have no communication problem in Thailand despite being unable to speak a single Thai word.

Thailand Introduction

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 13:10:00 +0000

Thailand Introduction

Posted in: Travel in kentcmb's Blog

Northern Thailand is one of the most diverse areas on earth. Culturally rich and containing some of the most beautiful scenery in the country it provides an ideal location for a wide range of interested parties. Steeped in a rich colourful identity all of her own Chiang Mai submits an opulent combination of modern city life in parallel with unique age old charm. The city teems with elaborate temples and cultural relics, some originating since the cities inception some 700 years ago. Doi Suthep monastery crowns the mountain overlooking the fertile valley which embraces Chiang Mai. In the city’s famous night bazaar local traders, modern department stores and exotic tribal arrivals combine offering bargains for all.

The city also boasts of numerous international restaurants of all kinds as well as a thriving night life. Nearby Sankampaeng is busy with the time honoured crafts of local artisans. Here the crafts folk utilise their traditional skills to produce intricate products from hand made umbrellas, teak furniture, leather goods, silver / bronze objects and hand made spun silk.

You do not have to travel too far to reach the lush rain forest and exotic tribes that host, just some, of the adventure highlights that have made the North a favoured intrepid visitors destination for over two decades.

Simple tribal villages adorn the mountain sides and offer simple overnight lodgings for adventurous wayfarers. Bamboo rafts are constructed to navigate the many rivers and elephants are harnessed to provide novel transportation means for the adventurer. The sights, sounds and scents of the forest will leave an indelible mark of enchantment on visitors of all ages. Mighty waterfalls proliferate throughout the area naturally supplying an ideal picnic point. The cool, benevolent climate of the North encourages vast assortments of fruit, vegetables and plants to flourish. Visitors can purchase this delicious mouth watering morsels at incredibly low prices.

The latest addition to the areas attractions includes a new conservation site for elephants and the surrounding forest. To learn more of this project you can hot link now to the Elephant Nature Park pages.