Travel Guide Temple of Thailand

Cockfights In the Thailand

2012-03-17T09:47:00.002+07:00

In the Thailand, it was said cockfighting was already popular by the time the establishment of Ayutthaya as the capital of the Thai Kingdom in A.D.1350. It was recorded that in 1562, When Crown Prince Naresuan was seven years of age, he was taken captive by the Burmese to ensure the fidelity of his father, who was already a prominent prince, as the Ayutthaya Kingdom was under Burmese occupation. During his stay in Burma, Crown Prince Naresuan was highly trained by the Burmese King Bayinnaung (Thai language: Burinnaung or Burengnong) in martial arts, literature and military strategies, and was reared as one of the princes in the Burmese Palace. After spending nine years of his youth at Pegu under the protection of the Burmese king, Naresuan like watching cockfights when stay in Burma.

ไก่ชน @ http://www.rakkai.com

Loi Krathong Festival 2008

2008-09-02T16:11:00.004+07:00

Loi Krathong Festival 2008 - Date : 8 - 12 November 2008

“Loi Krathong” is traditionally performed on the full moon night of the twelfth lunar month, which usually falls on some day in November. The floating of a ‘Krathong' – a banana–leaf cup – is intended to float away ill fortune as well as to express apologies to Khongkha or Ganga, the River Goddess. Some believe that the ritual is meant to worship the Buddha's footprint on the bank of the Narmada River, while others say that it is to pay respect to Phra Uppakhut, one of the Lord Buddha's great disciples.

The Loi Krathong Festival is celebrated nationwide in Thailand, especially where there are rivers, canals or sources of water, with different unique characteristics.

This year, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has joint with Educational Institution and Thai Baot Association to present the Electric Float Procession from Taksin Bridge to Krungthon Bridge and the 12 lighten up buildings and historical sites along Chao Praya River during Loi Krathong Festival.

View the illuminated boat procession , Loi Krathong activities as well as illuminated buildings and historical sites on both sides of the Chao Phraya River.

Venue : Santi Chai Prakarn, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok

Events Planning Division, Tourism Authority of Thailand

Website : www.loikrathong.net, www.tourismthailand.org

Tak Bat Thevo

2008-09-02T16:09:00.001+07:00

The End of the Buddhist Lent Festival

Participate in the “Tak Bat Thevo” alms-giving activity in the morning of Ok Phansa Day (The End of Buddhist Lent), while in the evening see the procession for the Naga, cultural performances, as well as the amazing phenomenon of Naga fireballs at night. Witness also the long boat competition for Ok Phansa Day and taste delicious dishes along food streets.

Date : 11-15 Octorber 2008
Venue : Mekong River, Nong Khai

Website: www.tourismthailand.org

The International wax sculpture At Ubon Ratchathani Province

2008-06-30T09:37:00.002+07:00

The International Wax Sculpture 1 - 31 July 2008

Week 1 : 1 - 6 July 2008 "Visit the Artisan Community"
Activities
- Opening the 3rd International Wax Sculpture
- Visit to candle crafting communities and learn the insights into an ancient artistic
tradition and local culture.
- Gathering of art students from all art institute in Thailand.
- Activity "I-san Tourism Year"
- Start of wax sculptures by International artists.
- Displays of local flags, performances, pottery, etc.

Week 2 : 7 - 13 July 2008 "Global Cooling by Wax Sculpture"
Activities
- Wax sculpture made by representatives of 9 countries from Germany, China,
Japan, Turkey, Mexico, Ukrain, Luxembourg, Italy and India including
Ubon Rachathani local artist, work under concept "Global Cooling @ Thailand"
at Ubon Ratchathani National Museum.
Week 3 : 14 - 20 July 2008 "A Touch of Buddhism And Arts"
Activities
- 18 July 2008, The Buddhist Lenten Candle Procession parade.
- Wax Sculpture by International Young Artists from the Greater Mekong Subregion
: China, Myanmar, Lao PDR, Cambodia, Vietnam and Thailand.
- Enjoy light and sound Show, Miss candle beauty contest.
Broadcasting via www.tourismthailand.org on 18 July 2008

Week 4-5 : 21 - 31 July 2008 "Wisdom on Buddhism Land"
Activities
- Display of the Buddhist Lent Candle created by Ubon Ratchathani’s local artist
- Presentations of I-san flok performances and various kinds of food.
- Exhibition of 10 masterpieces created by 9 international artists plus 1 local artist at
the Ubon Rachathani National Museum. The exhibition will be until 31 July 2008.
- Melting the Candle Cerenony ; "Back to Emptiness" on 31 July 2008

For any further information
- TAT Northeastern Office : Region 2
Tel. : 0 4524 3770-1, Fax. 0 4524 3771
Email : tatubon@tat.or.th
- Events Planning Division, Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT)
Tel : 66 (0) 2250 5500 ext. 3475-77
Email : eprodiv@tat.or.th
- TAT call center 1672
- Website : www.thailandwaxcraving.com, www.tourismthailand.org

Festival & Event at Thailand in May 2008

2008-05-01T10:09:00.001+07:00

Yasothon Bun Bangfai Rocket Festival

Annual ritual to ensure that the seasonal rains fall at the appropriate time in the planting cycle. In the process, Buddhist merit-making traditions are also observed and reinforced. The festival, which is held over a period of three days, strengthens community spirit. The first day known as “Wan Suk |Dip” features a ritual to play homage to Chao Pu, the spirit of the city pillar. The second day is the rocket procession day. Each is escorted by a colourful dance troupe. The rocket are finally launched on the third day in which various rockets and beauty contests are held. It is also a day for the ordination of novices with festive celebrations following merit-making rituals.

Contact :
TAT Northeastern Office : Region 2
Tel : 0 4524 3770-1
Yasothon Municipality Office
Tel : 0 4571 1397 Ext. : 112
Website : www.tat.or.th/festival

Visakha Buddha Bucha Festival

Duration 15 – 19 May 2008
VENUE Sanam Luang, Phranakhon District, Bangkok

ACTIVITIES
Decorated processions on Visakha Bucha Day of government and private working units and exhibition about Visakha Bucha Day, contest of flower bush Trays, Contest of Soraphanya Reciting

For more information, please contact
Bangkok Tourism Division Tel. 0 2225 7612-4

Thailand Travel Mart Plus 2008

2008-04-23T16:49:00.001+07:00

Thailand Travel Mart Plus is a unique trade fair that showcases Thailand and the Mekong region to the international travel industry. As part of the buyer and media hosting programme for TTM+, TAT aims to bring more than 400 buyers and media from all over the world to meet and transact business with travel suppliers from the various regions of Thailand and the diverse countries of the Greater Mekong Subregion.

More information visit www.thailandtravelmartplus.com

Download : Photo Songkran 2008

2008-04-18T14:04:00.002+07:00

1.rar (57.61 MB) 259 Photo

http://www.mediafire.com/?p2yn4jl1tgj

2.rar (50.52 MB) 249 Photo

http://www.mediafire.com/?eyrc4kmbjy0

3.rar (69.84 MB) 185 Photo

http://www.mediafire.com/?xlzmt4dlubv

สงกรานต์.rar (20.53 MB) 223 Photo

http://www.mediafire.com/?mmhm23eokl0

part1.rar (91.58 MB) 227 Photo

http://www.mediafire.com/?efgfyisstgq

part2.rar (72.35 MB) 206 Photo
http://www.mediafire.com/?yrzwtbx1e5c

About Songkran or Thai New Year’s celebration 2008

2008-03-27T14:09:00.004+07:00

Songkran is the traditional Thai New Year’s celebration, also known as the “Water Festival”, and one of the more light-hearted aspects of the festivities is throwing water at each other. Thai people believe that water, as a symbol of cleansing and renewal, will wash away bad luck.

Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Songkran Festival

Date: 13 – 14 April 2008

Venue: Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Historical Park, Wihan Phramongkhon Bophit, and around the island city, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya

Activities : Making merit to the monks, releasing of birds and fish, paying homage to the elderly.

Hi-Light: on 13 April 2008
06.00 hrs. : Making merit to the monks at the front of Wihan Phramongkhon Bophit
14.00 hrs. : the grand procession of the Songkran tradition, enjoying splashing water with elephants at the old city.

Further Information : Education Division, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Municipality Tel. 0 3525 2168
TAT Central Region Office : Region 6 (Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya) Tel. 0 3524 6076-7, 0 3532 2730-1

Sari New Year Festival of Chiang Mai city, Chiang Mai

Date: 12-15 April 2008

Venue: All around in Chiangmai city, Chiangmai province

Activities: A procession and bathing of the Phra Phuttasihing, paying homage to elderly, local traditional shows and local artistic game demonstration , splashing water around the city ditch, walking street and all international food.

Hi-Light: 12 April 2008, at 7.00 hrs. in Royal Flora Garden (Ratchaphruek), there is a piling rice to 99 monks and grand opening Songkran festival by the Minister of Tourism and Sport Ministry.
: 13 April 2008, at 14.00 hrs. a procession and bathing of the Phra Phuttasihing and Miss Songkran parade from Naowarat bridge to Wat Phra Sing.
: 14 April 2008, at 16.00 hrs. a parade of sand-carrying back to temple & Mai Kham Sari from Saphan Lek (Iron bridge) to the temple on Tha Phae Street.
: 15 April 2008, 13.30 hrs. a parade of paying homage for Chiang Mai Governor from Three Kings monument to the Governor’s Office.

Further information : Municipality Tel: 0 5325 9000
TAT Northern Region Office, Region 1 (Chiang Mai) Tel: 0 5324 8604, 0 5324 8607
Website : www.songkran.net, www.tourismthailand.org

Pattaya Songkran Festival (Wan Lai Fair)

Date: 18 – 19 April 2008

Venue: Pho Na Kleua Public Park, Chon Buri

Activities : Procession of the Buddha image for the people to bathe, along the Pattaya beach, local games, various arts and cultural performances, piling rice tradition, paying homage to the elderly, Miss Songkran Beauty Contest and enjoy splashing water along the beach of Pattaya.
Hi-Light: on 19 April 2008 at 08.00 hrs. : Procession of the Buddha image for the people to bathe and enjoying splashing water along the Pattaya beach.

Further Information : Pattaya City, Tel. 0 3837 1116-9
TAT Central Region Office : Region 3 (Chonburi), Tel. 0 3842 7667, 0 3842 8750
www.songkran.net

The Great Songkran Day 2008, Suphanburi Province

Water festival : Songkran festival

Date : 13 April 2008

Venue : Nane Keaw Road, Muang, Suphanburi Province

Activities : Giving alms to monks, Procession of the Buddha image for the people to bathe, Paying homage to the elderly, Procession of Songkran tradition, Cultural Performance and enjoy splashing water.

Further information : Suphanburi Tourism Coordination Centre Tel. 0 3553 6030
www.tourismthailand.org

Nakhon Phanom Songkran and Lao New Year Festival

Date: 12 – 15 April 2008

Venue: Mueang District and Renu Nakhon Municipality, Nakhon Phanom

Activities: bathing ceremony of the birthday Chedi; participate in making the sand Buddha image that is believed to bless people with good health, as well as living longer

Hi-Light: Tying the holy string around the 2000-year-old Chedi that is revered by the people of Thailand and Lao PDR. and is located in the middle of the Mekong river to pray and bless for both Thai Lao neighbors.

Further information: Cultural Center Ranu Nakorn, Ranu Nakorn District Office Tel: 0 4257 9240

TAT Northeastern Region Office, Region 4 (Nakorn Panom) Tel: 0 4251 3490-1
website : www.tourismthailand.org, www.songkran.net

Hat Yai Midnight Songkran Festival, Songkhla province

Date: 11 – 14 April 2008

Venue: Niphat Uthit Road, Sanehanusorn Road, Hat Yai

Activities: 12 April 2008 at 18.00 hrs. a procession of Songkran festival.
13 April 2008 Miss Songkran Beauty Contest and various forms of entertainment and local games as well as playing splashing water in the evening.

Further information : Hat Yai Municipality Tel: 0 7424 4777
TAT Southern Region Office, Region 1 (Songkhla) Tel: 0 7423 1055

website : www.tourismthailand.org, www.songkran.net

Thailand Eyewitness Travel Guide & Lonely Planet Thailand : Recommend Book for Tour Thailand

2008-03-17T14:59:00.004+07:00

Recommend Book for Thailand Tour

Thailand (EYEWITNESS TRAVEL GUIDE)

by Rosalyn Thiro (Editor), Jonathan Cox (Editor), Marcus Hardy (Editor), Tim Hollis (Editor), Lesley McCave (Editor), Sean O'Connor (Editor), Philip Blenkinsop (Photographer), Stuart Isett (Photographer), Kim Sayer (Photographer), Michael Spencer (Photographer)

This colorful and thoughtfully arranged guide provides easy access to Thai history and culture, religion and politics, music, sports, and festivals. From Chiang Mai to Bangkok, Phuket to Ko Samui, the many pleasures, diversions, sites, and activities are detailed in a conveniently usable format. Orchid parks and elephant training centers, wats and Buddhas, beaches, treks, museums, and rainforests--it's all there to peruse and choose. With lists of hotels and restaurants, information on shopping, whitewater rafting, golf, diving, Thai massage, and lots of maps and pictures, Dorling-Kindersley has put together a guide that's both practical and beautiful. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

More Detail About Thailand (EYEWITNESS TRAVEL GUIDE)

#################################################################################

Lonely Planet Thailand

by China Williams (Author), Aaron Anderson (Author), Brett Atkinson (Author), Tim Bewer (Author), Becca Blond (Author), Virginia Jealous (Author), Lisa Steer (Author)

Uncover Bangkok's best street stalls or enjoy skyscraping gourmet dinners.
Climb aboard a long-tail boat and island hop to your own isolated beach paradise.
Get soaked at Songkran, the Thai celebration that becomes the world's biggest water fight.
Trek off the beaten path in remote Isan to watch a rare solar alignment at an ancient Angkor temple.

Ten authors, 259 days of in-country research and 150 maps.
Trek, dive or monkey-watch with our detailed coverage of national parks and natural wonders.

More Detail About Lonely Planet Thailand

Thailand Songkran Festival - 13-15 April 2008

2008-03-12T11:47:00.002+07:00

Chiang Mai Songkran Festival

Date : 13-15 April 2008

Venue : Chiang Mai

Partake in this ancient spectacle in Chiang Mai with merit-making activities, a procession of Buddha images and bathing rituals, the sprinkling of lustral water to seek the blessing of elders, sand-stupa building, folk games, Lanna cultural shows and water throwing.

Contact:
TAT Northern Office : Region 1
Tel : 0 5324 8604, 0 5324 8607, 0 5324 1466
Chiang Mai Municipality Office
Tel : 0 5325 2478

Hat Yai Midnight Songkran Festival

Date : 13-15 April 2008
Venue : Niphat Uthit 1 Road and Sanehanuson Road, Hat Yai, Songkhla
Come and splash water to celebrate Songkran and see a pageant of beauty queens. Witness a breath taking procession. Enjoy the fire show, culture performances and all kinds of entertainment during the festival.
Contact:
TAT Southern Office : Region 1
Tel : 0 7423 1055, 0 7423 8518, 0 7424 3747
Hat Yai Municipality Office
Tel : 0 7424 4777

Phra Pradang Songkran Festival

Phra Pradang Songkran Festival
Date : 18-20 April 2008
Venue : Phra Pradaeng District, Samut Prakan
The Phra Pradaeng Songkran Festival, formerly known as the ‘Pak Lat Songkran Festival’ , with the notable addition of a colourful and elaborate Songkran procession staged by the Mon, or Raman, residents of Phra Pradaeng.
You will enjoy the Songkran procession of decorate floats and a procession of birds and fish. View the exotic game of “Saba” played by the Mon descendants. Also check out the Beauty Queen and King Pegeant.
Contact:
TAT Central Region Office : Region 8
Tel : 0 3731 2282
Phra Pradaeng Municipality Office
Tel : 0 3841 0200

Thailand has further extended a national ban on smoking in public areas to include pubs, restaurants, discos and market-places, both open-air

2008-02-23T20:15:00.001+07:00

NATIONWIDE BAN ON SMOKING IN PUBS, CLUBS, TAKES EFFECT

Thailand has further extended a national ban on smoking in public areas to include pubs, restaurants, discos and market-places, both open-air and air-conditioned.

Previously, the regulations applied only to public buildings and closed air-conditioned areas. The regulations took effect February 11, 2008.

Individual violators can be fined as much as 2,000 baht (US$65). If any public places violate the rules, they will be warned but after May 31, 2008, they will be fined 20,000 baht.

However, smokers are permitted to smoke in designated areas which the affected places will have to set aside.

Numerous public places in Thailand are planning to distribute brochures and post signs in at least five languages such as Thai, English, Korean, Chinese and Japanese to inform tourists of the new regulation.

Thailand is estimated to have over 11 million smokers nationwide and over 40,000 restaurants, pubs, bars and marketplaces.

The initiative comes in the wake of a report released by the World Health Organization (WHO) calling on countries to strengthen tobacco control measures as a means of preventing tens of millions of premature deaths by the middle of this century.

The report recommended a package of six policies called MPOWER for countries to implement, such as: monitoring tobacco use and prevention policies; protecting people from tobacco smoke; offering help to quit tobacco use; warning about the dangers of tobacco; enforcing bans on tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship; and raising taxes on tobacco.

The MPOWER package is designed to help countries meet their commitments to the widely embraced global tobacco treaty known as the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, which came into force in 2005.

The report contained a very specific warning to the developing world, where 80% of the more than eight million annual tobacco-related deaths projected by 2030 are expected to occur.

The global analysis, compiled by WHO with information provided by 179 Member States, gives governments and other groups a baseline from which to monitor efforts to stop the epidemic in the years ahead.

Thailand Travel : Information Packages & Promotions, Thailand Amazing

2008-02-13T09:49:00.001+07:00

Packages & Promotions

72 Hours Amazing Thailand

The Tourism Authority of Thailand together with MasterCard has launched “72 Hours Amazing Thailand” – a dedicated campaign presenting a host of exciting activities and special privileges exclusively for MasterCard cardholders visiting Thailand.

Mrs. Juthaporn Rerngronasa, Deputy Governor for International Marketing, Tourism Authority of Thailand, said, “72 Hours Amazing Thailand offers a new way for tourists to explore the beauty of Thailand within 72 hours. The campaign introduces customized travel routes and activities for MasterCard cardholders, as well as showcases a collection of Thailand’s newest and most stylish resorts and hotels, hip shopping destinations, luxurious pampering hideaways, chic dining outlets and top golf courses.”

“We are targeting the 72 Hours Amazing Thailand campaign at the mass affluent consumer, aged over 25 years old, who enjoys traveling and experiencing new places which are in vogue in Bangkok and its surrounding areas,” Mrs. Rerngronasa added. As part of the campaign, an English language guidebook - “72 Hours Amazing Thailand” - will be produced for tourists.

According to the latest MasterIndex of Travel (H2 2007) by MasterCard Worldwide, Thailand is among the most preferred personal travel destination for Singaporeans. Ms. Eileen Wee, Vice President and Country Manager for Thailand, MasterCard Worldwide said, “The 72 Hours Amazing Thailand campaign launched by Tourism Authority of Thailand enables visitors to fully enjoy and experience the natural beauty of Thailand, as well as the many attractive offerings and exceptional service that this tourism paradise has to offer to the sophisticated, style-conscious traveler of today. The campaign is an example of how Thailand constantly refreshes itself as a travel destination.”

Until the end of August 2008, customers making transactions with their MasterCard cards will receive up to 50% off their purchases at over 200 leading hotels and resorts, shopping centers, beauty and nail spas, fine dining restaurants, golf courses and retail outlets in Thailand, in addition to a range of other privileges.
MasterCard cardholders can also indulge in the best spa destinations such as S Medical Spa – one of only two medical spa retreats in the world with the Hydrotherapy 7 in 1 with Shirodhara – an integrated treatment that cares for the mind, body and soul. Services include purification programs, holistic massage and body work, hydrotherapy and full-day wellness programs. MasterCard cardholders also receive VIP treatment at the Banyan Tree Spa at the Banyan Tree Hotel Bangkok - an ideal sanctuary for physical and spiritual well-being.

More Information:
Website: http://www.thailand72hrsamazing.com

Best Paradise in Thailand

Best Paradises in Thailand, the latest promotional campaign and guide book, jointly launched by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and promotional partner, AIG Card (Thailand) Co., Ltd., showcases 70 of Thailand’s finest hotels and resorts and raises the visibility and awareness of participating properties.

Best Paradises in Thailand invites visitors to “explore the captivating splendour of 70 of the finest resorts in prime locations throughout Thailand.”

For more info. Please visit
http://www.tatnews.org/tat_corporate/3558.asp

TOURISM AUTHORITY OF THAILAND (TAT) ADOPTS E-MARKETING STRATEGY FOR ‘AMAZING THAILAND’

2008-02-13T09:24:00.000+07:00

TAT ADOPTS E-MARKETING STRATEGY FOR ‘AMAZING THAILAND’

With an ever-increasing number of individual travellers worldwide planning and purchasing their trips online, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is preparing to launch a multi-sectoral e-marketing campaign targeted at a number of key customer segments worldwide. The intention is to significantly increase Thailand’s online presence and the country’s share of tourism revenue generated online.
TAT recently hosted an exclusive trade launch to unveil “e-Marketing for Amazing Thailand 2008” — Thailand’s latest destination marketing initiative which incorporates the use of the e-marketing channels to promote ‘Amazing Thailand’ online. Members of the Thai travel and tourism industry were briefed on the campaign and invited to provide appropriate product information, package deals and updates of their rates, services and special offers for inclusion in the upcoming mini-web sites being developed.

According TAT Governor Mrs Phornsiri Manoharn, “In 2007, TAT developed an e-marketing Road Map for 2008-11 to establish a framework and set the direction for TAT’s online marketing efforts. This ensures that we successfully achieve marketing effectiveness for both TAT as well as the Thai tourism industry overall.

“Key elements of this roadmap are now being implemented under the ‘e-Marketing for Amazing Thailand 2008’ project. It will help strengthen the ‘Amazing Thailand’ brand online; support Thai tourism operators, especially SMEs; increase our international competitiveness; and significantly increase Thailand’s share of the lucrative global tourism business/revenue.”

The TAT now plans to make innovative use of online marketing channels such as e-brochures, online advertorials, CRM-based e-mail marketing, the development of blog sites and encourage the active involvement of web visitors in contributing to user-generated content as novel ways to promote “Amazing Thailand” online.

According to Mr Auggaphol Brickshawana, Deputy Governor for Policy and Planning, “TAT’s e-marketing roadmap fully reflects Thailand’s five-year tourism plan (2007-11) including all the objectives and policies established by TAT, the Ministry of Tourism and Sports; and as outlined in the National Economic Social and Development Board (NESDB) plans.”

Once “e-Marketing for Amazing Thailand 2008” is fully launched, web visitors will be able to find amazing deals, access information about Thailand and post articles, videos and photographs. The TAT will be able to dispatch information about special packages and deals, monitor feedback, interact with visitors and potential visitors online, and correct misinformation on other popular websites.

A key element is targeting one of the fastest growing segments of visitors to Thailand, women travellers. Other critical customer segments include young people, families and “green season” travellers during the off-peak months. This is in line with the desire to generate higher spending and longer length of stay. At the introductory launch, Thai tourism private sector executives were briefed on the concept and given clear guidelines on how to use it to promote their products, packages, services and deals. They also have opportunities to advertise on the site in order to maintain a more permanent presence.

The project partners are: Thai Airways International’s frequent flyer programme Royal Orchid Plus; Advance Info Service (AIS); Chulalongkorn University; Rangsit University; www.youtube.com; and Software Park Thailand. Major travel industry associations of the hotels, travel agents, guides, exhibitions and spa sectors are also participating in force.

The five key components of the “e-Marketing for amazing Thailand 2008” project are:

Thailand Amazing Deals
amazingthailand.TourismThailand.org
To promote Thai travel products to global travellers, buyers, media and travel bloggers via a mini-site: http://amazingthailand.TourismThailand.org. This offers product information in various travel categories. It also allows the TAT to launch e-mail campaigns to a quality database of 1.1 million e-mail addresses of travellers, buyers, media and travel bloggers all around the world.

Her Own Way: “Thailand - The Woman’s Paradise” Project
HerOwnWay.TourismThailand.org
To promote travel products for women such as golf, shopping, beauty and spa
via a mini-site http://HerOwnWay.TourismThailand.org. The primary focus will be women travellers in Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore and the Middle East. Targeted e-mail marketing campaigns will directed at women frequent-flyer members of Royal Orchid Plus as well as over online chat-rooms for women in the focus countries.

Thailand Portfolio Project
To promote information about tourism in Thailand (presented as photos, videos and travel articles) through some of the world’s most popular User Generated Media websites such as:
Photo sharing sites: www.flickr.com, www.ringo.com, www.pickle.com
Video sharing sites: www.youtube.com, www.creackle.com, video.google.com
Travel article sharing sites: www.iexplore.com, www.bootsnall.com, www.igougo.com

Amazing Shot…Amazing Experience Contest
Online activities will be organised to persuade both domestic and international travellers to submit VDOs about their travel experiences in Thailand under the concept of “Amazing Shot…Amazing Experience!” and get a chance to win prizes.

WIKI Mission for Thailand Tourism Project
www.wikipedia.org, www.WIKITravel.org
To edit and improve information about Thai tourism on www.wikipedia.org
and www.WIKITravel.org to ensure it is accurate and up-to-date. Students and faculty members at Chulalongkorn University and Rangsit University will be responsible for editing and improving the English version of these online encyclopedias.

http://www.tourismthailand.org/news/release-content-466.html

Thailand Ayutthaya Tour Guide Bang Pa-In Palace (Approximately 1 hour from Bangkok)

2008-02-09T14:27:00.000+07:00

The Most Popular Sightseeing Combinations: Recommended Itinerary :Welcome to Bang Pa-In Palace

The Royal Palace at Bang Pa-In has a history dating back to the 17 th century. According to a chronicle of Ayutthaya, King Prasat Thong (1629-1656) had a palace constructed on Bang Pa-In Island in the Chao Phraya River. A contemporary Dutch merchant, Jeremias van Vliet, reported that King Prasat Thong was an illegitimate son of King Ekathotsarot (1605-1610/11), who in his youth was shipwrecked on that island and had son by a woman who befriended him. The boy grew up to become the Chief Minister. After having usurped the throne, he became known as King Prasat Thong. The King founded a monastery, Wat Chumphon Nikayaram, on the land belonging to his mother on Bang Pa-In Island, and then had a pond dug and a palace built to the south of that monastery. The chronicle records the name of only one building, the Aisawan Thiphaya-art Royal Residence, which was constructed in 1632, the year of the birth of his son, the future King Narai (1656-1688). It is not known whether or not the palace was in use till the fall of Ayutthaya in 1767. However by 1807, when the Kingdom's best known poet, Sunthon Phu, sailed past Bang Pa-In, only a memory of the palace remained, for the site was neglected and overgrown.

The palace was revived by King Rama IV of the Chakri Dynasty, better known in the West as King Mongkut (1851-1868), who had a temporary residence constructed on the outer island that became the site of the Neo-Gothic style monastery, Wat Niwet Thamprawat, which was built by his son and heir, King Chulalongkorn (Rama V).

The present-day royal palace dates from the reign of King Chulalongkorn (1868-1910), when most of the buildings standing today were constructed between 1872-1889.

Today the palace is used occasionally by Their Majesties King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX) and Queen Sirikit as a residence and for holding receptions and banquets.

The Summer Palace at Bang Pa-In: Displaying history dating back to the 17th century. Today, the palace is used occasionally by our King and Queen as a residence and for holding receptions and banquets.Ayuthaya Historical Study Center: One thing of special interest is the model of the Royal Grand Palace and the Royal Temple of Ayutthaya Kingdom. There are also some fine displays. The subjects treated are Ayutthaya as a capital, as a port city, and as a centralized state, traditional village life, and foreign visitations

Viharn Phra Mongkhon Bophit: The viharn holds a large image of Buddha subduring the Mara which is 12.45 meters high and has a knee span width of 9.55 meters. it was built with brick and plaster and was covered with bronze 3-4 inches thick

Ayutthaya Historical Park: When King U Thong built Ayutthaya as his island capital some 650 years ago, the city was to last for 417 years. Over its long history from 1350 to 1767 there were five Thai dynasties and a total of 33 kings. When people from other countries came to the kingdom they remarked on its’ size and wealth and the beauty of the place. It has now been designated a World Heritage Site. See ruins which have survived from this once magnificent city. Visit the Royal Grand Palace and the Royal Temple (Wat Phra Si Sanphet)

Enjoy a Boat Ride to view some of the major monuments as they were designed to be seen - from the waterways of the three rivers which converge on this fabled jewel of Siamese history

Stupas are known in many Southeast Asian countries as chedi

2008-02-08T21:25:00.000+07:00

A stupa (from the Pāli) is a type of Buddhist mound-like structure found across the Indian subcontinent, other parts of Asia, and increasingly in the Western World.

Stupas are known in many Southeast Asian countries as chedi, for example Thai เจดีย์ (from a Pāli synonym of stupa: Chaitya); in some countries (particularly Sri Lanka) as dagoba (from Sanskrit dhatu, an element, component, or relic; and garbha, a storehouse or repository); or as tope (from Hindi top, derived from Sanskrit stūpa, a heap).

Stupas are an ancient form of mandalas.

Description and history

The stupa is the latest Buddhist religious monument and was originally only a simple mound of mud or clay to cover supposed relics of the Buddha. After the "passing away" of the Buddha, his remains were cremated and the ashes divided and buried under eight stupas with two further stupas encasing the urn and the embers. Little is known about these early stupas, particularly since it has not been possible to identify the original ten monuments. However, some later stupas, such as at Sarnath and Sanchi, seem to be embellishments of earlier mounds.

In the third century BCE, after his conversion to Buddhism, the emperor Ashoka had the original stupas opened and the remains distributed among the several thousand stupas he had built. Nevertheless, the stupas at the eight places associated with the life of the Buddha continued to be of particular importance. Accordingly, the importance of a stupa changed from being a funerary monument to being an object of veneration. As a consequence their appearance changed also. Stupas were built in Sri Lanka soon after King Devanampiyatissa converted to Buddhism, the first stupa to be built was the Thuparamaya. Later on Sri Lanka went on to build many stupas over the years, some like the Jetavanarama in Anuradhapura being one of the tallest ancient structures in the world.

They evolved into large hemispherical mounds with features such as the torana (gateway), the vedica (fence-like enclosure evolved from the vedic villages), the harmika (a square platform with railings on top of the stupa), chattrayashti (the parasol or canopy) and a circumambulatory around the stupa. From the first century BCE onwards, stupas were incorporated into the hall of the chaitya-griha.

One such stupa is discovered at Sopara an ancient port near Mumbai and is supposed to one of most ancient stupas in the world. The oldest known stupa is the Dhamek Stupa at Sanchi, India, while the tallest is the Phra Pathom Chedi in Nakhon Pathom, Thailand, with a height of 127 metres. The most elaborate stupa is the 8th century Borobudur monument in Java, Indonesia. The upper rounded terrace with rows of bell shaped stupas contained buddha images symbolize Arupadhatu, the sphere of formlesness. The main stupa itself is empty, symbolizing complete perfection of enlightenment. The main stupa is only the crown part of the monument, while the base is pyramidal structure elaborate with galleries adorned with bas relief of scenes derived from Buddhist text depicted the life of Siddharta Gautama. Borobudur unique and significant architecture has been acknowledge by UNESCO as the largest buddhist monument in the world.

The stupa evolved into the pagoda as Buddhism spread to other Asian countries. The pagoda has varied forms that also include bellshaped and pyramidal ones. Today, in the Western context, there is no clear distinction between the stupa and the pagoda. But in general stupa is used for a Buddhist structure of India or south-east Asia, while pagoda refers to a building in east Asia which can be entered and which may be secular in purpose.

Fundamentally, a stupa is essentially made up of the following five constituent parts:

a square base
a hemispherical dome
a conical spire
a crescent moon
a circular disc
Each component is rich in metaphoric content. For example, "the shape of the stupa represents the Buddha, crowned and sitting in meditation posture on a lion throne. His crown is the top of the spire; his head is the square at the spire's base; his body is the vase shape; his legs are the four steps of the lower terrace; and the base is his throne." [2] The components of the stupa are also identified with the five elements — earth, water, fire, air, and space — held to constitute the fabric of manifest existence.

Regional names for stupa include:

Chaitya - Nepal
Candi - Indonesia and Malaysia
Chedi - Thailand
Chorten - Tibet and Bhutan
Dagoba/Chaitiya - Sri Lanka
Chedey - Cambodia
Sübürgen - Mongolia
Tap - Korea (塔/탑 lit: "tower")
That - Laos
Ta - China (塔 lit: "tower")
Tō - Japan (塔/とう lit: "tower")
Zedi (စေတီ) /Pahto (ပုထုိး) - Myanmar

Refer: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stupa

PHRANAKHONSIAYUTTHAYA : General Information

2008-02-08T21:19:00.000+07:00

The Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya or Ayutthaya in short, is one of Thailand's historical and majestic highlights. Serving as the Thai capital for 417 years (1350 1767: Kingdom of Ayutthaya), it was once glorified as one of the biggest cities in Southeast Asia. During the 17th century, most foreign visitors to Ayutthaya, traders or diplomats alike, claimed Ayutthaya to be the most illustrious and glittering city that they had ever visited. The map of Ayutthaya published in 1691 by Simon de la Loubere in Du Royaume De Siam is proof of such recognition.

The Kingdom of Ayutthaya reached its apex in terms of sovereignty, military might, wealth, culture, and international commerce in the 16th century when the Kingdoms territory was extended far beyond present-day Laos, Cambodia, and Myanmar. Ayutthaya even had diplomatic relations with Louis XIV of France and was courted by Dutch, Portuguese, English, Chinese and Japanese merchants.
Visitors can explore and appreciate Thai history in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, which is situated only 86 kilometers north of Bangkok. Visitors to Ayutthaya can marvel at its grandeur reflected through numerous magnificent structures and ruins concentrated in and around the city island surrounded by Maenam Chao Phraya, Maenam Pa Sak and Maenam Lopburi.

More importantly,Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Historical Park, an extensive historical site in the heart of Ayutthaya city, has been included in UNESCO's World Heritage list since 13 December, 1991.

The Past

The Kingdom of Ayutthaya was built and developed in leaps and bounds. The ruins in Ayutthaya that survived the test of time embody both the glorious and ignominious stories of the Kingdom.

This ancient capital of the Kingdom of Ayutthaya, founded in 1350 by King U-Thong, had thirty three kings of different dynasties and reached its peak in the middle of the18th century. A magnificent city with three palaces and over 400 magnificent temples on an island threaded by canals Ayutthaya was truly an impressive city that attracted both Europeans and Asians. After a 15-month siege the Kingdom of Ayutthaya was conquered and completely destroyed by the Burmese in 1767. When King Taksin the Great finally liberated the Kingdom, a new dynasty was established and the capital was moved to Thonburi.

The seal of Ayutthaya depicts a conch on a pedestal tray placed in a small castle under a Mun tree. According to legend, King U-Thong, founder of the Kingdom of Ayutthaya, discovered a beautiful conch buried in the ground being prepared for the establishment of the seat of his Kingdom. Consequently, he had a tiny castle built to house the shell. Hence, the provincial seal.

The Present

Today, there are but groups of crumbling ruins and rows of headless Buddhas where once an empire thrived. The temple compounds are still awe-inspiring even in disrepair and a visit here is memorable and a good beginning for those drawn to the relics of history.

The architecture of Ayutthaya is a fascinating mix of Khmer (ancient Cambodian style) and early Sukhothai style. Some cactus-shaped obelisks, called prangs, denote Khmer influence and look something like the famous towers of Angkor Wat. The more pointed stupas are ascribed to the Sukhothai influence. For new arrivals who had limited their visit to Bangkok, similarities may be noted with the riverside Wat Arun, an 18th-century structure that was built in the so-called Ayutthaya style, a melding of Sukhothai Buddhist influences and Hindu-inspired Khmer motifs.

Ayutthaya is administratively divided into 16 districts: Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Ban Phraek, Bang Ban, Bang Pahan, Bang Pa-in, Amphoe Bang Sai, Bang Sai, Lat Bua Luang, Maha Rat, Nakhon Luang, Phachi, Phak-Hai, Sena, Tha Rua, Uthai and Wang Noi.

THAILAND -- CENTRE OF LEARNING AND BUDDHIST TRADITIONS

2008-02-08T21:13:00.000+07:00

Thailand’s reputation as a safe and peaceful destination is attracting thousands of foreigners from all over the world to learn more about the 2,547-year-old Buddhist faith and one of its most famous practices, the art of meditation. At Wat Mahathat, the primary centre of meditation studies in Bangkok, nearly 4,000 foreigners have taken courses between 1998 and 2003, and monks are predicting steady growth in the years ahead.

Although Buddhism is the dominant religion in Sri Lanka, Bhutan, throughout the Mekong region, China and Northeast Asia, Thailand has gained an influential position as a centre of learning and knowledge. Major institutions like the World Fellowship of Buddhists and the Mahachulalongkorn-rajavidyalaya Buddhist University are located in Bangkok. Visits to prominent temples accompanied by laymen’s explanations of the faith are standard features of tours taken by the 10 million visitors who travel to Thailand each year.

The West is becoming increasingly enamoured with the ways of the East. Early interest in martial arts like karate and tae-kwon-do has matured to embrace more peaceful practices such as tai chi, yoga, Ayurveda, Thai massage and, of course, meditation. High-profile figures like the Dalai Lama, a Nobel Prize winner, have helped attract more interest in the faith.

The many students of Buddhism and meditation in Thailand range from local expatriate residents to passing visitors. Some seek to study the religion as a philosophy. Others come to learn meditation techniques in order to become instructors themselves in the proliferating number of schools and institutions in the west. Still others seek to become monks. Increasingly, many are studying Buddhist principles for use in business management techniques and conflict resolution. By far the vast majority, however, see Buddhist philosophy and meditation as a means of attaining good mental and physical health, personal fulfillment and satisfaction.

Seeking inner peace is becoming a powerful global phenomenon in the face of seemingly uncontrollable external conflicts and social mayhem. The pursuit of material wealth and bodies-beautiful is widely perceived as a short-sighted and short-term objective that does little to lift the human spirit. The breakdown of family values and the ruthless competition of political and economic systems only accelerate this search. Indeed, monks and meditation instructors note that meditation is non-denominational; by seeking to enhance concentration and mind-power, the technique can be used by anyone to enhance the practice of their own religion, whatever that may be.

This philosophy is indeed the bedrock of the Buddhist religion, which was founded by a prince who abandoned his legacy of riches in order to identify with those who were truly suffering, and to pursue Truth and Enlightenment. His simple formula for the alleviation of suffering, known as the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path, imparts the message that every human being has it within him/herself to attain peace, starting first with the individual and then expanding, like ripples on a placid lake, to families, communities, even companies and countries.

Wat Mahathat, one of the few places in Thailand which keeps records of its students, says enrollments in its meditation courses rose from 540 in 1998 to 871 in 2002, falling back in 2003 to 596 due to global factors like the SARS crisis and the war in Iraq, which affected travel movements across the world. Women outnumbered men by a ratio of 52:48. Of the 659 students who signed up between March, 2003, and March, 2004, a total of 161 were from the United States, 87 from the UK, 78 from Germany and 45 from Canada. Altogether, there were students from 45 countries, including such distant places as Ecuador, South Africa and Scotland.

To capitalise on the trend and a growing number of inquiries, the Tourism Authority of Thailand recently produced a guidebook which lists places of Buddhist learning throughout Thailand. While many training centres are located in Bangkok, others are forest retreats. Courses range in length from just a weekend to 10 days and four weeks, depending on the level the individual wishes to attain. Students can also choose from a broad range of categories and techniques of learning meditation.

Certainly, the process is an intrinsic part of the search for enlightenment. According to Wat Mahathat’s Phra Suputh Kosalo, students seek to get away from the competitive stress of modern life. They dress in unadorned white attire, eat simple food, abstain from alcohol, avoid exposure to the mass media, maintain as much as possible an elegant silence, clean their own living areas -- all part of the process of expunging pride, arrogance and egotism while acquiring humility, modesty and simplicity.

While it was once difficult to find instructors in English, this is changing. Not only is the new generation of Thai monks more familiar with English, many former students have become skillful enough to instruct others in a variety of foreign languages. At the same time, many foreign students find it more challenging and enlightening if they learn Thai. There is no official ‘charge’ for the various courses; finances are usually handled via donations that are at the discretion of the student.

Dominique Whitehead, 34, a Briton, took a four-week meditation course at Wat Mahathat in April. He says the experience in Thailand was far superior to similar studies he had undertaken in France where he lived for 20 years before moving to Hong Kong. His regular visits to Thailand and the friendships he made got him more interested in Buddhism. Stressing that it is critical and essential to have a good teacher, Dominique says schools that offer ‘meditation classes’ in the West need to obtain some kind of certification about the levels of qualification their instructors have attained. Asked how the classes were helping him in his daily life, he responded, “They help me stay sane.”

As interest grows, Thailand is bringing its neighbours into the fold. Tourism authorities of Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand recently launched the concept of ‘Four Countries - One Destination’ which includes joint marketing and promotion programmes based on the region’s shared culture, history and religious background. The officials agreed to identify and link various spots along a Buddhist Pilgrimage Trail, such as Angkor Wat in Cambodia, That Luang in Vientiane, Mandalay in Myanmar and Ayutthaya in Thailand.

This linkage will soon be extended to India and Nepal, where Buddhism took root before being spread eastwards by the Buddha’s disciples in subsequent centuries. The Asian Development Bank is also funding a Buddhist pilgrimage circuit that will include India and Nepal, plus Bhutan and Bangladesh. The bank is seeking to fund transportation linkages and attract long overdue infrastructure investment in some of the world’s holiest spots. The two primary sites are Lumbini in Nepal, where the Buddha was born, and Bodhgaya in India, where he attained enlightenment. Both are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

By dint of its unique geographical position, Thailand will remain at the heart of these efforts. And its biggest asset will be word-of-mouth promotion. Mr Whitehead says he plans to bring at least 10 of his friends to introduce them to meditation classes in Thailand. As long as the world continues to slide into turmoil and conflict, there will be no shortage of takers for solutions that transcend the conventional.

THAILAND – CENTRE OF BUDDHIST LEARNING AND TRADITIONS

Refer: http://www.tourismthailand.org/interesting-article/content-130-1.html

The Thai New Year (Thai:Songkran)

2008-02-08T21:04:00.000+07:00

The Thai New Year (Thai: สงกรานต์ Songkran) is celebrated every year on 13 April to 15 April. It is also celebrated in Laos (called pi mai lao or 'Lao New Year' in Lao), Cambodia, Myanmar (where it is called Thingyan), and by the Dai people in Yunnan, China. Sri Lanka also celebrates a similar festival called Sinhalese and Tamil New Year on the same dates. The same date is celebrated widely throughout the Indian subcontinent, albeit based on the astrological event of the sun beginning its northward journey.

The date of the festival was originally set by astrological calculation, but it is now fixed. If these days fall on a weekend, the missed days off are taken on the weekdays immediately following. Songkran falls in the hottest time of the year in Thailand, at the end of the dry season. Until 1888 the Thai New Year was the beginning of the year in Thailand; thereafter 1 April was used until 1940. 1 January is now the beginning of the year. The traditional Thai New Year has been a national holiday since then.

The most obvious celebration of Songkran is the throwing of water. People roam the streets with containers of water or water guns, or post themselves at the side of roads with a garden hose and drench each other and passersby. This, however, was not always the main activity of this festival. Songkran was traditionally a time to visit and pay respects to elders, including family members, friends and neighbors.

Besides the throwing of water, people celebrating Songkran may also go to a wat (Buddhist monastery) to pray and give food to monks. They may also cleanse Buddha images from household shrines as well as Buddha images at monasteries by gently pouring water mixed with a Thai fragrance (น้ำอบไทย) over them. It is believed that doing this will bring good luck and prosperity for the New Year. In many cities, such as Chiang Mai, the Buddha images from all of the city's important monasteries are paraded through the streets so that people can toss water at them, ritually 'bathing' the images, as they pass by on ornately decorated floats. In northern Thailand, people may carry handfuls of sand to their neighborhood monastery in order to recompense the dirt that they have carried away on their feet during the rest of the year. The sand is then sculpted into stupa-shaped piles and decorated with colorful flags.

Some people make New Year resolutions - to refrain from bad behavior, or to do good things. Songkran is a time for cleaning and renewal. Besides washing household Buddha images, many Thais also take this opportunity to give their home a thorough cleaning.

The throwing of water originated as a way to pay respect to people, by gently pouring a small amount of lustral water on other people’s hands or over a shoulder as a sign of respect. Among young people the holiday evolved to include dousing strangers with water to relieve the heat, since April is the hottest month in Thailand (temperatures can rise to over 100°F or 40°C on some days). This has further evolved into water fights and splashing water over people riding in vehicles.

Nowadays, the emphasis is on fun and water-throwing rather than on the festival's spiritual and religious aspects, which sometimes prompts complaints from traditionalists. In recent years there have been calls to moderate the festival to lessen the many alcohol-related road accidents as well as injuries attributed to extreme behavior such as water being thrown in the faces of traveling motorcyclists.

The water is meant as a symbol of washing all of the bad away and is sometimes filled with fragrant herbs.

Khaosan road or Khao San road (Thai: ถนนข้าวสาร) is a short road in central Bangkok, Thailand. It is located in the Banglamphu neighborhood (Phra Nakhon district) about 1 km north from the Grand Palace with Wat Phra Kaew. It has developed over the years into probably the most profound worldwide example of a "backpackers' ghetto", with relatively cheap accommodation compared to other areas of central Bangkok. The accommodation varies from 'mattress in a box' style hostels, to full Western-standard luxury.

Many tourists use Khaosan road as their base for exploring the rest of Thailand as there are many direct coaches from the street to virtually all major tourist destinations in Thailand, from Chiang Mai in the North to Ko Pha Ngan in the South. Many visitors will also take advantage of the abundance of relatively cheap travel agents to arrange visas and transport to surrounding countries such as Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Malaysia, though many (if not most) of these travel agents are scams of some sort, and travelers would do themselves wise to use Thai public buses instead.

Crafts, paintings, clothes, pirate CDs, DVDs, fake educational diplomas, fake driver's licenses, food, second hand books as well as many items useful to backpackers are among the common goods traded along the road.

Khaosan road has in recent years also become popular among local people, especially artists and art students. The road hosts a number of pubs and bars, where people of many nationalities meet and discuss their travels. Khaosan and the streets nearby are also Bangkok's center of dancing, partying and splashing water during Thai New Year (Songkran festival) on April 13 to April 15.

It is one of Bangkok's most vibrant streets, host to people from around the world. One Thai writer described the road as "a short road that has the longest dream in the world." The street certainly attracts some bizarre characters. Any visit to Bangkok is incomplete without a people-watching beer on Th Khaosan, an experience that could only be compared to a visit to a zoo; some consider it has degenerated into a tourist ghetto.

Khao san means 'raw rice' in Thai. Before it became a tourist hotspot, the street was a major rice market for Bangkok.

History of Wat Na Phramane, Picture

2008-02-03T12:15:00.000+07:00

History of Wat Na Phramane

Local known as Wat Na Phramane, The temple was built in A.D.1503 by Angel indra in the Reign of King Ramathibodee II, The tenth throne of Ayutthaya, named Wat Phramerurachikaram. It is the roral Aram of the third rank, Ordinary type.

The temple has marked a historical event in the reign of King Maha Jakrapad. He chose it as a meeting place to stop the war in A.D.1563. And another event happened in A.D.1760 when King Alongphaya of Burma comes to attack Ayutthaya. The Burmese soldiers had installed cannon at Wat Na Phramane and Wat Hassadawad (Wat Chang). King Alongphaya commanded the troop and fired the cannon by himself. Un fortunately the cannon exploded and The King was seriously injured. So the troop had to be withdrawn to the noethern direction No sooner had the troop left Tak than The King passed away.

With the sanctity of Phra Buddha Nimitwichitmara Molee Srisanphet Boromtrikokanat, The Main Buddha image in Phra Ubosot, It has long been believed to help save Ayutthaya from It’s enemy always. Furthermore the Buddha image is still in the same condition as it was once as Well as the temple which is the only one was not sacked by Burmese. Hence, It’s worthwhile visiting and appreciating its historical splendors.

Place and Object of Attraction

1. Phra Budha Nimitwichitmara Molee Srisanphet Borom Trilokanat, The main Buddha image cast in bronze then lacquered and covered with gold plate is in the style of subduing Mara clad in Kingly decorations, It is nine soks (arm-length measure) wide from one end to the other of its Lap and six meters high. It is one biggest decorated Buddha image Built in the early period of Ayutthaya. It’s shape is so splendid with the explicit name of holiness and sacredness to respect for those of the three worlds.

2. Phra Khandhararat, Dvaravati period, Is the biggest stone Buddha image aged around 1,500 year old with 1.7 meters wide in lapand 5.2 meters high. The image was carved out of green sand stone in sitting position on the seat of first preaching style. It was recorded that it was removed for Sri Lanka when Phra Ubalee and the Buddhis delegates of Siamese sect went to establish Buddhism in Sri Lanka. Then Phraya Chaiwichit removed it here from Wat Maha Tat in the isle of Ayutthaya

3. Phra Ubosot was built in the early Ayutthaya architectural style. From the outside it looks like the shape of a samp an with 16 meters in width and 50 meters in length. The gable of the front, Entrance was carved out of teak wood in the design of God Naraya on Garuda stepping on Naga’s Head. On both sides of naga’s head are two Rahu. The scene is surrounded by 26 praying angles. From the inside there are two roes of sixteen octagonal posts with lotus cornice which is typical of Ayutthaya style. The ceiling was also carved out of teak wood in the pattern of beautiful complex layers of stars.

Google Earth Map - Wat Na Phramane

History - Wat Lokaya Sutha

2008-02-01T12:20:00.000+07:00

Wat Lokaya Sutha

This Temple is situated to the west of the Ayutthaya Grand Royal Palace. No evidence has been found to indicate when it was built. Only comparative study of art style of the temple mail prang reflects early period of Ayutthaya arts.

In front of the main Prang to the east locating with groups of Vihara buildings while behind the Prang is the Ubosot building being surrounded with gallery and the Ubosot itself is also decorated with chides at four corners.

The main shrine of this temple here a brick and mortar image of Reclining Buddha in Ayutthaya Style. The Buddha image is about 42 meters long and 8 meters high It underwent a restoration in A.D. 1956. This Buddha image is under the vihara roof.

Phra Vihan Luang, Wat Phra Si San Phet @ Clip

2008-01-30T11:15:00.000+07:00

Phra Vihan Luang, Wat Phra Si San Phet @ Clip

Phra Vihan Luang, Wat Phra Si San Phet @ Picture, Map

2008-01-30T11:11:00.000+07:00

Phra Vihan Luang

Wat Phra Si San Phet @ Picture, Map

History - Phra Vihan Luang in Wat Phra Si San Phet

2008-01-30T11:05:00.000+07:00

History - Phra Vihan Luang in Wat Phra Si San Phet

Phra Vihan Luang is the Vihara building located in Wat Phra Si San Phet temple. The building was built in 1499 by King Rama Thibodi II, King No. 10 of Ayutthaya Kingdom. A year later, the king built an enormous image of standing Buddha inside the vihara. The image was 16 meters high; the face itself is 2 meters long and 1.5 meters wide. A total of 171.6 kilos of gold was used to cover the image. It was given the name “Phra Si San Phet”. When the enemy overran Ayutthaya in A.D. 1767, the temple was burnt down and the gold was removed from the standing Buddha image. King Rama I of Bangkok had the remains of the image moved to Bangkok and put inside the Phra Si San Phet Chedi in Wat Phra Chetuphon, Bangkok.

The architectural aspect of the building reveals Ayutthaya of Thai Classical style. The vihara is a brick and mortar rectangular building. There are round columns with lotus bud capitals, only 2 complete columns left over. The vihara is covered with three layers of roofs that have a corbelled shape.

Phra Vihan Luang was renovated two times, firstly in the reign of King Prasat Thong and secondly in the reign of King Boroma Gote.

Phra Mongkhon Bophit @ Picture, Map

2008-01-30T10:59:00.000+07:00

Phra Mongkhon Bophit @ Picture, Map

History of Phra Mongkhon Bophit

2008-01-30T10:52:00.000+07:00

History of Phra Mongkhon Bophit

Phra Mongkhon Bophit is one of the largest bronze Buddha images in Thailand. The image measures 9.55 metres at the widest point across the lap, and 12.45 metres high without the base This Buddha images is seated in the position of subduing mara and situated on the west side of the old palace compound in the Vihara of Phra Mongkhon Bophit temple. The image is believed to have been constructed in the early Ayutthaya period between 1448 to 1602 A.D. and was originally situated at the east side and a Mondop was built to shelter it. During the reign of King Phra Chao Sua (1706 A.D.) the top part of the Mondop and the head of the image were damaged by lightning. The Mondop was converted into a Vihara and the main restoration of Phra Mongkhon Bophit was completed during the reign of King BoromaKote (1742 – 1743 A.D.)

During the fall of the Ayutthaya Kingdom in 1767. the roof of the Vihara was damaged by fire and the head and the right arm of the image were broken. Later, the image was repaired and the Vihara was completely restored again in 1956.

On 23rd March 1990, the Supreme Patriarch presided over a candle lighting ceremony in front of the image and announced that people could honour the image by covering it with gold leaf. H.M. Queen Sirikit auspiciously paid homage to the image and donated Baht 70,000 to the restoration fund. Henceforward, the Mongkhon Bophit Foundation undertook to cover the image with gold leaf in celebration of the 60th birthday of H.M. Queen Sirikit.