richness of thailand

ART AND CULTURE

Thailand has a rich history and an equally rich art, craft and cultural heritage dating back hundreds of years. There have been various external influences to Thai art and culture including Asian and Western influence and these outside influences have become just a part of the fabric that makes Thailand what it is today.

Thai religious art is mostly defined in periods of time dating back to before the actual formation of the state we know as Thailand today and thereafter. The various styles or designs may have been a result of the patronage of the leading class or ruling capital during the period.

The notable periods which overlap in earlier times due to various regional centres of power are usually reported as the Dharavati period (Nakhon Pathom 7th to 11th centuries); Srivijaya (Nakhon Sri Thamarat 7th to 13th centuries); Khmer (Angkor 9th to 11th centuries); Lanna (Chiang Saen 11th to 13th centuries); Sukothai (13th to 15th centuries); Ayuthaya (14th to 18th centuries) and Ratanakosin or Bangkok from 18th century until today.

Visitors to Thailand will witness a country of contrasts where modern and ancient, built and natural all vie for prominence. One thing is for sure, the Thai artistic and cultural style will be evident to enhance the scene whatever it may be. Modern hotels with state of the art facilities will be enhanced with Thai pieces whether they are drawn, painted, photographed, sculptured, woven or installed.

Urban environments with their ‘modern’ built environments often unsightly will be enhanced by the occasional golden and mirror inlaid sparkling temple, sprouting amid the rooftops. The curved gables and carved deities reflecting an age old custom passed down from artisan to artisan. Temples are a showcase of various forms of art from painted murals on doors and walls, to sculptured Buddha images in different poses depicting the ‘attitudes’ attributed to the Buddha.

Visitors to the modern day Thailand will find a thriving art and craft scene where ancient methods are being maintained beside more modern aspects and often in combination with modern ideas or techniques. The incredible creativity of the modern Thai artisan can easily be witnessed during a trip to Bangkok’s famed ‘weekend market’ called Chatuchak, where visitors will be amazed at the immense selection of art and craft on sale. Methods passed from previous generations meet current ideas in an endless display of creative endeavour where the dollar is patron.

In perhaps every province of Thailand there will be districts specializing in some form of art or craft. But one Province stands alone for it’s reputation as the art and craft capital of Thailand. Chiang Mai – The Rose of the North – is nestled in a fertile valley in Thailand’s verdant Northern region and is home to a rich variety of art and crafts. Tourists from around the world visit Chiang Mai often for the sole purpose of visiting the factories or workshops where artisans create their wares. There is an amazing choice of silk, silver, ceramic, cotton, wood, natural fibre, bronze and laquerware produced by artists or artisans using techniques both young and old. Chiang Mai is also home to many old and famous temples where excellent examples of Buddhist art may be viewed. It is truly the centre of the world of Thai art and crafts.

FLAVOURS OF THAILAND

Thailand is blessed with an abundance of foods of different types, flavours, textures, colours and aromas. The cooking process, like many things in Thailand can be a creative and fun process. By blending the five primary flavors that the human tongue is able to discern, many of the dishes to be found in Thailand present the consumer with a tantalizing dining experience. The ingredients providing the flavours in Thai food, often work together in unexpected ways to present tastes both rich and delicate.

Fresh Spicy Variety 

Thai food presents in a huge variety of ways from simple fare such as steamed rice and dried fish with a spicy sauce, to complex soups brimming with flavours and goodness. There are endless varieties of starter foods, sweets and deserts, not to mention an amazing array of fruits, vegetables, herbs and spices. Drinks are made from freshly picked or dried flowers, fresh and dried fruits as well as herbs and are often available on the streets wherever food is served.

Rice & Noodles 

Rice would be the staple of most Thai diets closely followed by noodles which are available in many forms ranging from hair like ‘sen mee’ to ribbon like ‘sen yai’ for your noodle soup. There are crispy noodles, rice noodles, yellow noodles, fried noodles and more.

Culinary Influences 

Due to Thailand’s geographical location, it is possible to find influences from neighbouring or nearby countries such as Malaysia, Myanmar, Laos, China, Vietnam and Cambodia. Thailand is a real mixing pot of cuisines. A visit to Chinatown will introduce the visitor to not only Chinese fares but for the adventurous, a quick visit down Sampeng Lane might bring you to a small cafe offering thin crispy Indian pancakes with spicy vegetable filling and sweet tea, a delight for breakfast. Or a visit to almost any evening food market will overwhelm the visitor with choice such as sumptuous satay skewers with peanut sauce and a relish of vinegar with chilli and cucumber to balance the palate.

Tastes from Home 

Thailand is host to a large expatriate population and burgeoning middle class which has lead to an increase in the demand for international quality foods and today it is easy to find trendy cafes or restaurants offering fusion cuisine blending western and eastern foods in a mouthwatering explosion of tastes. Food is truly one of Thailand’s highlights!

HOLIDAYS AND FESTIVALS

Makha Bucha — (February full moon)

An important Buddhist holy day. Merit-making ceremonies take place during the day at temples throughout the country, while at devotees carry flickering candles three times around monastery chapels

Flower festival Chiang Mai (February first weekend)

The North is noted for its rich variety of flowering plants, which are at their best during this cool month. Spectacular floral floats are a feature of this annual event , together with displays of flowers, handicraft sales, and beauty contests.

Songkran (April 13–15)

Songkran is the Thai New Year when it is a tradition to make merit to monks, pour water onto a Buddha image and the elderly (Rod Nam Dam Hua)This time has also become known for people to go around the streets throwing water onto everyone. Visitors can expect to get a liberal dousing if they visit busy areas.

Pattaya Festival (April)

This festival is held at the height of the summer season. Food and floral floats, beauty contests, stalls selling local delicacies and a spectacular display of fireworks on the beach area some of the highlights.

Visakha Bucha (May full moon)

This is the holiest of all Buddhist religious days during the year, marking the birth, enlightenment, and death of the Lord Buddha. As on Makha Bucha, temples throughout the country may be crowded.

The Rocket Festival Yasothon — Bun Bang Fai (Second week of May)

Traditionally, northeastern villagers have created and launched rockets of all kinds and sizes as a belief that this will ensure plenty of rain for the rice planting season.

Asanha Bucha (KHAO PANSA July full moon)

The beginning of Buddhist Rains Retreat (Khao Phansa), a period of three months during which monks must remain in their temples and strictly observe their religious duties. Most young Thai men choose to enter the monkhood at this time.

Candle Festival — Ubon Ratchathani (July full moon)

‘Khao Phansa’ is observed in the northeastern city of Ubon Ratchathani with this lovely festival that displays artistic skills such as carved beeswax candles, some of them several metres tall, are exhibited in colorful parades before being presented to local temples.

H.M. the Queens birthday (August 12)

The most splendid are to be seen in Bangkok, particularly along Rajdamnoen Avenue and around the Grand Place, where government offices and streets are garlanded with millions of fairy lights.

Phichit Boat Races (September)

Phichit is located in one of the most beautiful parts of Thailand. This regatta takes place on the Nan River and features numerous low-slung wooden boats raced with great gusto to the cheers of spectators.

Phuket Vegetarian Festival (Early October)

This is one of Phuket’s major events. Residents of Chinese ancestry undertake a ten-day vegetarian diet, and there are ceremonies at local Chinese temples and parades that feature remarkable feats by ascetic believers.

Chonburi Buffaloe Races (October)

The water buffalo is one of the mainstays of Thai rural life, but in this annual event it is put to more amusing uses, namely in Buffalo races and contests pitting buffalo against man. Beauty contests add to the fun of a festival that attracts crowds from nearby seaside resorts.

Chulalongkorn Day (23 October)

Commemorates the death of King Rama V. Wreaths are laid at the Equestrian Statue at the Royal Plaza to pay homage to his memory.

Surin Elephant Round-up (November)

Internationally famous, this annual event brings crowds of visitors to the provincial city of Surin, where some 100 trained elephants are assembled. Among the spectacular features are wild elephant hunts, tugs of war, demonstrations of log pulling skills, and a parade of elephants outfitted for medieval warfare.

River Kwai Bridge Week — Kanchanaburi (Late November – early December)

The bridge on the River Kwai is the setting for this week-long series of events. Highlights include a light and sound presentation at the bridge, archaeological and historical exhibitions, and rides on vintage trains.

Ayuthaya Festival (December)

Designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO In 1991. Ayutthaya celebrates its glorious past with historical exhibitions, traditional cultural processions and performances, light and sound presentations.