This wonderful little gorge on the Khan river is one of my favourite weekend getaways. I didn’t have anything special in mind when heading out there this afternoon, just dangling my feet in the water, having a little swim, reading my book, taking a few pictures in the green season - the above picture was shot in March. The thing is, I am often asked for tips to see the “real Thailand”
Eight years ago, on my first visit, I saw an aerial photo of a golden chedi on a hilltop near a river, surrounded by lush fields and more mountains. I immediately knew I wanted to go there but I had no idea where to look, or what the name of the temple was. I am a very simple person: I am captivated by images and atmosphere, a building or scenery can amaze me if I feel a connection to it, but I switch off if I find a place lacking character even if it has centuries of history and fame. (As it turned out, my chedi had both.) But then, I forgot about the golden chedi for years.
Experts are warning people how to avoid lightning strikes, which have increased to 100,000 occurrences a month in Thailand. The Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (Egat) says at least 1.3 million lightning strikes occurred nationwide last year, up from 1.2 million the year before, or more than 100,000 strikes a month on average.
Campaign against Alcohol Abuse in Observance of the Buddhist Lent (04/07/2009) The Ministry of Public Health is joining forces with public and private organizations in launching a campaign against alcohol abuse, marking “No Alcohol Day,” which coincides with the start of the three-month Buddhist Lent, or Buddhist Rains Retreat. Known in Thai as Khao Phansa, Buddhist Lent Day this year falls on July 8, the first day of the waning moon of the eighth lunar month. A group of young people, including performing artists, met Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva before a Cabinet meeting on June 30 to show their appreciation for his efforts to raise public awareness of alcohol abuse. The group also urged Cabinet members and the general public to refrain from drinking alcohol during the three-month Buddhist Lent.
Long before Chiang Mai was founded some 700 years ago, the Mon people set up the legendary kingdom of Haripunchai in the area that is today known as Lamphun. Wat Chammathewi (also known as Wat Kukut) dates back to the 8th century. The spire on top of the chedi is said to have been lost during an earthquake, hence the alternative “nickname”
TC Kitchen, Ubon Ratchathani Thailand
Bangkok on the Fly, Thailand.
A New Door, A New Journey, Isaan Style.
49 Years of Marriage for John and Nancy.
Nong Ja and Magha Puja Day Thailand 2012
Morning Alms Offering to 8,000 Monks in Bangkok
