The legend of Mae Nak Phra Khanong stands as one of Thailand's most enduring and haunting tales, weaving themes of love, loss, and the supernatural into the fabric of Thai culture. This story, rooted in the Phra Khanong district of Bangkok, has been recounted through generations, each telling adding layers of depth and intrigue.
The…
Culture
Hanuman, the revered monkey god from the Ramakien—Thailand's adaptation of the Indian epic Ramayana—holds a significant place in Thai culture, particularly in the realms of art and dance. His tales of bravery, loyalty, and mischief have been intricately woven into Thailand's artistic expressions, reflecting the nation's deep-rooted appreciation for this divine figure.
Hanuman in the…
Thailand, a country often lauded for its cultural tolerance and spiritual devotion, presents a unique intersection of Buddhism and gender identity. While gender fluidity and non-binary identities are widely acknowledged in Thai society, traditional Buddhist doctrines often appear rigid in their treatment of gender roles. How, then, does Thai Buddhism reconcile its spiritual teachings with…
Thailand, often referred to as the "Land of Smiles," is also home to a unique cultural identity that embraces gender diversity in ways few other nations do. Transgender individuals, commonly known as kathoey or “ladyboys,” have a long-standing presence in Thai society, rooted in both cultural heritage and contemporary relevance. Yet, their journey is a…
Thailand's hill tribes are an essential part of the country's rich cultural tapestry, each offering a distinctive way of life, traditions, and beliefs. Here's a closer look at eight tribes and what makes them unique:
1. The Karen: Guardians of Bamboo Craftsmanship
Two Longneck Karen women in traditional attire sit with their children in…
Thailand, a country deeply rooted in Buddhist traditions, has long viewed its monkhood as a moral and spiritual compass. Yet, the intersection of religion and politics has sparked intense debate over the role of Buddhist monks in shaping the nation's political discourse. Despite a cultural taboo discouraging direct political participation, some monks have emerged as…
Nestled in the hills of northern Thailand, the Longneck Karen Village has become a focal point for tourists seeking an encounter with the exotic. The village is inhabited by the Kayan people, a subgroup of the Red Karen from Myanmar, renowned for the brass coils adorning the necks of their women—a tradition that has sparked…
In the heart of Thailand's Isan region, a cultural tug-of-war unfolds between the preservation of traditional Mo Lam music and the pressures of modernisation. This dynamic art form, characterised by its distinctive vocal style and the haunting melodies of the khene—a bamboo mouth organ—has been a cornerstone of Isan's cultural identity for generations.
The Evolution…
The Bangkok Art Biennale (BAB) has firmly established itself as a cornerstone of Southeast Asia's contemporary art scene. The 2024 edition, themed "Nurture Gaia," runs from October 24, 2024, to February 25, 2025, transforming Bangkok into a vibrant canvas that celebrates art, creativity, and culture.
Exploring 'Nurture Gaia'
From left, MC, Kanya Charoensupkul, Choi…
Thailand, a nation renowned for its paradisiacal beaches, now faces a silent invasion—one that isn’t carried by storms or tsunamis, but by the gradual yet relentless forces of climate change and human intervention. Coastal erosion is eating away at Thailand’s shorelines at an alarming rate, leaving once-vibrant tourist havens diminished and threatening not only the…
