Category: News

Loy…Loy Krathong

Loy Krathong is an ancient tradition that takes place on the 15th day of the waxing moon of the 12th lunar month each year. The name “Loy Krathong” does not appear explicitly in Sukhothai era stone inscriptions. However, King Ramkhamhaeng’s inscription mentions “Phao Tian Lhen Fai” (Burning Candles, Playing with Fire), which broadly means making […]

Ok Phansa (The End of Buddhist Lent Day): A Way of Life and Tradition

Ok Phansa (The End of Buddhist Lent Day), which falls on the 15th day of the waxing moon in the eleventh lunar month, marks the end of the three-month Buddhist Lent for monks. It is also known as “Wan Pavarana,” which means “allowance.” On this day, monks are allowed to warn and remind one another […]

Candle Procession: A Merit-making Event that Fosters Unity of Buddhists

The first day of the waning moon of the eighth lunar month each year marks the Day of Khao Phansa or the day of Buddhist Lent. In 2024, this falls on Sunday 21st July. The significance of this day is that Buddhist monks will stay in a monastery for a three-month period to study the […]

The Royal Ploughing Ceremony: The First Morale and Encouragement for Thai Farmers

In 2024, Friday, 10 May 2024 was designated to be the auspicious Royal Ploughing Ceremony (Phuet Mongkhon Day) or the beginning date for the planting season. The Royal Ploughing Ceremony is a combination of two ceremonies: the Auspicious Planting Ceremony (initiated during the reign of King Rama IV of the Rattanakosin Era) , a Buddhist […]

Songkran in Thailand: The Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity

The word “Songkran” is from Sanskrit, meaning “movement” or “passing.” It refers to the sun’s movement from one zodiac sign to another, and thus Songkran marks the period when the sun moves from Pisces to Aries, signifying the start of the new year. In this system, 13 April is considered the last day of the […]

Primates and Me: Learning about Apes to Understand Human

Primas sum: primatum nihil a me alienum putoI am a primate; nothing about primates is alien to me. Earnest Albert Hooton (1887–1954)American anthropologist and primatologist “Primates” have a diversity of over 500 species. Their body weights range from as little as 30 grams in the Madame Berthe’s mouse lemur to up to 250 kilograms in […]

Scenes from the Vessantara Jataka at Wat Khun Tra, Phetchaburi Province  

Heritage of Phetchaburi’s Artisans Phetchaburi is renowned and acknowledged as one of the country’s top cities for artisans. This is because Petchaburi possesses preserved invaluable ancient artworks, and the wisdom of its artisan schools has been passed down from generation to generation to the present day.  Artisanry in Phetchaburi flourished greatly during the late Ayutthaya […]