Archive for 'Culture'
15 Great Posts About Thailand and Thai Posted by sasha on Sep 10, 2014
We’re thrilled to be back online with the Thai Language and Culture blog after a couple of months off. I’m especially excited to write about Thailand and the language and culture of this fascinating country since I just booked a trip there for next month. This will be my fourth time visiting Thailand, and I’m…
Two Months in Thailand Posted by sasha on Sep 3, 2014
สวัสดี! Hello again to all of our readers, The Thai Language & Culture blog has been on a bit of a hiatus as of late, but we’re happy to get things going again this fall. I’m Sasha, and I’ll be taking you on an epic tour of Thailand over the next several months with in-depth…
Why does Thailand have Three Different New Years? Posted by palmisano on Mar 13, 2014
Thailand is the only country I am aware of that has three national New Year’s celebrations per year. 1) The traditional Thai New Years is called Songkran (songR graanM สงกรานต์), the famous three day nationwide water fight. This is always mid-April. Thais will flock out of Bangkok to see family in the provinces, causing massive traffic…
The Next King of Thailand Posted by palmisano on Feb 19, 2014
I’ll talk about the extremely taboo and very much illegal topic of royal succession. Who will be the next King? No Thai will publicly talk about the next King, as they are extremely emotional over the subject and it could result in years of imprisonment without trial (the infamous Article 112). Ask a Thai on…
Introduction to Thai Politics, in 700 words Posted by palmisano on Dec 1, 2013
The story of modern Thai politics starts with the Siamese revolution of 1932, where republicans overthrew the monarchy and installed Thailands very first democracy. But although losing absolute power, the monarchy has always retained powerful supporters. Pridi Panomyong, the man who led the first uprising and founder of Thammasat University. He was exiled to France…
How to Become a Thai Monk: First Impressions and Daily Schedule, part 2 Posted by palmisano on Nov 29, 2013
[This article is a continuation of a series of articles on becoming a Thai Buddhist monk.] Reading Books While it wasn’t required of me, I felt I should try to study Buddhist teachings while I’m a monk. I read various literature and watched documentaries on Youtube. The book I really recommend is “Handbook for…
How to Become a Thai Monk: First Impressions and Daily Schedule, part 1 Posted by palmisano on Nov 27, 2013
I had internally imagined what life as a monk would be like long before becoming one. And after becoming one, my expectations were mostly the same. As you read this, keep in mind that monk life in the US is much more comfortable than in Thailand. The rules are a bit different, too, for practical…