The Thai New Year (Thai: สงกรานต์ Songkran, from Sanskrit sankrānti “astrological passage”; Chinese: 潑水節) is celebrated every year from April 13 to April 15. It coincides with the New Year of many Dai calendar (possibly also Thai lunar calendar) in South and Southeast Asia.

The date of the festival was originally set by astrological calculation, but it is now fixed. If these days fall on a weekend, the missed days off are taken on the weekdays immediately following. If they fall in the middle of the week, many Thai take off from the previous Friday until the following Monday. Songkran falls in the hottest time of the year in Thailand, at the end of the dry season. Until 1888 the Thai New Year was the beginning of the year in Thailand; thereafter 1 April was used until 1940. 1 January is now the beginning of the year. The traditional Thai New Year has been a national holiday since then.

New year traditions

Songkran at Wat Thai in Los Angeles

The most obvious celebration of Songkran is the throwing of water. People roam the streets with containers of water or water guns, or post themselves at the side of roads with a garden hose and drench each other and passersby. This, however, was not always the main activity of this festival. Songkran was traditionally a time to visit and pay respects to elders, including family members, friends and neighbors.

Besides the throwing of water, people celebrating Songkran may also go to a wat (Buddhist monastery) to pray and give food to monks. They may also cleanse Buddha images from household shrines as well as Buddha images at monasteries by gently pouring water mixed with a Thai fragrance (Thai: น้ำอบไทย) over them. It is believed that doing this will bring good luck and prosperity for the New Year. In many cities, such as Chiang Mai, the Buddha images from all of the city’s important monasteries are paraded through the streets so that people can toss water at them, ritually ‘bathing’ the images, as they pass by on ornately decorated floats. In northern Thailand, people may carry handfuls of sand to their neighborhood monastery in order to recompense the dirt that they have carried away on their feet during the rest of the year. The sand is then sculpted into stupa-shaped piles and decorated with colorful flags.

Some people make New Year resolutions - to refrain from bad behavior, or to do good things. Songkran is a time for cleaning and renewal. Besides washing household Buddha images, many Thais also take this opportunity to give their home a thorough cleaning.

The throwing of water originated as a way to pay respect to people, by gently pouring a small amount of lustral water on other people’s hands or over a shoulder as a sign of respect. Among young people the holiday evolved to include dousing strangers with water to relieve the heat, since April is the hottest month in Thailand (temperatures can rise to over 100°F or 40°C on some days). This has further evolved into water fights and splashing water over people riding in vehicles.

 The use of chalk (Thai: ดินสอพอง) is also very common having originated in the chalk used by monks to mark blessings.

Nowadays, the emphasis is on fun and water-throwing rather than on the festival’s spiritual and religious aspects, which sometimes prompts complaints from traditionalists. In recent years there have been calls to moderate the festival to lessen the many alcohol-related road accidents as well as injuries attributed to extreme behavior such as water being thrown in the faces of traveling motorcyclists.

The water is meant as a symbol of washing all of the bad away and is sometimes filled with fragrant herbs.

Songkran is also celebrated in many places with a paegant in which young women demonstrate their beauty and unique talents, as judged by the audience. The level of financial support usually determines the winner, since, to show your support you must purchase necklaces which you place on your chosen girl.

Astrological calculation

Although the traditional calendar of Thailand like most of Southeast Asia utilizes a lunisolar calendar, the date of the new year was calculated on a purely solar basis. The term Songkran comes from Sanskrit “Sankranta” and means “a move or change” - in this case the move of the sun into the Aries zodiac. Originally this happened at the vernal equinox, but, as the Thai astrology did not observe precession, the date moved from March to April.

There is a similar named Indian Festival called as Sankrant or Makar Sankranti[1], celebrated on 14 January every year. Songkran as such has similarity to Indian festival of Holi.

Greetings

The traditional greeting is “สวัสดีปีใหม่” (sa-wat-dee pi mai), basically “Happy New Year”. “Sawasdee” = also used for “hello” or “goodbye” (Romanized spellings may vary, i.e. “sawadee” or “sawasdee”). “Pi” = year. “Mai” = new. Or “สุขสันต์ปีใหม่” (suk-san pi mai), “Suksan” = Happy.
However, most people use “สุขสันต์วันสงกรานต์” (suk-san wan songkran) - meaning “Happy Songkran Day” - since “pi mai” is more often linked with the first of January. “Suksan” is also used as an attribute for other days such as “Valentine’s Day” (”สุขสันต์วันแห่งความรัก”, suk-san wan haeng khwam rak) = Happy Valentine’s Day.

In other calendars

Songkran is also celebrated in Laos (called pi mai lao), Cambodia (called Chaul Chnam Thmey, Cambodian New Year), Myanmar (called Thingyan), and by the Dai people in Yunnan, China. The same day is celebrated in South Asian calendars as well: the Assamese (called Rongali Bihu), Bengali (called Pohela Boishakh), Oriya (called Maha Visuba Sangkranti), Malayali, Punjabi, Sinhalese, and Tamil New Years fall on the same dates, based on the astrological event of the sun beginning its northward journey. It occurs at the same time as that given by Bede for festivals of Eostre—and Easter weekend occasionally coincides with Songkran (most recently 1979, 1990, and 2001, but not again until 2085)

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Source : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thai_New_Year

Origin

The Thai alphabet was probably derived from, or at least influenced by, the Old Khmer alphabet. According to tradition it was created in 1283 by King Ramkhamhaeng (พ่อขุนรามคำแหงมหาราช).

Notable features

• This is a syllabic alphabet consisting of 44 basic consonants, each with an inherent vowel: [o] in medial position and [a] in final position. The [a] is usually found in words of Sanskrit, Pali or Khmer origin while the [o] is found native Thai words. The 18 other vowels and 6 diphthongs are indicated using diacritics which appear in front of, above, below of after the consonants they modify.
• 8 of the letters are used only for writing words of Pali and Sanskrit origin.
• For some consonants there are multiple letters. Originally they represented separate sounds, but over the years the distinction between those sounds was lost and the letters were used instead to indicate tones.
• Thai is a tonal language with 5 tones. The tone of a syllable is determined by a combination of the class of consonant, the type of syllable (open or closed), the tone marker and the length of the vowel.
• There are no spaces between words, instead spaces in a Thai text indicate the end of a clause or sentence.

Used to write

Thai (ภาษาไทย), a Tai-Kadai language spoken by about 25 million people in Thailand (ประเทศไทย), the Midway Islands, Singapore, the UAE and the USA

Thai alphabet (ตัวอักษรไทย)

Consonants (พยัญชนะ)

Consonants are divided into three classes: 1 (green), 2 (red) and 3 (blue), which help to determine the tone of a syllable. The sounds represented by some consonants change when they are used at the end of a syllable (indicated by the letters on the right of the slash below). Some consonants can only be used at the beginning of a syllable.

The consonants in the final row are compounds used as alternatives to the basic consonants.

The letter o ang acts as a silent vowel carrier at the beginning of words that start with a vowel.

Vowel diacritics (รูปสระ)

Numerals (ตัวเลขไทย)

Tone indication

	Open syllables			Closed syllables *
Class 1	mid	low	falling	low	low
Class 2	rising	low	falling	low	low
Class 3	mid	falling	high	high	falling

* Closed syllables are those ending with p, t or k

Sample text in Thai

Transliteration

rao thuk khon koet ma yang itsara rao thuk khon mi khwamkhit lae khwam khaochai pen khong rao eng rao thuk khon khwan dairap kan patibat nai thang diaokan

Translation

All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood.
(Article 1 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights)

Longer sample text (Tower of Babel)

Useful phrases in Thai

Thai language courses, dictionaries, etc.

Links

Thai Translation

Our Price:$10.00

Information about the Thai language
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thai_language

Online Thai lessons and other resources
http://www.learningthai.com
http://www.seasite.niu.edu/Thai/
http://www.into-asia.com/thai_language/
http://www.learn-thai.com
http://www.wiwi.uni-frankfurt.de/~sascha/thailand/dictionary/thaischrift.html
http://1stEasyThaiAlphabet.com
http://www.thai-lessons.com
http://langhub.com
http://www.its4thai.com
http://www.learnthaionline.com
http://learn-thai-podcast.com
http://1steasythaialphabet.com
http://womenlearnthai.com/index.php/top-thai-language-learning-resources/

Thai <> English Dictionary
http://lexitron.nectec.or.th

Thai Electronic talking dictionaries
http://www.ectaco.com

Thai-Isan-Lao Phrasebook
http://www.phrasebook.thai-isan-lao.com

Free online translation of English <> Thai
http://c3po.links.nectec.or.th/parsit

Virtual Thai keyboard and other software
http://mog.software.free.fr

Online Thai radio
http://www.bbc.co.uk/thai
http://www.escati.com/magic_radio.htm

Your name in Thai
http://www.learningthai.com/names.html
http://www.cnx-translation.com/your-name-in-thai.php

Information about King Ramkhamhaeng the Great
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ramkhamhaeng

source : http://www.omniglot.com/writing/thai.htm

This polarized economy gives rise to diverse tastes and capabilities. Those at the top of the chain seek out luxury cars, designer clothes and watches, and fine foods, giving rise to countless shops that offer these. As well is a huge number of lower end income people who produce traditional handicrafts in their villages. The government has even launched an economic assistance program to encourage and develop these cottage industries and for the people of Thailand to get back to their cultural roots and purchase these items. This all means the range of goods on sale in Thailand is huge.

The Same All Over Thailand

The entrepreneurial spirit looms large in Thailand. As tourism has grown, vendors all over the country have taken note of what buyers like. Say the necklace you bought from a northern hill tribe village in Chiang Mai might find their way to the souvenir shops in the southern island of Phuket. This is convenient for the visitor who only visits one region of the country. It also means there has been a bit of homogenisation, and in the end, you have craftspeople all over the country copying each others’ designs. Don’t be surprised to find that what you are buying may not be indigenous to the region.

Bargaining

Bargaining spread eastward from the Middle East centuries ago, so the theory goes. It persists in Thailand in open market places, but unlike in India or the Middle East, the prices start lower and discount less. Unless they’ve got you pegged for a real greenhorn, most vendors will quote a price about 40% or so higher than what they are willing to settle for.

The Method:

If you see something you like, ask how much (all vendors know this much English). They will usually produce a calculator and punch in the amount they want (feel free to use the calculator to convert into your own currency if you get confused). Hit clear, punch in your counter offer and hand it back. This goes on for a bit until you either reach a mutually agreeable price or a stalemate. Feel free to walk away at any time. Sometimes this gets you a last lower price, sometimes not, but don’t feel you are obgligated to buy just because you started the process. Decide what the item is worth to you and if you can get it at that price, then great. If not, say goodbye and try elsewhere. You might find later that you didn’t really have anywhere in your house to put that wooden elephant anyway.

Important Note: This is not a time for hostility. Sometimes in the course of bargaining, some people get carried away and get a wee bit aggressive with the vendor, which makes them feel like the customer is accusing them of cheating them. This will not bring a lower price or make for a pleasant experience. The best way to get what you want is to smile and make a game of it you’re in holiday and this is part of the fun you don’t get to experience in the West. In fact, if you really want to have a good time, hand back the calculator with a lower offer than your last one, with a big smile on your face. This usually engenders a spirit of goodwill and playfulness and can go a long way to lowering the price nothing like laughter to make new friends.

Quality:

Because Thailand is such a vibrant free market, and regulatory bodies can’t really keep up, you do have to keep your eyes open concerning quality. Many street vendors sell ‘knock-off’ goods — fake rolexes, designer clothes copies, that sort of thing.

Now, you should be aware that this practice is illegal and there have been ongoing clampdowns in several areas. Whether you choose to buy these products or not, be aware that they are (with the possible exception of T-shirts) of substandard quality. Bit pretentious really, buying a fake Rolex that in the end fools nobody. You have to square it with your own conscience (and your own taste).

If you do choose to break the law and buy knockoffs (and the quality varies enormously), examine the items very closely. Don’t be in a hurry and don’t be pressured. If the vendor’s goods are better quality than average (as they will often claim), they will want you to make a thorough examination. And did we mention that it is illegalω

Tailors:

These shops are in a category by themselves. It is impossible to walk down a major street in Bangkok without passing several tailor shops, with a man out front (usually of Indian origins) trying to persuade you that you need two or three new suits.

Some of the prices seem too good to be true, and they are, in a way. For one thing, the low prices you see on the board outside are usually for a quality of material that you simply wouldn’t be caught dead wearing. Also, the man measuring you is not actually a tailor, he is a broker the orders are filled by “sweat shops” nearby, so the quality is not as personalised as you may have been led to believe. So is it worth buying a suite It can be, but you have to keep your eyes open.

Here are a few tips:

• Give the polyester a miss and go for higher quality material from the outset. Try the flame test on a small sample of the material; if it’s 100% wool or cotton, it will burn, not melt. If it melts, it’s either synthetic or a synthetic blend.
• Once you have chosen your material, insist on taking a small sample with you so that when you return you can check to see they haven’t substituted a cheaper fabric.
• Don’t go for the 24-hour turnaround. Give yourself and the tailor plenty of time. Come back for a second fitting to make fine adjustments in your suit.
• Put down as small a deposit as you can bargain so there is a good incentive for the tailor to make you happy before receiving full payment.
• When you do collect your clothes, examine the jacket closely - these are the hardest items to make so that they hang nicely (trousers are easy). If it doesn’t make you look good, politely but firmly insist on further alterations.

Bangkok:

Bangkok offers the widest range of shopping options in the country, from market stalls to air-conditioned mega-malls as big as the ones at home.

Malls:

Many people are surprised at the sheer scope of malls in Bangkok, but in their current form they have been here for decades and are a popular place for Thais to spend their weekends — you’ll see whole families browsing around in air-con comfort. Some of them even have amusement parks or zoos to add to the shopping experience.

You can find pretty much anything you’ll find at malls back home, and in many cases, the prices will be lower. Most have a main large store with other shops as part of a shopping complex. All accept major credit cards. Opening hours are usually until 9pm on weekdays and 10pm on weekends, including Sundays. There is usually a fully-fledged mall within a few minute’s walk of any major hotel. In fact, you can pick just about any spot in the city of Bangkok.

One thing to note is that you are serviced a bit differently from the west. When you look at an item, a salesperson will appear out of nowhere and begin following you around. This is normal in Thailand — just like the people hover around putting ice into your drink at Thai restaurants, they are there to assist you. Try not to be annoyed and just ignore the person until you want something.

When you do choose a purchase, you usually don’t take it to a counter yourself, but hand it with the charge card or cash to the person who has been trailing you for the last half hour. You can either follow them to the counter, or stay where you are — they always come back with the right change and your neatly bagged item.

A couple of noteworthy malls near the Siam Skytrain Stop:

Mah Boon Khrong

Also known as MBK, this massive shopping complex consists of the Tokyu department store and more than 1,000 specialised shops — most of them owner operated — with stuff ranging from mobile phones, electronic gadgetry, local designer clothing, endless quality knockoffs, old and new camera gear (the best place in the city to get your cameras repaired or to pick up rare equipment) and countless other consumer delights. The complex also houses movie theatres, a bowling alley, and as with most of Bangkok loads of places to eat. At the smaller stalls, be prepared to bargain.

Siam Square

This is Bangkok’s pre-mall shopping haven and nearly forty years on, remains popular, especially among young and trendy Thai teens. It is outdoors, a sort of shopping village, consisting of about a dozen narrow streets (some of them pedestrianised) and lined with small shops and restaurants. Many of these are name-brand boutiques (usually with better prices than you would pay at home) and independent clothing and curio designers. This is probably the trendiest spot in town to shop if you want to pick up cutting-edge stuff from America, Europe and Japan.

It is a popular hangout for Thai teens. In any case, it is a great place for a bit of people watching. The place also has loads of ice creams parlours, fast food, Thai treats, a Hard Rock Cafe and three old-style movie theatres — much more pleasant and grand than modern ciniplexes. A good way to satisfy your consumer desires and take in a little modern-day Thai culture.

Siam Center and Siam Discovery

Across the road from Siam Square, and in some ways an extension of it, this air-conditioned mall has scores of shops in the upper end fashion, including clothes and other trendy youth pursuits like rollerblading and other sporting shops. Alongside this are electronics shops, (genuine) watches, sunglasses, furniture, music shops, and most other things you’d expect to find — most of it top drawer stuff. Be sure to cross the pedestrian bridge to the attached Siam Discovery Center, a six floor building with a different shopping theme on each floor plus plenty of western and Thai restaurants.

Siam Paragon

Occupying more than 20 acres of land, Siam Paragon is one of the biggest and most elegant shopping centers in Asia. Dubbed as “the Pride of Bangkok”, it is the largest upscale shopping mall in Thailand. Historically, the shopping mall is located on the former site of the Siam Intercontinental Hotel whose lease ended in 2002. Open in late 2005, it features a vast range of retail stores, restaurants, movie theaters, luxury car showrooms, an opera house, a supermarket and an aquarium.

Bangkok’s Open Markets:

Khaosan Road, Banglamphu
Backpacker central has a lot of market-style stalls selling all sorts from beaded necklaces to wooden elephants, to weapons that would frighten a Ninja. In spite of this being the budget traveller’s haven, the prices are not necessarily the cheapest in town. Trok Mayom, a small alleyway running parallel to Khaosan is a great place for custom leather crafts for a personalised wallet embossed with your name, or saddlebags for your Harley back home, or anything else your fertile imagination can dream up.

Chatuchak Weekend Market
This massive market, at the end of the northern Skytrain line of Morchit Station, has everything you ever imagined. The creativity of the whole country is distilled here. Leatherwork, lamps, curios, sculptures, furniture, Japanese action figurines - name it and you’ll find it here. Such is its fame that you have to bargain hard to get a good price.

Chatuchak is only open on Saturday and Sunday (many of the vendors have regular jobs during the week), it can get pretty hot and crowded here, so pace yourself and don’t expect to cover the whole place. To make the most of it, pick up a copy of the Nancy Chandler Shopping Map to Bangkok, which lists off all the sections of the market and what you can expect to find there.

Suan Lum Night Bazaar
This market is similar to Chatuchak (see above), but with less variety as it is still quite new. Nonetheless, it has a wide range of stuff, is conveniently located near the Sala Daeng Skytrain Station, and has a more open and comfortable design, plus a big beer and food garden with entertainment. Opens in the late afternoon, and closes at about 11 pm.

Patpong
Tucked in on the main road of the city’s most famous red-light district, this market has mostly handicrafts and knockoffs in the way of t-shirts, watches, binoculars (not that you need them on this road), luggage, DVDs and more. A novel place to shop and very popular with tourists, but the vendors pitch their prices very high here, so bargain hard — though the vendors are pretty hard to bend here. If you can’t get what you want, clear the way for some other mug — there are plenty behind you.

Sukhumvit Road
Along the main hotel strip of Sukhumvit Road from soi 11 to soi 21 are countless street stalls (more sparse in the daytime). On sale here are similar items to Patpong (see above), and the prices tend to be a bit more reasonable. A good place to get T-shirts with funny slogans on them.

Chinatown
Around the intersections of Siphon Han and Phahurat roads in Chinatown you’ll find a bizarre range of shopping opportunities. It’s a joy to poke around in the daytime and see what you can find. Guns, musical equipment, bicycle shops, and just about anything else that can be sold appear in groups of three to ten shops carrying the same items, ensuring you can get the best price going. Nearby are of course loads of Chinese restaurants (most with excellent and cheap seafood). A great way to spend an idle day of discovery.

Source : http://www.tourismthailand.org/interesting-article/content-143-1.html  (Story by Cameron Cooper)

Who says Pattaya is just all about sand, sea and sun ?  If ever you want to take a break from your time on the beach, or taking some time off from your partying, the following sites are only a short drive away from the sea.

HTMS Chakri Naruebet (เรือรบหลวงจักรีนฤเบศร) is an offshore Patrol Helicopter
Carrier anchored at the Chuk Samet Deep Seaport. It was constructed in Spain in 1994. It is an 11-storey ship measuring 182 metres in length and 30.5 metres in width.

The important missions during wartime are the Flagship of the fleet, controlling and commanding the fleet in the sea, as well as the aircraft carrier and air defence mission. It is open daily from 8.00 a.m.-4.00 p.m. It is closed only on Wednesday from 8.00 a.m.-12.00 a.m. It is free of charge. International visitors will have to write a letter to the Commander of the Royal Thai Fleet, Sattahip, Chon Buri, 20180. Tel. 0 3843 8547-62 ext. HTMS Chakri Naruebet. www.navy.mi.th

Turtle Conservation Center, the Royal Thai Navy  is a source of knowledge on the biology of the sea turtle life cycle for the government agencies and other groups of visitors. The center also provides a lecture for the public and youth, video presentation and exhibitions. Visitors can admire the cuteness of the sea turtles in the nursery ponds. Its objective is to create love and the preservation awareness towards Thai sea turtles.

The Center is open everyday from 8.00 a.m.-5.00 p.m. Please contact in advance at the Air and Coastal Defence Command, Tel. 0 3843 1477ext.1035-6, 0 3824 5760, ext.066-3809 www.navy.mi.th

Wat Yanasangwararam Woramahawihan covers an area of 366 rai. Turn left from Sukhumvit Road, at Km. 160 for 5 kilometres.  At the entrance are situated international pavilions presenting each country’s national architectural style around the pond. Within the compound of the temple are the Mondop where a replica of the Buddha’s footprint is enshrined, a large Chedi containing the relics of the Lord Buddha, as well as, his enlightened followers, and Wihan Phra Yanaret.

It is open from 8.00 a.m.-4.00 p.m. Tel. 0 3823 7506. Moreover, there is the Royal Project for Agricultural Training Centre and Wildlife Preservation Area.

Anek Kuson Sala (Wihan Sian), near to Wat Yanasangwararam, 800 metres from the intersection at the reservoir, is the place collecting high-class Chinese architecture and fine arts constructed in 1987 to celebrate the 60th Anniversary of His Majesty the King’s Birthday.

Inside is an exhibition displaying precious antiques such as the large white jade Bodhisattva Kwan Yin’s image, terra-cotta soldiers and horses from the tomb of Emperor Qin Shi Huang, an emperor’s golden throne, ancient paintings and pottery. It is open daily from 8.30 a.m.-5.00 p.m. The entrance fee is 50 baht. Tel. 0 3823 8367

The Laser Beam Cast Buddha Image of Khao Chi Chan is located on the same route as Wat Yanasangwararam, 6 kilometres from Km. 160 of Sukhumvit Road., The image is in the subduing Mara posture, cast by laser beams on the Khao Chi Chan cliff.

It is a combination of Sukhothai and Lanna arts with a height of 130 metres and width of 70 metres at the lap of the image. Inside the chest of the image resides the Lord Buddha’s relic. Moreover, the garden in the compound is decorated for relaxation and is under the supervision of the Royal Thai Marine Corps, Royal Thai Navy.

Source : http://www.tourismthailand.org/interesting-article/content-378-1.html

A seaside beach city located about 150 km east of Bangkok, Pattaya is one of the not-to-be-missed locations when one visits Thailand.  A popular tourist spot for both Thai and foreigners alike, it offers all the conveniences of Bangkok plus all the sand, sea, and sun you can want.  Driving from Bangkok takes no more than 2 hours via Motorway ( Highway no.7 ) or Bangna-Trad Highway ( Highway no. 34 ).  You can take a leisurely three and a half hour train ride from Hua Lamphong Station, or a two and a half hour bus ride from either Eastern Bus Terminal, or Mochit 2 Bus Terminal, with scheduled departures every half hour from either terminal.Surely the main purpose of going to the beach resort town is the sea, but there are a few places around Pattaya worth exploring. 

Sanctuary of Truth (ปราสาทสัจธรรม)  This gigantic wooden structure is situated by the sea at Laem Ratchawet, North Pattaya.

The sanctuary of Truth was first built in 1981 by Mr. Lek Wiriyaphan, the founder of the Ancient City in Samut Prakan Province. With exquisite architectural features, the building was conceived out of the vision that human civilisation has been achieved and nurtured by religious and philosophical truth.  It opens daily from 9.00 a.m.-6.00 p.m.  Admission fee is 500 baht. Tel. 0 3836 7229, 0 3836 7815   www.sanctuaryoftruth.com

The Million-Year Stone Park and Crocodile Farm (อุทยานหินล้านปีและฟาร์มจระเข้พัทยา)  This popular attraction is 9 kilometres from Pattaya on Chaiyaphonwithi Road., off Highway No.3 at Kms.140.

Hundreds of crocodiles as well as some rare animals, including albino bears and horses, are kept. There are crocodile shows, magic performances and animal shows.   The compound is open daily from 8.30 a.m.- 6.00 p.m.  Admission: 300 baht for adults and 150 baht for children. Tel. 0 3824 9347-9 or www.thaistonepark.org

Mini Siam (เมืองจำลองพัทยา) is located at Km. 143 on Sukhumvit Road., Highway No. 3. It celebrates the heritages of Thailand with miniature replicas of the most famous monuments and historical sites Miniature replicas of the Tower Bridge of London, Eiffel Tower, the Statue of Liberty and Trevi Fountain are also displayed in the section called “miniworld”.

The compound is open daily from 7.00 a.m.-10.00 p.m.  Admission: 250 baht for adults and 120 baht for children. Tel. 0 3842 1628, 0 3872 6201-3, 0 3872 7333 for more information. www.minisiam.com

Nong Mon Market is the central market one kilometer further on from the entrance to Bangsaen. Here can be found all types of fresh and dried sea food, local sweets and fruits (both fresh and preserved) as well as fruit rattan wares from nearby Amphoe Panat Nikhom.

Source :  http://www.tourismthailand.org/interesting-article/content-377-1.html

If you are taking a family vacation in Thailand and your children are getting tired of visits to the temples and museums, we suggest a few places catering to children which sure to bring a smile to their faces.

Dusit Zoo (สวนสัตว์ดุสิต)
Located beside the Royal Plaza, Bangkok’s oldest zoo contains a collection of popular African and Asian mammals and birds in an ornamental garden.  Exotic animals ranges from local wildlife such as deer, elephants and tigers to imported African lions and giraffes.  There is also a big pond in which you can hire a boat to paddle around.  The zoo is also and oasis of nature and greenery among Bangkok’s bustling city life.

Open: Daily from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Admission: Adult 100 baht; Child 50 baht
Tel: 0 2281 2000, 0 2281 9027-8 www.zoothailand.org

Dream World (ดรีมเวิลด์)
Situated at km.7 of Rangsit-Ongkharak Road, this large amusement park houses a European style plaza, miniature land of major world legends, and offer exciting rides, shows and games. 

Open: Weekdays from 10 a.m.to 5 p.m. Holidays from 10 a.m.to 7 p.m
Admission: 450 baht
Tel: 0 2533 1152  www.dreamworld-th.com

Traditional Thai Puppet Theatre (นาฏย ศาลา หุ่นละครเล็ก) It is located within the same area as Suan Lum Night Bazaar and presents the Hun Lakhon Lek puppet show. The establishment of this theatre was inspired by the intention of Master Sakhon Yangkhieosot or Joe Louis, a National Artist of 1996, who wishes to preserve the art of operating Hun Lakhon Lek puppets.

In operating the puppets, the puppeteers require basic skills of Khon performance as they will have to also move their footsteps and hand gestures to coincide with those of the puppets. Each puppet is operated by three puppeteers, lending it lifelike movements. Hun Lakhon Lek usually performs the story of Ramakian, the Thai version of the Ramayana epic. Sakhon Nattasin is currently the only performing troupe of Hun Lakhon Lek in Thailand. The troupe received the Thailand Tourism Award presented by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) in 2000 in the category of Recreational Attraction.

There is 1 daily show of Hun Lakhon Lek at 7.30 p.m. There is also a corner inside the theatre where Khon mask making is demonstrated, with a gallery of the Hun Lakhon Lek puppets and their background. The theatre is open during 5 p.m.- 9.45 p.m.
Admission: Adult  900 baht; Child 300 baht
Tel: 0 2252 9683-4 or  www.thaipuppet.com

Source:  http://www.tourismthailand.org/interesting-article/content-389-1.html

Ayutthaya is ancient city of Thailand, situated about 76 kilometers, north of Bangkok. The city itself is surrounded with 3 major rivers, the Lopburi on the north, the Pasak on the east and the Chao Phay on the south and the west.

The kingdom of Ayutthaya had been the capital of Thailand for 417 years between 1350-1767 with 33 kings of five dynasties ruling the successive kingdom.

• The Early Ayutthaya Period

King U-Thong or King Ramathibodi I was the first king of the kingdom, empowered by his relative states, such as Suphanburi, Loburi , and Sanburi. Ayutthaya was ruled by the king as absolute monarchy system and feudalism seemed to play an important role through the whole period of the kingdom. The king, with the most powerful in hand, empowered his relatives and high ranked aristocrats to look after the provincial towns far off the city. These cities, on the other hand, being governed by their own rulers, were directly governed and organized by the central government of Ayutthaya .

In the reign, of King Boroma-tri-loka-nat (1448-1488) the political system of Ayutthaya was reformed. Two powerful administrative ministries were applied and they were used until the last days of Ayutthaya.

• The Middle Ayutthaya Period

In 1569, during the reign of King Mahindrathirat, Ayutthaya was beaten by his enemy, the Burmese and it lost its independence for 15 years. The kingdom was free again in 1584 during the reign of King Naresuan the great when he could drive the Burmese away from the kingdom.

• The Late Ayutthaya Period

In the reign of King Na Rai the great (1656-1688) , diplomatic and commercial connection policy with westerrn countries was started. At this time, Ayutthaya could learn more about new advanced technology from western countries, such as architectural design and new technique of building construction. These can be seen on ancient ruins found both in Ayutthaya and Lopburi.

King Suriyat-Amarin of King Eakatat (1488-1767) was the last king of Ayutthaya and it was the second lost of Ayutthaya independence in 1767.

• The Thonburi Period

After King Taksin the great had taken liberty back from Burmese, he established the new capital city of Thailand in Thonburi, which was on the west bank of the Chao Phya River and he asked the people from Ayutthaya including from the other places to settle down in Thonburi.

• The Rattanakosin Period or The Bangkok Period

When King Buddha Yod Fa Chulaloke, or King Rama I succeeded to the throne of Chakri dynasty he and his younger brother started to establish Rattanakosin city or Bangkok in 1692. When the city was nearly completely found, most people both in Thonburi and Ayutthaya integrated to settle down in the new capital city of Thailand while very few were still there, Ayutthaya was left until in the reign of King Rama V, its deterioration and cultural ruins was renovated. It was the first time to realize the important of cultural ruins in Ayutthaya as ancient monument of the nation until today.

At present, Ayutthaya province looks like a mirror that reflects the picture of the past. Because of its cultural significance as outstanding universal value, Ayutthaya historic city was placed in the World Heritage List on December 13, 1991 at Carthage, Tunisia. Besides the Thai Government had approved the Master Plan for conservation and development the historic city in 1993 and the project was started in 1994

Source : http://www.ayutthaya.go.th/english_version.htm

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This day includes a little bit of everything, visiting a beautiful temple, a throne hall, a palace, a historic house, ending the day with a vigorous shopping spree.

The day begins early at Wat Benchamabophit (วัดเบญจมบพิตร) on Sri Ayutthaya Road. This uniquely beautiful marble temple was constructed during the reign of King Rama V. It employs European ecclesiastic details, such as stained glass windows, and contains a superb cloister collection of bronze Buddha images.
Open: Daily from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Vimanmek Mansion Museum (พระที่นั่งวิมานเมฆ) is the world’s largest golden teak building located in the compound of the Dusit Palace on Ratchawithi Road. The three-storey royal mansion has 81 rooms, halls and ante-chambers containing fin de siecle royal memorabilia.
Other beautiful buildings in the same compound display various items and art objects; for example, H.M. King Bhumibol’s photography, H.M. Queen Sirikit’s collection of handicraft masterpieces created by rural people, paraphernalia of rank and portraits, old clocks, ancient cloth, and royal carriages.
Open: Daily from 9.30 a.m.to 4 p.m. Proper attire is required

Anantasamakhom Throne Hall. (พระที่นั่งอนันตสมาคม)
Designed by an Italian architect, his Renaissance building was constructed of marble from Italy under the instruction of King Rama V, with an intention to be used as a royal reception – assembly hall. The dome of the throne hall houses picturesque frescoes of royal activities undertaken during the reigns of King Rama I – King Rama VI of the Royal House of Chakri. The building serves as a venue for royal and state ceremonies and was once used as the National Assembly before it was moved to the new building behind.

Open: Daily from 9.30 a.m. to 4 p.m. (except public holidays)
Proper attire is required

Jim Thompson Museum (พิพิธภัณฑ์จิม ทอมป์สัน)
This collection of traditional Thai-style houses, fashioned into one dwelling, belongs to the man who helped restore the Thai silk industry after World War II, and today, preserved as a museum, contains a priceless collection of Asian objects d’ art.

The canal-side museum is located in Soi Kasemsan 2 on Rama I Road opposite the National Stadium.
Open: Daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

If there is a shopping district in Bangkok, Rachadamri area is it. Several shops and shopping malls are located within walking distance from each other. Added to the convenience is a BTS train and walkways linking many of these elegant complexes. Start from Chit Lom Station and make your way to Siam Square. You can find luxury brand name good, as well as other fashionable local brands at reasonable prices. There is always a sale going on somewhere and hunting for those bargains can be a lot of fun. For a more local flavour, check out Narayana Phand Pavillion which offers a vast collection of local handicraft products, where you can find perfect souvenirs and gifts.

Source : http://www.tourismthailand.org/interesting-article/content-385-1.html

A cultural sight seeing in Bangkok can be a daunting task considering there are so many places to see all over town and to fight the traffic to reach all the places would require a lot of patience and perseverance.  A good way to start off in terms of getting the most Bang(kok) for the Buck would be at the Grand Palace.  Constructed simultaneously with the establishment of Bangkok by King Rama I the Great, the complex covers a total area of 132 rai and comprises 3 major quarters– the throne halls, royal residences and Temple of the Emerald Buddha.

Temple of the Emerald Buddha is a royal temple situated on the northeastern corner of the Grand Palace compound. It is where the image of the Emerald Buddha is enshrined as well as royal religious ceremonies have been performed. The construction of the temple was completed in 1784, and it has consistently undergone several times of restoration from the reign of King Rama I through to the reign of King Rama IX.

Next to the Grand Palace Complex is Wat Pho,  home to the 46 meter long Reclining Buddha.  The temple is considered the first centre of public education and is regarded as ‘Thailand’s first university’.  Thai traditional massage is taught at this temple.  Certified masseuses are available for weary tourists wanting to relax after a long sightseeing day.

Across the Chao Phraya river from the Grand Palace is Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn),  famed for its sparkling porcelain encrusted 79 metre central pagoda.  The temple can be reached either by Arun Amarin Road or by boat from Tha Tian Pier near Wat Pho.

Royal Barge National Museum
Thailand’s ornately carved and decorated Royal Barges are displayed in boatsheds on Khlong (Canal) Bangkok Noi, just off the Chao Phraya River near Phra Pin Klao Bridge on the Thon Buri side.  The barges are used on royal occasions and formerly served as war vessels.

Making way across town to Yaowarat, Bangkok’s Chinatown, it is worthwhile to stop and admire an ancient solid gold seated Buddha image of the Sukhothai Period at Wat Trai Mit at the end of Chinatown’s Yaowarat Road near Bangkok Railway Station.

China Town <Yaowarat> was gradually settled up by Chinese traders who came by junks to trade with Siam during the Sukhothai era. By 1891, King Rama V had several more roads cut through the area with Yaowarat Road as its center.

The shape of Yaowarat Road is curved like the dragon’s body, making it an ideal location for business. What visitors can find here vary from leading gold shops, textiles, garments, souvenirs, second-hand parts and equipment, electric goods, computer parts, antiques, imported musical instrument and definitely local delicacies.

Source : http://www.tourismthailand.org/interesting-article/content-384-1.html