Thailand Travel Thai-Chinese Architectural Heritage

(by Steve Van Beek) It is no secret that for centuries the Chinese have been movers and shakers far beyond the bounds of their Celestial Empire. In Southeast Asia, they’ve wielded enormous economic influence, and the symbols of their power — China Towns, shrines, temples, dragons — can be found in a dozen cities, but these potent symbols are normally distinct islands within a sea of indigenous architecture and traditions.

While Thailand exhibits the same compelling evidence of Chinese presence, what sets Bangkok apart and makes for the visitor a fascinating journey of discovery is that subtle Chinese elements have also been blended into traditional Thai architecture. Like finding a Thai Buddhist temple tucked in a quiet lane behind a modern corporate glass tower, the evidence is there for the active traveller and the rewards for perseverance are a multitude of beautiful images that give an extra dimension to a visit and an insight into how Thais view themselves.

Wandering through Bangkok’s nineteenth century wat (monasteries), one becomes aware of something different from the stalwarts of Thai architecture like Wat Phra Kaeow (Temple of the Emerald Buddha).

On many temples, the pediments (the triangular end area below the roof) are covered in ceramic flowers – no roof shelters them, and the chorfa (often called the “sky tassel”), which reach into the air from the roof ends, is missing. Then there are the stone sculptures in the courtyards. These aren’t Thai historical figures, they are distinctly Chinese: generals, gods, demons, horses, pagodas, and more.

These unique temples include some of the city’s largest such as Wat Pho, Wat Suthat, Wat Chalerm Prakiet and Wat Arun, although the most notable examples — Wat Raja Oros, Wat Khruawan, Wat Nang Nong, and Wat Bangkhunthian Nai — are tucked away along canals on the Thonburi side of the river.

bangkok apartment การตลาดออนไลน์ ศูนย์เด็กเล็ก Real estate agency Bangkok Service apartments bangkok Thailand apartments Bangkok condo


Thailand Travel

Thailand Travel Hua Hin Regatta 2010

At the close of the month, 30 July, sailors gather for the annual Hua Hin Regatta 2008 that will test their skills over three days of competition. The coveted trophies are the Royal Vega Rudder trophy of His Majesty the King, Super Mod National Championship trophy from HM the King, OK Dinghy National Championship trophy from HM the Queen, and Princess Cup for Optimist Championship of the late HRH Princess Galyani Vadhana.



Hua Hin is considered the traditional home for the country’s sailing community, due to HM the King’s keen interest in the sport. A Southeast Asia Games winner in the sailing category, HM the King built his own racing dinghy and helped to establish the Super Mod class and is an enthusiastic patron of sailing resulting in this annual regatta being held in his honour off the coast of Hua Hin in sight of the palace.

bangkok apartment การตลาดออนไลน์ ศูนย์เด็กเล็ก Real estate agency Bangkok Service apartments bangkok Thailand apartments Bangkok condo


Thailand Travel

Thailand Travel International Wax Sculpture

Join the alms-giving for Asalha Puja and the Khao Phansa Buddhist ceremony. Participate in the

ceremony of welcoming His Majesty the King’s royal candle and the international candle-carving

competition from various countries, as well as taste “Pha Khao Laeng” , a local food especially prepared

for tourists.

Contact :
TAT Ubon Ratchathani Office, Tel : 66 (0) 4524 3770-1, 66 (0) 4525 0714
Ubon Ratchathani Provincial Office, Tel : 66 (0) 4525 4827


Real estate agency Bangkok Service apartments bangkok Thailand apartments Bangkok apartment Bangkok condo การตลาดออนไลน์