Thailand Voice

The Three Pagoda Pass in the north of Kanchanaburi Province is historically important for several reasons. It was this route that Buddhism is believed to have taken when it first came to Thailand. The pass was also used by the Burmese when they …

The grounds of a Buddhist temple in Thailand have a variety of buildings of all shapes and sizes. At first glance their use might seem to be random. But, there is one building, called the “phra ubosot” which is not only the most sacred but also has distinguishing features that makes it …

Traditionally, in Thailand, when a Buddhist dies, their body is cremated and then the bones and ashes are collected and are either kept at the temple or at home or sometimes both. However, there is a third option which is seemingly becoming more popular these days. It is called “loi angkarn” which means the…

During the school holidays in Thailand, it is common for Thai students to ordain as novice monks for a short time. In the olden days, before there were government schools, poor boys would ordain in order to get an education. However, these days, their parents want them to ordain for a short time during…

Many activities will be held both in Bangkok and the provinces to celebrate the 8th cycle or the 96th birthday anniversary of His Holiness Somdet Phra Nyanasamvara, the Supreme Patriarch, from late September to the end of October 2009. The Supreme Patriarch will turn 96 on October 3. For Thai people, the…

This is continuing my interview with Peter Robinson, who is probably better known in Thailand as “Phra Farang”, the foreign monk. (Click here for part one.) Peter spent ten years as a monk before finally disrobing in order to spend more time with…

One of the best books about Buddhism in Thailand is undoubtedly “Phra Farang: An English Monk in Thailand” by Phra Peter Pannapadipo. Even if you are not interested in becoming a monk yourself, his vivid description of his ten years as a foreign monk in Thailand …

When you are travelling it is not always a good idea to follow too closely your guidebooks. If you have the time, then explore the area and you might find some hidden gems. The other day I was happy to stumble across a Buddhist Park…

During the Khao Phansa period this week, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) are helping to promote the event “Making Merit at Four Temples” in Chanthaburi Province. These temples are not necessarily the most sacred of the temples however they have been picked…

Beyond a doubt, ASTV, backed by the People’s Alliance of Democracy (PAD) has escalated in popularity more than any other TV channel in Thailand in 2009. This is due of course to precise unbiased news reports which particularly penetrate the essence of Thai politics and offer the audience a real chance to get the …

A glittering temple, a white chedi, and a giant sitting Buddha on the top of a little hill just 20 minutes outside Chiang Mai – this sight is very familiar for anyone who regularly does visa runs. Wat Phra That Doi Saket …

Granny and Grandad sit in splendour at the door of our spirit house Mama, Papa and Cat make offerings for Durian What exactly are their prayers I always wonder. Mama makes her offering. If only Durian were still with us, enjoying the busy life … Read full story >>>

Sculpture of Buddha is pictured at the Great Pagoda (Grande Pagode de Vincennes) in the Vincennes forest, in Paris, on May 17, 2009 before the installation of the relics of Buddha Sakyamuni offered by Thailand. The relics were offered by Thailand to the …

I personally only have distaste for Henry Miller. A former girlfriend, the love of my life, was once presented a Henry Miller book by her secret lover. That book seemed to have made up her mind. Soon after she vanished. Leaving much behind. But not the Henry Miller. Maybe… Read full story >>>

The Day of Vesak, or Visakha Puja, falls on the full moon day of the sixth lunar month, coinciding with May 8 this year. About 2,000 Buddhist leaders from all over the world have joined an International Buddhist Conference on the United Nations Day of Vesak in Thailand, scheduled for May 4-6. Visakha Puja commemorates the birth …

Personally, even as a humanist and doubter, it is my favorite Buddhist holy day: Visakha Puja . It’s the day you see the local temples overflow with people of all walks of life and ages. The day in the year that shows an alive and … Read full story >>>

Tomorrow (May 8th) will be Visakha Bucha day, which is a public holiday in Thailand. The day, which has been recognised by the United Nations since 1999, marks three events in the life of the historical Buddha which are believed to have occurred on the same day – the full moon of Read full story >>>

Full name: Kingdom of Thailand ; Population: 64.3 million (UN, 2008); Capital: Bangkok ; Area: 513115 sq km (198115 sq miles); Major language: Thai ; Major religion: Buddhism; Life expectancy: 66 years (men), 75 years (women) (UN 2008) … Read full story >>>

Over at The Nation Thanong Khanthong offers a meditation on life, King Bhumibol and Buddhism that dovetails nicely with yesterday’s effort to question the relationship between politics, royalty and the supernatural.  Thanong waxes lyrical in his usual style and concludes with a: …a vision … Read full story >>>

Jim Taylor has published a new book on Buddhism in Thailand. Here are the details from the publisher’s web-site (from which you can download Chapter 1): This book presents a rethink on the significance of Thai Buddhism in an increasingly complex and changing post-modern urban context, especially following the financial crisis of 1997. Defining the cultural nature … Read full story >>>

The Nation : The Thai monarchy is a revered institution that represents what Thailand is and has been for more than 700 years, since the Sukhothai era. It brings together Thai traditions and culture, and social, political and Buddhist beliefs. Fact: This notion that the Thai monarchy has been this one long virtuous entity continuing unabated… Read full story >>>

On the way home after competing in another wacky races with the Bangkok traffic, we stopped at the Lemon Tree temple in Suphanburi to see a friend and wind down with a cuppa water. It was a (pleasant) surprise to see a young, hip and groovy Thai film crew and production team, preparing to record an interview with a head monk of the …

Here are another 20 amazing Thailand facts as compiled over on the ThailandQA.com Forums . You can see the other facts already posted by clicking here . 1. Siamese Twins 122. Chang Bunker and Eng Bunker were the famous conjoined twins who gave birth to the term ‘Siamese twins.’ They were born in Samutsongkram province of Siam (as Thailand was known…

During the recent school holiday, that marks the break between term 1 and 2, many students take the opportunity to ordain as novice monks. They usually only do this for a week or so. It is a bit like going on Sunday School Camp I …