tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-48854956880283749392024-03-12T19:06:09.069-07:00Place to Go BKKTheKrugthephttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03116451496129271613noreply@blogger.comBlogger15125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4885495688028374939.post-43948587874332205172014-01-23T18:45:00.000-08:002014-01-23T18:45:05.562-08:00Nang Lerng Market in Bangkok<h2>
Nang Lerng Market : Food court, old school style</h2>
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............Smack-dab in the old town of Bangkok you will find a market that's been running for over a century. Bangkok's first official market, Nang Lerng caters to modern folks while retaining the charm of her salad days. The old row houses, an old photo studio and, of course, a food court in the inner courtyard of the market. Taste the treats and sample recipes that have been passed down for generations. Some of the dishes can not found anywhere else, so don't wear tight clothing, or it'll be a 'waist' of your time.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CMCSYEpymKo/UuHTdSh9aRI/AAAAAAAAAS0/v35NSZ2WZe4/s1600/Nang+Lerng+Market.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CMCSYEpymKo/UuHTdSh9aRI/AAAAAAAAAS0/v35NSZ2WZe4/s1600/Nang+Lerng+Market.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: red;">BKK Note:</span> Erected in 1918 during the market's heyday, Sala Chalerm Thani (Nang Lerng Theater) was a classic wooden structure showing silent films until their doors closed in 1993.</div>
TheKrugthephttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03116451496129271613noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4885495688028374939.post-83094788276909908692013-10-04T03:23:00.004-07:002013-10-04T03:24:32.215-07:00Three parks : Chatuchak, Train and Queen Sirikit Parks.<h2>
Chatuchak, Train and Queen Sirikit Parks.</h2>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Looking</span> to be out in nature... head for the parks! These three adjacent parks connect so you will have a big space for lots of activities to exercise your heart, brain and lungs.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PK9Poor-o4I/Uk6WlBhVnvI/AAAAAAAAAQ4/EnxHD9cQpjY/s1600/Chatuchak_park.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PK9Poor-o4I/Uk6WlBhVnvI/AAAAAAAAAQ4/EnxHD9cQpjY/s320/Chatuchak_park.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Railway Hall of Frame @ Chatuchak Park</h4>
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100 years ago, this concrete structure resting in the center of the park was once Bangkok's steam engine garage. For that past 16 years this educational center has thought the history of Thai Railways. At the museum you can see engines, cabooses, bogies, old cable car and even a kwien (a uniqe Thai cart used mainly in the suburbs.)</div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000;">BKK first (and last)</span> : Engine model 10089 was the last steam engine the Japanese manufactured. Sent to Bangkok, but never used, this locomotive is in perfect condition. Also on display is the first diesel engine ever to ride Thai rails.</div>
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Physical train-ing and exercise @ Train Park Sports Center : </h4>
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This is one of BKK"s most beloved parks offering yoga, cycling, swimming, tennis, football, basketball, etc...all in a leafy atmosphere with fresh air.</div>
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Flutter with the butterflies and insects @ Train Park : </h4>
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Over 500 butterflies (more than 20 species) fly openly in the huge screened enclosure that resembles their natural environs.</div>
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Pedal among the petals @ Train Park :</h4>
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Bicycle trails stretching 375 rai in length. Different routes can be taken so every weekend you"ll find adults, teenagers and kids exploring different and remote corners of the park.</div>
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Find your lucky tree @ Queen Sirikit Parks :</h4>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Iq0yG8tgaRk/Uk6W8efWgRI/AAAAAAAAARA/J5GkW8WQ7ks/s1600/Queen_Sirikit_Park-Bangkok.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Iq0yG8tgaRk/Uk6W8efWgRI/AAAAAAAAARA/J5GkW8WQ7ks/s320/Queen_Sirikit_Park-Bangkok.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">The auspicious trees of Thailand's 76 provinces are grown and neatly arranged here, resembling a mini-map of Thailand. Even the walkways are cleverly laid out to simulate Thailand's major roadways. Luckily a trip here will not only bestow a boost to your botany, but also give some gains to our geography.</span></div>
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Hug a tree @ Queen Sirikit Parks :</h4>
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The first garden for the sight impaired in Thailand. Using only the senses of touch and smell those without sight can enjoy the beauty of nature and acquaint themselves with various species of aromatic plants. The garden is equipped with Braille informational signs and iron bars to guide visitors around the trails; audio speakers also automatically give information when visitors approach.</div>
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TheKrugthephttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03116451496129271613noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4885495688028374939.post-54330801118713314742012-10-27T07:10:00.000-07:002012-10-27T07:10:32.634-07:00Chatuchak (J.J. Market).<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>Mark it down for your weekend.</b></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cHLnSpjGsgc/UIvoFvSgH5I/AAAAAAAAAOg/H1uoO2yDVp0/s1600/JJ-Market.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cHLnSpjGsgc/UIvoFvSgH5I/AAAAAAAAAOg/H1uoO2yDVp0/s1600/JJ-Market.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Chatuchak
(J.J. Market)</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">…</span><span style="font-family: Angsana New, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;">.........Chatuchak
Weekend Market <i>Bangkok </i>is a paradise of dealing with people. More
than 15,000 shops in 27 separate sections span an area of 1.13 square
kilometers. This is BKK's biggest weekend market and, oh yeah, the
biggest in the world too! Every Wednesday and Thursday. A
wholesale market tree. Each weekend day, nearly 100,000 shoppers
frequent here looking for classic objects to those in trend. On any
given Saturday or Sunday the revenue generated tops more than THB
100,000,000 – have we generated enough reasons for you to come?
Want to hear more about the unique attractions? Products range
from the home of antique jewelry collection. Arts and crafts
furniture, pets, plants, clothing, books, food. Many other
miscellaneous items such as</span> </span></span>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>Jeans
Market></b></span></div>
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…<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">........Every
kind, every brand, every collection of new, 2<sup>nd</sup> hand, old
and vintage jeans. Hunting for your favorite pair is fun....but
fitting rooms are scare at JJ so the trick is to wrap the waist of
the pants so it fits snugly around your neck. It is up to you, but
maybe come with an empty belly – not just for the great food
stalls, but to help with finding that perfect pair of jeans too......</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="color: #741b47;">BKK
anotomy :</span></b> Little known fact...your neck is half the circumference of
your waist.</span></span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bhSpGPogI4Q/UIvpGqMEMtI/AAAAAAAAAOo/avngvbbEjRc/s1600/Jean-market-JJ.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bhSpGPogI4Q/UIvpGqMEMtI/AAAAAAAAAOo/avngvbbEjRc/s1600/Jean-market-JJ.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>International&
Film Collection></b></span></div>
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…<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">........Thai
film lovers and those in the biz all come to Chatuchak for its vast
selection of rare foreign and international films. Be careful though,
“arrrrr,” It's a pirate area. An ocean of movies like classic
Thai and Western cinema, independent films, hard to find titles,
short films, animations- everything. You could go there just to
exchange ideas and talk about the silver screen with the buff next to
you.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>Weekend
Bookshelf></b></span></div>
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…<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">........A
bookworm's first visit to JJ is comparable to the moment one finds
their soul mate. A place with tons of Thai and international
magazines, textbooks, manga and design books just to name a few. Many
of JJ's shops come and go while this arena of new and used books has
been here from the market's opening chapter.</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PftN7-LYANE/UIvq4jTASMI/AAAAAAAAAOw/qBu2Nkdyxm8/s1600/book-market-JJMall6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PftN7-LYANE/UIvq4jTASMI/AAAAAAAAAOw/qBu2Nkdyxm8/s1600/book-market-JJMall6.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>Land
of Ceramics</b></span></div>
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…<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">.........Dirt
cheap. A lot of defective items from local factories wind up at
Chatuchak. Some have defects so small, you won't even notice the dent
to your wallet. Quality so high, a lot of restaurant owners come here
to set their tables. We really think you'll be surprised: many items
are what you'd find in a five-star hotel or pieces you'd see in the
nicest boutique shops, there are other premium grades and brand names
too...</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>JJ
Navigator:</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Jeans
Zone (Sections 5-6) >8.00-19.30 Sat-Sun</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Film
Zone (Section 3) >9.30-18.00 Sat-Sun</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Book
Zone (Section 1) >10.00-18.00 daily</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Ceramics
Zone (Sections 25-26) >8.00-8.30 Sat-Sun</span></span></div>
TheKrugthephttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03116451496129271613noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4885495688028374939.post-63847786355779230302012-10-25T04:11:00.002-07:002012-10-25T04:11:48.103-07:00Bank of Thailand Museum.<h2>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">The change of money.</span></h2>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1HX5JbKcAfs/UIkcfH_o0AI/AAAAAAAAAOA/tiJqXjwokn0/s1600/thaibankmusuem.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="218" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1HX5JbKcAfs/UIkcfH_o0AI/AAAAAAAAAOA/tiJqXjwokn0/s320/thaibankmusuem.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Bank of Thailand Museum in Bangkok!!<br />
............In 1945, Bangkhunprom Palace (the former residence of Prince Paripatra and his family) was converted into offices for the Bank of Thailand. The beautiful buildings in the compound are in renaissance style with baroque ornamentation. Even more fascinating are exhibits on the evolution of Thai currency: from Thailand's earliest examples of coinage, to the latest banknotes in circulation and everything in between. Chock full of history and information, if you have any cents, you will make the visit!!!<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QsqMmsHlBIA/UIkcmhExbcI/AAAAAAAAAOI/ItvfYvIV1P8/s1600/Money.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="122" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QsqMmsHlBIA/UIkcmhExbcI/AAAAAAAAAOI/ItvfYvIV1P8/s200/Money.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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ฺBkk bank note : King Rama 5 once used the palace to teach his princesses and other female officers from around the city. He also hired foreign teachers and, for a time, the place was affectionately nicknamed 'Bangkhunprom University'.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-acxWsEmmCgI/UIkeRtcU3hI/AAAAAAAAAOQ/2zmIme8afqU/s1600/musuembankthai..jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="215" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-acxWsEmmCgI/UIkeRtcU3hI/AAAAAAAAAOQ/2zmIme8afqU/s320/musuembankthai..jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Bnk of Thailand Museum<br />
Samsen Road,<br />
River Ferry Rama 8 Bridge pier<br />
Open: Mon-Fri 9.30 - 16.00<br />
0 2283 6723TheKrugthephttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03116451496129271613noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4885495688028374939.post-71974622150573480932011-11-30T03:59:00.000-08:002011-11-30T03:59:04.500-08:00Three Praengs<div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: 'Angsana New'; font-size: 22pt;">Three Praengs<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9B0-K1a3F3A/TtTTiPQFJyI/AAAAAAAAAJY/zqayR9gmzMQ/s1600/luibangkok.Three+Praengs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="233" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9B0-K1a3F3A/TtTTiPQFJyI/AAAAAAAAAJY/zqayR9gmzMQ/s320/luibangkok.Three+Praengs.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Angsana New'; font-size: 18pt;">………...Tucked between Tanao and Assadang Roads is a district where three streets join to enclose an old neighborhood. The Sam Preang area dates to the early Rattanakosin period and consists of three communties: Praeng Phutorn, Praeng Sapasart, and Preang Nara. The three praengs <span lang="TH">(</span>crossroads<span lang="TH">) </span>were named after the Princes who once lived there. After they moved out, Chinese settlers moved in and opened shops; the community gradually became more active and lively. To this day, many trades have survived… locals frequent this part of the city to visit barbers and tailors, buy leather, and go out for food.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XK0RfKG6dZ8/TtTTdcOjKKI/AAAAAAAAAJQ/wN_ju0HKU4o/s1600/luibangkok.Three+Praengs2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XK0RfKG6dZ8/TtTTdcOjKKI/AAAAAAAAAJQ/wN_ju0HKU4o/s320/luibangkok.Three+Praengs2.jpg" width="295" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Angsana New'; font-size: 18pt;">Praeng Phutorn, Praeng Nara, and Praeng Sapasart<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Angsana New'; font-size: 18pt;">Between Tanao and Assadang Roads<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Angsana New'; font-size: 18pt;">River Ferry Tha Chang Pier, <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placetype w:st="on">Canal</st1:placetype> <st1:placename w:st="on">Ferry</st1:placename> <st1:placename w:st="on">Phanfah</st1:placename> <st1:placename w:st="on">Leelas</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Bridge</st1:placetype></st1:place><o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
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</span></b></div>TheKrugthephttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03116451496129271613noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4885495688028374939.post-22313409940839216982011-11-29T03:13:00.000-08:002011-11-29T03:13:33.235-08:00Taling Chan Floating Market<div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Angsana New'; font-size: 18pt;"><b>The way of the khlong.<o:p></o:p></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Angsana New'; font-size: 18pt;"><b>Taling Chan Floating Market</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MKWjGssrCuo/TtNtPf26t5I/AAAAAAAAAIw/-tGlOl-naQk/s1600/luibangkok.Taling+Chan+Floating+Market.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MKWjGssrCuo/TtNtPf26t5I/AAAAAAAAAIw/-tGlOl-naQk/s320/luibangkok.Taling+Chan+Floating+Market.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Angsana New'; font-size: 18pt;"><b><br />
</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Angsana New'; font-size: 18pt;">……….Although Taling Chan market drifted away for a while, it’s been progressively revived over the past twenty years. On the weekends, Bangkokians proudly go to a floating market within the borders of their city. Cheery merchants sell produce from their own gardens and fields. With plenty of savory and sweet treats freshly prepared along the canal, it ensures your jaunt will be a fragrant one. The nearby plant market is also a nice stop if you’re looking to add a splash of green to your living space. If you spend a day by the khlong, you won’t go wrong.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XRGs8s2Floo/TtNtRrfiAfI/AAAAAAAAAI4/3bCjtuAAHrM/s1600/luibangkok.TalingChanFloating.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XRGs8s2Floo/TtNtRrfiAfI/AAAAAAAAAI4/3bCjtuAAHrM/s320/luibangkok.TalingChanFloating.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Angsana New'; font-size: 18pt;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Angsana New'; font-size: 18pt;">Taling Chan Floating Market<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Angsana New'; font-size: 18pt;">In front of Taling Chan Municipal<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Angsana New'; font-size: 18pt;">Building <st1:street w:st="on"><st1:address w:st="on">Chak Phra Road</st1:address></st1:street>.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Angsana New'; font-size: 18pt;">Taling Chan District<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Angsana New'; font-size: 18pt;">08.00-17.00 Sat-Sun<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Angsana New'; font-size: 18pt;">0 28881 3829, 08 1325 3590</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_J2aaccapD0/TtNtc56uc-I/AAAAAAAAAJA/PJDC1iqFvUM/s1600/Taling+Chan+Floating+Market.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_J2aaccapD0/TtNtc56uc-I/AAAAAAAAAJA/PJDC1iqFvUM/s320/Taling+Chan+Floating+Market.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Angsana New'; font-size: 18pt;"><br />
</span></div>TheKrugthephttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03116451496129271613noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4885495688028374939.post-10290110588594666922011-11-28T03:05:00.000-08:002011-11-28T03:05:53.360-08:00Sala Chalermkrung<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CQ_e5jhN3kM/TtIyOqxk5DI/AAAAAAAAAIg/1AcF2rJNwBo/s1600/luibangkok.Salachalermkrung.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CQ_e5jhN3kM/TtIyOqxk5DI/AAAAAAAAAIg/1AcF2rJNwBo/s1600/luibangkok.Salachalermkrung.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Angsana New';"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Khon for the crowds. <o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Angsana New';"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Sala Chalermkrung</span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Angsana New'; font-size: 24px;">……......Ask Thais and a majority will agree Khon is among the highest of performing arts and should be treasured. Problem is, previous performances lasted an entire day and many with the best intentions fell asleep instead. Good news comes with Khon Sala Chalermkrung; this contemporary version has been considerably abridged while retaining the grace of a traditional performance. In a little more than an hour, you can view all eight acts of the Thai Ramayana and see authentic movements exacted with amazing skill. It’s a good litmus test for those contemplating a full-length Khon.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Angsana New'; font-size: 18pt;"> Since 2006, the troupe has been performing excerpts of the legendary Hanuman Chankamhaeng. One Friday so Saturday night, sacrifice that bucket of popcorn and humdrum movie to see an authentic Thai artform. Khon-isfaction guaranteed.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4q8l_M1qnwM/TtIyWFmQawI/AAAAAAAAAIo/A0JFUE8Ax84/s1600/luibangkok.Salachalermkrung1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4q8l_M1qnwM/TtIyWFmQawI/AAAAAAAAAIo/A0JFUE8Ax84/s320/luibangkok.Salachalermkrung1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Angsana New'; font-size: 18pt;">BKK first: Sala Chalermkrung Theatre was opened in 1933 by King Rama </span><span style="font-family: 'MS PGothic'; font-size: 18pt;">Ⅶ</span><span style="font-family: 'Angsana New'; font-size: 18pt;"> in coordination with the 150 year anniversary of <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Bangkok</st1:place></st1:city>. In a gesture of beneficence to his subjects, he built the theatre using his own funds. On July 2<sup>nd</sup>, 1933 the doors opened – becoming <st1:country-region w:st="on">Thailand</st1:country-region>’s first movie theater with sound and <st1:place w:st="on">Asia</st1:place>’s most modern air-conditioned theatre.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Angsana New'; font-size: 18pt;">Khon Sala Chalermkrung<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><st1:street w:st="on"><st1:address w:st="on"><span style="font-family: 'Angsana New'; font-size: 18pt;">Chareonkrung Road</span></st1:address></st1:street><span style="font-family: 'Angsana New'; font-size: 18pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="TH" style="font-family: 'Angsana New'; font-size: 18pt;">(</span><span style="font-family: 'Angsana New'; font-size: 18pt;">Near the Old Siam Plaza<span lang="TH">)</span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placetype w:st="on"><span style="font-family: 'Angsana New'; font-size: 18pt;">River</span></st1:placetype><span style="font-family: 'Angsana New'; font-size: 18pt;"> <st1:placename w:st="on">Ferry</st1:placename> <st1:placename w:st="on">Memorial</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Bridge</st1:placetype></span></st1:place><span style="font-family: 'Angsana New'; font-size: 18pt;"> Pier<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Angsana New'; font-size: 18pt;">19.30 Fri-Sat<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Angsana New'; font-size: 18pt;">0 2224 4499<o:p></o:p></span></div>TheKrugthephttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03116451496129271613noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4885495688028374939.post-7032693400954380002011-11-27T04:04:00.000-08:002011-11-27T04:04:03.671-08:00Aksra Theatre<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HMtN7cFMDg0/TtDU4caicqI/AAAAAAAAAHo/eLh6QVhbjGE/s1600/luibangkok.aksra1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HMtN7cFMDg0/TtDU4caicqI/AAAAAAAAAHo/eLh6QVhbjGE/s200/luibangkok.aksra1.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: 'Angsana New'; font-size: 20pt;">Parading the past, in contemporary comfort. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: 'Angsana New'; font-size: 20pt;">Aksra Theatre</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Angsana New'; font-size: 18pt;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Angsana New'; font-size: 18pt;">…………How to stage a tradintional performance yet keep it appealing even for today’s youth? Aksra Hoon Lakarn Lek is one of those rare crossover productions that’s enjoyable for all. Come see traditional Thai puppets like Tua Phra, Tua Yok and Tua Nong in a contemporary staging of the Thai Ramayana. This adaptation includes Thai comedic puppets and variations like ornate Japanese and <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Korea</st1:place></st1:country-region> beauties. The impressive sets combine with a remarkable light and sound show; take a seat in the world-class theatre complete with subtitles for the Thai deficient. Stay a little while after the show… you may just get a chance to rub elbows with Hanuman! Go by yourself, go with your family, go in a group – just go!<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QW-UBV7ArOY/TtDV11PIo3I/AAAAAAAAAIY/B8xJ1rF9L0s/s1600/luibangkok.aksrath.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QW-UBV7ArOY/TtDV11PIo3I/AAAAAAAAAIY/B8xJ1rF9L0s/s320/luibangkok.aksrath.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Angsana New'; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TWJ8zIqnEb4/TtDVKCfy9gI/AAAAAAAAAH4/0caeheKhk14/s1600/luibangkok.aksra3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="141" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TWJ8zIqnEb4/TtDVKCfy9gI/AAAAAAAAAH4/0caeheKhk14/s320/luibangkok.aksra3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eg6D9E_jdVo/TtDVLmTjTrI/AAAAAAAAAIA/9AeZV0xasBo/s1600/luibangkok.AksraTheather.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eg6D9E_jdVo/TtDVLmTjTrI/AAAAAAAAAIA/9AeZV0xasBo/s320/luibangkok.AksraTheather.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WbTTy02FAPo/TtDVM5Prb8I/AAAAAAAAAII/-xvUte4awrQ/s1600/luibangkok.aksra.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="231" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WbTTy02FAPo/TtDVM5Prb8I/AAAAAAAAAII/-xvUte4awrQ/s320/luibangkok.aksra.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Angsana New'; font-size: 18pt;">Aksra Theatre<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jxFs959a72I/TtDVX6vMWaI/AAAAAAAAAIQ/2DJILOjsfHA/s1600/Map_AKSRA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jxFs959a72I/TtDVX6vMWaI/AAAAAAAAAIQ/2DJILOjsfHA/s200/Map_AKSRA.jpg" width="194" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Angsana New'; font-size: 18pt;">3<sup>rd</sup> Floor, King Power Complex </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Angsana New'; font-size: 24px;">Soi Rangnam, BTS</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on"><span style="font-family: 'Angsana New'; font-size: 18pt;">Victory</span></st1:placename><span style="font-family: 'Angsana New'; font-size: 18pt;"> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Monument</st1:placetype></span></st1:place><span style="font-family: 'Angsana New'; font-size: 18pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Angsana New'; font-size: 18pt;">19.00 Thu-Fri, 13.00&<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Angsana New'; font-size: 18pt;">19.00 Sat-Sun<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Angsana New'; font-size: 18pt;">0 2677 8888 ext.5678<o:p></o:p></span></div>TheKrugthephttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03116451496129271613noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4885495688028374939.post-64093745624763431252011-11-26T03:33:00.000-08:002011-11-26T03:33:45.863-08:00Chakrabhand Posayakrit Foundation<div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Angsana New"; font-size: 18.0pt;"><b>Behold the show<o:p></o:p></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Angsana New"; font-size: 18.0pt;"><b>Chakrabhand Posayakrit Foundation</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ij26VpTsmis/TtDOMPKRxQI/AAAAAAAAAHI/VGKDDJiAWSg/s1600/luibangkok.chakraban.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="177" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ij26VpTsmis/TtDOMPKRxQI/AAAAAAAAAHI/VGKDDJiAWSg/s400/luibangkok.chakraban.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Angsana New"; font-size: 18.0pt;"><b><br />
</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Angsana New"; font-size: 18.0pt;">……… After rave reviews for his adaptations of the Chinese puppet plays Sam Kok <span lang="TH">(</span>Romance of the Three Kingsoms<span lang="TH">) </span>and Zhou Qiu <span lang="TH">(</span>The Shipwreck<span lang="TH">) </span>in 1990, Ajarn Chakrabhand Posayakrit and his talented troupe thought of answering the ovations by reviving Thai traditional puppetry. The next year, with help from his mentor Teacher Prayong Kijnitade <span lang="TH">(</span>regarded as the guru of Thai puppetry<span lang="TH">)</span>, the ensemble performed their first show of Taleng Phai <span lang="TH">(</span>Defeating the Burmese<span lang="TH">)</span>.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e0lgLoGaIZ4/TtDOTez917I/AAAAAAAAAHQ/0vB4MBGzviY/s1600/liubangkok.chakraban1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="230" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e0lgLoGaIZ4/TtDOTez917I/AAAAAAAAAHQ/0vB4MBGzviY/s320/liubangkok.chakraban1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cXNvg88Rzl4/TtDOVaOrEoI/AAAAAAAAAHY/z46I0xnh3uU/s1600/luibankok.chakraban2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cXNvg88Rzl4/TtDOVaOrEoI/AAAAAAAAAHY/z46I0xnh3uU/s320/luibankok.chakraban2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Angsana New"; font-size: 18.0pt;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Angsana New"; font-size: 18.0pt;"> For the past nineteen years, they’ve been hard at work crafting intricate puppets and learning how to articulate the precise movements for the show. They’re still not finished; only 60 percent of the puppets and rehearsals have been completed. The entire operation is run out of Ajarn Chakrabahn’s beautiful wooden residence which is open to the public; it’s nice you can visit without having to pull any strings.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Angsana New"; font-size: 18.0pt;">BKK note: Bestowed with <st1:country-region w:st="on">Thailand</st1:country-region>’s National Artist Award in 2000, Ajarn Chakrabhand Posayakrit was also commended as one of the fifty-two masters of Rattanakosin during <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Bangkok</st1:place></st1:city>’s bicentennial.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-K6Y_v7E-cC4/TtDObZggunI/AAAAAAAAAHg/dIkLALisE4Y/s1600/luibankok.chakraban3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="245" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-K6Y_v7E-cC4/TtDObZggunI/AAAAAAAAAHg/dIkLALisE4Y/s320/luibankok.chakraban3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Angsana New"; font-size: 18.0pt;">Chakrabhand Posayakrit Founditon <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Angsana New"; font-size: 18.0pt;">49/1 Sukhumvit 63<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="TH" style="font-family: "Angsana New"; font-size: 18.0pt;">(</span><span style="font-family: "Angsana New"; font-size: 18.0pt;">Ekamai<span lang="TH">)</span>,BTS Ekkamai<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="TH" style="font-family: "Angsana New"; font-size: 18.0pt;">(</span><span style="font-family: "Angsana New"; font-size: 18.0pt;">Open Rehearsals last Sun of every month;<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Angsana New"; font-size: 18.0pt;">12.30-17.00<span lang="TH">) </span>0 2392 7754<o:p></o:p></span></div>TheKrugthephttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03116451496129271613noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4885495688028374939.post-16929403252183443722011-11-24T05:15:00.000-08:002011-11-24T05:15:50.679-08:00Yaowarat Gold Museum<div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: 'Angsana New'; font-size: 18pt;">Who wants to be a millionaire?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on"><b><span style="font-family: 'Angsana New'; font-size: 18pt;">Yaowarat</span></b></st1:placename><b><span style="font-family: 'Angsana New'; font-size: 18pt;"> <st1:placename w:st="on">Gold</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Museum</st1:placetype></span></b></st1:place><b><span style="font-family: 'Angsana New'; font-size: 18pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bdpL4hiCDZY/Ts5CUaz42ZI/AAAAAAAAAGg/_loqXD5Da4w/s1600/yaowarat2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bdpL4hiCDZY/Ts5CUaz42ZI/AAAAAAAAAGg/_loqXD5Da4w/s1600/yaowarat2.jpg" /></a></div><st1:place w:st="on"><b><span style="font-family: 'Angsana New'; font-size: 18pt;"><st1:placetype w:st="on"><br />
</st1:placetype></span></b></st1:place></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Angsana New'; font-size: 18pt;">…………Say the word ‘Yaowarat’ and <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Bangkok</st1:place></st1:city> residents automatically conjure up images of gold. Sure, gold shops line the streets of the district, but very few know that sitting above one of the shops lies a glittering museum. First, find the building. Once the tallest in the area, built by the Dutch for the family… then climb up to see the beautiful old postcards and photos posted in the stairwell… finally end up in the workshop, still in use today. The shop has been in the family for around 140 years and you can still find some of the goldsmiths’ original tools and learn lots of neat stuff.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vu27ugTBYdA/Ts5ChM6vu9I/AAAAAAAAAGo/sPRlpoSUR5E/s1600/DSC-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="237" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vu27ugTBYdA/Ts5ChM6vu9I/AAAAAAAAAGo/sPRlpoSUR5E/s400/DSC-3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QOdRQFVdcKA/Ts5Cj2RMy-I/AAAAAAAAAGs/pSpGAr8qTRw/s1600/DSC-004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QOdRQFVdcKA/Ts5Cj2RMy-I/AAAAAAAAAGs/pSpGAr8qTRw/s400/DSC-004.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Angsana New'; font-size: 18pt;">BKK note: To an uninformed observer, the Tan Tok <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:state w:st="on">Kan</st1:state></st1:place> clan’s most prized possession may look like a simple black rock. But when great-grandfather spotted this seemingly worthless piece of charcoal floating in the river, instead of ignoring it, he placed it on his family’s altar. This act came to represent his extremely diligent work ethic and now occupies a part of their family’s legacy. This also spawned the popular Thai saying, ‘Kon Ao Tan’ <span lang="TH">(</span>literally ‘a person takes coal’<span lang="TH">)</span>, describing someone who isn’t afraid to work hard.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k7cf5JX2ey8/Ts5CvXTqecI/AAAAAAAAAG4/rChzwIOn26c/s1600/yaowarat1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k7cf5JX2ey8/Ts5CvXTqecI/AAAAAAAAAG4/rChzwIOn26c/s1600/yaowarat1.jpg" /></a></div><st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on"><span style="font-family: 'Angsana New'; font-size: 18pt;">Yaowarat</span></st1:placename><span style="font-family: 'Angsana New'; font-size: 18pt;"> <st1:placename w:st="on">Gold</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Museum </st1:placetype></span></st1:place><span style="font-family: 'Angsana New'; font-size: 18pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Angsana New'; font-size: 18pt;">6<sup>th</sup> Floor, TanTokKan Goldshop <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><st1:street w:st="on"><st1:address w:st="on"><span style="font-family: 'Angsana New'; font-size: 18pt;">Wanit Road</span></st1:address></st1:street><span style="font-family: 'Angsana New'; font-size: 18pt;">, MRT Hua Lamphong <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Angsana New'; font-size: 18pt;">River Ferry Ratchawong Pier<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Angsana New'; font-size: 18pt;">9.30-16.00 daily<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Angsana New'; font-size: 18pt;">0 2224 2422, 0 2622 8640-2<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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</span></div>TheKrugthephttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03116451496129271613noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4885495688028374939.post-31060094397174543782011-10-19T04:36:00.000-07:002011-11-28T03:42:49.308-08:00The top perspective<div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: 'Angsana New'; font-size: 18pt;">The top perspective</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Angsana New'; font-size: 18pt;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Angsana New'; font-size: 18pt;">………From atop this peak, the views of Krung Thep are second to none; comparable to city views from Eiffel Tower in Paris or the Tokyo Tower. During temple fair time the pagada is open late enough for you to catch the city bathed in the golden color of evening’s last light.<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S63hcRZ3pNM/Tp60i18ehtI/AAAAAAAAABw/_jhWV3jhfSk/s1600/watsaket.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S63hcRZ3pNM/Tp60i18ehtI/AAAAAAAAABw/_jhWV3jhfSk/s320/watsaket.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VCGWA0Lh5qE/Tp60mI5ymiI/AAAAAAAAACQ/rxe_MV-Ag6w/s1600/saket.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="234" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VCGWA0Lh5qE/Tp60mI5ymiI/AAAAAAAAACQ/rxe_MV-Ag6w/s320/saket.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-cluster;"><span style="font-family: 'Angsana New'; font-size: 18pt;">Phra Borom Banpot, or The Golden Mount, was conceived of during a major renovation of Wat Saket. At this time, King Rama </span><span style="font-family: 'MS PGothic'; font-size: 18pt;">Ⅲ</span><span style="font-family: 'Angsana New'; font-size: 18pt;"> ordered a new pagoda to be built near <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Mahanak</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Canal</st1:placetype></st1:place>. Chedi <span lang="TH">(</span>twelve-recesses style of traditional <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Ayutthaya</st1:city></st1:place><span lang="TH">) </span>construction was delayed. Later, King Rama </span><span style="font-family: 'MS PGothic'; font-size: 18pt;">Ⅳ </span><span style="font-family: 'Angsana New'; font-size: 18pt;">modified the plans to a more unique and grander version; this one coated with gold. Overseeing the completion of the chedi was King Rama </span><span style="font-family: 'MS PGothic'; font-size: 18pt;">Ⅴ</span><span style="font-family: 'Angsana New'; font-size: 18pt;">, who enshrined some of Buddha’s relics at the top.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-cluster;"><span style="font-family: 'Angsana New'; font-size: 18pt;"> Walking up the hill to pay respects to the relics is considered a boon of merit for Thais. To the non-believing tourist, the benefits still outweigh the hike’s struggle with an opportunity to lose your breath- by experiencing 360 degrees of the city’s panorama. Look where the old town and <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">new city</st1:city></st1:place> merge…in front you’ll see the temples, palaces and old communities and further east, the modern megacity Brilliant.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U1HJ1pNxMPo/Tp61r-egTDI/AAAAAAAAACY/GkL4QceOkI4/s1600/festivalgoldenmount1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U1HJ1pNxMPo/Tp61r-egTDI/AAAAAAAAACY/GkL4QceOkI4/s320/festivalgoldenmount1.jpg" width="212" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-cluster;"><span style="font-family: 'Angsana New'; font-size: 18pt;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-cluster;"><span style="font-family: 'Angsana New'; font-size: 18pt;">BKK festival : A temple fair in the middle of the capital? Coinciding with Loy Krathong each November, Wat Saket hosts the biggest and oldest temple for in <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Thailand</st1:place></st1:country-region>. The fair started in 1890 and is still going strong. Rides, games, food, crowds…this Thai-style carnival is a lot of fun!<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
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</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-cluster;"><span style="font-family: 'Angsana New'; font-size: 18pt;">The Folden Mount<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-cluster;"><span style="font-family: 'Angsana New'; font-size: 18pt;">Wat Saker <span lang="TH">(</span>by <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Mahanak</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Canal</st1:placetype></st1:place><span lang="TH">)</span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-cluster;"><st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placetype w:st="on"><span style="font-family: 'Angsana New'; font-size: 18pt;">Canal</span></st1:placetype><span style="font-family: 'Angsana New'; font-size: 18pt;"> <st1:placename w:st="on">Ferry</st1:placename> <st1:placename w:st="on">Phanfah</st1:placename> <st1:placename w:st="on">Leelas</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Bridge</st1:placetype></span></st1:place><span style="font-family: 'Angsana New'; font-size: 18pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-cluster;"><span style="font-family: 'Angsana New'; font-size: 18pt;">8.00-17.30 daily</span><span style="font-family: 'Angsana New'; font-size: 18pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
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</span></div>TheKrugthephttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03116451496129271613noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4885495688028374939.post-63163903970697163072011-10-18T05:12:00.000-07:002011-10-18T05:12:24.166-07:00The three offerings.<div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: 'Angsana New'; font-size: 20pt;">The three offerings.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: 'Angsana New'; font-size: 20pt;"></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-cluster;"><b><span style="font-family: 'Angsana New'; font-size: 18pt;">…………..Among all the Buddhist countries in the world, only three have built palaces adorned with metal roofs or Laha Prasada.<o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kz6zz5tpbTo/Tp1sVP9UGjI/AAAAAAAAABg/Fj_RBPB8CXk/s1600/wat-ratchanatdaram1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kz6zz5tpbTo/Tp1sVP9UGjI/AAAAAAAAABg/Fj_RBPB8CXk/s400/wat-ratchanatdaram1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><b><span style="font-family: 'Angsana New'; font-size: 18pt;"><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-cluster;"><b><b><span style="font-family: 'Angsana New'; font-size: 18pt;">Migaramatu Pasada ></span></b><span style="font-family: 'Angsana New'; font-size: 18pt;"> The first Loha Prasada was built in <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Sravasti</st1:city>, <st1:country-region w:st="on">India</st1:country-region></st1:place> during Buddha’s lifetime by Visakha, his greatest female disciple. This generous donation to the sangha <span lang="TH">(</span>monks and practitioners of dhamma<span lang="TH">) </span>was purported to have 500 rooms on each of its two stories with it’s a roof topped in gold. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-cluster;"><b><b><span style="font-family: 'Angsana New'; font-size: 18pt;">Lavamahapaya ></span></b><span style="font-family: 'Angsana New'; font-size: 18pt;"> Completed around 150 BC, by King Dutthagamani, the second brazen palace was erected in <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Anuradhapura</st1:city>, <st1:country-region w:st="on">Sri Lanka</st1:country-region></st1:place>. Rumored to have nine stories, it was established as a residence for up to 1,000 monks and a roof covered in copper tiles.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-cluster;"><b><b><span style="font-family: 'Angsana New'; font-size: 18pt;">Wat Ratchanaddaram ></span></b><span style="font-family: 'Angsana New'; font-size: 18pt;"> King Rama </span><span style="font-family: 'MS PGothic'; font-size: 18pt;">Ⅲ</span><span style="font-family: 'Angsana New'; font-size: 18pt;">commissioned the building of this third was to build a magnificent palace to house relics of the Buddha and offer the city a befitting gift in lieu of a less grand chedi.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-cluster;"><b><span style="font-family: 'Angsana New'; font-size: 18pt;">The temple is seven stories high and topped with 37 metal spires that signify the 37 necessary virtues in order to reach enlightenment. The first two Loha Prasadas are in ruins, so a visit here grants you a look at one of the world’s most wonderful and unique sites.<o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Angsana New'; font-size: large;">Wat Ratchanaddaram</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: 'Angsana New'; font-size: large;">Mahachai Road, Canal Ferry</span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Angsana New'; font-size: large;">9.00-17.00 daily</span></b></div>TheKrugthephttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03116451496129271613noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4885495688028374939.post-23230905405245472072011-10-16T03:30:00.000-07:002011-11-28T03:46:19.602-08:00Time barrier<div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: 'Angsana New'; font-size: 18pt;">Time barrier</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-cluster;"><span style="font-family: 'Angsana New'; font-size: 18pt;">……….Behind the white wall stretching away from Mahakan Fort lies a small old community…stepping through are of the seemingly invisible gates you enter what seems a lost world.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tZ4LX7MYK1o/TpqxgiswHII/AAAAAAAAAA4/xtnYrAMcV30/s1600/Phrasumain+Fort.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="244" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tZ4LX7MYK1o/TpqxgiswHII/AAAAAAAAAA4/xtnYrAMcV30/s320/Phrasumain+Fort.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-cluster;"><span style="font-family: 'Angsana New'; font-size: 18pt;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-cluster;"><span style="font-family: 'Angsana New'; font-size: 18pt;"> <b>Local architecture></b> The first thing to catch your eye most certainly will be the Chum Chon Baan Mai Boran or old wooden houses Rattanakosin’s only community with such houses in perfect condition. Here is a good place to see the evolution of Thai traditional wooden houses: from the steep pointed roofs in the earlier Rattanakosin period, to the gingerbread fretwork of houses from the eras of King Rama </span><span style="font-family: 'MS PGothic'; font-size: 18pt;">Ⅴ</span><span style="font-family: 'Angsana New'; font-size: 18pt;">-</span><span style="font-family: 'MS PGothic'; font-size: 18pt;">Ⅶ</span><span style="font-family: 'Angsana New'; font-size: 18pt;">, to today’s contemporarily built wooden homes. Get here quick, the city has been planning to turn the area into a park for the past several years.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-cluster;"><span style="font-family: 'Angsana New'; font-size: 18pt;"> <b>Local arts and culture></b> Traditional residential area for the city’s artisans. Among the original crafts were wooden birdcages and Thai classical music instruments; some still being built here today on weekends, if you are lucky, you might catch some classical Thai music and dance. Head to the wooden house in the front of the community’s courtyard to see instructors hosting their classes in this historically noteworthy location.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1ztdTl3Rnuo/TpqxpyuwNjI/AAAAAAAAABI/2gj_qoXn0Ek/s1600/phra-sumen-fort.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1ztdTl3Rnuo/TpqxpyuwNjI/AAAAAAAAABI/2gj_qoXn0Ek/s320/phra-sumen-fort.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nHHwhZI_-RY/TpqxuUAp9KI/AAAAAAAAABQ/A7z-MkMXGxw/s1600/Mahakan_Fort.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nHHwhZI_-RY/TpqxuUAp9KI/AAAAAAAAABQ/A7z-MkMXGxw/s1600/Mahakan_Fort.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-cluster;"><span style="font-family: 'Angsana New'; font-size: 18pt;"><br />
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</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fiw1rzy8TW8/TpqxmdAwWEI/AAAAAAAAABA/hV2NzP_Zi-E/s1600/pommahakan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="188" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fiw1rzy8TW8/TpqxmdAwWEI/AAAAAAAAABA/hV2NzP_Zi-E/s320/pommahakan.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-cluster;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Angsana New'; font-size: 24px;">BKK note: The early Rattanakosin community had as 14 fortresses but only two remain: Mahakan Fort near Phan Fa Bridge and Phrasumain Fort <span lang="TH">(</span>shown below<span lang="TH">)</span> on <st1:street w:st="on"><st1:address w:st="on">Phra Athit Road</st1:address></st1:street>.</span></div>TheKrugthephttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03116451496129271613noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4885495688028374939.post-10231849954535309572011-10-12T04:27:00.001-07:002011-11-17T03:59:45.940-08:00Rattanakosin<div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Angsana New'; font-size: 18pt;">From dawn to dusk…<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Angsana New'; font-size: 18pt;"> <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Rattanakosin</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Island</st1:placetype></st1:place><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Angsana New'; font-size: 18pt;">……...Demarcated by the Khlong Lod <span lang="TH">(</span><st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Old</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">City</st1:placetype> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Canal</st1:placetype></st1:place><span lang="TH">) </span>and Chao Praya River Rattanakosin was the city’s earliest settlement. At that time it was home to the region’s Chinese immigrants and referred to as Tambon Bangkok or ‘Bangkok District’.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Angsana New'; font-size: 18pt;"> Envisioning the future would necessitate a large degree of expansion, King Rama</span><b><span style="font-family: 'MS PGothic'; font-size: 16pt;">Ⅰ</span></b><span style="font-family: 'Angsana New'; font-size: 18pt;">sought an idea location for his new capital. He chose Rattanakosin, then relocated the Chinese community to the area stretching from Wat Sam Pluem to Wat Sam Peng <span lang="TH">(</span>today’s Wat Chakkrawat to Wat Pathum Khongkha<span lang="TH">)</span>.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-niaqqjBhNAo/TsT3FzZfSuI/AAAAAAAAAGQ/qauN1RYdwMA/s1600/bangkokweb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="268" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-niaqqjBhNAo/TsT3FzZfSuI/AAAAAAAAAGQ/qauN1RYdwMA/s400/bangkokweb.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Angsana New'; font-size: 18pt;"><br />
</span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Angsana New'; font-size: 18pt;"> The <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">new city</st1:place></st1:city> wall, palaces and forts in Rattanakosin were all modeled after grand structures found in Ayutthaya Comprised of 14 forts and 63 gates, dispersed about the city, the City Wall was impressive in it’s own right. It totaled 7.2 kilometers in length and fortified 2,589 rai<span lang="TH"> (</span>Thai acres<span lang="TH">) </span>of territory.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Angsana New'; font-size: 18pt;"> Simultaneous to the projects above, an unprecedented period of construction followed New canals were dug and considerable tracts of land were cleared making room for the residential areas and communities that cropped up.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Angsana New'; font-size: 18pt;"> This faux island blossomed rapidly from a small part settlement to a glorious city of opulence and grandeur Modern Rattanakosin still retains much of its old charm while standing as <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Thailand</st1:place></st1:country-region>’s in valuable center of arts and culture….<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Angsana New'; font-size: 18pt;">* BKK fact: To put in perspective, today’s <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Bangkok</st1:place></st1:city> is divided into 50 districts.<o:p></o:p></span></div>TheKrugthephttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03116451496129271613noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4885495688028374939.post-78713364566371440082011-10-08T06:11:00.000-07:002011-11-28T03:46:53.441-08:00History of Bangkok<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-cluster;"><span style="font-family: 'Angsana New'; font-size: 24pt;">………</span><span style="font-family: 'Angsana New'; font-size: 20pt;">Krung Thep Maha Nakorn as Thai people call it, or Bangkok as the rest of us know it, was founded by King Rama </span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">І</span><span style="font-family: 'Angsana New'; font-size: 20pt;">. Searching for the most suitable place to house a grand city, this patron of the Chakri lineage move his capital to the eastern banks of the Chao Praya River from Thonburi. He then ordered the erection of a <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">new city</st1:city></st1:place> pillar, or the Sao Lak Meaung, on April 21, 1782. In close proximity to the site where the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Grand</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Palace</st1:placetype></st1:place> would sit, the completion of this structure signified construction for the remainder of the city could commence.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-cluster;"><span style="font-family: 'Angsana New'; font-size: 20pt;"> Later the official and extremely long name for the city was bestowed: Krung Thep Mahanakhon Amon Rattanakosin Mahinthara Yuthaya Mahadilok Phop Noppharat Rattanakosin Mahinthara Yuthaya Mahadilok Phop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom Udomratchaniwet Mahasathan Amon Phiman Awatan Sathit Sakkathattiya Witsanukam Prasit. It roughly translates as follows: the great city of angels, the supreme unconquerable land of the grand royal palaces, a divine paradise for the reincarnated deity <span lang="TH">(</span>Vishu<span lang="TH">)</span>, given by Indra and created by the god.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-cluster;"><span style="font-family: 'Angsana New'; font-size: 20pt;"> So…why the name <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Bangkok</st1:place></st1:city>? There are two assumptions: <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-cluster;"><span style="font-family: 'Angsana New'; font-size: 20pt;">1<span lang="TH">) </span>the “bang”/district was bordered by a winding riverbank or “kok” and<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-cluster;"><span style="font-family: 'Angsana New'; font-size: 20pt;">2<span lang="TH">)</span> indigenous to the region were lots of ma’kok’ , a species of plum tree that grows alive-shaped fruits. In all honesty, historians still don’t know the definitive origins of the name <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Bangkok</st1:place></st1:city>.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-cluster;"><span style="font-family: 'Angsana New'; font-size: 20pt;"> What we do know is people here have always been integrally connected to water. Once just a small part, all that changed when <st1:city w:st="on">Ayutthaya</st1:city> <span lang="TH">(</span>the then capital of <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Thailand</st1:place></st1:country-region><span lang="TH">) </span>started funneling its trade southwards: Foreign warehouses and new communities sprang up as taxes and shipping fees were levied and collected here. Even though the city adopted the name “New Amsterdam” at one point, resident kept calling it <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Bangkok</st1:city></st1:place> and the name took hold. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-cluster;"><span style="font-family: 'Angsana New'; font-size: 20pt;"> Later, in the era of King Rama V, a greater city was planned based on the Western cities he himself visited. New boulevards were designed, canals were dug: the layout was impressive enough that in the salons of Europe people praised <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Bangkok</st1:city></st1:place> as an Asian city of noteworthy acclaim.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-cluster;"><span style="font-family: 'Angsana New'; font-size: 20pt;"> Recently Bangkok celebrated her 227<sup>th</sup> birthday and each day she becomes more and more the heartbeat of Thai life Typically the fist stop for tourist to Thailand <span lang="TH">(</span>and the greater region at large<span lang="TH">)</span>, Bangkok is the city to showcase fashion, culture, politics, finance and trade for the rest of the country.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-cluster;"><span style="font-family: 'Angsana New'; font-size: 20pt;"> <st1:city w:st="on">Bangkok</st1:city> and old Thonburi encompass 1,568,737 square kilometers on both sides of the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Chao</st1:placename> <st1:placename w:st="on">Praya</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">River</st1:placetype></st1:place>. The metropolis is filled with old communities and teeming with fascinating locals. Moreover, the entire area is packed with unique food offerings <span lang="TH">(</span>street vendors, floating and open air markets<span lang="TH">)</span>, creative shops, cutting-edge mails, skyscrapers, trendy urbanites, temples, palaces, museums and other cultural and historical sites. The city has a touch of green too: parks, rivers, canals, and, for those willing to venture a little outside of the downtown area, the sea.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-cluster;"><span style="font-family: 'Angsana New'; font-size: 20pt;"> No wonder Travel + Leisure magazine awarded <st1:city w:st="on">Bangkok</st1:city> “World’s <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Best</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">City</st1:placetype></st1:place>” for 2008. Those of us calling <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Bangkok</st1:place></st1:city> home didn’t need the validation but it helps us remember why it’s our favorite place to hang out.<o:p></o:p></span></div>TheKrugthephttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03116451496129271613noreply@blogger.com0