Loi Krathong Festival 2008

“Loi Krathong” is traditionally performed on the full moon night of the twelfth lunar month, which usually falls on some day in November. The floating of a ‘Krathong' a banan leaf cup is intended to float away ill fortune as well as to express apologies to Khongkha or Ganga, the River Goddess. Some believe that the ritual is meant to worship the Buddha's footprint on the bank of the Narmada River, while others say that it is to pay respect to Phra Uppakhut, one of the Lord Buddha's great disciples.
The Loi Krathong Festival is celebrated nationwide in Thailand, especially where there are rivers, canals or sources of water, with different unique characteristics.
This year, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has joint with Educational Institution and Thai Boat Association to present the Electric Float Procession from Taksin Bridge to Krungthon Bridge and the 12 lighten up buildings and historical sites along Chao Praya River during Loi Krathong Festival.

Phangnga : The house of the marvellous sea and islands

Phangnga is the best of the best in terms of the beauty of the sea. It has been a dream land for all tourists, with all its beauty and presered nature of the underwater world. Despite its long distance from Bangkok, it is 788 km from the capital, this province and its islands - Surin Islands, Similan islands and other islands in Phangnga Bay National Park - have been successfully drawing a large number of tourists for a very long time.

Tresure the natural beauty

Phangnga Bay National Park is situated in the districts of Muang and Takua Thung, famous for its glorious shore and sea views, mangrove forests as well as many interesting spots which take around three hours to complete in a single trip. Canoes are also available for tourists wishing to cherish the beauty of Phang-Nga Bay, in a bid to push eco-tourism. The national park also houses Ko Panyi, Ko Panak, ago-through cave and Khao Phing Kan (two moutains clinging to each other) and looking outwardly to the sea. Khao Tapu (James Bond Island) is also clearly visible.

Similan Islands National Park have been named the most beautiful islands in Thailand, Governed by Kuraburi district, this small colony of islands in the Andaman Sea comprises nine islands with Ko Similan being the largest. Under the water are the houses of rocks and coral reefs which are one of the most well-preserved reefs in Thailand.

Surin Islands National Park is a haven for divers, This national park houses North and South Islands and more than 10 days. Among the most famous bays are Mae Yai Bay, the largest and most quiet bay, and Luek Bay where the colour of the water is dark green due to its depth. The last group of Sea Gypsy or Le people live here, following their traditional way of life along the beaches of South Surin Islands. Opposite the National Park's office is a wooden effigy carved to look like a Red Indian, suggesting to the uninitiated that it is a sacred place for the Sea Gypsy.

Khao Lampi National Park Thai Muang Beach accommodates splendid waterfalls and beaches. The park nestles Lampi Waterfall and Ton Phrai Waterfall. Its 13-km white-sand Thai Muang Beach sand also runs along a highway.

- Thailand Travel Guide

Som Tam Thai ,Thai Green Papaya Salad

Som Tam Thai

(THAI GREEN PAPAYA SALAD)

Ingredients
Green papaya 350 grams
Carrot 50 grams
Unsalfted toasted peanuts 50 grams
Dried shrimp 50 grams
Fresh chilli peppers 3 grams

Dressing Lime juice 55 grams
Fish sauce 35 grams
Sugar (brown sugar preferable) 55 grams
Chopped garlic 10 grams

How to prepareWash and peel green papaya and carrots, grate them into long
thin strips.

Crush or grind unsalted toasted peanut.

Soak dried shrimp in water and drain well. Dry them on a baking
sheet in the oven, then grind in a food processor or grinder.

Wash whole fresh chilli peppers and crush them with the flat
part of a knifeblade.

For dressing, mix all the dressing ingredients together, stir until
sugar is completely dissolved.

Just before serving, toss the prepared shredded geeen papaya
and carrot with the dressing, add crushed fresh chilli peppers,
crushed peanuts and ground dried shrimp, Keep some crushed
peanuts and ground dried shrimp to garnish the salad.

Serve the salad on a lettuce leaf and top with the remaining
crushed peanuts and ground shrimp.

Note : For those who prefer a spicier taste, more chilli pepper
may be added.

credit : Chef's suggestion, Thai Airways

Wat Na Phra Meru, Ayutthaya

This temple was constructed during the reign of King Ramadhibodi II, the tenth king of the Ayutthya dynasty. It was the place used for signing a peace accord between Tabengchaveti, the King of Burma, and Somdet Phramahchakraphat, the fifteenth King of Ayutthaya.

In 2303 B.E., Alongphaya, a Burmese king, had invaded Ayutthaya and installed his canons in this temple to fire shells on the royal palace, which caused destruction to the palace. On the very same day, a canon burst and badly hurt the Burmese king ae king and resulis death later on.

In its chapel Wat Naphrameru houses a Buddha image in seated posture in royal dress depicting the Lord Buddha as a prince before he gained enlightenment. This type of Buddha image is seldom seen. This image is 6 meters high and 4.40 meters in width.

credit : the documents from the Department of Fine Arts

Wihan Noi or Wihan Kian, apart from its front and back porches, this Wihara is roofed with Thai tiles. The gable is carved into the imitations of flower and birds, ornamented with gold and stained glass. The timber door is carved in Kanok pattern. The mural inside depicting the story of Jatakas and argosy-trading. This Wihara houses a Dvaravadi Buddha Image in European Fashion gesture that is a green stone Buddha image.

Wat Chaiwatthanaram, Ayutthaya

Wat Chaiwatthanaram is a Buddhist temple in the city of Ayutthaya, Thailand. The temple is located on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River, outside Ayutthaya island. It is one of Ayutthaya's most beautiful temples and a major tourist attraction.

Construction of the temple began in 1630 at the request of King Prasat Thong for the memorial of his mother's resident in that area. The temple's name literally means the Temple of long reign and glorious era. It was designed in Khmer style which was popular in that time.