Open new Reading Thai class start 5th Jan 2015

Open New ONE Year THAI CLASS, Start MON 5th JAN 2015

                                                                             

Open new SPEAK THAI CLASS on 5th JAN 2015 (one month course)

Open new SPEAK THAI CLASS on 5th JAN 2015 (one month course)

Thai People Celebrate His Majesty the King’s Birthday

Thai People Celebrate His Majesty the King’s Birthday

December 5 each year is regarded as a very significant day in Thailand, as it marks His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s birthday. Thai people celebrate this auspicious occasion on a grand scale to show gratitude to their beloved monarch. 

His Majesty the King has righteously exercised his role under the democratic system and has also strictly abided by the Constitution. He does not desire a political role for himself, but in times of crisis, people have always turned to him. In fact, democracy is in His Majesty’s actions; he focuses on the readiness of the people and their well-being. His role, based on the democratic system, is a model for people to follow. Over the years of his reign, the political ups and downs of democracy have shown him to be a stabilizing force that the nation can look up to and rely on.

On the eve of his birthday each year, thousands of well-wishers are granted an audience with him. His Majesty addresses the nation and gives advice and useful information to his subjects. Thai people enthusiastically wait to listen to his nationwide address on this occasion.

In the book King Bhumibol Adulyadej: The Great King of Communication, it is clear that His Majesty has his watchful eyes on all happenings in the country, because Thai people are foremost in his mind. He also reckons that the people of Thailand have always looked up to their king in times of trouble. All the remarks, addresses, and speeches delivered by His Majesty reach his target audiences, and make up textbooks to be studied in various aspects at all levels, not just because of their rhetorical perfection, but as indications of his visions and activities, carefully thought out and put into practice by His Majesty himself as an example set for the people.

As a conscientious leader, and with his great compassion for all the people, His Majesty has been giving the right and proper direction for their self-conduct and livelihood, based mainly on Dhamma in Buddhism.

For more than half a century, His Majesty the King has ceaselessly devoted himself to the improvement of the livelihood of his subjects. In June 1988, he became the longest-reigning monarch in Thai history, and in 1996 he celebrated his Golden Jubilee, an event making him the longest-reigning monarch in today’s world. His Majesty is regarded as the symbol of unity and social harmony in Thai society. His birthday, December 5, is observed as Thailand’s National Day, as well as National Father’s Day. 

The deep reverence felt by all Thais for their King is perhaps unique in the modern world. Each year on His Majesty’s birthday, festivities are held throughout the Kingdom; lights decorate households, government offices, public places, and private companies everywhere. The love, respect, homage, and joy pouring forth from Thai people to honor His Majesty are wonderful to see.

Eating Muu Gratha (Thai style BBQ)

Eating Muu Gratha in Chiang Mai (Thai style BBQ)

Thai activities after school or after work it is to eat together. Its very strange to see a Thai person eat alone in a big restaurant. We like to eat together, it is Thai style culture eating.

One popular Thai restaurant is ‘’Muu Gratha” (Thai & Korean pork bbq). People like to go about 2-3 times a week. When I was in university, we would go every week.

The Muu Gratha is fresh food to be bbqd. It has pork ,chicken, sea food, vegetables etc. You collect all the food you would like to bbq and eat, then you take it to your table to cook by yourself.

It is a buffet, Thai people like a buffet. When you eat, you can chat and talk and sit as long as you want until you are full. Once you are full, stop eating keep chatting then when you feel peckish again, you can cook and eat again. On Thai New Year, it is a family time. Most Thai families will make a Muu Gratha together at home.

The Muu Gratha restaurants are open air because they are smokey. People can expect to pay about 139,159,189 ,199 Bht depending on quality and location, the price usually ends with 9

  In Chiang Mai there are many Muu Gratha restaurant.

I personally recommend some from the following links below.

First one is Egg and Golden pan located at Malin Plaza in front of Chiang Mai University

http://www.hungryfatguy.com/2012/10/lankai-bbq-buffet/

The second one PP Hot pan, located at Suandok gate and another brunch is behind ChiangMai University.

http://www.hungryfatguy.com/2012/06/pp-hotpan-shabu-suandok/

Open Speaking Thai class on 1st DEC 2014 (one month course)

·      Speaking Thai for students who would like to start or up your Thai language skills.

My advice and tips for Loy Grathong Festival 5-7 Nov 2014

       Sawatdii kha I have lived  in Chiang Mai for the last 15 years and this is my personal experience of the Loy Grathong Festival and the way it is celebrated..

From my experience, this is my advice and tips for any new tourists who have  come to  Chiang Mai and have never seen the Loy Grathong festivities  before.

           Thousands of people venture up to Chiang Mai  to see this festival, a mass of beautiful lanterns lighting up the sky, fireworks galore,a photographers dream, a great time for that romantic get away. 

 Where to go in town

1.                First.  Thapae gate and three king monument

This area is very safe for senior people with alot less fire works, you will see nice lanna lamps with colourful surroundings. An amazing parade of floats with many different themes. A very good place to grab those majic photos to share with friends on facebook and instagram

2.                Second. Nawarat bridge and Iron bridge

This is the party zone super area, with  fireworks galore,any age of people bring their own  fireworks to show off on the bridge or place their floating basket into the river. . If you want to be adventurous, walk this area, join in the fun. Many drink and food stalls also to make that special time unforgettable. This area never seems to sleep, and  is the most exciting of all areas. Very romantic..

3.             Third.  Jarern Raat road beside Nawarat bridge, on  the way to Wat Gate

If you want to buy a fireworks, lanterns, floating baskets, come to this area, we close the streets to sell many great items, with many colourful displays. Many years ago, this was the  golden area for the drinkers with many accidents happening here. Many groups form other areas came to show their power and would often end up boxing.

 So now the government has banned the sale of alcohol here to make this a safe and an attractive area for people of all ages..

This areas good for some one who is on a budget, without having to buy those fireworks etc, as the free displays are amazing.

One can still have a  drink and play fireworks under the bridge. Very  good place  to sit and  relax. There is also an alcohol free concert held here, with live bands, dancers etc..

4.               Fourth. Pubs and restaurants on the riverside such as Good view, Riverside etc.

 Golden are for tourists and drinkers, every pub or restaurant gets  fully booked so booking in advance is well recomended.

You will see many pretty girls , handsome boys all around dancing and having fun. having that special meal with a good bottle of wine is a great way to spend the night, Live bands,with a variety of music are in many of these places. Good party atmosphere here.

How to parepare yourself

1.               Your dress

Most importantly, my advice is don’t wear shorts short skirts etc because your legs  will get sparks or get hit from the fireworks. This is a very busy time, so good footwear is advised so you cant get   your feet stood, and with all the water around, wont get too dirty. .Dont be afraid, its a good night out.

2.        Valubles       Don’t carry too much money or wear too much jewelery, carry a lot of small change to buy drinks or snack or firework on the way, as  you walk around taking in the sights..

            3.lighter and candles

             These are  very important at these locations, take your own as these can be rather expensive here on this ocassion.       normal price is 5 Bht but on this night can be as much as  20 bht. Matches are not recomended as can get rather windy asdn can take some time to light. 

3.               A good camera

A good camera is an important item, as you never want to forget the time spent here for Loy Grathong. You will be showing family and friends for many years to come.

4.               Transport

After 20.00 pm these areas are very busy and not many car parks are available. In this busy time the traffic very slow with many traffic jams, full of parked motorbikes etc . A parking lot will charge about 50-100 Bht per car if you are lucky enough to find an empty space, so the most easy way of transportation I can recommend is catch a red car or take a motorbike.

This year I have senior guests staying with me, so not sure where we will end up,a restaurant along the river is my choice this year Im thinking but I will try to take a photos to show you…enjoy your Loy Grathong festival in Chiang mai kha. Please share your photos with me also

Krathong – Floating Lights and Noppamas Queen on 5-7 Nov 2014

Krathong – Floating Lights 

                     I and my Grathong I buy 30 Bht.

         The krathong is a small floating offering about 20 centimeters in diameter. Traditionally this is made from the leaves and wood of the banana tree. The raft is decorated with flowers, a candle and an incense stick. People often leave a small coin in the krathong, and occasionally they will leave a lock of the hair or even nail clippings. On the night of the full moon people will light the candle and the joss stick, and float their krathong down the river. As with the Khom Loy, this is a way that bad fortune can be discarded and made to float away. Thousands of these will float down the river making for a beautiful and moving spectacle. Usually, at the same time, thousands of Khom Loy will be drifting across the sky, so that the night sky mirrors the spectacle on the water. Almost constant firework displays, and the splashes of small boys diving in to collect the coins in the krathongs, complete the picture, and make for an unforgettable experience. Lanna or Chiang Mai came to adopt the Central Thai Loy Kratong festival only when the Queen Dara Rasami (Lanna woman) of King Rama V came back to Chiang Mai from Bangkok and floated a krathong into the Ping River. Since then, floating of krathong became popular among people in Chiang Mai and later was made even more popular by the Chiang Mai governor to promote tourism. Since then the beauty contest and Kratong Parade have replaced the original spirit of Yee Peng.

 Noppamas Queen

 Beauty contests are often a feature of Thai festivals and the Loy Krathong celebrations are no exception. According to legend Noppomas was a consort of the King of Sukothai in the fourteenth century. She was the daughter of a Brahmin priest at the King’s court. She made the first krathong out of banana leaves in the shape of a lotus flower and presented it to the King. He lit the candle and the incense stick and floated it on the water, so starting the tradition we know today. In fact, the floating of Krathongs (Loy Krathong meansfloating krathong) began as a Sukothai tradtion, but was later grafted onto these festival celebrations all over Thailand. The Loy Krathong Parade usually features contestants in the Noppamas Queen beauty contest, which is always held as part of the celebrations.

Sky Lanterns – Khom Loy / Khom Fai

The Khom Loy, also known as Khom Fai, is a cylinder of paper about one meter high, braced with wire circles. Suspended from the bottom of the cylinder is a tray containing cotton soaked in kerosene. Fireworks and firecrackers are also often attached to the tray. These catch fire and explode after the balloon is launched. Once the cotton is lit it takes about a minute for the air inside the cylinder to heat up enough to lift the balloon into the air.

It is believed that launching one of these balloons can send a person’s bad luck and misfortune away into the air, especially if it disappears from view before the fire goes out. Often people will say a short prayer before launching the balloon. Sometimes they will also place their address in the balloon, or write it on the outside. Anyone who later finds the balloon can then claim money from the sender. In this way the good fortune is shared.

The people in Northern Thailand also venerate Pra Ged Kaew Ju La Manee (the Crystal Chedi in heaven in which the Buddha’s hair is kept), and worship this by sending air ballooned lantern into the high sky. The Chiang Mai area has been the scene of massed balloon launches for a thousand or more.

We went to Thapae Gate looking for the Parade.

Many many people.

Loy Krathong in Chiang Mai 2014

               Loy Krathong (ลอยกระทง), sometimes spelled Loy Kratong or Loi Kratong, is a colorful festival held every year on the full moon of the twelfth month in the Thai lannna calendar

This Thai Festival is held all over the country, but there are particularly beautiful celebrations held in Chiang Mai, Ayutthaya and Sukhothai, where the celebrations take place over several days. Celebrations are now held throughout Thailand including Bangkok, Phuket and Pattaya, as well as parts of Myanmar (Shan State) and Laos.

• In 2014, the full moon falls on Thursday, 06 November 2014, but in many places (including Chiang Mai) the main celebration will be from Wednesday, November 05th to Friday November 7th 2014
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• Loy Krathong in Chiang Mai

  Loy Krathong generally takes place over one or two days. In Chiang Mai, this turns into a three day festival, though there are events scattered over five or six days. The night of the full moon is known as Loy Krathong Yai. The night before is known as Loy Krathong Lek. In practice there is little to choose between them. The focus of celebrations in Chiang Mai is around the Saphan Nawarat Bridge that connects Tha Pae Road on the western side of the river with Charoen Muang Road on the other side. If you like crowds and a party atmosphere this is the place to come.
  Vendors on the eastern side of the bridge sell khom loy, fireworks and also beer and whiskey. Obviously, alcohol, gunpowder and kerosene make for a dangerous combination, so be careful. On the western side of the river bamboo landings will have been constructed where people can launch their krathongs into the water. Take note that on previous occasions drunken youths have thrown fireworks at the crowd and each other. The police make an effort to regulate the younger element, but they cannot be everywhere.
  A more sedate and spiritual venue can be found at the temple of Wat Chai Mongkol, which is about two kilometers south of the bridge along Charoen Phratet Road. The temple has its own concrete landing on the river, where devotees can launch their krathongs. Throughout the evening hundreds of Khom Loy are launched into the air from the temple grounds. Khom Loy can be bought from vendors inside the temple.
  The Loy Krathong Parade features giant illuminated krathongs, on top of which are perched candidates for the upcoming beauty contest. It usually leaves Tha Pae Gate for the Night Market early on the evening of the first day of the festival.
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• We make a grathong at EasyStudyThai School.
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We not have Haloween but ghosts in Thailand are around you...

Hello what are you going to do on Halloween!?

In Thailand we not have Halloween but actually ghosts are everywhere ....

    Since I was a child,I am really scared about ghosts.Thai people believe there are ghosts every where,. We have 100 or more kinds of ghosts . 

The top five scariest ghosts are here….

Number 5 is Phii Graseu ผีกระสือ 

     She is a woman and she can fly. She takes the head and the body separately and flies with only the head and intestines. Phi Graseu eats everything especially dirty shit. When she flies, you will see light from her instestines also.

Number 4 is Phii Nang Takiean ผีนางตะเคียน

 She a very beautiful lady but very angry also. We believe that she lives in the Takien tree. Thai people will not build from the Takien tree. You will see that some of these trees have rainbow cloth. Thats the way we show respect for Phii Nang Takiean.

Number 3 is Phii Nang Tanee ผีนางตานี 

She is a very beautiful lady that  lives in banana tree and wears a green dress. At Night time she will come out from the banana tree and cheats on a guy she likes, makes love to another man. After that if a guy gets a new girl, he will get killed from her because she is very strong and jealous. The husband of Phii Nang Tanee will lose power and become very sick because she suck the life from him. If he gets help after this from a magic woo doo or a monk he will survive.

Number 2 is Phii Pop ผีปอบ

     A spirit stays inside your mind and makes you look like a zombie. During day time it is a normal human but at night time it will get very hungry and

want to get out, looking for fresh chicken, frog or rat to eat. Whoever gets Phii Pop inside the body, will go to sleep and never wake up again if the spirit wants to leave to find a new body.

Number 1 is Phii Mae Nnaak ผีแม่นาค 

   

 People say she is real, it happened about 200 years ago in Bangkok. The story is she died when she gave birthleaving her baby alone. t She waited for her husband to come back home because he is a soldier. After he came back home from the war, he thinks she is still alive and they live together, he can’t find out she already dead. Thai people think a woman who die during pregnacy, or when a baby is born, is a very strong spirit angry ghost from love and passion. Because she is the most scariest ghost of Thailand, the Phi Mae Naak is very popular in  Thai movies and is remade in many versions.