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