English for Minors II -Khon Kaen University

The Queen of Thai country music

2010-01-22T21:33:00.000-08:00

PUMPUANG DUANGCHAN was a Thai singer called the Queen of Thai country music ("RATCHINI LUUK THUNG KHONG MEUANG THAI" ) She came from the province of Suphanburi,

a rural area in central Thailand that has produced several Luuk Thung heroes.

Luuk Thung translates literally as children of the fields. A commercial country music style that's actually a blend of a few different Thai folk and traditional forms of music, it started around the mid-twentieth century. People who are born-and-bred natives of the City of Angels (yes, Bangkok goes by that nickname, too) don't appreciate the music much. But people with rural roots tend to really like it.

Pumpuang Duangjan herself was an example ofwhat is both exciting and tragic about the countryside in Thailand. She was an incredible singer with great style
who inspired many people, but her formal education ended at the age of eight. Pumpuang's importance for Thai music and life is unmatched. She is the 'American Dream' in a Thai version, the girl who, with nothing else than her talent, came from the rice fields (5th child of a 12 children family) in the North to become Thailand's by far most famous and loved singer. She could convincingly sound like a young schoolgirl in love, as well as a mature woman looking back on her life.

Just as quickly as she had arrived on the stage, she was lost to us. Peung died of kidney failure at Phra Phutthachinnarat hospital in Phitsanulok. She was just 31 years of age. At her funeral at Wat Tapkradan in Suphanburi province, an estimated 200,000 people turned up to pay their last respects. Even HM The King attended. Her voice and songs remains outstanding and the frequency with which her songs are still played, one and a half decade after her death,suggest that she will be remembered far beyond any foreseeable future.

References : http://edutainmenttlc.files.wordpress.com/2009/06/63053_headline.jpg
http://th.wikipedia.org

BY : Pattiporn Yoonui
Thanyaporn Sriseem

Ancient Thai Beliefs

2010-01-20T08:51:00.000-08:00

Ancient Thai Beliefs

Beliefs begin from feeling and thought of each society, because each society has different cultures. Some beliefs may have the right reason but some belief doesn’t. It’s depend on beliefs of each person, in the same social doesn’t mean everyone believe in the same things. But we would like to present beliefs of Thai ancient which most people believe.
Beliefs of Thai ancient have on many things. Beliefs are starting point of cultures and traditions of Thai society at present. Many events happens and the last event is same as the forecast of beliefs of Thai ancient.
Beliefs below are examples of beliefs of Thai ancients which about lucky, unlucky, and foretell about future that will appear. They explain by phenomena and environment around them. Examples of beliefs of Thai ancient are;

1. Bees make their hives in your house that means you will be lucky.
In natural, bees always make their hives on the big trees and live in peaceful places, but when they are making their hives under your house roof or in your house that means they will give good luck. If they make a big hive, you will get more good luck. Because Thai ancient believe bees are good luck animals.

2. Don’t wear black clothes when visit patients.
Thai ancient believe black clothes are mean sorriness. They wear black clothes only in the funeral. If you wear black clothes when go to visit patients that mean you are cursing them. You should wearing colorful or polite color clothes and make cheerful face for give their morale.

3. Smell joss stick means manes
In silence place, if you smell joss sticks although nobody light up them. It means the manes of dead people in your family is being around you. If this situation had happened to you, you’d light up one joss stick and say something like “I’m fine, don’t worry anymore”…

4. Don’t get your hair cut on Wednesday
Thai ancients believe that getting your hair cut on Wednesday is very bad luck. If you come to Thailand and notice, you’ll see that most of barbershops are closed on Wednesday.
If you get your hair cut on Sunday, you would have long life.
If you get your hair cut on Monday, you would get good luck.
If you get your hair cut on Tuesday, you would get attack from enemy.
If you get your hair cut on Wednesday, you would easy to quarrel with others.
If you get your hair cut on Thursday, you would get protection from angels.
If you get your hair cut on Friday, you would get good luck.
If you get your hair cut on Saturday, you would succeed in everything.

5. Hand hitting with the others while eating food means somebody is coming.
In the past, Thai people didn’t have telephone or anything to contact each other. So that, Thai people believe that while eating food together, if someone’s hands hit with the others by accident, it means somebody is coming to your house. So, the next day they will prepare food for welcoming guest. And the situation like this always be true.

6. Lizard greet, don’t go out.
Thai ancients believe that if you heard the lizard in your house cry behind you or up on your head that means bad luck. You’ll get the accidents. So, you should postpone your work and go out later.

7. Comb broken means bad things will happen.
Thai ancients believe that if your comb is broken while you are brushing your hair it means bad things will happen to you. You may argue over the others or you may lose something you love. Let’s throw away that comb!

8. Don’t broom the floor at night!
Thai people believe that if you broom the floor at night, it means you broom your money and your property away.

9. Don’t give handkerchief for gifts.
Thai people believe that giving handkerchief means farewell.
Because when we say good bye to someone, we use handkerchief to wipe tears.

10. Don’t buy shoes for your lover.
Thai people believe that giving shoes to lover means she or he will walk away from you.

11. Sharp pencil with the bright brain.
Thai people believe that putting sharp pencil in the glass and put them right on your worktable will make your brain brighter.

These are many beliefs of Thai ancients. Some of them can be true if you believe. It depends on you if you believe you may know about what will be happen in the future. For us, we believe on them and they come true in sometimes.

Post by

SUPUNSA MEEBOON 513081066-4
NARISA KUMSUWAN 513080700-1

Phra Maha That Kaen Nokorn Anusorn Sathuchon

2010-01-19T05:31:00.000-08:00

Phra Maha That Kaen Nokorn Anusorn Sathuchon
(The Great Nine – Story Pagoda)

Wat Nong Wang temple a tourist destination in Khon Kaen. Many people want to visit this place to see Phar Ma Ha That Kaen Na Korn, that is a giant pagoda and that is built to pay tribute to the Lord Buddha and that’s culture center of Isan. Wat Nong Wang is situated in the South of Khon Kaen city. It was established in 1789 by Tao Piamuangpach, the first governor of Khon Kaen city.

Phra Maha That Kaen Nokorn is 72 meters high on the 9th floor, and 80 meters high to the top of the pagoda is 7,780 square meters. Every floor represents the culture of Isan, such as Nang Phom Hom,Sang Sin Chai which is a folk tale of Isan. Besides that, Buddha’s teaching and Buddha’s history are presented . Example of the floor

- The 8th story is being used as Dhamma hall (The Buddha’s teaching). There is a big collection of Buddhist scriptures and carving about the sixteen Viharas of Brahmins.
- The 9th story is being used as the Buddha image hall. The Buddha’s Holy Relics are kept in a scared glass case in the center of a small beautifully decorated pavilion. The doors and windows have been carved into Brahmins of the sixteen Viharas. This story is the only point view of the city of Khon Kaen. Standing on the top of the pagoda, visitors can appreciate the wonderful views of Kaen Nakorn Lake. That’s so beautiful!

We visited to Wat Nong Wang about two years ago. We were impressed by it because we liked the view on the top of Wat Nong Wang. That was so beautiful! If you look for travel destination, we want to advise you to travel to Wat Nong Wag in Khon Kaen. You will see something more than impression and you can learn the culture and history of the people in Khon Kaen. If you come here, you can also visit to Kaen Nakhon Lake, see the beautiful evening view nearby. And you will know that Wat Nong Wang is so beautiful. We are certain.

(Reference)

Phramaha Panuwat Shilanam and Z. Robert. (n.d.). Phra Maha That Kaen Nokorn
Anusorn Sathuchon.(mineographed)

Pictures by

http://www.taklong.com/life/show-life.php?No=52618 http://www.taklong.com/isan/show-isan.php?No=69435
http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://i732.photobucket.com/albums/ww329/aggie_chai/5-5-52.jpg&imgrefurl=http://minorcee.multiply.com/photos/album/30/Sun-seT_&usg=__HrHfBF941XKEkp4_5HpJjUbyK3s=&h=680&w=1000&sz=192&hl=th&start=48&tbnid=C9-zVM4IqtrdWM:&tbnh=101&tbnw=149&prev=/images%3Fq%3D%25E0%25B8%25A7%25E0%25B8%25B1%25E0%25B8%2594%25E0%25B8%25AB%25E0%25B8%2599%25E0%25B8%25AD%25E0%25B8%2587%25E0%25B9%2581%25E0%25B8%25A7%25E0%25B8%2587%26gbv%3D2%26ndsp%3D18%26hl%3Dth%26sa%3DN%26start%3D36
http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.siamphotography.com/_album/2009/07/1246551281-674-596.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.siamphotography.com/_album/photo.php%3Fpid%3D5445&usg=__yesYcWcS0MEQC1KUWlU1JAH5Wns=&h=600&w=900&sz=291&hl=th&start=21&tbnid=KYgobarLNXSfWM:&tbnh=97&tbnw=146&prev=/images%3Fq%3D%25E0%25B8%259A%25E0%25B8%25B6%25E0%25B8%2587%25E0%25B9%2581%25E0%25B8%2581%25E0%25B9%2588%25E0%25B8%2599%25E0%25B8%2599%25E0%25B8%2584%25E0%25B8%25A3%26gbv%3D2%26ndsp%3D18%26hl%3Dth%26sa%3DN%26start%3D18

Miss. Anong Piboon 513080358-6 Is.
Miss. Watunyar Leakun 513080146-1 Th.

Isan Dance

2010-01-19T05:18:00.000-08:00

Isan Dance

In Thailand, there are many interesting cultures. In north eastern part of Thailand (I-san) region, there are many folk dances that are our unique culture. One of the dances that is interesting in I-san Dance is “Serng Yae Khai Mod Dang”

In the past, cooking and finding food sources of residents in the Northeast have to be done by themselves. There was not enough markets or shops like today. I-san people in the past, seek food from natural sources in nearby communities such as the cornfield the community forest, including forests in natural water sources. Although the modern ways of life change it, some local communities still find enough from natural sources for a living in the traditional way.

"Red ant eggs" embryos, including the red ant. It is the food for eating in the northeast during the dry season only. Considered that seasonal food is even today still popular in the consumer together with a unique taste. And can easily find a local. The tool used to find red ant eggs is equipped with a long bamboo stick tied with late baskets(ku). Add water and (ku) ready to probe by entering to the red ant eggs’ nest. Then shake out the remnant and try to separate from the red ant eggs. Then, red ants are ready to cook.

Department of Dance. College teachers Buriram. (Buriram Rajabhat University) to study patterns of red ant egg poaching by villagers. Before the invention is set to display. "Esigg probe red ant eggs" that are fun in a rousing display a native northeast artistry which has expressed the issue to a red ant eggs. This has been difficult. Both must be red ant bite or climb on clothing. Stir separated from the red ant eggs. This picture shows how to perform the dance.

Red ant eggs dancing movements.

- Travel from home. Ku lady hold water and put into a cloth rag tuck. Men hold baskets at the end of bamboo wood pole tied for punching red ant nest.
- Look for the red ant nest.
- Probe red ant has entered into bamboo bucket of water.
- The fabric preserved red ant. To separate the wizards from the red ant eggs.
- Pour water from bamboo bucket.
- Keep the tools and return home.

Costume: Men wear sarong, round - neck short sleeve shirt. Loincloth is expected waist. Posted a loincloth on their head. Lady wear a shirt sleeve round neck and blanket the cylindrical sleeve shirt before blanket breast cloth. Fabrics sarong Madhmie knee short be worn in the last.

Music striped pattern in Sudsanan and Serng Bung Fire melody.

Equipment for the show includes water Cart ku tied end pole fabric for red ant stir.

Pictures from

http://www.isan.clubs.chula.ac.th/folkdance/index.php?transaction=kalsin08.php
http://c.1asphost.com/jigko/entertain/dance_0778.html

513080358-6 Anong Piboon
513080146-1 Watunya Leykan

Thailand’s Royal Barge Procession

2010-01-18T09:39:00.000-08:00

Thailand’s Royal Barge Procession

Thailand’s Royal Barge Procession had been an antique ceremony since Ayutthaya period for the King’s ceremony. Now, it can’t be seen easily if it isn’t in the Royal Boon Kathin period and celebration of the anniversary of his majesty’s accession to the throne. So we would like to present much information about this ceremony for foreigners.

History of Thailand’s Royal Barge Procession

This legendary procession seems to have originated in the capital of Sukhothai kingdom, probably as in the 13th century. But during the war which brought about the fall of Ayutthaya in 1767, the royal barges were lost along with other treasures and the records of the Kingdom.

When King Rama I ascended the throne in 1782, to become the first king of the present Chakri Dynasty, he considered the renewal of national arts and craft and maintenance of tradition, an early. This included construction of new royal barges. So the royal barge procession survives and has occasionally been performed since then up to today.

Type of the Royal Barges ceremony

1.1 The Royal Barge Suphannahong ("the Golden Swan" or the "Phoenix") was built in 1911 during the reign of Rama VI with a bow resembling a mythical swan, or Hong, adorned with gold lacquer and glass jewels, with a crystalline ball and tassle dangling fr

om her mouth. This 46 meter craft was carved from a single trunk of teakwood, and was launched November 13, 1911. There is a golden pavilion on board to house the King and his Royal family. The World Ship Trust, in 1992, awarded the Royal Barge Suphannahong as a Maritime World Heritage.

1.2 The Royal Barge Anantanakkharat

was buit during the reign of Rama III (King Nangklao).The bow is carved into rhe 7-headed Nakkharat, the mystical snake-like creature, in gold lactuer and glass jewels.

1.3 The Royal Barge Anekkachatphuchong ("the Variety of Serpents") is the oldest of the four Royal barges, being the actual barge built during the reign of Rama V (King Chulalongkorn). While no mystical figure is readily visible on the bow, numerous small ornamental Naga figures are carved into the bow.

1.4 The Royal Barge Narai Song Suban Ratchakan Thi Kao or The Royal Barge Narai Song Suban HM King Rama IX ("God Narayana on his carrier, Garuda") is the only barge built during the reign of Bhumipol Adulyadej, who laid the keel in 1994, it was built under commission by the Royal Thai Navy and the Thai Department of Fine Arts and was launched May 6, 1996 to coincide with the celebration of Bhumibol Adulyadej's Fiftieth Anniversary of his accession to the throne.

2. The Escrot Barges

2.1 The Krut or garuda class barge with the garuda, Vishnu's steed, in flight on the bow.

2.2 The Ekachai class barge with the horn of a mythical horned dragon or hera on the bow. The dragon's head and body are painted on the hull of the barge. The Ekachai class is the only type of royal escort barge that does not have a cannon on the bow.

Organization

Major and the Minor. The Major formation, also known as the Major Battle Formation (Petch Phuang Major Battle Formation) dates from the time of King Narai. This formation is used for the more significant events, such as The Royal Kathin Ceremony, movement of the sacred image of Buddha, or important occasions of state. The Petch Phuang Formation is arranged into five columns, with the Royal Barges in the center, and two rows of war barges on each side. In the Minor formation, there are three columns, the Royal Barges in the middle, and a single row on each side.

The Route of the Royal barge Procession

The procession vessel has started in area of Tha Wasukri where it parks the Royal barge from the front of Krung ThonBridge to behind of Rama VIII Bridge. This procession vessel has started from Rama VIII Bridge, across of Phra Su Men citadel, the Phra Pin Klao Bridge, Siriraj Hospital, Navy Department garage , Royal naval Council, Grand Palace , Royal Thai Navy Convention Center,Temple of the Dawn and has arrived at front of Wat Kanlayanamit.

References

http://www.thailandmuseum.com/thaimuseum_eng/royalbarges/history.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Royal_Barge_Procession

http://www.tour-bangkok-legacies.com/types-of-royal-barges.html

Members
Kanlachan Itthipatachai 513081011-9 Spanish Major.

Sarayut Sirichan 513081017-7 Spanish Major.

Thai Famous Singers

2010-01-17T02:06:00.000-08:00

Thai Famous Singers

In Thailand, we listen to many types of music (both artists from our country and other countries). There are many famous singers in Thailand. We are proud of them. Thai singers have good talents and abilities. They present our cultures to many foreign countries. Many of them can go international. For example; Tata Young, who has many fans around the world. People from many countries know her songs. We will present 4 famous Thai singers. Do you know any of them?

TATA YOUNG

Tata Young’s real name is Amita Marie Young. She was born on December 14, 1980 in Thailand. Her father is American and his mother is Thai. She is a singer, actress, and model. When she was 10 years olds, she liked to watch singing contests on TV. She thought that she could do it! Then she told her parents about her dream. And when she was 11 years old, she won “The Nissan Awards: Thailand Junior Singing Contest 1992” with the song “One Night Only”. After the contest when she was 14 years old, her first album “AMITA TATA YOUNG” fascinated Thai people, this album was very successful, her first album had been sold more than one million copies in five months! After she became a popular singer, she had a lot of works, moreover she became an actress and a model ,too. In 2004, she released her English-language debut album,

“I Believe”, which hit 9x platinum in Thailand and struck gold around Asia.
Tata Young sings many kinds of music such as pop, ballad, and rock. Tata Young have received a lot of awards. She is the female-singer that makes a high-income, All of her albums had been sold more than 14 millions copies. She remains one of the most popular performers in Thailand.

Bird, Thongchai McIntyre

He is a superstar of Thailand. He's a Thai singer known throughout the country. Nobody don’t know him. "Bird" Thongchai was born in Bangkok on December 8, 1958. He is a Thai pop singer who released his debut album in 1986. His English name is Albert McIntyre who is the son of 9 in 10 people of his family. Growing up in his family that loves music, Bird loved to sing and dance at the school stage. On his first show, Bird show his talents and becomes a famous singer After he joined a singing contest of Siam Music foundation in 1986. He reached the highest point of his musical career in the early nineties. Among his best-known songs are Duay Rak Lae Pook Pan, Koo Gud, Sabai Sabai and Kob Jai Jing Jing. His popular singles released recently include Luk Thung singles Mah Tummai (with Jintara Poonlarp), Fan Ja (with Jintara and Jarin B., Nat Myria Benedetti and Katreeya English), Lao Su Kan Fang, and Yak Tham Kor Tob and Mai Kang Ying Pae from his album "Volume One". Westerners became aware of him in the mid nineties as he became the first Thai artist to receive an International MTV Award, be featured in the most high budget Thai film at the time. He has won other awards around in Thailand and aboard. He has many works such as drama, music and movement, all of them. Performance of his songs become famous throughout Asia, or perhaps even the world. His songs have been translated into several languages such as Chinese and English. He will receive encouragement and feedback from the many of his audience. And now he is a No.1 Super Star of Thailand and he has been always. He is working on music and concerts to follow always. This is Bird Thongchai McIntyre.

ICE Saranyu

Saranyu Winaipanit was born on September 12, 1984. He graduated from the Srinakharinwirot Prasanmitt University in Bangkok. Now, he 24 years old. He began to compete in singing championship from the First Stage Show in 2003. He is the son of Thai teachers. Saranyu is most commonly known by his fans as Ice Saranyu. In 2006, Ice released his debut album Ice along with the single "Kon Jai Ngai…Jud jud da da" (Gullible people) under the label Thai GMM Grammy company. These songs hit most Thai fans. It has been translated several languages. And recover of this music to do again several times. And then this song was translated in Japanese. Japanese may know him because he toured to Japan to make people know him more, too. He is a famous singer who can go-inter as well. Moreover, he had won MC Search and Champ of The Year Award. Although he is young, he has so many talents. This is Ice Saranyu Winaipanit.

GOLF-MIKE

Golf and Mike are brothers. Golf is the third son and Mike is the youngest son of a family of four sons. The other two sons Sand and Bank were also popular singers, and the youngest sister whose name is Ying. Golf and Mike, more often credited in Thailand as Golf-Mike are a Thai pop duo consisting of brothers Pichaya "Golf" Nitipaisalkul and Pirath "Mike" Nitipaisalkul. Golf was born on February 20, 1987. Mike was born on December 19, 1989. Golf and Mike have qualified in the G-Junior Project 1, a new artist training program of Thai GMM Grammy company in 2002. (Thailand's largest entertainment company). Both have been training to dance and sing in concert with opening concerts such as Pattaya Music Festival. And tour with artists under the "Johnny Junior Company", Japan. Approximately 4 years ago that both albums will see the first in life. On November 2005 with their self-titled album named Golf-Mike Dance-pop track "Bounce" was chosen to be the album's first promotional single, and it became a big hit in Thailand. The other tracks, "Ruang Lek Kaung Tur", "Ta Lok Dee", "Yah Len Bab Nee," and "Epilogue" were also widely accepted in the industry. On June 2007, they released their first Japanese debut single, "Nippon Ai Ni Ikuyo". Two months later they released their debut Japanese album RIN. On September 2007, Golf & Mike released a Korean version of their one by one album under SM Entertainment. It contains two bonus tracks sung in Korean. From October to November 2009, Golf & Mike held a concert tour around Thailand in 9 provinces. The tour was called The Closer Golf Mike National Tour Concert By Puriku. Their last concert of the tour was in Bangkok. These are two young smart guys. Their ability to guarantee and made known to many in Thailand.

Do you know any of them? We hope you like our singers. We know that there’s no any border for the world of music. In the present, it is normal and easy to listen to music from other countries in the world. Use the music to be your wing and fly to the world!

Posted by :

Nakarin Poonphol 513080643-7
Jidapa Watchaponpong 513081005-4
KHONKAEN UNIVERSITY

Thai Silk

2010-01-17T01:34:00.000-08:00

History of Thai silk

We don't have sure evidence about history of Thai silk that explain when is the first time we made Thai silk, but we know to made silk or textile is one of most ancient handicraft in the world because it began until prehistoric times. In Thailand, fabric weaving has been practiced since prehistoric times and rural society has regarded it as a woman's duty during spare time after work in the fields. The development of both colors and designs of the finished products have been a result of the weavers' own imagination and a long heritage as well as some other factors. In the old days fabrics were a kind of status symbol; there were fabrics for the common people to be used either everyday or on special occasions like merit-making, traditional rituals or important festivities, fabrics for the upper class including the king and the royal family and finally those for the Buddhist monks.
Thai fabrics have a great number of designs, usually distinguished by region. Northern women have been considered very skillful weavers, especially of cotton fabrics. They started by weaving for domestic use and then produced for export as well. It is said that during the twentieth and twenty-first century BE the northern part of Thailand which was known as the Lan Na Kingdom produced many good fabrics for sale in neighbouring states, some of which were Pha Si Chan Khao, Pha Si Chan Daeng, Pha Si Dok Champa etc.. During the Sukhothai Period, about 700 years ago, besides the ordinary coloured ones, a five-colour fabric was produced, commonly known as Pha Benjarong. Different groups of people then produced their own fabrics; court people for example would make fabrics for themselves and ordered some fabrics from abroad. As history has it, silk began to be imported from China during that time. Besides clothing, people began to use fabrics for other purposes such as home decoration (long flags) and other household items (pillows, mattresses, curtains). Fabrics during the Ayudhya Kingdom which was about 400 years ago assumed another important role besides materials for clothing and decoration-they were used as money. They were sometimes given by the king instead of money for rewards and often for the annual remuneration, hence the term Pha Wad Raipee
Thai silk is the heritages of Thai dress cultural succeed for over 3,000 years until now. The art of making silk originated in northeastern Thailand, where cloth weaving is a traditional craft and expansion to upper North. After that Thai silk’s been spread to all of Thailand’s part. Now, Thai silk is called the most famous heritages of Thailand. Patterns and designs depend on each region and local unique.

Producing and selling places

Most of the silk products you'll find in stores, especially in the United States, most likely come from one of these three countries. There are basically two methods of producing the silk. One is by hand, which is mostly done in Thailand, and another is by machine, which is done in Japan and China. The cost of silk products from these countries is very high because of the technology involved. That is one of the reasons why silk is such a valued commodity, especially in the United States.

How Thai silk is made?
All the silk using a rather complicated process. Although there are now many enormous, automated factories making silk fabric all over the world, women weavers at their homes in Northeast Thailand using traditional methods and their own looms. This is why the cloths are unique.
What's the difference between machine woven and hand woven Thai silk?
Every piece of hand woven Thai silk is a timeless, unique work of textile art from the hands of a rural Thai woman. Since it is art work produced by a human, it forever carries thoughts, emotions, feelings, spirit and life of the weaver. Machine woven silk is a wider and sometime is more suitable than hand-woven silk.
Today, there are number of silk companies in and around Bangkok. However, northeast is still the major region of silk production. The company founded by Jim Thompson near the Northeastern town of Pak Thong Chai. There is the largest hand weaving facility in the world. Silk from Thailand can be purchased not just in local shops but throughout the world.
Thai silk products includes Thai silk scarves, Thai silk shawls, necktie, Thai silk handbags, purses , silk pillow, Thai silk table runners, and Thai silk cushion covers.

Method to maintain silk

1. Should clean silk by dry-clean solution in soft type, shouldn't clean silk by powdered detergent. It will be better if use dry-clean solution in especially silk.
2. Shouldn't clean silk by washing machine, because it's make silk crumpled that hard to iron.
3. Shouldn't dry silk in the strong sunlight, because that make silk's color to pale. Should dry in a place where open-air and soft sunlight.
4. Before iron silk should squirt the iron solution which especially silk, and iron in carefulness.
5. If silk is very crumpled, should take it in refrigerator and steep it about 10 -15 minutes. This way will make silk easy to iron.

references
http://www.tsquarewedding.com/index.php?lay=show&ac=article&Id=538732251&Ntype=4
http://www.silkthailand.com/articles/mainarticle2.htm
http://www.panyathai.or.th/wiki/index.php/%E0%B8%9C%E0%B9%89%E0%B8%B2%E0%B9%84%E0%B8%AB%E0%B8%A1%E0%B9%84%E0%B8%97%E0%B8%A2

By
Supunsa Meeboon HS. CHI 513081066-4
Narisa Kumsuwan HS.JP 513080700-1

Songkran Festival

2010-01-15T00:26:00.000-08:00

“Songkran” is the Thai traditional New Year
and an occasion for family reunion. It starts April 13 and lasts between 3 and 10 days, depending on where you are in Thailand.It is the great opportunity for merit-making and a special time for Thai people to have fun,traditional music, dance, games, and other activities in the pastime. Thai people celebrate this festival with water. Everyone gets soaking wet and since it is the hottest season of the year, the custom is quite refreshing. Songkran is a Public Spring Cleaning Day, supported by the religious belief that anything old and useless must be thrown away or it will bring bad luck to the owner.

Activities in Songkran

In the morning, people go to the temple to make merits by offering food to monks and novices, observing the precepts, Five or Eight precepts and listening to the Dhamma talk. During the afternoon of the 13th, Buddha images are bathed as part of the ceremony. Young people pour scented water into the hands of elders and parents as a mark of respect while seeking the blessing of the older people. In ancient days, old people were actually given a bath and clothed in new apparel presented by the young folks as a token of respect for the New Year.

After Buddha image and the monks bathing ceremony and asking blessing from elders, young people splash each other playfully. The waters that bring to splash have to be clean water and mixed with the aroma Ngmab. The place in playing splash is temple or square of the village mostly.

As part of the water sprinkling, water splashing and string tying rites, you may also encounter a person with a small silver bowl filled with a white powder or pasty substance. This is one of the oldest Songkran traditions. The white paste is a sign of protection and promises to ward off evil. The person with the paste is often older and he or she applies the paste to various parts of the face, neck and torso of others. One is expected to leave this paste on until it washes off of its own accord, and while there is a tendency to shy away from this paste because it looks like it might ruin the clothes, it is water soluble and will not harm materials.

There are other rituals and merit-making rites that people engage in at Songkran. In addition to the traditional cleaning of the home and bidding the old year adieu, these include making offerings to local temples and the monks. The offerings include preserved foods cooked dishes, fresh fruit and new robes for the monks. Also people build sand piles on the temple grounds and these sand piles represent personal pagodas built as part of the merit-making ritual.

The importance of Songkran Festival

1. It is annual holiday in Thailand and this has been a perfect time
to take break from the business of earning a living.
2. It is merit-making day and dedicated charity to the deceased relatives.
3. It’s a day to show gratitude parents and asking the blessing from the elders.
And Songkran Day is the day of the National Seniors.
4. It’s a family day. When Songkran arrived, all relative come to
participate philanthropy and create charity.
5. It’s conservation of Thai culture and tradition.

References:
http://gotoknow.org/file/su1958/141949795.jpg
http://agschool.rta.mi.th/images/stories/thai/sonkarn/sk1.jpg
http://www.voyagetravelmag.com/database/upload_files/photo_contest/aor.JPG
http://show.kapook.com/files/photo/07-09/24/medium_kapook-1248447492.jpg

By : Pattiporn Yoonui
Thanyaporn Sriseem
Khonkaen University, Thailand

Muay Thai

2010-01-14T19:38:00.001-08:00

MAUY THAI (THAI BOXING)

History Of Muay Thai is the Thai traditional boxing. It use almost all parts of the body during the fight espectually the forehead, the fists, elbows, knees, and feet, these are often used as the weapons during the fight. In the past, Muay Thai was taught only in the nobles but now Muay Thai is popular for whoever interested. Muay Thai has been more than 2000 years Muay Thai was also once called the martial art of the kings because of the fact that in 1914 the sons of the King Sen Muajng Ma fought until their death for the throne of their father

Techniques

The punching techniques, The straight punch is a power punch extended directly forwards towards the target, the fist palm down, aimed at the chin or solar plexus.

The elbow techniques, The elbows provide a dangerous form of attack, used to cut and sometimes to knock out. It is delivered in a hooking, uppercut or overhand motion. When first practicing the elbow, swing your elbow straight up in the narrowest possible angle. Do not hit the target bluntly but see if you can scrape the target lightly with your elbow.

The kicking techniques Muay Thai has many different kicking techniques like the nutcracker kick, straight kick, diagonal kick, roundhouse kick, spinning kick, axe hill kick, half spin half knee kick, jump kick, and step up kick. The most commonly used though are the kick and the foot jab.

The knee techniques In muay Thai punches are rarely thrown to the stomach area, as the knee is a much more effective weapon.You can do the knee techniques by stand up on your toes. Lift yourself up with a straight leg. Step forward into the attack always keeping your hand high in guard. Fold your leg as tightly as possible and point the toes. Or the toes can point up, ready for a thrust kick. Send power from the hips in the same way you send power to the punch from the shoulder. This will make the strike more powerful.

Foot techniques Foot-thrust will be mainly used as offensive technique to block the opponent's attack. The foot-thrust also use for make the opponent off balance and take a chance to attack. It is quite rare to see boxers use the foot-thrust aggressively as a deadlyy weapon to knock out, but using foot-thrust first then follow by kick or other weapon quickly maybe the good practice to learn

Accessories

Boxing gloves : You can find it in the sport shop. To choose the best gloves, the first thing is you need to know the importance they are. Boxing gloves are very important in boxing. They are used to protect your hands and wrists. They also safe your opponent’s life.Moreover The most importantly, they must be made of great quality materials.They depend on the price, too. If you buy them in cheap price, their qualities are not good. However it is better if you spend more money, you will get a good one

Bag glovesYou can also choose the size that perfectly fit your hands with the weight you want. General sizes are S, M, L and XL depended on each manufacturer.A pro fighter normally uses 8 – 10 oz. gloves with the size that absolutely fits his hands. In addition, you can find 10 oz. gloves in S, M, and L. Before trying the bag gloves, you must wrap your hand You don’t want to feel too tight or too loose because that could hurt your hands and wrists instead of keeping them safe.

Hand wrap : It is strip cloth. It is used to protect your hand, the palm, the wrist and the thumb where it serves to both maintain the alignment of the joints

Boxing shorts : . You can choose from normal sport shorts when you want to practice. The are many differences are of the material used to cut the shorts. For example, Nylon, Cotton, Polyester Blend and Satin. It’s up to you to decide buying. But the important thing is that you should feel comfortable and have a free movement.

The Famous Thai Boxing Places

Rajadumnern Stadium : It is located in Rajadumnern nork Road, Bangkok. It was built by the thinking of Field Marshal Piboonsongkram (Jompon Por Piboonsongkram) It was built before world war II and finished in 2488 by The Crown Property Bureau

Rajadumnern Stadium is the first standard stadium in Thailand. The famous boxers fight here like Phon Kingpet , Chartchai Chiawnoi , Venis BKS, Khaosai Galaxy , Chana Por Paoin.Now this stadium has an air-conditioner so that people usually call Vig Air. It hasthe fight every Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 18.00 – 21.00. And on Sunday from 17.00-21.00. It is close in the religious day.

Lumpini Stadium : It is a nearly standard of Rajadumnern Stadium. Located on Rama IV Road, Klongtoei,Bangkok. It was founded in 2499 by Major General Prapat Jarusatien. Now it is controlled by Thai Army. It has a fight every Tuesday and Friday from 18.00-22.00 and Saturday from 17.00-24.30

Proud of Khon Kaen University

The "Spirit of Fighting" won best national costume

Miss Thailand Universe 2008 Gavintra Photijak wears national costume, which the costume was inspired by traditional muaythai style and called the "Spirit of Fighting" by Thai student Sathapat Moonma, a senior-year architecture student from Khon Kaen Univerisity. Thailand's Gavina came out stage perform in Wai-Kru , Cherng, Kon andMae-Mai muaythai, which won the best national costume award at the 57th Miss Universe pageant at Crown Convention Center, Nha Trang, Vietnam, with 80 of the world's most beautiful women competing to win one of the pageant world's most coveted crowns. Despite final Miss Venezuela Dayana Mendoza, 22, won the title.

BY Mr.Nanthapong / Miss Ratinad

References

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muay_Thai

http://thai-boxing.org

Thai Silk

2010-01-14T04:07:00.000-08:00

About Thai silk

Thai silk is weaved from the fiber that is the strongest, it’s glossy and different from the other fiber. Thai silk is the important identity of Thailand and it’s important for the Thai economy nowadays. Thailand export silk about five hundred million baht each year, about 40% of silk is produced and 60% of silk is sold to the tourists and also Thai people. The total of value is about 800-1,000 million baht. There are more than 500 Thai silk’s shops in Thailand. Thai silk describe to an identity of each region and there are various ways in weaving, pattern, and style.

Thai silk is most popular because it’s durable and beautiful. On the other hand, Thai silk can describe to the statue in the social. Today Thai silk is developed into industry, there are many factories that produce Thai silk in every region of Thailand and many of the best quality Thai silk are exported. The important market are USA, European Union and also in Japan. Thai silk can be designed in various styles for modernization.

Quality of Thai silk.

There are two attribute of Thai silk.

1. Silk appearance: When you are looking at Thai silk, you will be glitter and spellbound. In the meantime if you are wearing Thai silk, it will present your taste too.

2. Silk arrayal or touching: When Thai people are wearing silk, they will be proud of themselves because it is one of symbol of Thailand. And If you are foreigner who want to touch this sensation, you must wear silk by yourself. Then it will give you an impression.

Pattern and Tone.

1.Loincloth : it likes checkered. Red, black and white are popular color now.
2.Breast cloth :manufacturer love to weave it in tint color or sometime the same as loincloth.
3.Sarong : its style likes huge checkered and sometime it does not have any decoration. At this moment Sarong become britches such as in photos below.
1.Panung*: there are eight design of Panung: homespun, Pahole, Pakon, Pakaneaw, Paaumpun, Pasamor,Pakan and Pamudmee . The most famous Panung is Mudmee silk or everyone know that is kind of Thai silk woven in northeastern Thailand. Mudmee has lined figures from bring floss that were bind by plastic rope dye in enamelware.

*Panung is word described one kind of cloth. When you change its position, we call Nungpa. Nungpa is a verb to describe how to wear the cloth.

Thai silk in the world market.

In the past, Thai silk was not emerged in the world market. Even in Thailand, Thai silk was not popular because everyone thought silk is suitable for adults and elderly people. After the World War 2, many people are more interested in Thai silk.
And another important reason is that the Queen Sirikit has a Royal Project about constitution office of silk to encourage this. Mudmee silk is initiated one important type of Thai silk, Her Majestry assists in manufacturing and exportation.

Not only Mudmee silk has beautiful design, it also has durability. If you know how to save it in a correct way. Right now leading designers bring silk for dressmaking. Thai silk can also be everything on your demand. It is not only cloth but it has more attraction by fragrance of bark. And a lot more of Thai silk attraction that can’t described by letter. You must touch it by yourself. Thai silk will make you fascinated. Touch it by yourself.

Thai herb in Thai beverage.

2010-01-14T01:30:00.000-08:00

In the first article we talked about Thai herb in Thai cuisine, but not only used in cuisine. Herb is used as composition in various products such as medicine desserts and drinks. Thai drinks may not be as famous as Thai food, so not many people around the world know about its properties and tastes.
In Thailand herbs have been using as one of ingredients for a long time.
At former time, herbal beverage was used only in order to cure patients. It was cooked simply by boiling. But at present, when technology and evolution is getting better, the method to make a good beverage is increasing, too. There are many worth drinking herbal beverage in Thailand. Here are some examples.

Centella asiafic (Linn) Urban juice
Taste: This one might be too better, if it was not cook properly.
Medical properties: restraining some types of cancer cell such as Ehnlich
ascites and Dalton's Lymyhoma ascites. Curing internal bruised wound. Maintain tiredness. And recreasing inflaming.

Lemon grass juice
Taste: quite spicy, pungent taste and pungent smell. But delicious.
Medical properties: decreasing internal heat. Restraining some king of bacteria’s progress. Curing flatulence.

Pandanus Odorus juice
Taste: good taste with refreshing feel.
Medical properties: enriching heart. Refreshing from tiredness.

Aegle Marmelos juice
Taste: guarantee that must be loved by people who like sweet.
Medical properties: curing flatulence. Decreasing phlegm. Adding food requirement.

Ginger juice
Taste: quite spicy, pungent taste and pungent smell. But delicious.
Medical properties: Curing flatulence. Relieving coughing.

Star gooseberry juice
Taste: sour and sweet.
Medical properties: full with vitamin C. good to when thirsty.

If you are interested in these herbal beverage, you can buy to make it simply by yourself from Thai convenience store.

Here are some of the instant and readymade products.

Instant Centella asiafic (Linn) Urban juice

Inatant Ginger juice

Instant Aegle Marmelos juice

Instant Lemon grass juice

Instant Pandanus Odorus juice

Beliefs about “Each day in Thailand” (Do not thing)

2010-01-13T08:34:00.000-08:00

Belief is ingrained with all men. Beliefs arising from a sense of understanding the person. Which may be required to believe the main reason or the wrong time of the main reasons. Beliefs of many Thai people are very traditional. Treasured Eastern belief that the cause of many different traditions and practices. Of Thai society today.

Beliefs quoted following the beliefs of the ancient Thai people. About the evil nature of the lucky people. The interpretation of events that will occur in the future. Enough to explain that to understand by looking or objects taken k mouth environment that resembles a body that indicate events that will occur to comply with resolutions that belief.

Beliefs is ideas or direction opinion of people should be in the same way. Beliefs of the Thai people have many such. Specifically, the form of the beliefs that are transmitted from the past to future generation such as belief in the each day. Thai people have a belief in the each day.

Example; on Saturday do not housewarming because it believed that Saturday is the strong day. If it will make family life is not happy.

On Friday do not funeral because Friday is day of fortune and conviviality.If a funeral was held on terrorism will cause more. In the words of that. “Undertaking on Friday are suftering for the people living there”

On Tuesday do not sharing stick because it believes that Tuesday is a hard day, If sharing stick then it may be serious accident.

On Wednesday do not wedding and hair cut because it believes that Wednesday is the day of the exuberance. Things are not cut in on this day such as tree cutting and Barber are also stop service on Wednesday.

Reference
oldforum.serithai.net/index.php?topic=38352.0
www.vcharkarn.com/.../showarticle.php?aid=33599
nco919.com

Kamonmarn Sirichokmongkolchai
Chutima Tangkheunkhan

Animation in Thailand

2010-01-13T06:43:00.000-08:00

ANIMATION OF THAILAND

In addition to the animation of western and Japanese will be available and many more. Now Thailand has the cartoon animation of variety. Development of the Thai animation started when 60 years ago. The character animation can be found in TV ads. Example; Ad balm created by a teacher Subpasiri Vichaisiri who created the animation, the first person in Thai also. And little bear from bear Brand milk ad.

Afterward the Thai movie industry is a plan to create the animation movie about the first. But canceled because the media control laws in the day. But again 10 years later Buddhist era is the 2498 animation film consists of Soarsanajinda. And then Thai has the project about the animation on the Cartoon Hanuman anti-Communist that is baked by America. But had to cancel because of country’ leading satirical edge that caused the year of the Monkey.

Buddhist era in 2522. Thai movie industry sent on the first animated movie called Sudsakorn that folk tales of the Thai people are known to ancients to the present. It’s considered fairly successful in that era. Later in the Buddhist era.2526 have the first animation on TV called lovely butterflies. Afterwards it had come to many. However, the animation that requires relatively high cost makes. Thai’s animation must be close.

But when the Buddhist era 2542 animation Thai likely dead is returned from the resurgent efforts from Broadcast company. Bring the body has been adapted from Thai literature become the cartoon animation which has been considered as well. Until Buddhist era in 2545 known that gold is the year of the animation industry, Thailand has sent the cartoon animation to cinema especially Pang Pond and Sudsakorn. Both of them have created a phenomenon in term of sales character devices using combined sales. Further more there are also soundtrack haunt too.

1. KANKUAY

This is the story of the growth of the elephant that playful calf independent living amidst deep forest, but then with curiosity about the missing father. His departure has led to a great adventure through a variety of events to learn new lessons that changed him into the brave elephant filled with vitality

as a gentle soul.

2. THE BUDDHA

The animated movie animation 2D this is aimed to prepare to celebrate on the occasion that the King completed 80 years of age on December 5, 2550. In addition the cartoon animation takes longer to create 4 years. The body of the film combines some principle teachings of the Buddha. All of Buddhist can be realized easily through avatars that people enjoy it.

3. NARK

Nark has models and ideas from the Mea Nark- Prakanong. Young ghost the most famous legend in Thailand. But in this movie, Nark that looks lovely, good shape, big eyes, more modern look innocuous like another movie’s version Nark in the cartoon is woman that has higher leadership. Love friends, love children (especially good children) and love justice. Hate most people who prefer to browbeat others. She ready to protect people who are always ill-treated. She is agility as much demand.

References:

www.cityvariety.com/files/movie/kankluay_00.jpg

www.siamzone.com/.../2007/thebuddha/poster1.jpg

www.yenta4.com/.../1231106_5696377.jpg

Kamonmarn Sirichokmongkolchai

Chutima Tangkheunkhan

Khon Kean University , Thailand

Thai Gag Comics, Just for Laugh

2010-01-13T04:56:00.000-08:00

Thai Gag Comics, Just for Laugh

Do you believe that laughing will increase the body immune system?

If we talk about the popularity of comics in Thailand, we read them since they cost only 5 Baht. Previously, Thai comics would be created from author’s imagination or folk tale, but in 1955, a publishing was established called ‘Banluesan’ and it was the beginning of Thai gag comics that is the most popular in Thailand.

In 1973, a new gag comic magazine called ‘Kai-hua-roh’ is introduced through the work of Mr. Vithita Utsahachit, 18 years, a son of Banluesan publishing founder, that lead the publishing to fulfill smiles and laughs growing along with Thai people’s reading habit.

Nowadays, there are many comic magazines’ titles and each one is very well-known for Thai people since kids to adults such as Baby, Nhoo-Jah*, Kai-hua-roh, Ma-ha-sa-nook**, Nhoo-Hin-Inter, Pang-Pond***. These gag comics stay with Thai people for a long time especially ‘Kai-hua-roh’ that just celebrated its 1000th issue, this can prove its popularity and the relationship from readers to the book.

* Nhoo-Jah is for calling a little kid.
** Ma-ha-sa-nook means very happy.
*** Pang-Pond is the name of main character in the book.

A is an example of Baby cover.
B is an example of Nhoo-Jah cover.
C is an example of Ma-ha-sa-nook cover.
B is an example of Pang-Pond cover

An this is ‘Kai-hua-roh’ 1000th issue cover.

Because there are so many titles, we’d like to present two titles of the most popular comics, Kai-hua-roh and Nhoo-Hin-Inter. Let’s see!

Kai-hua-roh

Kai-hua-roh, means selling laughter, is a weekly comic book that presents three channels – ended gag comic (can be more or less than three channels) which takes the most spaces in the book. There are gag stories inserted between three short fictions. The book is in the size of B5 and costs 15 Baht for each.

About top hits gags that are well-known as Kai-hua-roh style and familiar for the fans are castaway gag, building’s corner thief gag, master and maid gag, couch-doctor and patient gag, Prince of Devils and the dead gag, parody gag and so on.

The ways that these gags are adapted into each issue to make people laugh throughout many years are unique capabilities of the cartoonists that they can develop their ideas endlessly.

Two example gag pages are presented below.

We're so sorry that these pictures are not clear so if you want to read the texts, please click the 2 links.

Adapted 1 >> http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p126/aom_danrc/Others/eng.png

Adapted 2 >> http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p126/aom_danrc/Others/1Eng.png

Nhoo-Hin-Inter

Nhoo-Hin-Inter is the name of one of the most famous Thai comics. It is created by Aoh (famous cartoonist) since 1995. Nhoo Hin Inter is highly famous in Thailand especially in Bangkok and North-Eastern. It was also made to be a comedy film called Nhoo Hin The Movie.

Nhoo-Hin-Inter is the story about a little girl named Nhoo Hin who are about 17 years old. She came from a countryside of Ubon Ratchathani city, north-eastern of Thailand, about 500km far from Bangkok. She came to Bangkok to get a job as a worker but she had some accident so she got a job as a housemaid instead.

Nhoo Hin is a kind of funny girl. She is honest, nice but clumsy that make the interesting humor story. Sometimes her clumsiness and innocence make a disorder or funny situations.

Other main characters

Milk, a girl who is the boss of Nhoo Hin , she is a youngest daughter of the family. She is extremely beautiful and hot. She is nice but stingy. She loves Nhoo Hin as her daughter.

Som-O, Milk’s elder sister. She is beautiful and hot same as her sister. She is nice but sometime testy.

Thong, a guy who is a neighbor of Milk. He is handsome and charming that causes many girl fall in love with him. But he loves only Milk. Nhoo Hin used to love Thong because she thought that thong is a gardener, so when she found the truth that he already fell in love with Milk , Nhoo Hin stopped loving him and became his friend.

Nhoo-Hin-Inter cover

A is Milk and B is Nhoo Hin

From the question < Do you believe that laughing will increase the body immune system? > We’d like just tell that if you read gag comics or live happily with your smiley day, you may live long because of optimism and happiness.

Even though there are so many kinds of amusing comics from other countries but Thai gag comics still stay in Thai people’s hearts with the funny gags and new joyful ideas that are easy to catch and can be friend of everyone in every generation.

----------------END------------------

Adapted 1 : Illustration&gag by Eh from Kai-hua-roh 1022nd issue page 89, 2009. Text translation by Kanchanok Sompakdee.
Adapted 2 : Illustration&gag by Aoh from Nhoo-Hin-Inter 129th issue page 10, 2009. Text translation by Kanchanok Sompakdee.
Adapted 3 : Illustration&gag by Aoh from Nhoo-Hin-Inter 129th issue page 57, 2009. Adaptation by Kanchanok Sompakdee.

References

http://www.banluegroup.com/web/html/about.php
http://th.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E0%B8%82%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%A2%E0%B8%AB%E0%B8%B1%E0%B8%A7%E0%B9%80%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%B0
http://th.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E0%B8%AB%E0%B8%99%E0%B8%B9%E0%B8%AB%E0%B8%B4%E0%B9%88%E0%B8%99_%E0%B8%AD%E0%B8%B4%E0%B8%99%E0%B9%80%E0%B8%95%E0%B8%AD%E0%B8%A3%E0%B9%8C
http://www.oknation.net/blog/print.php?id=455855

Kanchanok Sompakdee

Sompop Detpae

Khon Kaen University, THAILAND

PS. If there's any questions, please leave your messages, we'll reply. ^^

Our King

2010-01-13T04:03:00.000-08:00

In Thailand there is one person who is the most important as well as we can call “The soul of Thai people”. He is the beloved king of Thai people; the Ninth King of Chakri Dynasty.
So, we would like to present you why His Majesty is always in our mind and why he is important for us.

The brief story about our King.

His majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej birthday is on 5th of December in 1928. He was born in Chakri dynasty and he became the Ninth King of Thailand when he was only 19 years old (just temporary). Because his brother was dead on a sudden. Therefore, he needed to have responsible after his brother’s death. However, he was too young to be a King at that time, so he had to go to study in Switzerland; he changed his major from Science to Social, Law and Public Administration instead in order to rule over the country.
While he was going to go to Switzerland, there was a man shouted at him “His majesty don’t leave us” and His Majesty was only answering in his mind “If my people don’t leave me, how can I leave them” . Then, 20 years later he returned to Thailand and answered to that man and all Thai people. He officially became a Ninth King of Thailand in 1951 and he said to his people that “I will rule over this country in decent ways for all Thai people”

His Majesty remarkable talents
His remarkable talent in music.

His majesty loves to write songs melody since he was a child and his songs that he wrote 48 songs allotter ; in English there are 5 songs; "Echo", "S till on My Mind", "Old-Fashioned Melody", "No Moon" and "Dream Island”. Moreover, there are 2 more songs that he created and adapted “The Impossible Dream” and “We fight”

Musical instruments: First, he started with accordion but he didn’t really like it, after that he practiced saxophone, clarinet, trumpet, guitar, piano, Thai flute and violin. He had also joined in Benny Goodman and Louis Armstrong. In addition he liked to play music while he was sailing.

His Majesty loves to play many sports since he was young in Switzerland; ice skiing, shooting, golf, tennis, badminton, glider and sailing.

He was interested in sailing most because he is skillful in craftsmanship. He made his sailboat up by himself, and he participated in sailing competition; his sailboat named “Ant Sailboat”. Later on, his model of sailboat is popular in many sailors.
Furthermore, he made another sailboat; this kind of this sailboat is O-K and he gave it the name is “VEGA”. He’s sailed VEGA across Thai bay to Klai Gangwon at Hua Hin. We can say that there isn’t any King in the world who is as expert in sailing boat as our King.

The King majesty have a lot of capabilities in language especially creating literatures and applying stories that useful in our daily lives, such as “MAHAJANAKA”, "The Story Of Thong Daeng". Moreover he had translated some novels into Thai; “Mr. Inn who is gild on the monk back” and “Ti To”

His variety initiative projects.

"Monkey Cheek project"
(Kaem-Ling Project)
Because there was a problem with the land which can’t hold water, many people needed help in making their land in a better condition. They need rain water to run slower in order not to avoid flooding and causing other natural disasters. His Majesty is aware that was a big problem, if the land can’t save water or there is too much water to use, to drink or grow plants, there will be more problems.

But our King is a good observant person, in his palace there is a cage of monkies, suddenly he saw a monkey eat bananas. When the monkey was given bananas, they crammed them into their mouths and saved bananas in their cheeks, hence there is the expression ‘monkey cheeks’. After that, they slowly swallow the bananas. Then, he thought that “if the water can keep in marsh or in somewhere bigger, it will save people from flood or natural disaster”

His Majesty the King and Her Royal Highness PrincessMaha Chakri Sirindhorn inspecting the Makkason Swamp project.

After that, His Majesty tried to create a project in order to keep water by building a big dam. Although, he was very exhausted but he always think that “People need water for drinking, using or for planting”. So, he succeeded the first dam which was named after him “Bhumibol” at Tak province. Not only built this dam for keeping water but also it can produce electricity from water current too.

Sufficiency economy

Since the beginning of his reign, His Majesty has continually worked to enhance the livelihood of the poor. Royally-initiated activities include rural economic development projects, protection of critical natural resources, and resolution of urban problems such as water treatment and traffic. He advised the Thai people to change their economic philosophy in order to cope with present economic adversity and withstand future economic insecurity.

The Sufficiency Economy means complete self-reliance or autarky. His Majesty the King said “This self-sufficiency does not mean that every family must grow food for themselves, to make clothes for themselves; that is too much. But in a village or sub-district there should be a reasonable amount of sufficiency. If they grow or produce something more than they need they can sell them.

But they do not need to sell them very far; they can sell them in nearby places without having to pay high transport costs”

His Majesty’s wisdom has earned not only respect and admiration within Thailand, but also throughout the international community, where the philosophy of Sufficiency Economy has been recognized as an effective approach towards sustainable development. In recent years, many developing countries have sent delegations to study His Majesty’s royal projects on alternative development to see first-hand how the philosophy can be applied.

Why Thai people love and respect him?

Since beginning of his reign he always visiting to deserted villages or wasteland that the area of his people lives. No matter how far is it he would go to visit, help and develop the area and his people life for better. Moreover, he always worries in working, living and care about his people health. When natural disaster was happening he would help his population by donating money and supplies and visiting them, it make people in Thailand feel good and feel that they have “A big Father” who always take care of them when they feel lack of something or they need some helping. In addition, His majesty giving million baht to set up foundations to sponsor students with his scholarship. It is the best opportunity for good students who have no money for study but have an intelligent.

Those are the reasons of why Thai people love and respect him. And we also call him as a father of Thailand, because of his responsibility and he never leaves us wherever we live, like our father. There is a sentence he said since beginning of his reign that “I will rule over this country in reasonable way for all Thai people” it show that he has real attention to do every things in truth way in order to make his people are happy not only their body but in their mind too.

Members:
1. Ms. Thipat Tammachot 513080766-1 Spanish Major
2. Ms. Swarin Kampangkaew 513081018-5 Spanish Major
3. Ms. Kulrisa Chanchotsathien 5 13081068-0 Chinese Major

Reference:
http://www.hawebthai.com/articles/article-441.html
http: //www.thaigoodview.com/library/studentshow/2549/m6-1/no36-41/king/sec04p03.html
http://city.bangkok.go.th/z_img/main-14.gif
http://www.reflectedknowledge.com/clients/GSB/sufficiency/sufficiency.htm
http://www.women-family.go.th/family/document/%E0%B8%9E%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%B0%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%8A%E0%B8%94%E0%B8%B3%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%B1%E0%B8%AA.pdf

Thai Traditional Boxing

2010-01-12T21:59:00.000-08:00

History
The traditional Thai boxing has been the most important martial art and the cultural inheritance of Thailand. It is not a boxing that popularly compete on the ring, but it is a kind of fighting in the battle field. In the ancient time, Thailand always battled against the bordering countries, especially Burma. Therefore Thai men had to learn boxing and using weapons in order to protect the country. And Thai boxing had been developed until it became the unique one. Thai boxing has a long history, but we can describe in short below.

1) The Sukhothai Period
Sokhothai is the first period of Thai history. It started from 1238-1408. The history stated that this period Sukhothai always battled against other countries. So all men had to learn and practice boxing. At the time of peace, men learned boxing for gaining ability to protect themselves, children, and women, and prepare for soldier recruitment. In addition to these reasons, learning boxing was also the norm for men to follow. People thought it was logical for men to do. Moreover, kings must do an important role as a leader in any battles. For this reason, boxing was also compulsory for princes to learn before becoming a king.

2) The Ayuddhaya Period
Ayuddhaya was known as a powerful kingdom and the center of Thailand for 417 years. It always fought against the bordering country, Burma. Therefore the purpose for learning boxing among men in this time and Sukhothai period was the same thing. At the early age of Ayuddhaya, the kings set up a Royal Boxing Department, and managed boxers fought against each other in front of the king’s throne to get the winner to be the king’s lifeguard, and the boxing trainer for princes in the palace.

3) The Thonburi Period
After Ayuddhaya had been attacked and captured by Burma, King Tarksin and his people moved to a new place called Thonburi, and this place was the center of Thailand for 15 only years. At this time, people seriously practiced boxing for fighting against the invading enemies and retrieving independent of the country. Furturemore, boxing also started to become a kind of sport, and competing on the right was created. But the rule of giving points was not yet set up. Fighters just fought against each other until someone gave up.

4) The Rattana Kosintara Period
Thai boxing had been changing a lot this time. It completely became a kind of sport, especially in the King Rama 5’s period. His majesty the king Chulalongkorn really loved watching it, and saw its importance as a national sport. So he organized the boxing competition all over the country. Nowadays, Thai boxing became a conservative martial art. Modern people learn boxing for self-protection, or do it as a kind of sports. The boxing competition is very popular among Thai people. For this reason, the boxing business was created, and boxing is a kind of career that makes a lot of fortune these days.

Differences to Western Boxing
As we said, Thai Boxing is a unique martial art. It isn’t like western boxing because you can use any parts of your body , hands, feet, elbows, and knees, but the western boxing just can use both hands to fight. Punching, kicking and elbowing are very fast and danger to attack. Furthermore, the techniques and tactics are more complicated, attacking is also more dangerous.

Some interesting boxing patterns
The Wai Kru Dancing

Thai people highly honor and respect teachers or masters who they study with. Whatever studying any fields, paying respect to teachers is very important, particularly, music, boxing, and using weapons. So before the competition of traditional material art, such as Muay Thai (Thai boxing) or using other weapons, everyone must pay respect to the teachers by a kind of specific dancing called “RamWai Kru” or Wai Kru dance for showing gratefulness to teachers as good students. Other reason is for fortunate and stable mind for better sense of control. Muay Thai Wai Kru dance shows the character of each boxing center. The boxers who study from the same trainer normally don’t fight against each other. In addition, Muay Thai dance can be used for warming up, relaxing and getting ready for the fight.

Hak Ngaung Ai Yara (Breaking elephant trunk)

This posture used to defend the kick by cutting off the leg’s strength by using elbow jab to the thigh.
Assaulter: Raise the right foot to kick randomly around the ribs of defender and use the upper arms to protect the face.
Defender: Hurriedly step right to approach in the front of the assaulter. Turn the side of body into the left and bend the right knee with left foot straight. Then use the left hand touch the right foot of the assaulter and raise it high. Banging right elbow to the thigh of assaulter, then raise the assaulter’s right foot higher to make him fall and prevent him to attack back by banging the elbow at the head.

Jorake Fadhang (Crocodile’s tail striking)

This posture uses a heel strike to the back. When the rival loses the balance, then the player will turn around and kick by using his heel.
Assaulter: Straightly punch with his left hand and step left foot forward.
Defender: Hurriedly step right jump to the right half to escape the punch of Assaulter. Bend the arms to protect his face and then spend the left foot for standing up, turn around and kick with the right heel on his stomach or neck.

Hanuman Thawaiwean

Part inside a swing up in the chin with a punch.
Assaulter: Straightly punch on his left to the face, at the same time step left foot forward and the right arm bend to protect the chin.
Defender: Turn the body to avoid the left punch of the assaulter by stepping left foot to close to his chest. Then use a clench of both hands punching to the end of the assaulter’s chin.

Importance of Thai Boxing
In the ancient time, there are no any modern weapons. At war time, soldiers directy fought against the enemies by using swords and every part of body. Thai boxing played an important role in protecting the mother land, especially in the Ayuddhaya period. Therefore men had to practice martial art in order to be soldier. However, there are no wars in this time, and weapons have been developed, but Thai boxing became a valuable conservative martial art. Nowadays, there are so many people both Thais and foreigners interested in it. And the most pride for Thais is that it has already become a World Cultural Inheritance certified by UNESCO. Moreover, many foreigners are interested in Thai boxing, so they come to Thailand to learn, and many of them are successful of a famous boxer in Thailand as well. Im summary, we can see that Thai boxing is one of an acceptable martial arts of the world. Therefore Thai people should pay attention to it, conserve it, and be pround of it.

References
http://student.nu.ac.th/muaythaiboran/maemaimuaythai.htm
http://www4.msu.ac.th/satit/studentProj/2546/M10 /thaiBoxing/information/HakNguangAiyara.jpg
http://loveonly.siam2web.com/?cid=74216 http://www.isan.clubs.chula.ac.th/folkdance/images/muyboran_0.jpg http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dGBdM3gy3XA

Written by : Athichat Khomphuang
Onnalat Rutsongsit

Rice is Life

2010-01-11T07:02:00.001-08:00

Rice Is Life

Rice is part of Thai people’s living and staple food in Thailand. It is the base of Thai culture that has inherited from generation to generation. So it is an important food in Thailand. No matter what you eat or where you live there is always rice in every meal. Some people say if they don’t eat rice, they will feel nervous and limp. There is no food on earth more important than rice. “Rice” is just a small word but it is valuable. Many places on the earth have rice as staple food. In Thailand the famous rice that all people know well is jasmine rice

Where is the rice from?

( Mae-Pho-Sob / Rice Grain Goddess )

We think a lot of people don’t know the answer of this question. The origin of rice could be back about 230-600 million years ago in Gondwanaland(the name given to a southern precursor supercontinent including most of thelandmasses in today's southern hemisphere. Rice vegetated in the forest called rice forest. Then, about 15,000 years ago people only knew how to pick rice to eat by season. Later, about 10,000 years ago people learnt how to plant and harvest the rice. That is the beginning of rice.

However,it is believed that there is a legend to explain where the rice comes from.Thai people in the past believed in ghost and angel. They believed that rice is a holy plant. There is an angel that protects the rice called Mae-Pho-sob (Rice Grain Goddess). At first she was a plant in heaven. Then Indar, the King of the gods or Devas and Lord of Heaven or Svargaloka in Hindu mythology, and also he is the God of War, Storms, and Rainfall, told her to go to the earth to help people from starvation. So ancestors of farmers always paid respect and worship because they believed if they took good care of Mae-Pho-sob, she wouldn’t escape from rice farm and didn’t make rice luxuriates.

Like one of the legend of the north and southeast people, the story called “widow hit the rice”. Once upon a time there was a poor widow. She didn’t have a knife to slice the rice (based on a legend, rice in the past was very big). So she used a lever hit to the rice until the rice exploded. Mae-Po-Sop felt very upset that the widow did violence so she escaped from the rice farm to the cave. Then, this made people had no rice to eat for 1,000 years.

Rice culture

(Cave Drawings At Pha-Mon-Noi, Ubonratchatani)

According to Rice Thai Culture Life book “Archaeological evidence found in different parts of Thailand indicates that rice was grown in this country not less than 5,000 years ago, 1,000 years earlier than in India and China. Traces of rice husks in archaic ceramics, rice grain in ancient caves and cave drawings”

This can show that rice culture in Thailand continues not less than 5,000 years. It also appears in art work and ceremony.

Thai farmers have rice ceremonies around their plantation and harvest seasons. In all stages of rice growing since prepare the land to harvest, Thai farmers will do ceremonies to pray for Mae-Pho-Sob and ghosts who protect the farm and to take good care of all stages of rice. The main objectives of rice ceremonies are to show our respect to Mae-Pho-Sob and ghosts and show that we have to make remuneration as gratitude to rice.

The important rice ceremony that will be held every year is Royal Ploughing ceremony. This ceremony is performed to foretell the year’s crop. Farmers and people who are interested in farming will join this ceremony and wait for the grain laid on the field after the ceremony. They believe the grain from this ceremony is holy grain. They will keep this grain to worship for happiness and make rice grow well.

We can see that in a lot of ceremonies rice is a main components, for example in 12 months as belief in religion of southeast people, they hold 12 ceremonies in each month. It is called Heet 12. The name and process of each ceremony always have rice. They have “Bun-Kao-Ji” in the full moon day of the third month which is Makha Buja day. It is a ceremony of rice which people cook Kao-Ji (broiled sticky rice) and offer to monk. The main objective is to thank paddy kept in the storage.

In Thai language, there are idioms that have the word “rice” in it. Because these idioms are from ancient that tired to show how people lived in the past or how rice was important to them.

You can see that rice does not only have meaning in dictionary but also has a lot of effects that relate closely to Thai people’s living for very long time.

Food from Rice

Rice is a source of energy. Rice has a lot of benefits. Rice leaves can be made rice tea leaves. Rice can be made many dishes, desserts, noodles or cosmetics. Rice has a lot of nutritions. Rice grain is rich in carbohydrate and has a moderate amount of protein, B vitamins and dietary fiber. Moreover, brown rice has more nutrition. But in the past it wasn’t popular because it took longer time to cook. Now brown rice becomes popular because the research about nutrition proved that it contains GABA (Amino butyric acid it make us laugh with happiness)

(Kao-Tang-Tod)

One of our favorite desserts from rice is Kao-Tang-Tod. It is made from the crust rice sticking to the bottom of a rice pan. It is then fried and sprinkled with sugar. It is a favorite family snack. Kao Tu is another dessert made from rice. It is prepared by grinding dried left over rice, mixing it with heavy syrup and ground roasted rice grain before shaping this into thick coins. It has a very sweet smell

How long is rice grown?

We have to prepare the land for growing rice. It takes about 7 weeks and then in June or July we sow rice. When farmers sow rice, it takes 100-110 days. After that, they will harvest them when the rice fields turn gold.

Farmer is the spine of the nation

This phrase is true because Thai farmers have grown rice for all people in the country. Rice is not only our main food but also it is our main export product. So farmer is the main power of country.

Ps. So, how about Japanese legend about Rice?

Reference

Website :
http://media.photobucket.com/image/%25E0%25B9%2589%25E0%25B8%2582%25E0%25B9%2589%25E0%25B8%25B2%25E0%25B8%25A7%25E0%25B8%2595%25E0%25B8%25B9/RroamD/nom23.jpg

http://product-image.tradeindia.com/00270696/b/0/JASMINE-RICE.jpg

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/th/1/15/%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%A7%E0%B8%87%E0%B8%82%E0%B9%89%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%A7.JPG

http://img509.imageshack.us/img509/5383/88285757sd7.jpg

http://www.oknation.net/blog/home/blog_data/672/9672/images/tree/rice1.jpg

http://photos1.hi5.com/0010/455/278/rG6iv3455278-02.jpg

http://www.kasetvirul.com/images/sub_1249189757/parachute_12.jpg

http://www.oknation.net/blog/home/blog_data/112/14112/images/DSC00330.jpg

http://www.thaidphoto.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=74980&stc=1&d=1114758928

http://www.thaihandiworks.com/KhunKhao_content.html

http://www.thaihandiworks.com/allimages/ThaiRice_Khunkhao/thairice_vol2_007.jpg

http://www.thaihandiworks.com/allimages/ThaiRice_Khunkhao/thairice_vol2_0161.jpg

http://www.thummada.com/cgi-bin/iB315/ikonboard.pl?act=ST;f=7;t=17

http://www.horapa.com/webboard/photo/461461.jpg

http://www.openbase.in.th/files/photoontour055_md.jpg

Book :

Rice, The Grain Of Culture By Dr. Kwanjai Gomade

Rice Is Life = Intermational Year Of Rice 2004 And It's Implementation

Rice : Thai Culture Life By Plan Motif Publishers

Rice By TT&T

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

513080634-8 Cholawat Prawalpatamakul

513080782-3 Matsupha Unchai

Candle Festival

2010-01-11T03:57:00.000-08:00

Candle Festival

History about Candle Festival

Before knowing about Candle festival, first you have to know about Thai word “Phansa”

The presentation of candles to monks on Khao Phansa Day is a Buddhist tradition which began long time ago and still continues at present.

Phansa refers to a period of three months in the rainy season. In Phansa period, Buddhist monks have to stay at one particular temple. They are not allowed to stay overnight at other temples during this time. The reason that monks have to stay at one temple is because this period of time is the rice-planting season. If monks travel during this period, they will step on the rice sprouts that have been planted and the crops will be lost. When monks stop their travels during the Buddhist Lent period, they have time to study, and they especially like to read. In the past, when there wasn’t electricity, monks used to light candles during the time that they were reading. When people knew this, they made candles to present to the monks, especially on Khao Phansa Day .

Khao Phansa Day is the first day the eighth month of the lunar calendar, or during the month of July and lond to three months until Ork Phansa Day which is the end of the period of time.

The Ubon Ratchathani Candle Festival

There are many interesting festivals in Thailand and Candle Festival is one of interesting festivals. Each province in Thailand has a different candle festival and we will present you specifically Candle festival in Ubon Ratchathani (One of the provinces in the north-east part)

The Ubon Ratchathani Candle Festival, the most elaborating of the traditional parading of candles to temple is held in Ubon Ratchathani, Isan, Thailand, during Kao Pansa Day.

At the beginning, it is traditional in preparation for the rainy season for the devout to donate items for the personal use of monks, and of candles to dispel gloom in their monk’s house and elsewhere within the temple.

The people of Ubon Ratchathani are the same as other Buddhists – when Khao Phansa Day arrives, they take candles and present them to monks. In the past, when it was impossible to buy ready-made candles, villagers would use bee’s wax taken from bees’ nests. They would melt the bee’s wax and then immerse a length of cotton to be used as a wick into the molten bee’s wax. Next, the wax would be left until it was cool enough to be rolled by hand, surrounding the wick completely. After that, the candles were cut to the required length and they were then ready for presentation to monks.

Presenting candles to monks in the past did not include a parade and candle contest like we have at present. It was just a presentation of candles along with other offerings to monks and receiving blessings from the monks.

The reason that there must be a parade and a contest like we have today in Ubon Ratchathani came about during the reign of Rama V. After then is often the important event of many village celebrations, but is at its most elaborate in the Ubon Ratchathani version, which nowadays is a major event both for residents and for tourists: giant candles are paraded through the town, each representing a local temple, district or other institution. The more elaborate versions are accompanied by scenes of Hindu and Buddhist mythology sculpted in wood or plaster and coated with wax. Of course, these candles are never burned. The candles are carved a couple of days before the procession.

Although both the candles and the Ubon Ratchathani Candle Festival Parade are magnificent, beautiful and pleasing to the eye, and there are many activities to take part in, it is already becoming repetitive for the people of Ubon Ratchathani. Because of this, the people of Ubon Ratchathani will try to think of new methods that are different in order to introduce new, strange and exciting things to the festival. One new thing that has been heard of is to parade the candles on water. This is because Ubon Ratchathani is on the Moon River which is an important waterway and passes through the city too. The parading of the candles on water will lead to many new activities and methods.

How to make Candle for The Candle Festival

1. Find Tools and Materials

1.1 Natural wax

1.2 Marble Model 1.3 Shape Iron

1.4 Hot water

1.5 Cold water

1.6 Washing powder

1.7 Empty bottle

1.8 Lubrication

1.9 Stone

2. Prepare the wax

2.1 Slice off the wax
2.2 Cut the wax till has small size
2.3 Pour some hot water to wax 2.4 Start press wax 2.5 Press wax until wax mixed done 2.6 If wax will be solid, pour more hot water 2.7 We will get the wax that ready to make a design

3. Make a design on the wax

3.1 Put the wax on the model 3.2 Spread out the wax on the model 3.3 Put in the cold water 3.4 After that, put it on the mirror 3.5 Cut it from the model with the shape iron. 3.6 We have a design wax.

4. Stick the design wax on the candle

Reference

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ubon_Ratchathani_Candle_Festival

http://www.ethailand.com/index.php?id=1130

http://www.ubonguide.org/book14/formcover14_1e.html

Members
Kanlachan Itthipatachai 513081011-9 Spanish Major.

Sarayut Sirichan 513081017-7 Spanish Major.

Thai Food

2010-01-09T20:10:00.000-08:00

Thai foods is very famous to many people who have ever tried it. Because of spicy and various tastes. Most of ingredients are herbals and vegetables that are good for our health. In each part of Thailand, there are many different kinds of food. So, it can say that “Thai foods is a good symbol of Thai lifestyles”. And now our foods are well-known over the world.

Name of Thai food we would like to present.
First dish “Pad Thai”
This Pad Thai recipe is how Thai vendors prefer in Bangkok and comes from variations from food carts all over the city. Delicious Pad Thai is dry and light bodied, with a fresh, complex, balanced flavor. Pad Thai can be a perfect vegetarian dish, just omit shrimp and substitute soy sauce for fish sauce. Add more tofu if you like. The original Pad Thai recipe calls for crushed roasted peanuts. However, many people in Thailand avoid eating peanuts because of its link to cancer.

Second dish “Green curry Chicken” (Gaeng kiew wan kai)
Green Curry Chicken or Gaeng Kiew Wan Gai in Thai, is a famous Thai Cuisine originated from Central Thailand. Green Curry Chicken is loved by most people, especially those who can’t take hot stuff or don’t enjoy “mouth-burning” feeling but want to eat Thai food, because it is not as hot as other Thai dish, in fact it is pretty sweet. Green Curry Chicken is very much different from other curries, beside not as hot and spicy like others, it also contains a lot more vegetable, like eggplant, green bell pepper, onion, carrot and cauliflower.

Third dish “Tom Yum Koong” (Hot and Sour Shrimp Soup)
This is one of the famous traditional Thai dishes, it is sometimes called hot and sour shrimp soup. You should order this soup with a plate rice or fried rice and fried eggs in Thai style.We believe that most foreign people are known the food “Tom yum Koong” because tom yum koong is a name of famous movie of Thailand and when people was watching this movie they were exiting so, it seem to be said that this dish (Tom yum koong) has a very strong flavored and very delicious.

Have you ever tried any dishes? and What do you think about its?
Actually there are a lot of foods that original and cooked at the central of Thailand, but we think if somebody come to Thailand and never tried at least one of dish that I write above it may say that you are not coming in real Thailand. So, try to have a chance to eat them and you will know the real delicious it is.The foods are very famous in other countries, there are many Thai restaurants, may be in your country. So, if you have no idea about eating, let you go and enjoy in your lunch time!!

Native foods
Foods in each sides of Thailand.

First dish from the Northeast of Thailand “Som tum”

One of the famous Thai food is Som Tum or as known in Papaya Salad in English. You can also have it in another country which is Loas. In addition, it always served with grilled chicken or fried chicken and sticky rice like a meal.Although, Som Tum is original from Northeast of Thailand but you can see the small stands from another place too. For example you can find them on the street, department store and also in the 5 star hotels. Because Som tum is very delicious and well-known to foreigners who have eaten.

Second dish from the North of Thailand.

Northern Thai food is somewhat different to that eaten in the rest of the country. Northerners prefer sticky rice over steamed, bitter flavors to hot ones, and avoid using coconut milk. The flavored meat is pork, which finds it way into a variety of sausages (cooked or fermented) and whose skin is fried as the ubiquitous snack khaep muu.If you come to Thailand and travel to the North, exactly you will find many different kinds of food. You should try once and we believe that you will fall in love with it. Not only the foods, but also the beautiful culture too.

Third dish from The South of Thailand.

Southern Thai foods are also spicy because of there are many kind of spices. So, Thai food of the South exactly have a very strong smell and taste such as, gang tai pla, and budu sauce.

We would like to present to you about herbs that are always cooked or may be a side dishes;

Sataw is a green pod when stripped reveals green berries. They usually cook with meat and chili.

Med riang is very much like a bean sprout but much larger in size and dark green in color.They also cook with vegetable and meat.

Look niang is a round berry in a hard and dark green skin. May be raw or with chili sauce especially gang tai pla.

All of the example of Thai food , no matter what any part of Thailand ,they are also have their specific characteristic. If you have a chance to visit in each part don’t miss to enjoy your meals with many Thai foods because they are very delicious and we’re certain you will like them and want to eat some of them in a second time like us and almost Thai people.

References:

http://www.thaifooddb.com/index.php

http://www.thaifoodtoworld.com/home/index.php wonderful1310.blogspot.com/2009/02/food-for-s...

Members:

1. Ms. Thipat Tammachot 513080766-1 Spanish Major

2. Ms. Swarin Kampangkaew 513081018-5 Spanish Major

3. Ms. Kulrisa Chahnchotsathien 513081068-0 Chinese Major

Thai Herb in Thai cuisine

2010-01-09T18:34:00.000-08:00

By Potjanat and Rakboon

Thai food is a culture inheritance transferred to and from generations. In Thai eating culture, rice is the main component to be consumed with other supplement. The Thai menu is composed of diverse method on cooking, for instance, boiling, soup, frying, spicy salad and the chili paste with the combination of tastes; sour, salty, sweet and spicy that are rarely found in other national cuisine.
Herbs are plants that are valued for flavor, scent, or other qualities. Herbs are used in cooking as medicines, and for spiritual purpose.
Thai food is well-known because of its delicious test, but not only the test that makes people love Thai food. Thai food also consists of a lot of herbs that can help your health to stay healthy. So we would like to introduce some popular Thai dishes full of herbs.

Herbs used in Thai cuisine

There are many kinds of herb used as ingredient in Thai cuisine. The herb in Thai popular dish is not only used as medicine in order to heal illness, but also used to conceal fishy smell and make the dish tests good, too. These are examples of popular dishes full of herbs.

TomyamKung
The well known first dish full of herbs is TomyamKung. TomyamKung is popular around the world because of its spicy good test. But not only the test is precious, Thai people, we know well that the herbs cooked in TomyumKung help us to stay healthy and keep us away from illness, too. TomyamKung’s seasoning includes many herbs such as galangal, lemon grass and chilli. The herbs consist of a lot of properties; galangal and lemon grass cure flatulence. Chili helps stomach working system. Having TomyamKung in a proper quantity will make you stay healthy, and its spicy test will get rid of your tiredness for sure.

Kangleang
Another dish full of herb may not be popular as much as TomyamKung, but its properties are a lot more. This one is called KangLeang. KangLeang contain a lot of herb plants which have much value for health and medicine. These are herbs cooked in KangLeang. Pepper helps sweat releasing, and good for appetizing. Shallot helps curing fever. Many kinds of vegetable are also used in this dish such as pumpkin that can maintain seeing ability; Coccinia grandis can cure stinging; corn can maintain heart and lung; sweet basil can cure bronchitis , diarrhea and fever.
Here we introduce just two of Thai herbal dishes. But there are still many Thai dishes that cooked from herb, too. If you are deciding what to eat to stay healthy, try Thai dish, and you will not be disappoint for sure.

Som Tam
One of the famous dishes is Som Tam, otherwise known as Papaya Salad. The meal is quite simple to make. The main ingredients are shredded green papaya, chopped green beans, tomato, dried prawn, chillies, garlic and lime juice. These are all pounded together in a mortar using a pestle. The sound it makes is “pok pok”. The papaya salad is best served with sticky rice(khao neow) and grilled chicken. Herbs in Som Tam help you balanced energy distribution, relatively low in total fat and saturated fat. It’s also a good source of Vitamin C and Dietary fiber-rich.

Pad Phed Kai
Hot fried chicken or Pad Phed Kai is a simple dish. Pieces of fried chicken in a spicy curry sauce with vegetables, coconut finger root or krachai, coriander root, sweet basil, galangal and pepper. These herbs help you to reduce cholesterol , cancer, infection, eject toxic and carminative. It’s so delicious although it’s a bit hot and spicy.

Dipping sauces
Dipping sauces are popular condiment to accompany a Thai meal, particulary a deep fried dish, and usually contain any combination of tamarind, lime juice, finely chopped chili, garlic and spring onion.

Nam Prik Long Rua
Nam prik Long Rua is a kind of dipping sauces that is eaten with lots of vegetables. You can eat with rice, vegetables by dipping. Herbs in Nam Prik Long Rua help you to reduce blood pressure and prevent heart disease.

Nam Prik Kung Sod
Nam Prik Kung Sod is another kind of dipping sauce. The in gredients are grilled shrim, garlic, lime juice, palm sugar, fish sauce, Ma-kheua phuang and hot chili. Nam Prik Kung Sod id proper energy distribution, relatively low in total fat and saturate fat, fairly good sauce of dietary fiber and iron

By the way, consumption of Thai food in sufficient quantity and proportion to daily needs would supply nutritional substances that suitable for adults who require weight control.

Thai food is outstanding in the combination of tastes and the nutritional values which are different from others and make the foods popular all over the world.

“Wai”

2009-12-30T01:22:00.000-08:00

By: Mr. Nanthapong Sukthawee and Miss Ratinard Chunnirun

Thai Wai is the most attractive respect of Thailand, It has been practicing for many years. It’s the symbol of Thai greeting when young people meet olders, they will do this to respect them. Moreover Thai Wai is used in Buddhism, for example to respect the image of Buddha, to celebrate in the religious ceremony. And neighboring countries, Laos, Cambodia or India have this greeting like this, too. But Thai Wai has a more prominent point with the gentle action to show respect to other people.

How to Wai properly

The most important thing when Wai somebody is that the waier must Wai from their whole hearts. In other words, the waier should sincerely pay respect to the Wai receiver both mentally and physically.
There is more than one Wai like for monks and for the kind and royal family but do not think about that too much. Just relax and a normal Wai will do fine. The higher you have your hands the more respect you show the other person.

How to wai
Thai Wai is easy to do, everybody can do it by pressing your palms together near your chest and bowing
But there are many kinds of Thai Wai, depending on the social status, power, age, and prestige of a person/people who receive the Wai. There are three major groups of people of higher status in the traditional Thai society.
1. Monks/priests/royal family
To wai people in this category, bow one’s head and raise one’s hands until the thumbs touch the forehead.
2. Teachers/parents
To wai these people, do the same for monk, priests and royal family. However, the finger must touch the nose. This is similar to a culture in which people raise their fingers to touch their nose when paying respect to parents and touch their mouths when paying respect to the teacher.
3. Ordinary people/acquaintances with older age.
To wai someone who is older, simply raise the pressed palms to the lips/mouth.
For all these three types, keep your hands and elbows close to the body.

Why Thai wai is important
Try to think if you are greeting with each others, absolutely you don’t want to touch their hand, especially you are a woman doing this to a man. So it’s a good idea to learn how to wai and I can confirm you that if you wai to each others and smile, you will get a good reflection from them and may be you can continue a good relationship, too.

When will you wai to another people.
It depends on the relation to the another person. The person of higher social status will be wai too. You have only a few seconds to size up someone you meet and determine this, but it's the best way to do on the side of wai first if you are unsure. It’s good manner to respect person although you don’t know him or her. It’s proper to wai If someone is older than you, you will wai them unless they are someone whom you employ like housekeeper.You will also wai when you receive a gift from the adults. But you may not wai to anyone who you are paying for service like waiters, tailors, vendors, shopkeepers or taxi drivers. In the party or other such gathering, you should wai everyone, as this is the polite way to excuse yourself from the festivities.

Amphawa floating market

2009-12-30T01:03:00.000-08:00

By: Rungnapha Kornsing and Wipawan Sukkratoke

History of Amphawa district
Amphawa is the district of Samutsongkram province of Thailand. There is the main river called Mae klong river in Samutsongkram province and it connects to the Amphawa district. The history of Amuphawa district is longer than two hundred years ago, the people live riverside for a long time and they still live there now. They conserve the river because Mae klong river combines the Thai ways of life and Thai wisdom, so the people who live there still tie with the river.
Amphawa canal is the important center of commerce. The houses were built from the wood and there are many of fireflies here, the people still conserve those houses because that is the identity of Amphawa community or Amphawa floating market. Their houses facing to the river and they still use the boat to travel like in the past. The people cooperate to protect the river, the ecological system

The tourist attraction at Amphawa district
All countries in the world have their identity and Thailand is the same. Thailand has different ways of life from the other counties, so that it becomes tourist destination. Amphawa is one of the famous tourist attractions of Thailand.
The first interesting part of Amphawa is the floating market. This market is near the Cheytiyaram temple. It’s very attractive because it opens only three days a week, on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. This market sells tasty local foods, some foods we can’t find other places, for example Amphawa fish maw which is so prominent food. This is the one of allurement of Amphawa floating market.
The second attraction is watching fireflies. If the tourists take the boat in the evening, they will be interested by the fireflies. A lot of them are amazed by watching it because it’s hard to see. In the evening the tourists can see their lights that decorate around the canal. People who live riverside will chat with their friends, their relations and they will have dinner together. This reflects Thai ways of life. Most of tourists is unmistakable to circumnavigate for sightseeing in the evening. They prefer to see this in May-October because the sky’s pitch-dark and then it’s easy to see those beautiful fireflies.

For tourists who prefer to get up early. There’s the original Thai ways of life at the Maeklong riverside, too (for touching with Thai subsistence) there are the monks who come about with an alms-dishes, so the tourists can offer the food into their bowls. Someone will come by canoeing or walking pass to the houses of the people who live riverside. At this canal the tourists always see children swim in the river. This mean that they still tie with the river. Thai people like to go to the temple to make merit and there are many temples along the river. Anyone who want to make merit can go to these temples and there are also old churches that is the important places of Thailand. Tourists can visit by from canoeing. That way, you can feel Thai ways of life.

The last important tourist attraction is the walking market at Amphawa. This market is for visitors to shop for. Moreover, there is Thai souvenirs dessert museum. This museum is the collection of Thai dessert. Tourists can walk around the floating market to buy the Thai food from the locals who row in the canoe and who are on the land all day. In this area, the sightseers can make Thai dessert by yourself. In addition the tourist can go cycling to see gardens like herb gardens and vegetable and we can buy the products from the natural materials.
All of this are the interesting tourist attraction at Amphawa Samutsongkhram province, Thailand. If you like the cultural voyage and see the original lifestyles don’t miss these places if you come to Thailand

I-San folk band(Pong Lang)

2009-12-30T00:54:00.000-08:00

By: Athichat and Onnalat

History
Pong Lang is the name of northeastern (I-San) Thailand’s musical instrument. It is shaped like xylophone. It can be played both solo and in a band called “Wong Pong Lang” or Pong Lang band.
Pong Lang has an interesting history. Mr.Plueang Chairasamee , the Pong Lang teacher at Kalasin Dancing Art College and a national artist said that Pong Lang was improved from “Koh Lor” hundreds years ago. Tao Prom Kod and his people migrated from Laos and settled down in I-san. He invented a “Koh Lor” to use for hitting to give his villagers a signal to join a meeting and to inform good or bad things to them.
Actually, the history of Pong Lang is not long. Mr.Plueang had done an important role for developing Koh Lor until it became a great musical instrument called Pong Lang.
In the past, Koh Loh had only six bars stringed on two ropes. Mr.Plueang firstly improved it to be nine bars in 1957, then twelve bars and finally improved to be thirteen bars in 1959, and the thirteen bar Pong Lang are still using so far. It is the most complete and can be played with other kinds instruments both Thai and Western.

Musical instruments of I-san folk band
1. PONG-LANG : how to play Pong lang is similar to playing the xylophone. The body of Pong lang done by bringing timber or cylindrical timber adjacent to parcels and use the bat hit to make sound. Kind of this instrument found in I-san.
(Source: www.culture.go.th/research/musical/html/music…)

2. PHIN : Phin is a type of I-san lute. The body of phin look like a pearshaped and having flets on the neck and over which two-three metal strings run. Pluck by picking of the right hand while playing (Source: www.culture.go.th/research/musical/html/music…)

Source: www.oknation.net/.../2008/11/28/entry-2
3.Khane: Khene is a musical instrument that use mouth to blow for make sound. To blow Khane , a player has to hold the handle that are on the center called “Thao Khane”, and use his/her fingers to open and close on holes above the handle to play various tones.

Source: www.trsc.ac.th/web_load_st/std/kan1.html
4. WODE: Wode is a kind of vertical flute, made of 6-9 various pieces of small bamboo pipes bunched together. In order to, a player has to rotate it to make different tones. (Source:www.culture.go.th/research/musical/html/music…)

Source: gotoknow.org/blog/munmangesan/252243
5.Klong Hang (The long-body drum) or popular name called “Klong Yao”. The body of the drum is made from jackfruit wood because it is not very heavy and has some beautiful colors, and the drumhead is made from young cow skins because it is thin and well-flexible.

Source: www.esan-music.com/shop/index.php/กลอ ...
6.Phin Hai or Hai Song a set of earthenware jars with rubber bands stretched over the open mouths. In the past, this instrument was used as bass, but now it is not necessary because the modern electric guitar bass has already substitute it. The women who play this instrument is called “Nang Hai”. She is a very talented woman dancing and playing at the same time.

Source: krupeak.igetweb.com/index.php?mo=3&art=219417
7.Chab-Lek and Chab-Yai Cymbal is a kind of metal percussion. It is composed of 2 types, “small cymbals” and “large plaster”. Smear small size measured through the center approximately 12 -14 cm. The large size is measured gloss over. Center is about 24 -26 cm. Chab is played by clashing against each other to make the rhythmic sound, when the two cymbals together side effects when they hit the splice of sound "Chab." If the hit-and-open sound will be heard is "Chaeng."

Source: www.cmw.ac.th/.../Art/teerapon001/sec4.html\

Pong Lang band’s performance
Pong Lang performance are always seen in any important events among I-San people like a house-warming party, wedding ceremony, Boon Bang Fai (The event taken place on the 6th lunar month) and so on. The performance is interesting, Pong Lang is played with other instruments, the amusing rhythm gets along very well with a traditional dancing. The shows and songs are well-expressing I-San people’s wisdom and way of life. At the present time, Pong Lang is supporting as an extra-course activity in school or in situation of higher education, particular in I-San (Northeast), where Pong Lang was invented. The main purpose is to conserve the local arts and culture. Therefore, we are able to see the performance in school or university as well.
Khon Kaen University is one of the universities in I-San. Cultural conservation is also one of the university’s policies. For this reason, Pong Lang is an important activity for student. There is a specific club for Pong Lang in campus. In any important activities, we are able to see the performance showing by students, for example, Loy Kratong Festival, Orientation ceremony and freshmen welcoming ceremony.
Music style
The background of I-san people is living in drought areas and do framing. I-san people’s life quality is quite low, they are poor. However, I-san people tried to find ways to forget their troubles and poverty. Music is a good way to help them. Therefore, I-san music is amusing. In this way, although I-san people is poor, they have happy lives. According to this background can infer that the music style of Pong Lang is in the same way.

Pong Lang in modern time
We all know that now the world is in the age of globalization, everything must be international. Pong Lang is also in the same way, it was applied to be played western music, so it can be played more styles like pop and rock, not only local songs. Although it changes a lot, it is still charming and sustain its identification as an I-san local music.
Pong Lang Sa-On is a very famous modern Pong Lang in Thailand now. They not only perform local arts or play only local songs, but they also have comedy show and play songs originally from their album. Their performance is fabulous, both Thai and foreigners are fond of it.
Although Pong Lang is supported as an extra activity in school or university, at the same time it became a conservative national art, people are rarely interested in it. On behalf of an I-san people, I would like every I-san friends to pay attention on this good performance and conserve it to be in our society forever.

Loy Kra Thong Festival

2009-12-29T06:06:00.000-08:00

Loy Kra Thong Festival

November full moon shine, Loy kra thong Loy kra thong
And the water is high In the gold river and the Klong
Loy Loy Krathong , Loy Loy Krathong, Loykrathong is here
And everybody’s full of cheer
We’re together at the Klong, Each one floats his Krathong
in the river and we pray , We can see a better day
(Loy Kra Thong’s song - English Translation)

Loy Kra Thong Festival is the one of the most beautiful festivals that takes place in Thailand. Many foreigners are interested in this festival because it’s very typical. There are many interesting things to do in Loi Kra Tong Festival.

History of Loy Kra Thong
Loy Kra Thong Festival Day is an important festival of Thailand has come a long history. Thailand's Loy Kra Thong Festival is a tradition that succeeds for a long time.
It’s celebrated annually on the Full-Moon Day in November of the Twelfth Lunar Month. In fact, the festival is of Brahmin origin in which people offer thanks to the Goddess of the water. Some believe that the evidence is itself worship Buddha at river. And some evidence that they worship a Buddhist saint.
For Thailand, Loy Kra Thong Festival tradition that was believed to have been started the Sukhothai. In the reign of the king Ramkhamhaeng. And then Kra Thong was first created by Tao Sri Chulalak (Queen Nang Noppamas) in Sukothai. That's a sign indicating that Loy Kra Thong is on its way. In Thai Loy means to float and Kra Thong means a circular floating object with decoration of banana leaves, flowers, a candle and incense sticks.

Importance and purpose
Loy Kra Thong Festival day is another one that is important and valuable for Thailand. There are many purposes for Loy Kra Thong festival ,for example; many Thai people believe that Loy Kra Thong is to apologize and thank for the Goddess of Water (Pra Mae Khong Kha river) and bring good luck, and they do it to honor, also refers to flying away misfortune and bad things in the past, and also to conserve Thai tradition culture too.
Activities during Loy Kra Thong Festival Day
There are may activities on the Loy Kra Thong Festival has many activities, such as, contests of Kra Thong-making and Nang Noppamas beauty pageants, local games, performances, fireworks, and a beautiful parade. Moreover, this festival is good for strengthening relationship in family and friends bringing people in the community together.
How to make Kra Thong and Materials
Materials for making Kra Thong are banana leaves, pin or small nails, banana stalk, petals ,some flowers, a candle and incense sticks.
Let’s start making Kra Thong ;
1. Cut banana leaves to approx. 1.5” wide and 6” long
2. Fold 3 petals according the illustrated picture
3. Arranged as terraced lines according to the illustrated picture as count as 1 level.
4. Attach around the Kra Thong base which is the sliced banana stalk of approx. 1.5-2” thick. The number of petals shall be more or less depending on the size of its base
5. Decorate with flowers, joss sticks and candle.
Folding of petal in this pattern can be used jointly with other folding patterns in the same piece as desirable or individual idea. (Reference ;http://gotoknow.org/blog/eng0001/305956)

When you already have your Kra Thong ,you can bring your Kra Thong float at the river or on the water. In present Kra Thong comes in many types of materials, such as from bread, cassava, foam, paper, and so on. In the past, people liked to make Kra Thong from banana tree. Now we have to save the world, we can make Kra Thong from natural material that do not damage the environment.

Special Loi Kra Thong Festival in the North of Thailand
Yi Peng festival is a special Loi Kra Thong Festival in the North of Thailand especially in Chiang-mai. province. There is Khom Loy or floating lanterns into sky.There it is the traditional belief that misfortune and bad luck will fly away with the floating lanterns.
On the night of Loy Kra Thong Festival it is a romantic and happy night, Loy Kra Thong’s song is played every place. We leave bad things in the last year to the river and start our life in the New Year which should be better than last year. Everybody has fun when the moonlight sparks on the nighttime sky throws on the water mirror reflects the shadow moon.
It’s a beautiful and wonderful night

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create by:
513080643-7 Nakarin PoonPhol
513081005-4 Jidapa Watchaponpong

Isan Food

2009-12-21T07:29:00.000-08:00

Isan is one of five areas of Thailand, central, east, north, south and northeast which is known as Isan. Isan food is related to Isan cultures and life style. The life style of the people who live in Isan is very simple and easy just like the way they cook. Isan people can eat almost everything; they adapt to their nature and eat what they can get. So, Isan dishes are unique and completely different from others. Most Isan dishes are mainly vegetables, but they also have some fish, beef and pork. There is a different way for every family the way they cook the food, it all depends on how they like their food, for example, some people like it a bit sweet and others like it salted. Normally, Isan dishes are hot, salted, and sour. Isan people don’t use much oil and coconut milk, so the food is cooked by grilling, boiling, or steaming so the food is really healthy and it is a good choice for people that care of their health.

Ingredients

Pickle fish or Pla ra or Pla Dak in Isan is the main ingredient of Isan dishes. We can say that it is a heart of Isan food. It was created over 4,000 years in Isan. Normally Isan people don’t buy it, but they make it themselves by the fresh water fish the catch. The fish must be cleaned and cut into pieces. Then they put some salt, roasted rice (kao-kua) and rice bran (รำข้าว) together. And finally they put it in the jar covered with wooden lid to pickle it for more than three months to a year. Pickle fish or Pla Ra is often used in papaya salad, soup or chili paste to give the salted taste and special smell.

Roasted rice powder or Kao Kua is also often used in Isan dishes. It is roasted sticky rice powder. Isan people roast sticky rice in a pan until the rice turn yellow, then pound in a mortar. Roasted rice or Kao Kua can be used in many dishes such as minced meat salad or bamboo shoot curry to give the good smell or make the soup thicker. Isan people only make as much as they need for each meal because if they keep it for a long time the good smell will go away.

Chili powder is made by dry chili. Mostly Isan people use dry bird-chili and parch in a pan until it become crispy and give the good smell, then pound in a mortar. Isan people use it in almost every dish for the hot taste.

Vegetables are the main food in Isan. Every meal contain with them. Each vegetables give different taste and smell, some are sour, some are sweet and some are bitter. Some vegetables need to be cooked before eating but some people just eat it straight away. Isan people love to eat fresh vegetables so they just crop them as much as they want in one meal. The well known Isan vegetables are bamboo shoot, Pak Tew, Pak Wan and Pak Mek.

Isan is the driest part of Thailand, so Isan people in some areas can’t grow vegetables the whole year. So, they have to find anything in their nature to eat such as wild mushroom, wild vegetables, bugs or even wild animals. Finding food in the nature is a big part of Isan culture. The way of finding food is passed down by generations.

Isan cooking

There are many ways to cook Isan food. Isan people are cooking creators.

Laab: made by minced pork, fish, beef, ant’s egg or chicken flavor with pickle fish, roasted rice powder, lime juice, onion spring, coriander and shallot. Laab is normally eaten with vegetables.

Koy: grilled meat salad with local vegetables. It is made by pork, fish, beef, or chicken.

Sa: grilled pork salad with raw banana flower and glass noodle.

Mok: made from fish, frog, chicken or bug together with sweet basil, lemon grass and dill in banana leave, cooked by steaming.

Aom: a kind of Isan curry. Made by lots of vegetables and meat such as fish, crab, chicken, pork, frog or beef with pickle fish and roasted rice.

Aor: made by small fish, shrimp or ant’s egg with lime leave, onion spring, sweet basil and lemon grass. Cooked in a pot with a little bit of water.

Tam or Som Tam: a kind of salad mixed in a mortar and pestle. Made by raw papaya, string bean, tomato and flavor with chili, garlic, lime juice, fish sauce, pickle fish and sugar. There are many variations of Som Tam, some areas add pickle vegetable, pickle crab, rice noodle, peanut or dry shrimp.

Serving

Isan people usually eat sticky rice or Kao Niao with food by their hands. They have to make a small ball and dip it into the food to eat.

We would like to show how to cook Som Tam, the very popular Isan food. Here is a recipe sorted from http://www.squidoo.com

Thai green Papaya Salad (Som Tom)

Ingredients

2 cups green papaya peeled and shredded 4 cloves garlic

1-2 birds-chilies

1/2cup long been or green bean, cut into ½ to 1 inch lengths.

2 tbsp dried shrimp, rinsed and dried

1-2 tbsp Thai fish sauce

1 tbsp lime juice

1 tbsp tamarind water/juice

1tbsp palm sugar

1-2 cherry tomatoes, quartered

2 tbsp crushed roasted peanuts

Peel the papaya and rinse under running water, remove the seeds and shred the flesh with a grater and set aside. In the mortar and pestle add the garlic, chilies and beans, pound for just a minute. Then add the papaya, dried shrimp, fish sauce, lime juice, palm sugar, tamarind water and tomatoes. Gently pound using a large spoon to mix as you pound until the palm sugar has melted. Put the ingredients on a serving plate then add the roasted peanuts on the top. Serve with cabbage wedges and sliced cucumber on the side.

Note: You can leave out the papaya and combine everything else and use as a salad dressing over fresh cucumber and onions (onions optional).

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