Close Aerial View of last night's Wua Lai (Silverstreet) night market

[rcpilot]

Last night (August 24 2013) I made some footage at the beginning of the Wua Lai Saturday night market.

Hope you appreciate it.

[dru2]

In the same spirit:

Ancient Chiang Mai (43)

Temple Communities: Silversmiths of Wua Lai

Probably the most visible of the traditional temple communities scattered around Chiang Mai is the old silversmiths’ quarter centred on Baan Wua Lai (Spotted Cow Village). Stretching along both sides of Wua Lai Road – nowadays transformed into a pedestrian ‘walking street’ on Saturdays – this long-established, prosperous community of artisans maintains a tradition that stretches back more than two centuries, to the time of Chao Kawila’s re-establishment of the city in the years after 1797, and indeed much further.

Silversmiths have long been valued and held in high esteem by Southeast Asian royal courts from Burma to Java, and in times past the Lan Na Kingdom was no exception. For example, according to the Burmese chronicle of Chiang Mai, the Zinme Yazawin, soon after King Mangrai established his ‘New City’ of Chiang Mai in 1296, he sought to establish good neighbourly relations with the Burmese (or possibly Shan) King of Pagan, requesting that the latter send teachers learned in Buddhism, as well as ‘artisans and coppersmiths who can cast gongs and bells’.

The local (Northern Tai) chronicle Ratchawongsa Phun Muang Chiang Mai records that the King of Pagan sent two master gong makers with five hundred assistants and students, while another local chronicle, the Tamnan Phuen Muang Chiang Mai, makes this one master gongmaker, accompanied by ‘five hundred silversmiths, goldsmiths. bronzesmiths, ironsmiths and other artisans’. Nor was this cultural traffic one way – the Burmese learned the art of lacquer-making from Lan Na artisans, and even today use the word ‘yun’, derived from yuan, or ‘northerner’, an old Burmese name for the people of Lan Na, to describe lacquerware.

Unfortunately we know nothing of the whereabouts of the silversmiths quarter in Chiang Mai during the Mangrai Dynasty’s dominion over Lan Na (1263-1578), only that such a quarter must have existed, and that it was probably located to the north of the Old City where houses and mansions of royalty and nobility were clustered. We know even less of the artisans’ quarters during the period of Burmese rule (1558-1775), though it seems certain that following the expulsion of the latter, during the interregnum when Chiang Mai was completely abandoned (1775-97), no silversmiths would have remained in the city, those who survived the wars either being carried off by the retreating Burmese forces, or following Chao Kawila to nearby Lampang and his temporary military headquarters at Pasang, to the south of Lamphun.

The situation changed radically following Kawila’s re-establishment of Chiang Mai as the northern capital after 1797. Kawila used his growing military power to seize territories as far west as the Salween, and as far north as Chianghung (Kengtung) in Shan State, driving out the Burmese and ‘sweeping up’ the local people to resettle his new capital at Chiang Mai. By around 1800 Kawila had rebuilt and strengthened the walls and moats surrounding the Old City, after which he turned his attention to the Kamphaeng Din, or ‘earthen ramparts’ that extended from Jaeng Ku Ruang at the city’s southwest bastion in a broad sweep south and east, before turning north to rejoin the Old City fortifications at the northeast bastion of Jaeng Sri Phum. Within these walled outer suburbs, Kawila settled many of the different peoples he had forced from their homes and brought to Chiang Mai.

Among these new citizens were groups of skilled silversmiths that Kawila’s forces had captured across the Salween in present day Shan State. According to the ‘List of Temple Names and Sects in Ancient Chiang Mai’ held by Wat Chedi Luang and dating from the late 19th century, the people resettled in this area were Tai Lu silversmiths centred around Wat Phuak Pia on Thippanet Road, but there is little evidence of this today. Rather the silversmith’s quarter is centred a short way to the east, around the Spotted Cow monument on Wua Lai Road, and more specifically at Wat Srisuphan just to the west of Wua Lai Road, and Wat Muen San a short distance to the east.

Both these temples are vibrant, prosperous and very visibly associated with silversmiths and their craft. In recent years, due to a combination of increasing prosperity and cultural awareness, as well as the positive impact of the Saturday ‘walking street’ market on Wua Lai Road, silver signs and embellishments, often both large and intricate, have appeared outside shops, around the Spotted Cow monument, and especially at the two main community temples. The most obvious manifestation of this phenomenon has been the construction of elaborate ‘silver’ ubosot or ordination halls at both temples. Neither is yet complete, though the ubosot at Wat Srisuphan is the more advanced, and it seems likely that there is an element of friendly competition to see which temple will finish the task first.

In fact the metallic sheets used to clad the ferro-concrete structures are not silver, but aluminium. Asked about this master craftsman Rong at Wat Srisuphan explained that it would simply be far too expensive to use silver, especially as local silver is increasingly scarce, and the silver shops scattered along Wua Lai Road are increasingly having to import silver, particularly from distant Poland. The two ubosot currently emerging may not be to everyone’s liking – they are extremely elaborate and, to some tastes, over-ornate – but the quality of the silversmiths’ work is truly extraordinary. These are not just skilled artisans, but true artists. Fortunately it’s easy to watch them at work, either in the shop houses along Wua Lai, or at the temples themselves.

Wat Srisuphan, in particular, is at present a hive of activity, with silversmiths male and female tapping away at traditional Buddhist themes and scenes from the Ramayana to decorate the new ubosot inside and out. Everything will be silver of silver-coloured aluminium, only the Buddha image that presides over the temple is gold. Silversmiths are similarly busy across the street at Wat Muen San, though work on the new ubosot here is currently on hold pending the arrival of more funds – both silver temples are being funded, in large part, by community donations. On a recent visit about six silversmiths were working within the temple precincts at Wat Muen San, including a saffron-robed monk assiduously tapping away at a large silver Manchester United crest, presumably not for use in the nearby ubosot!

Fascinatingly, the sense of community is strong at both temples and throughout Baan Wua Lai. Master craftsman Rong made no bones about his ethnic origins, telling us: “Our families originally came from Burma. We were brought here by Chao Kawila to work as silversmiths”. The lady caretaker at Wat Muen San’s silver ubosot was still more forthcoming. When asked about the ethnic origins of the Baan Wua Lai community, she immediately identified Shan State. “Tai Lu, Tai Khoen, Tai Yai – but nowadays we’re all Khon Muang, Northern Thai”.

Elaborating on the links with Shan State, and particularly Kengtung, she explained that her people had been “swept up” by Chao Kawila (she actually used the Tai word kwat, to sweep, as used in Kawila’s time). Their original home in Shan State had been called Baan Wua Lai, so naturally they transferred the ancestral name to their new home in Chiang Mai. Seeing that we were interested in this history, she led us into the half-finished silver ubosot. Entering from the east, the silver murals initially visible, on the west wall, portray scenes from the Ramakien, the Thai version of the Ramayana. But turning us towards the east wall she drew our attention to a very different series of large silver panels, portraying Chao Kawila’s forces initially capturing the inhabitants of Baan Wua Lai in Shan State, driving them south to Chiang Mai, and resettling them in their present location. The silver panels depict the silversmiths cutting down trees, building houses and establishing new temples as they settled in to their new home in Chiang Mai just over two centuries ago.

Andrew Forbes and David Henley. © CPA Media, 2008

[Gonzo the Face]

Thank you dru2 for that ......very interesting.

[chuang]

NICE...thanks

[samsara]

how much does your setup cost?

[haybilly]

Pretty cool video--a little bit brief and the focus seemed a little shaky, at least when blown up onto full screen anyway--but, I like the idea and am sure that you will get some amazing videos--I have actually subscribed to your Tube account just to see what you produce.

I, too, am keen to know how much the rig cost?

[Mousehound]

Thanks for the clip rcpilot and for the info dru2. All helps with the CM experience.

[Chicog]

What you have to worry about is when a grey cross appears in the middle of it.

[rcpilot]

Thanks to all for your reactions and likes, especially dru2 for your info about the history of the area and the silversmiths, very interesting.

To samsara and haybilly.

About the setup, I don't know exactly but I would say around 50000 thb.

The point is that there also is a learning curve. I lost one here and another one there, including a multicopter deciding to start a new life as a submarine, taking a quite expensive camera with it down into the deep as well. That is what makes it a bit more expensive.

Soon I will publish another one I shot at Wat Jet Yot (if the mods allow me).

[dru2]

Thanks to all for your reactions and likes, especially dru2 for your info about the history of the area and the silversmiths, very interesting.

To samsara and haybilly.

About the setup, I don't know exactly but I would say around 50000 thb.

The point is that there also is a learning curve. I lost one here and another one there, including a multicopter deciding to start a new life as a submarine, taking a quite expensive camera with it down into the deep as well. That is what makes it a bit more expensive.

Soon I will publish another one I shot at Wat Jet Yot (if the mods allow me).

And I will publish an accompanying piece on Wat Jet Yod if and when you do. Must take a lot of skill to handle a video on a multicopter... impressive. Thank you! I have been writing and researching on places like this for years, without ever seeing them from the air.

[cgjtt]

Next time you go to the airport, take a look at some of the support pillars outside and in. The silver-work ( aluminum ) was done by one local lady ( maybe her gang ) who works at temple Srisuphan. Nice to see these artists work being promoted around the city. I contracted a piece from her last year and it's beautiful.

Great camera work by the way.

Edited August 26, 2013 by cgjtt

[haybilly]

Thanks for that info 'cjgtt'--I spotted the silver repousse work on the pillars on our return a while back--and remarked to my daughter that were newly added and really cool [ she took as much notice as an eleven year old should!] and now you inform us of the artisan--thanks.

PS --a cool partnership is developing between the aerial rc pilot's work and Dru's responses--very nice.

Edited August 26, 2013 by haybilly

[Gonzo the Face]

In any event I think that idea of aerial photography by the re copter and dru 2 write up is a good combination ..... the two o;f you should get together and do a little e book...... the write up on a specific point of interest and then a link to the photography of the area.

[Tywais]

Ever since I saw the multi-copter videos I really want one. The cheapest I've seen is $595.00 USD and I don't think that came with the RC controller. I've seen controllers that can operate from an Android phone or tablet. Always enjoy <envy> your videos.

BTW - what is the flight time on one battery charge? I assume that is a Hero GoPro camera being used?

[rcpilot]

Thanks to all for your reactions and likes, especially dru2 for your info about the history of the area and the silversmiths, very interesting.

Soon I will publish another one I shot at Wat Jet Yot (if the mods allow me).

And I will publish an accompanying piece on Wat Jet Yod if and when you do. Must take a lot of skill to handle a video on a multicopter... impressive. Thank you! I have been writing and researching on places like this for years, without ever seeing them from the air.

Interesting dru2, I pm'ed you.

In a minute I will publish the one I shot at Wat Jet Yot.

[rcpilot]

Ever since I saw the multi-copter videos I really want one. The cheapest I've seen is $595.00 USD and I don't think that came with the RC controller. I've seen controllers that can operate from an Android phone or tablet. Always enjoy <envy> your videos.

BTW - what is the flight time on one battery charge? I assume that is a Hero GoPro camera being used?

Not sure, but I think the copters controlled by a phone or tablet have their limitations. The connection seems to be by WiFi, so quite a limited range. I do use (amongst other equipment) a tablet but I have a radio hooked up to the tablet. Gives my the realtime flightdata and I can give commands to the copter in mid air.

The batteries I use give me a flighttime of some 7 minutes. Of course I do have more sets of batteries.

I had a GoPro. Gone...

Now I am using a Pana LX7 for the videos and mostly a modified (other firmware in it) Canon G11 for the stills.

[cgjtt]

One of the IT stores in Central airport had a sale on PAROT drones ( this is about 2 months ago ), I think they are controlled through your Iphone/ Ipad. Not sure, but I think about 6000 BTS. I don't think you would be getting anything near what RCPILOT is coming out with, but on the fun factor scale, must be an 8 out of 10

[sustento]

Ever since I saw the multi-copter videos I really want one. The cheapest I've seen is $595.00 USD and I don't think that came with the RC controller. I've seen controllers that can operate from an Android phone or tablet. Always enjoy <envy> your videos.

BTW - what is the flight time on one battery charge? I assume that is a Hero GoPro camera being used?

http://www.rcgroups.com/aircraft-electric-multirotors-790/

[Tywais]

Spent a fair amount of time looking further into what is available through Youtube and websites and came across this complete system. DJI Phantom Quadcopter with GPS. Price around $700 USD though. B&H Photo has the complete setup with GoPro HERO3 camera. Found this one which may be a good first start in order to learn how to fly one. Brando $49.00 USD but no camera but may be able to mount one of the cheap, small spy cams on it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hV6o01HxB3Y

DJI Site

[samsara]

B&H grossly inflates their prices. Notice that the GoPro is only the silver.

Found the complete setup (GPS Quad+FPV+GoPro3 Black) for 32000 THB. HOWEVER, VAT was quoted at 15000 THB and shipping was another 5000.

55-60k on a toy...hmm...

[Tywais]

B&H grossly inflates their prices. Notice that the GoPro is only the silver.

Found the complete setup (GPS Quad+FPV+GoPro3 Black) for 32000 THB. HOWEVER, VAT was quoted at 15000 THB and shipping was another 5000.

55-60k on a toy...hmm...

B&H do have the same in the black edition for 31,899 Baht. Actually I've found B&H pretty competitive. I bought my camera from them for 30,000 Baht which ran for 60,000 Baht on all Thai websites.

[Saan]

Spent a fair amount of time looking further into what is available through Youtube and websites and came across this complete system. DJI Phantom Quadcopter with GPS. Price around $700 USD though. B&H Photo has the complete setup with GoPro HERO3 camera. Found this one which may be a good first start in order to learn how to fly one. Brando $49.00 USD but no camera but may be able to mount one of the cheap, small spy cams on it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hV6o01HxB3Y

DJI Site

Google Kogan Australia helicopter. The have a very handsome little number with camera that might be just right for the learning phase for $49.

'Remote control helicopters with onboard cameras are the latest rage, but their high price tags often put them out of reach for the budding enthusiast. At this price, you can afford to buy two!

Featuring a built in camera and internal gyroscopes for extremely steady flight, you will soon be soaring through the sky with our Mini RC Spy Helicopter. Navigating the helicopter is a breeze, capture both video or still shots at the press of a button, either via iPhone/iPad/Android handset or via the dedicated 2.4GHz controller.'

[samsara]

B&H grossly inflates their prices. Notice that the GoPro is only the silver.

Found the complete setup (GPS Quad+FPV+GoPro3 Black) for 32000 THB. HOWEVER, VAT was quoted at 15000 THB and shipping was another 5000.

55-60k on a toy...hmm...

B&H do have the same in the black edition for 31,899 Baht. Actually I've found B&H pretty competitive. I bought my camera from them for 30,000 Baht which ran for 60,000 Baht on all Thai websites.

but thats comparing apples and oranges. B&H is usually more expensive than other western outlets.

^the problem with using something like that kogan is that you wont actually learn anything at all since the controls are totally different from the quad. do like the idea of bouncing instead of crashing, though

Edited August 27, 2013 by samsara

[WitawatWatawit]

rcpilot, that was excellent - thanks for showing it to us. Very good picture quality. Next time mount a speaker on it and zoom in close to people and warn them "Big Brother is watching you." Should be good for a laugh. Was out at the RC Flying Club back of Jomtien the other day watching some people put their planes and copters through their paces. If my daughter can keep her bloody hands out of my wallet for a couple of months, I might be able to save up to buy some equipment.

Keep the vids coming.

[sustento]

If you're thinking of buying from China Banggood.com have a good name with the RC heli community

http://www.banggood.com/

Also there's Hobbyking who have warehouses in Hong Kong, the US, the UK and Europe

http://hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/index.asp

[WitawatWatawit]

If you're thinking of buying from China Banggood.com have a good name with the RC heli community

http://www.banggood.com/

Also there's Hobbyking who have warehouses in Hong Kong, the US, the UK and Europe

http://hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/index.asp

Cool - appreciate the links, sustento. Prices seem pretty reasonable, so crashes etc won't hurt the wallet too much as you get used to it all.

Cheers.

[sustento]

I've posted this link before but it's worth repeating. There's huge amounts of advice and knowledge available here

http://www.rcgroups.com/aircraft-electric-multirotors-790/

[rcpilot]

I've posted this link before but it's worth repeating. There's huge amounts of advice and knowledge available here

http://www.rcgroups.com/aircraft-electric-multirotors-790/

Hi guys,

It is all getting a bit technical now...

Some asked me what hardware I am using.

Well, I just buy the components and build the copters up myself.

Works better for me and gives me more freedom.

HobbyKing is my main supplier.

Do not forget that hardware is just something you need.

More important is building up experience flying the copter. And common sense.

So I would say, start with something really cheap.

Crashes are great teachers. Start practicing in open empty fields. The higher the grass, the better.

And common sense means NOT flying above people, cars, etc.

When I produced the footage at Thanon Wua Lai I had an open space of just 2 by 2 meter between some food stalls for lift-off and landing and during the flight, my copter was mainly above the water in the moat.

Not an ideal situation but in case of a possible malfunction, a crash on a car or much worse, on a person, is an absolute disaster.

So again to the guys who want to start flying a multicopter, my advice is start with something cheap and take your time.

[sustento]

I've posted this link before but it's worth repeating. There's huge amounts of advice and knowledge available here

http://www.rcgroups.com/aircraft-electric-multirotors-790/

Hi guys,

It is all getting a bit technical now...

You can't present a bunch of blokes with new toys and not expect them to be interested

[Tywais]

I've posted this link before but it's worth repeating. There's huge amounts of advice and knowledge available here

http://www.rcgroups.com/aircraft-electric-multirotors-790/

Hi guys,

It is all getting a bit technical now...

You can't present a bunch of blokes with new toys and not expect them to be interested

'The difference between a man and a boy is the price of his toys'

Have to admit, been spending quite a bit of time looking at all the sites and YouTube videos. Digging around for an Android quadcopter simulator to practice with. Have an RC Helicopter simulator for Android already and it is very realistic - spelled difficult to fly.