Antoni.... Daily life in Thailand and how I see it

antoniuni · December 27, 2016

AMPHAWA, Wat Amphawan Chetiyaram วัดอัมพวันเจติยาราม, previous Wat Ampawa อัมพวา

Located at the mouth of the Amphawan canal and constructed by Somdet Phra Roop Sirisophak Mahanak Nari (Princess Phrarubsirisopharkmahanaknari (San)), the princess-mother of Somdet Phra (Queen) Amarintharamat (Nak). Somdet Phra Roop Sirisophak Mahanak Nari donated a piece of land for establishing this wat (temple). She and other relatives together supported the construction of this temple.

"Wat Ampawa" was renamed by King Rama III พระบาทสมเด็จพระนั่งเกล้าเจ้าอยู่หัว (meaning "temple with pagodas") and renovated by King Rama III, King Rama IV พระบาทสมเด็จพระปรเมนทรมหาวชิราวุธฯ พระมงกุฎเกล้าเจ้าอยู่หัว and King Rama V พระบาทสมเด็จพระปรมินทรมหาจุฬาลงกรณ์ พระจุลจอมเกล้าเจ้าอยู่หัว. King Rama III made an addition and a pagoda to enshrine some ashes of his father, King Rama II. It is a second class royal monastery.

The temple belongs to the Bang Chang-family who is associated with the royal lineage of Bang Chang. The back of this temple was once a residence of Luang Yokkrabat (King Rama I พระบาทสมเด็จพระปรโมรุราชามหาจักรีบรมนารถ พระพุทธยอดฟ้าจุฬาโลก) and Khun Nak (Queen Ammarinthramat (Amarindaramas), mother of King Rama I ). It was also the birthplace of Khun Chim who became later King Rama II พระบาทสมเด็จพระบรมราชพงศ์เชษมเหศวรสุนทร พระพุทธเลิศหล้านภาลัย (King Phra Phuttha Lerita). The Ubosoth (ordination hall) and permanent structures within the temple were mostly formed in the early Rattanakosin style of art and architecture.

Some more about the Bang Chang-family (courtesy of "Trips Thailand.com") under the heading "Amphoe Amphawa":

"The Amphawa district is an important place and is much involved with Thai history from the Ayutthaya period to the early Rattanakosin period. In the past, it was called Khwaeng Bang Chang, the small community prospered in both agriculture and commerce. There are credible evidences that suggest that during King Prasatthong era, Kwaeng Bang Chang had a market called Bang Chang Market. Ms. Noi was the head of the market who had a title of Thao Kaeo Phaluek. She was a member of the Bang Chang family a very rich family. Later, the family was granted the surname of Na Bang Chang by the King.
In the year 2303 B.E. (1760), during the reign of King Ekkathat in the late of Ayutthaya era, he promoted Nai Thong Duang (later to become King Rama I) to the position of Luang Yok Krabat governing Muang Ratchaburi, the fourth-grade city under Ayutthaya. Later, Luang Yokkrabat married Khun Nak, a daughter of the rich Bang Chang family, they settled behind Wat Chulamani. Some time later, the house was gutted from a fire, so they relocated to a new house behind Wat Amphawan Chetiyaram, where they stayed for 3 years.
In 2310 B.E. (1767), the Burmese conquered Ayutthaya, Luang Yokkrabat and his family escaped to the deep of the jungles. At that time, Than Kaeo (Somdet Krom Phra Srisudarak) an elder sister of Luang Yokkrabat gave birth to a daughter named Boon Rod (who later became Princess Srisuriyenthara Borommarachinee, the queen to King Rama II). When Phraya Wachiraphrakarn gathered an army and was able to repel the Burmese, he was crowned as King Taksin. So Luang Yokkrabat and his family moved back to their hometown.
At that time, Khun Nak gave birth to their fourth son, Chim (who later became King Rama II). After that Luang Yokkrabat served King Taksin. He received the title of Phrarajawarin Chao Krom Phra Tamruajnokkwa, then was promoted to Prince Phrayamahakasatsuek and later on was crowned as King Rama I, the founder of Chakri Dynasty. Khun Nak, his wife, was promoted to Queen (Somdej Amarintharamat). Khun San, Khun Nak's mother, was promoted to Princess Phrarubsirisopharkmahanaknari.
But because Queen Amarintharamat was a native of Bang Chang, she had many close relatives who owned fruit orchards at Bang Chang. When promoted to Queen Amarintharamat, she became a noble Bang Chang. Therefore her relatives are related to the noble Bang Chang Family. Somdet Phra Amarintharamat always visited her relatives, so it was called Suan Nok which means the suburb that belonged to members of the queen's family. Bangkok, the region of the royal family was called Suan Nai. The catchphrase of Bang Chang Suan Nork, Bangkok Suan Nai was used until the reign of King Rama IV."

Latitude and longitude 13°25'31.65" N 99°57'14.25" E

30 more photo's: http://www.antoniuniphotography.com/p904364912

Edited December 27, 2016 by antoniuni

antoniuni · December 27, 2016

"the Banyan Tree Temple"

Banyan

Sacred Fig tree (Ficus religiosa)

Wat Bang Kung is an ancient temple from the Ayutthaya period.

In the Ubosot or ordination hall one finds a large Buddha sculpture named by the locals as Luangpho Bot Noi. Old mural paintings are depicting preaching Buddha sitting in a niche surrounded by his disciples.

The Ubosot was built in the Ayudhaya period and has been closed-in by a big Banyan tree.

The wat is located in Tambon Bang Kung, District Bangkhonti in Samut Songkhram.

During the late Ayutthaya period the Burmese army attacked Ayutthaya in 1765. King Akathat of Ayutthaya ordered the naval forces to raise a camp in the Bang Kung District. However the troops were not able to defend the camp and in 1767 the Burmese defeated Ayutthaya and the camp was deserted. In 1768 King Taksin the Great ordered the Chinese to make a guard-unit for the camp and the camp was named the "Bang Kung Chinese Camp", the Chinese guards "Thahan Phakdi Asa" (voluntary loyal soldiers). In the same year the Burmese army, led by the King of Angwa, surrounded the camp. King Taksin the Great and Phra Maha Montri (Bunma) defeated the Burmese. In 1774 King Taksin, heading to Bang Kaeo in the Rachaburi Province visited Wat Bang Kung. Afterwards has been left deserted for some 200 years until, in 1967, the Ministry of Education put-up a Boy Scout-camp in honor of King Taksin the Great.

At one side of the premises of the wat one finds statues of Krabi Krabong fighters.

Bang Kung Camp

Within the camp compound, there is the Ubosoth (ordination hall) commonly called "Bot Luangpho Dam". The hall is wholly covered by four species of ficus plants: Pho (Bodhi), Sai, Krai, and Krang. Therefore, it is also called "Bot Prok Pho" (ordination hall covered by Bodhi trees). The monument of King Taksin the Great is in its vicinity.

Wat Bang Kung

Within the temple, there is an old ordination hall which houses a large sculptured Buddha image commonly called by villagers as Luangpho Bot Noi. Mural paintings from the late Ayutthaya period depict Lord Buddha whilst sitting in the niche and preaching, flanked by the disciples paying respect to him.

Extract from Wikipedia

Latitude and longitude 13°26'44.94" N 99°56'29.32" E

22 photo’s

antoniuni · December 28, 2016

A stroll around the Assumption university (previousABAC university) in Samut Prakan, Bangkok

Assumption University is a private Catholic university with three campuses in the Hua Mak, Central World Plaza in downtown Bangkok, and Suvarnabhumi areas of Samut Prakan Province, Thailand. The university is led by the Brothers of St. Gabriel, who have been active in education in Thailand since 1901. Assumption University is noted for attracting large numbers of foreign students from countries including Russia, China, Kazakhstan, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and other Asian countries. Students from China make up the largest number of foreign students. There are exchange students from the United States (Loyola) and Europe. Assumption University was also the first international university in Thailand.

Brothers of Christian Instruction of the Holy Spirit

After the French Revolution, the congregation amalgamated under the guidance of Father Gabriel Deshayes into the Brothers they are today. Around 1824 the Brothers received official approbation under the name of Brothers of Christian Instruction of the Holy Spirit. A motherhouse, called "Saint Gabriel" was established for them separate from that of the priests. In 1853 the imperial decree of Napoleon III conferred on the Congregation the title of Brothers of Christian Instruction of Saint Gabriel.

The institute's main concern is Christian education, especially for the poor, orphans and the physically challenged. Other organizations inspired by Montfortian ideals are the Company of Mary and the Daughters of Wisdom. The 'Associates' are a lay association linked to the Gabrielites and similarly inspired by Montfortian spirituality.

One of the examples of institutions run by FSG is Assumption University (better known as ABAC from its former name of Assumption Business Administration College), which was the first university in

Thailand to offer all classes in the English language. They have also established educational institutions in Canada, Singapore, Malaysia, India, Mauritius, Spain, Italy and of course in France.

30 photos

samuijimmy · December 28, 2016

Great start Antoni, your text is a great addition to what we are looking at!

antoniuni · December 28, 2016

Wat Muang

The Great Buddha of Thailand, also known as The Big Buddha, The Big Buddha of Thailand, Phra Buddha Maha Nawamin, and Mahaminh Sakayamunee Visejchaicharn, is the tallest statue in Thailand, and the ninth tallest in the world.

Located in the Wat Muang Monastery in Ang Thong province, this statue stands 92 m (300 ft) high, and is 63 m (210 ft) wide. Construction commenced in 1990, and was completed in 2008. It is painted gold and made of cement.

The ubosoth or ordination hall of Wat Muang is surrounded by the biggest lotus petals in the world.

Near the temple one finds the Hell Park, a theme park filled with macabre scenes of death and torture showed through large figures.

Latitude and longitude 14°35'37.93" N 100°22'48.96" E

37 photo's

antoniuni · December 28, 2016

Wat Khao Noi Si Chomphu

Wat Khao Noi Si Chomphu is situated in tambon Klong Nam Sai and accommodates also Prasat Khao Noi, which are believed to have been Hindu-shrines, at a hill of about 130 mtrs. high, which can be reached by stairs of 245 steps. Of the three Prangs is only the middle main-tower left and the bases of the Prangs at the right-hand side and the left-hand side. They are made of bricks and built without the use of mortar.

They have been registered in 1935 by the Department of Fine Arts as a national ancient site. Amongst some old relics has been found a sandstone lintel in the Khmer-style Sombor Prei Kuk of 7 AD which are now displayed at the Pranchin Buri National Museum. An inscription indicates the year 637, which is considered as the oldest inscription of the country.

The entrance to the premises: N 13° 35' 03.91" E 102° 31' 45.57"

15 photo’s

antoniuni · December 29, 2016

BAN PHAEO, Wat Mairajnukool

History of Ban Phaeo / Ban Paew / Ban Pheo:

"In the past the area of the district was covered with deep forest. Hunters who traveled to hunt wild animals there always lost the way, so they agreed to make meeting points by using Phaeo flags. When people established a new village, they named their village Ban Phaeo."

Source: Wikipedia

Amphoe Ban Phaeo is the most well-known place in the province and the biggest one in the country for the production of fruits, flowers and agricultural products.

Latitude and longitude of the entrance of Wat Mairajnukool: 13° 35' 18.20" N 100° 06' 01.99" E

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antoniuni · December 29, 2016

BAN PHAEO, Wat Tham Chariya Pirom

History of Ban Phaeo / Ban Paew / Ban Pheo:

"In the past the area of the district was covered with deep forest. Hunters who traveled to hunt wild animals there always lost the way, so they agreed to make meeting points by using Phaeo flags. When people established a new village, they named their village Ban Phaeo."

Source: Wikipedia

Amphoe Ban Phaeo is the most well-known place in the province and the biggest one in the country for the production of fruits, flowers and agricultural products.

13°35'10.82" N 100°06'05.35" E

17 photo's

Edited December 29, 2016 by antoniuni

antoniuni · December 30, 2016

Bangkok: Wat Amara Wararam (Wat Amorn Wararam (Wipatsana)

Latitude and longitude 13°53'36.86" N 100°37'16.71" E

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antoniuni · December 31, 2016

The Origins of the Wat Arun, Bangkok

Wat Arun is one of the few surviving legacies from the Chakri dynasty of Thailand. The term Wat refers to a group of religious buildings generally enclosed by a wall with several gateways. During the golden era of Ayutthaya, ships of various nations sailing up and down the 'River of Kings' would make a stop at the junction of the Chao Phraya River known as Thonburi, to replenish supplies and provisions which were available abundantly in this area. The sailors would stop in obeisance in front of the old temple formerly known as Wat Makok or Wat Makok Nok.

It is said that the royal fleet of King Taksin, the founder of the former capital of Thonburi, arrived at Wat Makok Nok precisely at dawn. He stopped his vessel and disembarked to pay homage to the Holy Relic inside the pagoda, and the temple was subsequently referred to as Wat Chaeng - the Temple of Dawn. When King Taksin crowned himself the monarch, the temple was designated a royal temple within the grand palace, as it was the first place in Thonburi to catch the morning light. Unfortunately, King Taksin treated the temple monks badly, expelling them so that he could worship privately in the temple. The Wat housed the statue of the Emerald Buddha, before it was moved to Wat Phra Kaeo in 1785.

http://www.watarun.net/the_origin.html

Latitude and longitude: 13°44'37.45" N 100°29'14.44" E

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antoniuni · January 1, 2017

I wish everybody a nice and happy New Year!

Plumeria, Franipani

antoniuni · January 2, 2017

Bangkok, Wat Bang Bua

Latitude and longitude 13°55'33.5" N 100°38'17.6" E

The last home of Pets

Innovative crematorium service takes the hassle out of bidding farewell to four-legged friends

Bangkok Post

Published: 6/02/2013 at 12:00 AM

Newspaper section: Life

It all started with personal interest, family business and a gap in the market. Ploysai Passornsiri keeps many dogs _ enough to know how hard it is to deal with all the fuss that comes when they pass away.

Combining her father's electric and non-polluting incinerator business with her architectural thesis on total solution crematoria, Ploysai founded Pet Master _ a total pet crematorium that aims to make life easier for all pet lovers.

Pet Master embraces pet crematorium approaches from several countries which Ploysai researched before she embarked on her business. In Japan, she said, they have condos to house the ashes, while crematoria in the UK take a more eco-conscious approach.

Ploysai combined concepts from both countries and came up with an idea she believes to be most suitable for Bangkok _ a non-polluting crematorium without odour and smoke that won't damage the environment, operated at temples.

Wat That Thong, on Sukhumvit, served as the first location for her pet crematorium business.

"It was a coincidence that when I asked the abbot of the temple, he entirely agreed as the temple had received a lot of queries regarding the possibility of a pet crematorium. We were allocated a space at the back of the temple," said the director of Pet Master, who regards her service as "the last home of pets".

Convenience aside, the location is a solution for urban dwellers who are faced with the challenge of space when it comes to handling the bodies of deceased pets. Pet Master currently has branches at Wat That Thong, Wat Kai Tia in Taling Chan and Wat Bang Bua in Bang Khen, each servicing 60-80 pets per month.

In addition, Pet Master's services are also offered through its website, petcrematorium.com, which has witnessed a huge growth from two or three dogs in the first month to 20-30 dogs per month.

In terms of services, the "total solution" encompasses containers for remains, pet coffins, pet taxis (to deliver the body), cold storage, ceremonies, cremation and scattering of ashes as well as memorials.

Pet taxi fees range from 300 to 500 baht for Bangkok and its suburbs, while the cold storage charge is 300 baht per day. The ceremony fee is 1,000 baht, which covers coordinating with temples for attendance by monks, pouring water, offerings dedicated to monks, merit-making and placing the body in the incinerator. All procedures are photographed and pet owners will receive all the memorabilia. Ashes will be scattered every first and third Saturday of the month with a service fee of 300 to 500 baht.

Online services include photo albums of pets that Pet Master offers to customers for a 499 baht fee and the income from the memorial will be donated to The Voice _ the Foundation of Stray Dogs. Dogs aside, Ploysai said they also deal with cats, hamsters, chickens, squirrels and monkeys. They also provide a taxidermy service.

Pet Master counts universities, schools and open air markets among its customers, thanks to their regular major clean-ups that result in piles of dead rats _ infected waste that requires special handling.

Pet Master deploys the latest technology when it comes to customer service. The latest innovation is the mobile app called IDMSS, which is available on iOS and Android platforms.

All three branches of Pet Master are equipped with CCTV cameras, so if for any reason customers cannot attend the cremation service, they can monitor the entire process online in real-time via an app-enabled smartphone or personal computer.

About the author

columnist Writer: Sasiwimon Boonruang

Position: Writer for the Life section

73 photo's: http://www.antoniuniphotography.com/p1011217837

Edited January 2, 2017 by antoniuni

antoniuni · January 3, 2017

Bangkok, Wat Bang Nai (wat Bang Nam Chon)

13°42'15.41" N 100°29'25.75" E

17 photo's

antoniuni · January 3, 2017

Sad street live in Bangkok, Asoke

antoniuni · January 3, 2017

Bangkok, Wat Bang Peng Tai

13°47'59.95" N 100°42'39.10" E

51 photo's

antoniuni · January 4, 2017

Bangkok, Wat Bang Toei

13°48'09.04" N 100°38'58.11" E

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antoniuni · January 5, 2017

THAI TEMPLES

antoniuni · January 5, 2017

Bangkok, Wat Bang Na Nai

Wat Bang Na Nai is a Buddhist temple complex located in the Bang Na Area in the city of Bangkok in Thailand. The main temple is made out of marble and is surrounded by marble columns, something you don’t see often in Buddhist temples. Marble ubosot at Wat Bang Na Nai in Bangkok. There is a large bronze colored Chedi on top of a meeting hall. Inside the meeting hall you can see several Buddha images and also an image of a monk.

Source: the Global Travelmate

http://www.globaltravelmate.com/asia/thailand/bangkok/bangkok-temples/3216-bangkok-wat-bang-na-nai.html

13°40'13.55" N 100°36'16.88" E

64 photo's