Thailand , South East Asia . Bordering Malaysia , Cambodia , Laos , Myanmar (formally Burma ), the Andaman Sea and of course, the Gulf of Thailand . A large part of this area used to be known as ‘ Siam ’. Thailand , and what was previously ‘ Siam ’, possesses Cultural Heritages traced back more than 14 centuries. In its most modern history, the country is generally divided into regions. North, North East, Central and South, given its physical shape and populous.
My GallerAsia’s stunning set of Classical Thai Costumes includes Traditional attire specific to those regions, along with Royal Thai & Dignitary specials and a very celebrated festival called ‘Loy Krathong’.
North – Loosely described, the ‘Lanna’ Kingdom was a huge (predominantly mountainous) Territory in the North of Thailand (or Siam ), founded pre 7 th century. Its People were mostly migrants from the Chinese ‘ Yunnan ’ province, Burma (now named Myanmar ) and what’s known today as Laos . The Territory, previously chronicled to be ‘Yonok Country’, was a very desirable land mass and constantly needed to defend itself from other invading Kingdoms.
Central – ‘Dusit’ means “Seven layers of heaven”. The Dusit region, now known as ‘Sunam Luang’ was, and still is, a homestead for Thai Royals. The then lush and peaceful place was first noted by Rama IV (King Mongkut) back in the mid 19 th century. King Mongkut set about having various buildings made for himself and his family. Home to the largest ‘Golden Teakwood’ Mansion in the world, Sunam Luang is now a very popular destination for tourists.
‘Chakri’ is the present Dynasty in Thailand . Spanning from Rama I (Phra Buddha Yodfa Chulaloke), enthroned April 16 th 1782 . Through to His Majestey the King Bhumibol Aulyadej (Rama IV), current Monarch.
North East – ‘Isaan’, hardly Dignitary, but not to be overlooked. This area has long been the jewel of agriculture in Thailand . Often referred to by Thais from other regions as “same, same Laos ”. Made up of many provinces, this enormous area is the ‘Rice-growing’ capital, playing a huge part in the Thai economy for export as well as in-house consumption. Farmers too take a pride in their dress, and given their financial limitations, I’m sure you’ll agree that these costumes are really quite splendid.
South – Norah is…………………
‘Loy Krathong’ Festival – This is traditionally performed on the full moon night of the twelfth lunar month, which usually falls on a day in November. The floating of a ‘Krathong’ – a banana leaf/stork cup – is intended to float away ill fortune as well as to express apologies to Khongkha or Ganga , the River Goddess. It is a little sad and confusing that the use of polystyrene & paper, as a substitute for the Banana leaf & stork, seems to be growing in popularity these days. Given that this whole festival is basically an apology for ‘dirtying’ the water ways, it eludes my sense of logic as to why one would ‘dirty ’ them further with non-degradable materials………That’s “Amazing Asia” for you. Some Thais believe that the ritual is also meant to worship the Buddha’s footprint on the bank of the Narmada River , while others say that it is to pay respect to Phra Uppakhut, one of the Lord Buddha’s great disciples. Whatever the beliefs of each individual, it truly is a wonderful atmosphere and an experience not to be missed.
