Thailand Off the Beaten Path Blog

An Interview with Changemaker Ajarn Chayakorn (Wooddy) Sakon Nakhon Rajabhat University Can you tell me a little about your childhood? Where in Sakon Nakhon did you grow up, what did your parents do, where did you go to school, etc. Ajarn Chayakorn Sutakote (อาจารย์ชยกร สุตะโคตร): I was born in Sakon Nakhon province, living in the city […]

Bangkok is well-known for having some of the best Indian restaurants in the world. However, great Indian restaurants become harder to find the further upcountry you go. For many years, Sakon Nakhon didn’t have any Indian restaurant at all — but thankfully now is home to one of the best Indian restaurants in Northeast Thailand: […]

As many readers of “Thailand Off the Beaten Track” are aware, my book “Poems from Sakon Nakhon” (Thai Poetry in English) has recently been published by Ysaan Books, a new small press in Sakon Nakhon. As a special gift to regular readers and subscribers of this blog, I am making the Kindle (eBook) version of […]

Ysaan Books has announced the publication of Poems from Sakon Nakhon. This bilingual book of Thai poetry in English, the first of its kind, is available now in both paperback and hardcover internationally at Amazon.com. Visit the Amazon listing at Poems from Sakon Nakhon. A Thailand collector’s edition with a handmade indigo cloth slip cover […]

In addition to two English programs, Sakon Nakhon Rajabhat University (SNRU) has a flourishing Chinese Language Program (Bachelors of Arts), which is adding a Master’s degree program in 2025. With its vibrant Chinatown area, whose residents have recently built a magnificent Chinese Buddhist temple at the Metta Dharma Foundation Courtyard, Sakon Nakhon is becoming one […]

December is a month of rejuvenation for the people of Thailand. The crops have been harvested, the cool season has arrived, and the sunflower fields are fully in bloom. Every province in Thailand has a few sunflower fields, often planted by a university agricultural program or the provincial government — both as a tourist attraction […]

If you are flying from Thailand to the United States or Europe, one airline with low cost fares is Air India. Having flown Air India twice from Bangkok to Newark/NY in recent years, I thought it would be helpful to offer an objective review of the experience, and why Air India is an airline I […]

Seen Above: A Malayan banded wolf snake climbing up a tree in Sakon Nakhon province, Northeast Thailand. Most people in Thailand are fearful of snakes, which should come as no surprise. The Kingdom is home to many of the world’s most venomous snakes. I was reminded of this recently when a banded snake slipped into […]

One of the most colorful and interesting caterpillars in Thailand begins to appear during the month of July — in particular in Northeast Thailand and mountain provinces like Sakon Nakhon. This caterpillar will not grow into a Thai butterfly, but rather the Oleander Hawk Moth, which is known in Thailand as the Camouflaged Rocket Moth […]

Thai poetry has a rich history dating back to the Sukhothai Kingdom (1238–1438), where early poetic forms like “Lilit” (ลิลิต) and “Chan” (ฉันท์) were first used, and the Ayutthaya period (1351–1767), when Thai poetry flourished with court poets composing works in sophisticated meters, such as “Khlong” (โคลง) and “Kap” (กาพย์). However, there hasn’t been much […]

In recent years, coffeehouses and cafes have been opening up inside decommissioned airliners and military aircraft. There is the 747 Airplane Bistro in Bangkok, the Air Diamond Cafe & Hotel in Chiang Mai, and the Airbus “Coffee War” Cafe in Sattahip to name a few. One of the most recent additions to the list of […]

Phra Pidta amulets are one of Thailand’s most coveted. The name Phra Pidta (พระปิดตา) translates to the “monk with closed eyes” and refers to a legendary monk who closed all 9 entrances to his body (2 eyes, 2 nostrils, 2 ears, 1 mouth, 1 buttocks, and 1 urethra) in order to achieve deeper levels of […]

Wat Phra That Muen Hin (วัดพระธาตุหมื่นหิน) in Kalasin is home to the revered Thai monk Luang Pu Sila Sirichanto (หลวงปู่ศิลา สิริจันโท), who founded the Thai temple in 2024 and now serves as abbot. A special ceremony attended by Thai government officials and a royal emissary of HM King Maha Vajiralongkorn was held in June to […]

On July 18th, Sakon Nakhon Rakabhat University will welcome Thai cultural ambassador Manita “Nita” Duangkham Farmer (มานิต้า ดวงคำ ฟาร์มเมอร์), winner of the 2022 Miss Thailand competition. Nita was born of a Thai mother and American father, becoming the first “look kreung” (ลูกครึ่ง) or half Thai/half foreigner to win the pageant’s crown. Nita Manita (นิต้า มานิตา), […]

The chanting of mantras is an important part of Thailand’s religious traditions, and can be traced to its Buddhist beliefs, as well as its ancient Hindu and animist beliefs. Anyone who visits Thai temples will see various mantras or “katha” (คาถา) spells printed on signage next to statues of sacred figures, such as the Buddha, […]

Thailand is known for its majestic temples, like Wat Phra Kaew, which attract millions of visitors every year. However, Thailand has hundreds of relatively hidden temples, which remain undiscovered to even Thai tourists and are known only by nearby locals. I was reminded of hidden Thai temples, when I discovered a new one myself only […]

King Ananda Mahidol (right) with his brother Prince Bhumibol (center) and Former Regent Pridi Banomyong (left) in 1945 On June 9th (2024), Thailand honors the life and legacy of King Ananda Mahidol, also known as King Rama VIII. This yearly memorial is known as Wan Ananda Mahidol (วันอานันทมหิดล), and includes various events of remembrance, the […]

Whenever a tourist in Thailand has a rare violent encounter, online travel forums like Reddit usually blow the news out of proportion, while spreading unfounded warnings that Thailand is a dangerous place to visit — when the reality is entirely the opposite. The readers of DestinAsia recently ranked Bangkok the best city to visit in […]

In Thailand the two most common words used to describe an attractive woman are sŭay (สวย) and nârák (น่ารัก), which translate to “beautiful” and “cute,” respectively. But sometimes you may feel that neither of these words are the right one to describe a truly captivating Thai woman. In the Thai language, the compound word “mee […]

When discussing how the Thai language impacts Thai culture, people often talk about the multiple meanings of the Thai word “jai” (heart, mind, and spirit), and the hundreds of other words with “jai” as a prefix or suffix — which are popularly categorized as “Thai Heart Talk“. However, there’s another word that’s important to understanding […]

Seen Above: King Prajadhipok of Siam with his wife Queen Rambhai Barni in England. On May 30th (2024), the Thai people honor the 83rd anniversary of the death of King Prajadhipok (วันคล้ายวันสวรรคต ร. 7), the last absolute monarch of Thailand, or Siam, as it was known back then. King Prajadhipok (Rama VII) was born on […]

A lesser-known Buddhist holiday in Thailand during the month of May is Atthami Bucha Day (วันอัฏฐมีบูชา), which occurs a week after the more celebrated Visakha Bucha Day. The term “Atthami” means “eighth day of the lunar month” and “Bucha” means “to honor or pay homage.” The day falls on the eighth day of the waning […]

Every few years in Thailand, the subject of prostration comes up. Sometimes it’s brought up by Thai university students at a major Bangkok university like Chulalongkorn. Other times its criticisms made by foreign journalists or academics who, despite having lived in Thailand, have a poor understanding of the Thai language and Thai Buddhism — both […]

On May 21st, Sakon Nakhon celebrated “Wan Chao Khun Chan” (วันเจ้าคุณจันต์), which honors the life of Phraya Prachanprathet Thani, the first governor of Sakon Nakhon province. Despite overcast skies and occasional drizzle, the event was well-attended by government officials from throughout the province, as well as descendants of the legendary governor, who played a pivotal […]

The power of menthol to boost memory has been making news this week, with a recent study in mice demonstrating the cognitive benefits of menthol aromas. However, the power of scents to increase memory and cognitive performance has long been known in traditional Thai medicine. For centuries, Thai folk healers created cognitive boosting aromas by […]

Sacred amulets that provide good fortune in various ways (including love) are very popular in Thailand. These amulets are frequently made by Thai monks, and have certain mantras or Buddhist chants that are attached to them. These chants are to be recited to receive the full force of the amulet’s power. One of the most […]

Visakha Bucha Day (วันวิสาขบูชา), also known as Vesak Day, is one of the most important Buddhist holidays celebrated in Thailand. It commemorates three significant events in the life of Siddhartha Gautama, the historical Buddha: his birth, his enlightenment, and his passing away, which are said to have all occurred on the same day: the full […]

Previously, I talked about how Thai language and culture is intertwined with the “dharma” or teachings of Buddhism — the word “tham” (ธรรม) being the Thai word for “dharma,” as well as a root word for many other Thai words. Today, we will discuss how the Buddhist belief in “karma” is also woven into the […]

I was recently watching Khru Bo’s YouTube Channel “IWantToLearnThai” — a channel I highly recommend for intermediate Thai language students who want to practice their listening skills. Khru Bo does an excellent job with her choice of subject matter, her pacing and repetition, and her overall presentation. However, when watching her videos I was reminded […]

The deep connection between the Buddhist culture of Thailand and the Thai language is illustrated best by the usage of “tham” (ธรรม), meaning dharma. While the word “tham” has additional meanings, such as justice, righteousness, normality, and lawfulness, these meanings always are intertwined with dharma — which refers to the teachings of the Buddha and […]

The Royal Ploughing Ceremony, known in Thai as “Raek Na Khwan,” is an ancient rite observed in Thailand that marks the traditional beginning of the rice-growing season and accompanying rains. The phrase “Raek Na Khwan” (แรกนาขวัญ) translates to “The First Field of Khwan” — Khwan being a life sustaining spirit that is said to exist […]

Buddhist monks in Thailand often teach that death is the most important test we take in life. Other tests can be taken over and over again, always with an opportunity for improvement. But we have only one chance at the test called death. And it’s a test we may be forced to take unexpectedly at […]

Live for a while in Thailand, and you are bound to encounter some brokenhearted friends or acquaintances. As a beginning learner of the Thai language, you’ll struggle to find the right Thai words to comfort the person with a broken heart, or as it’s called in Thai “ok hak” (อกหัก), which literally means broken breast […]

The White Trumpet tree, or “Dton Cana” (ต้นแคนา) as it’s called in Thai, is a flowering tree commonly seen in Thailand, especially in or near the rice fields of Isaan. It has large, white trumpet flowers which bloom from March – June.  These bell-shaped flowers often are seen fallen and scattered around the trunk of […]

Seen Above: King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great, along with the current King of Thailand, HM Maha Vajiralongkorn (in uniform), in Sakon Nakhon Province As we approach Coronation Day in Thailand, now is a good time to reflect on the “Tenfold Virtues of the Ruler,” otherwise known as the Dasavidha-Rajadhamma. These principles are a Buddhist Dharma […]

Seen Above: His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn of Thailand at his Coronation Ceremony Coronation Day is a national public holiday in Thailand, which in the Thai language is called “Wan Chat-Mongkol” (วันฉัตรมงคล). It is currently held every year on May 4th. King Mongkut of Siam, who reigned from 1804 – 1868, created the Thai word […]

Seen Above: A statue of the Thai monk Luang Phor Noon Suwichayo, and a giant statue of the Buddha on his temple grounds at Wat Phutthamok Phalaram in Sakon Nakhon, Thailand. In mystical Thailand, there are certain Buddhist monks who are known for creating special incantations or mantras known as “katha” (คาถา), which are believed […]

In Thailand, the practice of married men having a “mia noi” (เมียน้อย), or “minor wife,” is a tradition which has its roots in the culture of old Siam. The kings of the Ayutthaya and Rattanakosin periods had many wives, classified in different categories, the highest level being that of “Pharaya Luang” (ภรรยาหลวง) or “Royal Wife”. […]

One of the most fascinating things you can do in Thailand is to visit temples off the beaten tourist track. If you take this path of the intrepid traveler, you’ll likely encounter Thai monks. It’s therefore important to know how to greet a Buddhist monk properly, so that they will feel at ease on seeing […]

Update! Just six days after Sakon Nakhon became the hottest place in Thailand, with a record high temperature of 46° Celsius (115°F) in the shade, the Northeastern Province has now recorded in new high temperature of 47.7° C (118°F). The record temperature was recorded at the MySakonNakhon weather station at 3:00 pm on April 28th, […]

Those who have lived in Thailand likely know that the Thai word for gift is “khong-khwan” (ของขวัญ). But have you ever wondered about the origin of this word? Students of the Thai language are familiar with the word “khong” (ของ), which means “of” or “belonging to”. But what, or who, is “khwan” (ขวัญ)? The meaning […]

If you have visited a Thai temple during any kind of ceremony or merit making, you likely have heard monks leading the “Namo Tassa” chant, which is a fundamental recitation in Theravada Buddhism (the religion of Thailand) — and a chant which always precedes any other Thai chanting. The Namo Tassa comes from the Pali […]

A secret strategy for learning Thai for free at an intermediate or advanced level is to use Thai websites and social media accounts that help Thai people learn English. These resources are filled with conversational English that’s also translated into conversational Thai, as well as other translated English texts you’ll find useful in your daily […]

Previously I talked about the Thai word for love, rák (รัก), and the feelings it evokes compared to the word for love in other languages. With the Thai New Year’s festival of Songkran upon us, I thought it a good time to discuss the word for fun in Thai, which is sànòok (สนุก). Like the […]

Heet Sip Song (ฮีตสิบสอง) are monthly merit-making events in the Isaan region of Northeast Thailand. The word “heet” in Isaan means “a time-honored tradition” — being related to the Thai word “jareet” (จารีต), which has the same meaning. Sip Song meanwhile means “twelve,” referring to each of the monthly merit making events throughout the year. […]

Previously, we’ve talked about bas-relief Thai artwork, how it’s made, and classic examples of it at the Ajarn Fun Acharo Museum at Wat Pa Udom Somphon. There is a lovely bas-relief tile mural at the Phu Phan Museum’s open air rotunda. However, the museum hasn’t taken the necessary steps to protect the tiles with proper […]

The Seri Thai Movement, meaning “Free Thai Movement,” was a significant part of Thailand’s history during World War II. This underground resistance group worked against the Japanese occupation of Thailand, which began in 1941 after the Thai government under Field Marshal Plaeck Phibunsongkhram (แปลก พิบูลสงคราม) was coerced into an alliance with Japan. Volunteers in Northeastern […]

During his 70 year reign, King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great of Thailand was popularly known as “the Father of all the Land” (พ่อหลวงปวงแผ่นดิน). He wasn’t regarded as a stern parent, but a kind father who always had Thailand’s best interests at heart. This aspect of HM King Bhumibol doesn’t get discussed enough. Historically, Kings around […]

I’ve written before how the Thai language shapes Thai culture and the personality of the Thai people. For example, how the brevity of the language encourages concrete thought versus abstraction. Today, I’m going to talk about how the sound of a single word informs Thai culture. That word is “love”. Or as it’s said in […]

Sakon Nakhon is considered by many to be the spiritual mecca of Northeast Thailand (Isaan). This is evidenced by the cave exhibition at the Phu Phan Museum, which features life-like sculptures of eight of the most revered forest monks, all of whom had deep spiritual ties to Sakon Nakhon province. The most influential member of […]

Above Photo: Thai Kaloeng women from the early 1900s. Note that Siamese women commonly went topless (or semi-topless) until the mid 1800s, when the colonial powers started visiting. Then the practice began to fade, but continued in Northeast Thailand (Isaan) until the 1930s. The Thai Kaloeng (ไทกะเลิง) — also spelled Tai Kaleung or Thai Kalerng […]

Seen Above: Thai Yoi faculty members at Sakon Nakhon Rabjabhat University, dressed in traditional indigo-dyed attire. The Thai Yoi (ไทโย้ย) immigrated to Northeast Thailand from the region around the Hom Thao Huse River (แม่น้ําฮ่อมท้าวฮูเซ) in the Khammouane Province of central Laos. First arriving in Sakon Nakhon during the 1800s, tribe members settled largely in Amphur […]

Wat Sawang Hua Na Kham (วัดสว่างหัวนาคำ) is one of the most sacred temples of Kalasin province, with a history that stretches back to 1729. The new temple that sits on the grounds has been under development for about the past 15 years. The temple’s most striking feature is its new ordination hall, “Ubosot Isaan Mai […]

Thailand is the only country that uses the Buddhist Era calendar as its official date system, so it’s an important aspect of Thai life to understand. In the Thai language, the Buddhist Era is referred to as “PuttaSakarat” (พุทธศักราช). It gets abbreviated to the initials “พศ” when written beside dates, as frequently is seen in […]

Khanom Dok Bua (ขนมดอกบัว) is a sweet Thai pancake found occasionally at outdoor markets in Thailand. It is one of our favorite snacks, a runner up to Thai fried bananas. While other sweets, such as Roti and Khanom Bueang (ขนมเบื้อง), often are called Thai pancakes, Khanom Dok Bua is the only doughy sweet really deserving […]

Depictions of Hell at Thai temples will often feature sinners in a boiling cauldron of blood or water, as seen here at Wat Khao Tham Phra in Sakon Nakhon (Northeast Thailand). Terrifying representations of hell have been used by most societies to encourage good behavior and tamp down on evil. Thailand is no different in […]

Located in the Phu Phan Mountains of Northeast Thailand, Wat Khao Tham Phra (วัดเขาถ้ำพระ) is one of the most interesting temples of “Undiscovered Thailand“. Built on a hilltop and surrounded by a forest of monkeys, this Sakon Nakhon temple is a true spiritual retreat, where visitors can practice meditation and mindfulness. Guests also will be […]

In honor of King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great, and to strengthen the legacy of his Sufficiency Economy Philosophy, we have developed a project proposal for Rajabhat Universities in Thailand. Rajabhat universities are publicly funded universities, similar to State Universities in the United States. In fact, like State Universities, Rajabhat Universities started out as “Teacher’s Colleges,” […]

King Bhumibol the Great of Thailand had many accomplishments during his 70 year reign, but his greatest legacy might be his promotion of a Sufficiency Economy, which is a socio-economic philosophy that emphasizes moderation, self-sufficiency, and resilience to external shocks. His Majesty first introduced the concept of Sufficiency Economy in the late 1970s and early […]

In the early 1960s, Pete Seeger made famous the Malvina Reynold’s song “Little Boxes,” which satirized the cookie-cutter existence of life in the suburbs of America, where people “all come out the same”. Today, the monotonous march of mechanized living stretches worldwide. Even in Thailand, there are neighborhoods filled with houses that all look alike, […]

Seen above: Ancient bas-relief stone tiles at the Wat Non Sawan (วัดโนนสวรรค์), Phu Din Daeng, temple in Sakon Nakhon, Northeast Thailand. At Thai temples, you’ll often find murals made of tiles with raised images on them that fit together to form a scene from the life of the Buddha or a famous monk. This is […]

Seen above: A well preserved lintel with carved face of Kala, from an 11th century temple in Thailand (about the same time Phra That Dum was built). The demon-like figure Kala (กาล) is found in ancient Khmer temple art and Hindu-Buddhist iconography throughout Southeast Asia. However, it is one of the lesser known mythological figures […]

Wat Phra That Dum (วัดพระธาตุดุม) is a Sakon Nakhon temple complex that contains the ancient ruins of the Khmer era stupa Phra That Dum. Around 1000 years old, it is one of several ancient Khmer ruins in Sakon Nakhon province — the most famous one being the mountaintop ruins of Phra That Phu Phek. New […]

Back in the 1700s, during the reign of King Boromakot of Ayutthaya, Prince Dhammathibet wrote a poem honoring the Thai mango, which back then was referred to in Thai as “màak-mûang” (หมากม่วง) or “purple betel nut” — not to be confused with the betel nut that has been traditionally chewed as a stimulant (learn more […]

In Thailand, the most common way to say goodbye is the same as the Thai greeting “sàwàt-dee” (สวัสดี) accompanied by a wai gesture. The polite particle khráp (for a man) or khá (for a woman) will of course also be tacked onto the end of the phrase, so it becomes “sà-wàt-dee khrap/kha”. In Thailand guidebooks […]

Years ago in Thailand there was a popular hangover drink called Hang that was made by the famous Thai energy drink maker Osotspa, creators of the Kingdom’s top-selling energy drink, M-150. Hang was made in 3 different formulas (Original, Foreplay, and Virgin), which included ingredients that improved liver function, settled stomachs, and boosted cognitive function. […]

In Thailand, “Journalist Day” (วันนักข่าว) occurs every year on March 5th. Formally known as “National Mass Communication Day” (วันสื่อสารมวลชนแห่งชาติ), this day for honoring Thai journalists coincides with the establishment of the Journalists Association of Thailand on March 5th, 1955. Fifteen pioneering Thai journalists joined together to form the journalists association, including Choti Maneenoi (โชติ มณีน้อย) […]

For centuries, Thai Butterfly Pea Tea (also known as Blue Tea) has been treasured in Thai culture as a delicious nootropic with potent healing properties. Known as “Cha Anchan” (ชาอัญชัน) in Thai, this vibrant brew is sourced from the petals of the Clitoria ternatea flower, which gives it its distinctive blue hue — and yes, […]

In Thailand, the use of “rosary” beads for prayer and meditation is common among Buddhist monks. However, their use in meditation among the Thai people occurs only among the most devoted of the Kingdom’s 67 million Buddhists. Thais frequently use prayer beads as a personal talisman (much like they use a sacred amulet). They will […]

The Phu Thai (ชาวภูไท) are one of several tribal peoples who live in Northeast Thailand, including Sakon Nakhon and the neighboring province of Nakhon Phanom. It’s believed that the Phu Thai migrated from Laos into the Northeast (Isaan) from the 15th to the 18th centuries, with a spiritual belief system that combines Buddhism with animism […]

It’s been a while since we tried a new brew in our search for the best coffee in Thailand, so today we will review Jeed Jad On the Moon from SnoozeintheGlum Coffee. This light roast Thai coffee contains 9 different flavors of beans, and is harvested from the Galyani Vadhana (กัลยาณิวัฒนา) district in Chiang Mai […]

At Wat Pra That Phon Thong there is a small pavilion with a statue of an unusual figure not ordinarily seen at a Thai temple. It is a statue of Chao Pu Yommarat (เจ้าปู่ยมราช). This is not actually a specific historical figure but refers to the distinguished 14 Thai men who were awarded the Royal […]

Seen Above: HM King Bhumibol Adulyadej (The Great) and Queen Sirikit of Thailand at the Funeral of Monk Luang Pu Fan Acharo King Bhumibol the Great (Rama IX) had a long relationship with the revered Isaan monk Ajarn Fan Acharo (pronounced “ajahn fun ajaro”). His Majesty would often visit Wat Pa Udom Somphon in Phanna […]

Seen above: Ajarn Fan Ajaro smoking a cigar to repel mosquitoes, as was a customary practice at the time. Luang Pu Fan Acharo (หลวงปู่ฝั้น อาจาโร) is the most well-known Thai monk to have emerged from Sakon Nakhon province. Born in 1899, Ajarn Fan was a disciple of Ajarn Man Phuritatto, the co-founder of the Thai […]

Thai culture is filled with supernatural spirits or ghosts, such as Nang Tani (the spirit who haunts wild banana trees) and the cannibalistic Phi Pop who will eat your internal organs with glee. These spirits are part of Thai folklore rather than Buddhist traditions, thus you’ll rarely, if ever, see one depicted inside a Thai […]

While efforts have been made to improve the lives of blind people in Thailand, many obstacles continue to exist for Thais who are visually-impaired. This is especially true in rural provinces like Sakon Nakhon where access to resources are difficult. It’s been estimated that only 10% of Thailand’s blind have the opportunity to receive rehabilitation, […]

Young Thai artists are getting better every year, as is seen in a new exhibition of paintings at the Thongthawapee Art Gallery (หอศิลป์ทองทวาปี มหาวิทยาลัยราชภัฏสกลนคร) in Sakon Nakhon, Northeast Thailand. The name of this vibrant art show is “Area63: Boundary Free Art of the 9 Styles”. It’s the senior thesis exhibition from art students at Sakon […]

Most people aren’t aware of “mystical Thailand” and the esoteric symbols found in many Thai Buddha statues. These hidden symbols make temple visits all the more interesting, when you realize they are waiting to be discovered. For example, take this blue Buddha statue at Samnak Song Hin Taek Phawana (seen above). Note the serpent at […]

As we discussed in our article “How Many Temples Does Thailand Have?” there are over 43,000 temples the Kingdom. This might lead you to wonder how hard it is to get approval to build a Thai temple? Well, as the 43K+ number suggests, it is not too difficult actually. So, if you have a nice […]

Recently there was a photo making the rounds in Thailand of two tourists at Phuket Airport wearing Speedos and flip flops. This reminded me that there is a big difference between how many foreigners view Thailand versus how it exists in reality. Thanks to films like The Hangover, comedy skits on TV shows, and YouTube […]

In recent months, there has been a lot of talk about “soft power” in Thailand, with Prime Minister Settha Thavisin creating the National Soft Power Strategy Committee to guide initiatives that will develop and promote soft power industries such as Thai food, tourism, music, and sports. The term “soft power” refers to a countries ability […]

In Thai culture, criticism is avoided. As a result, Thailand is often criticized! According to the critics, the Thai people’s avoidance of criticism is stifling the kingdom’s growth into a first world country and economic powerhouse like Japan and South Korea. However, the rulers of Thailand (stretching back to King Mongkut of the mid- 19th […]

Nakhon Phanom is one of 4 places where a Thai-Laos Friendship Bridge has been built — the other 3 locations being in Nong Khai, Mukdahan, and Chiang Rai province. A 5th Thai-Laos Friendship Bridge (Beung Kan – Bolikhamxai) is set to open later in 2024, and a 6th bridge (Ubon Ratchathani – Salavan) has plans […]

When people talk about the best foreign language to learn, you’ll often hear suggestions like Spanish, French, German, Mandarin, or Japanese. What you rarely, if ever, hear suggested is the Thai language, as it is spoken only in Thailand — which has a population of about 70 million, and is still considered a developing country. […]

In Thailand there are few professional marriage counselors, except in the upper class social circles of Bangkok. Thai marriage counseling traditionally has been handled by head monks at village temples, and this practice continues to this day — although only a small percentage of Thai couples seek out this assistance when having problems. When Thai […]

The Thai word for generosity is “kwaam mee náam jai” (ความมีน้ำใจ), which means to “have a water heart”. In Thailand, water is a symbol of abundance. The water in the fields produce rice, and the water in the rivers produce fish. To have a “water heart” thus means to have a heart that creates abundance. […]

The cool season is the best time of year to visit Nakhon Phanom and view the limestone hills of Laos, as the view is much crisper, with less haze. The cliffs are located just across the Mekong River and rise up like jagged teeth, evoking the great Naga serpents that are said to live in […]

Traveling in Thailand can be a lot of fun, which is why millions visit the Land of Smiles every year. However, the Kingdom also offers a unique opportunity for personal development and self-growth, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in Thai culture — an experience which can challenge your comfort zones, while providing fresh perspectives on […]

Anyone who has visited Thailand knows that the Kingdom has a littering problem. It’s not only Thais who are guilty of littering. Tourists are sometimes to blame — especially those who come from countries where littering is common, and strong social stigmas are absent. Thailand has tried many familiar solutions to tackle the littering problem. […]

The traditional Thai family has taken a hit in recent decades. The decline began as Thailand started its transition from a predominantly agrarian society to a country with a large manufacturing base and tourism industry. This caused large numbers of young Thai fathers (and mothers) to move to the Bangkok metropolitan area (and other cities) […]

In Thailand, “making merit” is an important activity for Buddhists. In the Thai language, it’s referred to as “tham boon” (ทำบุญ), which means “do good deeds”. The word “boon” is derived from Pali word “punya,” which means a tool to purify the mind. Buddhists thus view merit as a tool for purifying the heart of […]

In our last post, we answered the question, “How many temples does Thailand have?” Now, let’s move on to another commonly asked question, “Why does Thailand have so many temples?” To begin, it should be recognized that temples in Thailand are not simply places of worship. They also function as a unique kind of Thai […]

Everyone knows that Thailand has a lot of temples, but just how many exactly? The number of temples in Thailand is tracked by the Buddhist Monastery Department (กองพุทธศาสนสถาน). According to the department’s latest figures, there is currently 43,005 temples in Thailand (only five of which do not have Thai monks living on the premises). Of […]

For decades education reform has been on the agenda in Thailand, with experts encouraging a transition from the current content-based curriculum to a competency-based curriculum (CBC). This new curriculum framework would emphasize the acquisition of skills and knowledge that can be applied to daily life, instead of the rote content learning that typifies the education […]

If you are planning a Thailand “Off the Beaten Track” holiday (or if you want to discover hidden Bangkok, Chiang Mai, or Phuket) it’s important to learn “how to see” undiscovered Thailand. This involves developing a few easy-to-learn skills, and building a new mindset: one that reframes your outlook from tourist taker to beauty explorer. […]

The Thongthawapee Art Gallery at Sakon Nakhon Raabhat University is home to both collective and solo art exhibitions of Thai artists, in particular artists from the North of Thailand (Isaan), many of whom are considered among the best artists in Thailand. The university gallery is currently hosting the first solo exhibition of Thai artist Piriya […]

In recent years, Thailand street art has become popular among Thais and tourists. Artwork on the street is referred to as “Soi Sin” or “Sin Nai Soi” in the Thai language. The word “sin” (ศิลป์) is a shortened version of the word “sinlabpa” (ศิลปะ), both of which mean “art” or “artistic,” while the word “soi” […]

One of the loveliest places in Northeast Thailand is the area around Nam Un Reservoir in Sakon Nakhon. Nong Han Lake, the largest natural lake in Northeast Thailand, tends to get all of the attention among tourists to Sakon Nakhon, but the beautiful Nam Un Reservoir, with rolling Phu Phan mountains clearly visible in the […]

Thailand is a Kingdom of Temples. It also is filled with sacred chedis (stupas), especially in the Northeastern province of Sakon Nakhon. Many chedis in Thailand are inspired by the famous Buddhist chedis of India. For example, Phra Chedi Sadaeng Pathom Thesana (พระเจดีย์แสดงปฐมเทศนา) is a replica of the Dhamek Stupa located in Varanasi, India, which […]

Sakon Nakhon Rajabhat University had the honor and pleasure of hosting The 7th Rajabhat University National and International Research and Academic Conference (RUNIRAC VII). The scholarly conference was held on the campus from November 14th – 16th (2023). Sakon Nakhon Rajabhat University often has the honor of hosting large events. Every year it hosts the […]