ChaoKrung: 2007

Monday, 31 December 2007

Wat Benjamut

Jym has been doing a photography course. These are some early morning shots taken at Wat Benjamut in Central Bangkok.

Tuesday, 27 November 2007

Loy Krathong (or Loi Kratong,) is a festival celebrated annually throughout Thailand. It is held on the full moon of the 12th month in the traditional Thai lunar calendar, in the western calendar this usually falls into November.
“Loi” means “to float”. “Krathong” is a raft about a handspan in diameter traditionally made from a section of banana tree trunk (although modern-day versions use specially made bread 'flowers' and may use styrofoam), decorated with elaborately-folded banana leaves, flowers, candles, incense sticks etc. During the night of the full moon, many people will release a small raft like this on a river. Governmental offices, corporations and other organizations also build much bigger and more elaborate rafts, and these are often judged in contests. In addition, fireworks and beauty contests take place during the festival.

Loi Krathong

Unfortunately Nat was sick on Loi Krathong Day and couldn't go to school. She still insisted on getting dressed up for the event at home!

Miss Nopparat

As part of the annual Loi Krathong festival there were celebrations at school that included a Miss Napporat competition. Lina was selected to represent her class. Each of the kids from the classes had to answer questions on a stage in front of the other kids from the primary school - all 600 of them! It was pretty tough. Her questions included "who would you like to spend you Loi Krathong with?' Lina answered" With my Mama. 'Why?' asked the teacher. 'Because I love my Mama" - you can imagine that with all the clapping and whooping from her Mama that everyone knew who her Mama is. Magic.