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How an Adventure-loving American Saved the Thai Silk Industry
Bangkok was once more commonly known as the Venice of the East due to the intricate network of waterways that crisscrossed the city in the 19th century CE. There were few roads in the 1800s CE so the city's inhabitants travelled and traded...
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The Temple of the Emerald Buddha
A small carved figurine sits high on a grand multi-tiered pedestal in a magnificent wat (temple) in Bangkok, Thailand. It has been sitting there since 1784 CE and was originally thought to be made of emerald. Hundreds of tourists and pilgrims...
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Map of Ayutthaya Historical Park, Ayutthaya, Thailand.
This map shows the layout of temples and ruins at Ayutthaya Historical Park in Thailand. Map image - 2007 CE.
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His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn, Rama X of Thailand
The current king of Thailand is His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn, Rama X (r. 2016-present) who is the first king in 69 years after succeeding his father Rama IX (1927-2016 CE).
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Sukhothai
Sukhothai or Sukhothai Historical Park was the former capital of the Kingdom of Sukhothai (1248-1438 CE), which was founded by King Si Inthrathit (r. 1238-1270 CE) and was the first in a series of independent polities that would eventually...
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Bangkok's Portuguese Past
Any itinerary for a visit to Bangkok, Thailand would include some of the city's must-see historical and cultural sights: The 24-hour flower market (Pak Khlong Talat) filled to the brim with jasmine-scented garlands, fragrant carnations...
Definition
Brahma
Brahma is the Hindu creator god. He is also known as the Grandfather and as a later equivalent of Prajapati, the primeval first god. In early Hindu sources such as the Mahabharata, Brahma is supreme in the triad of great Hindu gods which...
Definition
Garuda
Garuda is a bird creature from Hindu mythology that has a mix of eagle and human features. He is the vehicle (vahana) of Vishnu and appears on the god's banner. Garuda represents birth and heaven, and is the enemy of all snakes. In Indian...
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Yaksha or Demon Guardians at the Temple of the Emerald Buddha
Six pairs of giant demon guardians flank all entrances to the Temple of the Emerald Buddha in Bangkok, Thailand. They are known as yaksha or in Thai are simply called yak (giant) and they are Buddhist gods that protect against evil spirits...
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Wat Phra Kaew - Temple of the Emerald Buddha
The Temple of Emerald Buddha, Bangkok, Thailand. In Thai it is called Wat Phra Kaew and it was built in 1784 CE. Photo taken in 2019 CE.