Showing posts with label Elephants. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Elephants. Show all posts
Saturday, 2 February 2013
Friday, 28 August 2009
Forgotten Elephants
I have no wish to reduce my Blog to just regurgitating other Blogs and news articles. However there are some things which I read and think are worth passing on through this space.
However before I do just that some background.....
I have for some time been following on a daily basis an Expat web/forum site for Thailand. Thai Expat Forum Its interesting but to be honest, I do find to often that most of the comments posted are negative from what appears to be a bunch of moaners. They appear to live here as a clear preference to their own homelands but seem to spend their time knocking and finding everything wrong or not as good as home!!! But that’s only my opinion. Read for yourself.
On the plus side, and a very big plus side it is too, the site clearly has great qualities in my opinion which clearly outweigh the effects of the 'moaners'. It is an excellent source for good information on what, where, who and how much etc etc…. to find almost any of your requirements while being in Thailand. That's anything from camping to obscure books to rocket science. So really it can turn out to be a very useful site, not one to be quickly discarded. Definitely if you are interested in Thailand, for a holiday or coming to live, and/or indeed if you want an insight into Expat “physic”. Worth a read.
Which brings me to my original point of not wishing 'to just regurgitate other Blogs'.
One posting put up today in the Expat Forum very much caught my attention. "Forgotten Elephants". All about the decline in the role of the Elephant in Thailand both in terms of work and culture. Sad to see another decline in world wild life. I see them every day and take their presence for granted, and so for it to be so close and symbolic makes it hit home a lot harder. Forgotten Elephants
I followed some of the links and got to the New York Times photographer James Estrin. Stunning photos and a sad story. The links are worth following. I could go on and on, but why bother, when you can read it all for yourselves in his column and follow his links. Just click on Bangkok Elephants
Enjoy and have a good weekend. And a big thank you James Estrin, you to have a good weekend.
However before I do just that some background.....
I have for some time been following on a daily basis an Expat web/forum site for Thailand. Thai Expat Forum Its interesting but to be honest, I do find to often that most of the comments posted are negative from what appears to be a bunch of moaners. They appear to live here as a clear preference to their own homelands but seem to spend their time knocking and finding everything wrong or not as good as home!!! But that’s only my opinion. Read for yourself.
On the plus side, and a very big plus side it is too, the site clearly has great qualities in my opinion which clearly outweigh the effects of the 'moaners'. It is an excellent source for good information on what, where, who and how much etc etc…. to find almost any of your requirements while being in Thailand. That's anything from camping to obscure books to rocket science. So really it can turn out to be a very useful site, not one to be quickly discarded. Definitely if you are interested in Thailand, for a holiday or coming to live, and/or indeed if you want an insight into Expat “physic”. Worth a read.
Which brings me to my original point of not wishing 'to just regurgitate other Blogs'.
One posting put up today in the Expat Forum very much caught my attention. "Forgotten Elephants". All about the decline in the role of the Elephant in Thailand both in terms of work and culture. Sad to see another decline in world wild life. I see them every day and take their presence for granted, and so for it to be so close and symbolic makes it hit home a lot harder. Forgotten Elephants
I followed some of the links and got to the New York Times photographer James Estrin. Stunning photos and a sad story. The links are worth following. I could go on and on, but why bother, when you can read it all for yourselves in his column and follow his links. Just click on Bangkok Elephants
Enjoy and have a good weekend. And a big thank you James Estrin, you to have a good weekend.
Saturday, 9 May 2009
Elephants and Things
In keeping with my Blog title and due to the fact I am at work on a Saturday morning where there is little happening, I've added an elephant to my pages. What?... Yes I decided to add a few words and an elephant photo. Several months ago I bough a Thai mens 'handbag', for want of a better description. Its basically a big cloth bag with a wide strap so you can use it to carry loads of stuff and it fits comfortably across the shoulder. No big deal only a few dollars to buy one. I've got 2 ! Anyway, one of them had a small metal imprint of an elephant which seemed simple but interesting. I know what you're thinking...'what a sad way to spent part of my Saturday morning'. 
Thursday, 2 April 2009
Elephants and things
Been sorting out some old files and camera shots and came across this old cartoon. Seemed appropriate to Blog it and keep it for future. 
Wednesday, 1 April 2009
Holidays - Chakri Dynasty Date
Yep, we've got one more holiday on April 6th. Celebrates the line of succession to the current Thai Royal Family. I looked it up on line and found one source which outlined a brief history of the whole thing. Without the blemishes...but with a more rosy picture.
What's also interesting is the way the country has developed without many of the modern conflicts having the same or deeper influences than we in the west seemed to have endured. I know that in world war II, Thailand played a very clever and indeed difficult balancing act between the Japanese and the Allies and indeed managed to come out of it well. And managed also to keep good relations with both sides. Could have been disastrous had it gone any otherway. Especially when you look at Viet Nam, Cambodia and Laos. They did not do so well during and after that period. A credit to diplomacy.
I've extracted the text I found and copied some of it below, along with a print of the old Siam flag. I actually prefer this old one with the elephant on it. More fun than the plain striped one they use now. I'll try and get it into my Blog header.
History lesson below!!! (I found it on the "SunSITE Thailand at Assumption University web site. My thanks to them on this day).
April 6 marks the anniversary of the founding of the present Chakri Dynasty of which the present ruling monarch, King Bhumibol the Great, is the ninth king.
The Chakri Dynasty was founded by Phra Buddha Yodfa Chulaloke, or Rama I, who was born on March 20, 1737 with the name of Thong Duang and came to the throne on April 6, 1782. He ruled the country for 28 years. During his reign he consolidated the kingdom in such a way that here was no further fear of invasion from enemies.
King Rama I has been praised as an accomplished statesman, a lawmaker, a poet and a devout Buddhist. Thus, his reign has been called a "reconstruction" of the Thai state and Thai culture. He was the monarch who established Bangkok as the capital of Thailand, and this is the most long-lasting creation which gains popularity as the "City of Angels". King Rama I passed away on September 7, 1809 at the age of 72.
King Rama I's son, Phra Buddha Loetla Naphalai, or Rama II, then acceded to the throne. It was during his reign that a renaissance of Thai arts and culture came about, especially in literature. The King himself was a man gifted with artistic talent.
Phra Nang Klao came next. He fortified the country with a strong defence force and commissioned many buildings. It was during his reign that Thai arts reached the highest peak since Ayutthaya period. It is said that the reigns of King Rama II and III constituted a Golden Age of Literature and Arts, similar to King Narai's in Ayutthaya.
King Rama III or Phra Nang klao was succeeded by King Mongkut (Rama IV) who was a bold religious leader. He started the commercial contacts with foreign countries and was responsible for the introduction of western science and modernization into Thailand.
Then came King Chulalongkorn, the benevolent monarch. During his reign of 42 years, many changes and reforms were made in Thailand. Slavery was abolished, modern system of administration was introduced, efficient law courts were established, education was systematically spread, and the financial system was revised.
King Vajiravudh, who succeeded King Chulalongkorn, further consolidated and developed what had been accomplished in the previous 40 years. He contributed much to the national language and literature so much so that he was sometimes called the poet who was a king. The outstanding achievement of his reign is perhaps the number of new treaties concluded between Thailand and other powers as it helped enhancing the prestige of Thailand. The King also introduced the use of the tricolor flag to replace the old red flag with the white elephant.
King Vajiravudh passed away on November 26, 1925 and was succeeded by his younger brother King Prachadhipok, the seventh king of Chakri Dynasty who reigned as the last absolute monarch.
On June 24, 1932 a revolution took place and His Majesty accepted the proposal of a constitutional regime. On March 2, 1934 the King abdicated and later died in exile, leaving the throne to his nephew, King Ananda Mahidol, who after 11 years rule met a sudden death leaving the throne to his younger brother, King Bhumibol Aulyadej, the present monarch.
So on Chakri Day, His Majesty King Bhumibol accompanied by members of royal family will preside over a religious ceremony performed to give merit to the deceased rulers at the Royal Chapel, then he pays his respects to His Majesty's Predecessors at the Royal Pantheon and lays a wreath at the statue of King Rama I at the Memorial Bridge.
What's also interesting is the way the country has developed without many of the modern conflicts having the same or deeper influences than we in the west seemed to have endured. I know that in world war II, Thailand played a very clever and indeed difficult balancing act between the Japanese and the Allies and indeed managed to come out of it well. And managed also to keep good relations with both sides. Could have been disastrous had it gone any otherway. Especially when you look at Viet Nam, Cambodia and Laos. They did not do so well during and after that period. A credit to diplomacy.
I've extracted the text I found and copied some of it below, along with a print of the old Siam flag. I actually prefer this old one with the elephant on it. More fun than the plain striped one they use now. I'll try and get it into my Blog header.
History lesson below!!! (I found it on the "SunSITE Thailand at Assumption University web site. My thanks to them on this day).
April 6 marks the anniversary of the founding of the present Chakri Dynasty of which the present ruling monarch, King Bhumibol the Great, is the ninth king.
The Chakri Dynasty was founded by Phra Buddha Yodfa Chulaloke, or Rama I, who was born on March 20, 1737 with the name of Thong Duang and came to the throne on April 6, 1782. He ruled the country for 28 years. During his reign he consolidated the kingdom in such a way that here was no further fear of invasion from enemies.
King Rama I has been praised as an accomplished statesman, a lawmaker, a poet and a devout Buddhist. Thus, his reign has been called a "reconstruction" of the Thai state and Thai culture. He was the monarch who established Bangkok as the capital of Thailand, and this is the most long-lasting creation which gains popularity as the "City of Angels". King Rama I passed away on September 7, 1809 at the age of 72.
King Rama I's son, Phra Buddha Loetla Naphalai, or Rama II, then acceded to the throne. It was during his reign that a renaissance of Thai arts and culture came about, especially in literature. The King himself was a man gifted with artistic talent.
Phra Nang Klao came next. He fortified the country with a strong defence force and commissioned many buildings. It was during his reign that Thai arts reached the highest peak since Ayutthaya period. It is said that the reigns of King Rama II and III constituted a Golden Age of Literature and Arts, similar to King Narai's in Ayutthaya.
King Rama III or Phra Nang klao was succeeded by King Mongkut (Rama IV) who was a bold religious leader. He started the commercial contacts with foreign countries and was responsible for the introduction of western science and modernization into Thailand.
Then came King Chulalongkorn, the benevolent monarch. During his reign of 42 years, many changes and reforms were made in Thailand. Slavery was abolished, modern system of administration was introduced, efficient law courts were established, education was systematically spread, and the financial system was revised.
King Vajiravudh, who succeeded King Chulalongkorn, further consolidated and developed what had been accomplished in the previous 40 years. He contributed much to the national language and literature so much so that he was sometimes called the poet who was a king. The outstanding achievement of his reign is perhaps the number of new treaties concluded between Thailand and other powers as it helped enhancing the prestige of Thailand. The King also introduced the use of the tricolor flag to replace the old red flag with the white elephant.
King Vajiravudh passed away on November 26, 1925 and was succeeded by his younger brother King Prachadhipok, the seventh king of Chakri Dynasty who reigned as the last absolute monarch.
On June 24, 1932 a revolution took place and His Majesty accepted the proposal of a constitutional regime. On March 2, 1934 the King abdicated and later died in exile, leaving the throne to his nephew, King Ananda Mahidol, who after 11 years rule met a sudden death leaving the throne to his younger brother, King Bhumibol Aulyadej, the present monarch.
So on Chakri Day, His Majesty King Bhumibol accompanied by members of royal family will preside over a religious ceremony performed to give merit to the deceased rulers at the Royal Chapel, then he pays his respects to His Majesty's Predecessors at the Royal Pantheon and lays a wreath at the statue of King Rama I at the Memorial Bridge.
Monday, 16 March 2009
Elephants and Things
Had quite an amazing day on Sunday. We went out mainly to have trip in the country and so aimed for Buddha Mountain as it is called locally. I reckon it actually is an old quarry site which had been converted to be Buddha shrine. The old quarry face has been wonderfully transformed with an outline of Buddha all in gold colour. Offset against the rock it is truly a magnificent sight. If you notice in hte pictures the people sitting at the edge/base of the Buddha. So it must be 80 to 90 meters high. Long way up. Surrounding this are the various covered seated areas and of course the ever present food stalls. After all it would be Thailand otherwise! 
We wondered about the place doing the usual tourist things including feeding the elephant and taking pictures of everything. And yes, we did have some food. Just a little rice, sliced pork and salad.
The elephants were just standing around waiting to be fed. I gave them some sugar cane shoots which they seem to live on most of the time. Managed to get a picture of me with them. Actually once you stay around them they are not so big. I had always had this idea they were simple enormous but really not so big bit if you follow me. Also these ones seemed quite docile. You read stories of elephants gong wild in some villages and damaging crops, homes and in some instances people. Well not these ones. If anything I was the one slightly nervous. The elephant handler (กวาน pronounced qwan!) was telling Wanna that they are about Baht 500,000 to 700,000 to buy. Thats a lot of cash for something that keeps eating....
The whole area is set in a garden type environment suitable for meditation. I think during the week it would be great without the usual loads of bussed in local and foreign tourists. Might even be good to go early morning or late at night. We’ll think about that one.
During my wonder around I noticed some really lovely trees and their roots. They are like the baobab trees having hanging roots. The effect is really interesting and made for some pictures which make you realize just how wonderful our ‘Maker’ is, who put us all here on earth in the first place. Maybe it's the place thats affected me to make such a comment. But please, take a few minutes and look at the shots. How could anyone design such beauty and symmetry all in a living plant?
We wondered about the place doing the usual tourist things including feeding the elephant and taking pictures of everything. And yes, we did have some food. Just a little rice, sliced pork and salad.
The elephants were just standing around waiting to be fed. I gave them some sugar cane shoots which they seem to live on most of the time. Managed to get a picture of me with them. Actually once you stay around them they are not so big. I had always had this idea they were simple enormous but really not so big bit if you follow me. Also these ones seemed quite docile. You read stories of elephants gong wild in some villages and damaging crops, homes and in some instances people. Well not these ones. If anything I was the one slightly nervous. The elephant handler (กวาน pronounced qwan!) was telling Wanna that they are about Baht 500,000 to 700,000 to buy. Thats a lot of cash for something that keeps eating....
The whole area is set in a garden type environment suitable for meditation. I think during the week it would be great without the usual loads of bussed in local and foreign tourists. Might even be good to go early morning or late at night. We’ll think about that one.
During my wonder around I noticed some really lovely trees and their roots. They are like the baobab trees having hanging roots. The effect is really interesting and made for some pictures which make you realize just how wonderful our ‘Maker’ is, who put us all here on earth in the first place. Maybe it's the place thats affected me to make such a comment. But please, take a few minutes and look at the shots. How could anyone design such beauty and symmetry all in a living plant?
Saturday, 31 January 2009
Elephants and things
Getting settled back into Thailand. Had the weekend in Rayong which is a fun place. Bout 60 kilometes south east of Pattaya. It has a different type of night life catering more for locals. making it really refreshing away from the 'girlie bars'. Had the Saturday evening at 'Long Beer', a restaurant with a massive stage and live music. Must have been 300 people in there. Packed. Next morning visited the beach and were joined by an elephant. Seemed a good omen for our Blog.
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