learningaboutthailand

[learningaboutthailand]

In Thailand, as it is a Buddhist country, all men are expected to become a monk for a month or more. This brings honor to them and their families. This Monk Ordination is celebrated on a similar level that weddings are celebrated in western countries. First, the man is clothed as seen in the first picture. His family and friends walk behind him around the temple 3 times as he throws toffee and lucky coins to everyone. A man holds a red umbrella over him. He then is lifted up to touch the top of the temple door. Afterwards he goes inside the temple for around 2 hours. During this time he is given monks robes and clothed in them, he must recite Buddhist scripture, and older monks chant many things that I did not understand. The ordination process is completed as he walks outside the temple. Afterwards he is a monk. Then he and the other monks eat a feast while the rest of his friends and family wait. Once the monks have had their fill, the friends and family are served and feast on many delicious dishes. This ordination had 7 courses of Tom Yum, fried rice, snapper fish, etc. Once the friends and family have left, the monk has many covenants he must keep. Some of them include not earning money, not touching or having contact with women, and not consuming alcohol, and not eating food past 11 AM. All covenants surround refraining from fulfilling desire. There are over 200. After he has spent his time there, the man can choose to continue being a monk or return to his life. Thai men may become monks many times. They sometimes do it out of respect after the death of a loved one or if they need a break from society when work gets too stressful. All men do this at least once.

[learningaboutthailand]

People often say they hope their deceased pet dog is chasing squirrels in doggy heaven… what did all of those squirrels do to deserve an afterlife of torment?

[learningaboutthailand]

This is the giant reclining Buddha in Ang Thong, Thailand. You can see small heads of people under the pink umbrellas for size reference. Notice the pillars attached to nothing surrounding the Buddha. Originally, this Buddha was meant to have a roof over it, however, each time one was built, a natural disaster destroyed it. Lighting and wind have both wreaked havoc on this site each time a roof was built. It’s said to be cursed and is now kept roofless.

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Chiang Mai, Thailand has multiple elephant sanctuaries that have rescued elephants that have been abused and used for labor like elephant rides for tourism or for agricultural labor. Here you can pay to feed the elephants bananas, give them a bath, or walk with them in the fields. Some sanctuaries are not 100% ethical, straying them from food and water at night so they’ll interact with tourists in the morning, so do your research carefully.

[learningaboutthailand]

Songkran is the Thai New Year, celebrated April 13th to 15th. This is celebrated by a country-wide water fight lasting 3 days! No one is safe, ages 3-99 participate and it’s fun seeing grannies chasing you down the street with a water gun!! People from the backs of trucks, motorcycles, and cars are all participating so look out from every angle and prepare to get drenched as soon as you walk outside.

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A Komodo Dragon walking through the Mechanical Engineering building of Kasetsart Univerisity Kamphaeng Saen Campus.

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Koh Mak, Thailand. Thanks to a family purchasing this island around a century ago, this is known for being some of the lasting untouched beaches and islands of Thailand. The island only contains a couple of loca restaurants and resorts, besides this, it is completely empty. Thanks to it’s unique “four-point” geometry, sunsets can be viewed from multiple angles and are incredibly beautiful.

[learningaboutthailand]

At Kasetsart University Kamphaeng Saen Campus, the iconic Pink Tabebuia or Pink Trumpet Trees bloom every May. People come from all around to see this kilometer long road once a year with fully pink trees lining it.

[learningaboutthailand]

At Wat Muang in Ang Thong, Thailand, the Thais will press their foreheads to Buddha's giant fingers for luck and prosperity.

[learningaboutthailand]

The Largest Sitting Buddha in Thailand.

Located at Wat Muang in Ang Thong, Thailand.

Instagram: @charissalarissa

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All silver temple in Wat Muang ✨ (at Ang Thong)

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Just a man walking his Guinea pig in the park.

[learningaboutthailand]

Khao Luang Cave in Petchaburi, Thailand.

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Bangkok has 3/50 top best rooftop bars in the world.

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River Kwai in Kanchanaburi, Thailand.

[learningaboutthailand]

“a 24 year old shouldn’t fuck a 17 year old, regardless of whether it’s technically legal or not” should not be a controversial statement

[learningaboutthailand]

Koh Chang- an island off the coast near Trat, Thailand. Koh Chang means “Elephant Island” in Thai. It’s known for beautiful white sand beaches, incredibly dense jungle filled with monkeys and elephants and hermit crabs, crystal clear blue water with breathtaking coral reefs, many waterfalls, and for being a very mountainous island. It’s a quiet island with few tourists.