Chao Phraya River scenes vivid images of Bangkok
28 Aug 2008 - The Chao Phraya River has always been a source of fascination for Thais and foreign visitors alike.

This 370 km waterway, the longest river in Thailand, starts from Nakhon Sawan, 200 km north of Bangkok and winds its way down past the capital to Samut Prakan before flowing into the Gulf of Thailand.

The river is named after the highest title in ancient Thai nobility. The title is no longer in use.

Here are some unforgettable scenes taken of the Chao Phraya River. These photographs by various Thai photographers were displayed at an exhibition, Preserving the Chao Phraya River held at the Bangkok Arts and Cultural Centre from 12 31 August 2008.

Photo taking of the exhibits by visitors is permitted at the Bangkok Arts and Cultural Centre.


Dawn of a new day

The scenes are rare glimpses of panoramic views caught at fleeting moments or scenes of river life in communities on the banks.


The majestic Rama IX Bridge

The river is virtually a life line for the rice growing communities in the Chao Phraya basin. Its a source of water, food, a channel of movement and a place for festivities and recreation. Little wonder its called the River of Life.


Taking flight

The riverside communities form an integral part of life along the Chao Phraya.


Daily routines


Growing up on the Chao Phraya


The last catch for the day

As the day ends, we get to see a different perspective of the river. At sundown, the silhouette of Wat Arun or the Temple of Dawn is cast against a crimson sky set aglow by the setting sun.


Sundown

The skies turn to a milder aqua tint at twilight with twinkling lights from the surrounding buildings.


Twilight

The bright city lights take over at nightfall.


The Chao Phraya by night

Its even more fascinating during festivals.


Celebrations

If you dont have a chance to catch the exhibition or the see the Chao Phraya River for yourself, enjoy these memorable images of Bangkok. Or click on the permalink for a Bangkok river cruise.

Bangkok Arts and Cultural Centre
23 Aug 2008 - After a long wait for more than a decade, the Bangkok Arts and Cultural Centre finally opened in July 2008.


Bangkok Arts and Cultural Centre

The idea of such a centre was first mooted in 1996, three city governors ago. It was stalled during the previous administration through lack of funds and revived by present governor Apirak Kosayodhin when he took office in 2004.

Built at a cost of more than 500 million baht (approx US$15 million), the 25,000 sq m 11-storey circular building has corridors for exhibits all round. The interior is brightly lit with a pleasantly light decor thats pleasing to the eye.


The interior

Run by the non-profit Art Foundation of Bangkok, the centre includes art galleries, a permanent exhibition area, a mini-theatre, an art library in the basement, shops selling art supplies and F & B outlets.


Art Library in the basement

During my visit on 21 August 2008, I found the place quite empty except for four floors that are utilized.

The debut exhibition (27 July 24 August 2008) on the 9th floor was still on at the time of my visit; the royal exhibition of photographs by HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, featuring HRHs visits to various countries from 2004 - 2008.

The other on-going exhibition is Preserving the Chao Phraya River from 12 31 August 2008 on 4th and 5th floors, which displays memorable scenes of the River of Life.


The River of Life

On the 3rd floor theres an exhibition of paintings by children from various schools.


Childrens paintings

The next major show lined up will be a nationwide event from 20 September to 23 November 23, entitled Traces of the Siamese Smile: Art Faith Politics Love", on the 7th 9th floors.

After this, the BMA (Bangkok Metropolitan Authority) will celebrate its 226th anniversary with an art exhibition depicting the capital's history.

The BMA plans to attract local and international artists for an international art festival in the future. The centre needs permanent displays to serve as anchor exhibits with rotating exhibits all year round to provide a constant draw for the art lovers and casual visitors.


View from below

Visitors are free to wander round the floors to view the exhibits and photos are permitted, a refreshing change from some of the other museums and exhibitions.

Conveniently located at the Pathumwan junction opposite the Mah Boon Khrong shopping mall, the centre is between the Siam and National Stadium skytrain stations. Its linked by an elevated walkway to Mah Boon Khrong and the National Stadium station.

The Bangkok Arts and Cultural Centre is open everyday except Monday. Opening hours are from 1000 2100 hours.

Rainbow over Nang Linchi
19 Aug 2008 - I caught this scene from my balcony on Saturday 16 August at about 1800 hours. The last time I saw this it was last year. Good luck?


A rare double

Nang Linchi, (Mrs Lyechee) my neighbourhood, was formerly fruit and vegetable orchards. The Chinese community believes the area has good feng shui.

A day before, fire crackers were heard in the neighborhood. It was the 15th day of the Hungry Ghost Month, the 7th month of the Chinese lunar calendar. Its an extremely inauspicious month, hungry spirits roam around. Food offerings are made to appease them, crackers are fired to chase them off so they overstay.

All important activities like weddings, new businesses, moving to new premises are avoided. The Thai count their lunar calendar differently, its the 9th lunar month.

The good news is next month will be the mid-Autumn Festival when moon cakes hit the shops shelves. In Thailand these cakes come in various flavors, macadamia nuts, almond and even the famous Thai mon thong durian.

The rainbow sighting was newsworthy enough to make the Sunday morning radio news the following day.


A rare sighting

It was a double rainbow!! The Thais believe it is good luck to sight something like this. Its even better if its a double. I was lucky to have my camera available then.

I thought Ill share these pictures with you with all the good fortune that might come with it. If not for anything else, its a rare and natural beauty.

Hope you find your pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. Good luck and enjoy the Thai moon cakes if you happen to be in Thailand!


Pot of gold?