Temples in Thailand

The majority of population in Thailand is Buddhist and that is why Buddhism also prevails in the city of Bangkok. Buddhist people are generally religious and may be that is the reason over 31,200 Buddhist temples spread around Thailand. In Thailand temples are known as ‘wat’. They are categorized into two main groups and these are temples which are permitted to carry out religious functions and those which are used only for living quarters for monks. In Thailand you can get a temple in anywhere and everywhere in the country. You can simply go to offer your prayers and “make merit” even if you aren’t a Buddhist. Although most of the other temples share almost similar features, some of the Buddhist temples are there which are architecturally glorious and historically important.

Based on the structural characterization Buddhist temples are classified into two main categories and these are Royal Temples and Common Temples. In Thailand, there are about 200 Royal Temples out of which only six are of the highest grade. When visiting a temple in Thailand, it is polite to seek the permission of the Abbott before taking photographs. You should also take permission before entering any place other than the main area. The permission should be taken from monk or one of the many helpers found in the temple grounds. Normally permission is granted without seeing the Abbott, but your show of respect by asking, will be returned.

If visiting popular temples, such as Wat Phra Kaeo in the Grand Palace grounds, there is no need to seek any permission regarding photography. You just need to follow the instructions if there is anything written about that. Wat Phra Kaeo temple is situated in the capital city of Bangkok. This is commonly known as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha as because it houses a small two foot jade statue of Buddha which rests upon a huge golden alter.

Sriwittayapaknam School culture in Thailand

Culture in Thai school is not different than any other school around the world. Some of the captivating cultures of Thai school help to make some challenging differences. Some of the simple rules can be mentioned as shoes are not allowed within the school premises. In the annual Wai Kru Ceremony all the students should bow down to their teachers just to show respect towards them. Sriwittayapaknam School, which is commonly known as Srinai, is located in the Samut Prakan City. This school is located at the distance of about 35 kms south of Bangkok. From the sixth floor of this school big container ships can be seen that are heading up the Chao Phraya River to the port in Bangkok. There is no sea at the vicinity so swimming is not possible there.

In Thailand, in most of the schools there are two semester exams. Usually there is no mid term breaks. 180-200 teaching days are there in every year. First term starts in May first week and it continues till October first week. The second term starts at November first week. As because Buddhism prevails in Thailand, there is no Christmas leave. At New Year’s time, four to five days leave are there. Second term finishes at February end or March first week. After that the students get two long months summer vacation. The month of April can be recorded as the hottest month and only 70% of students attend school at that time.

In Thailand, some of the teachers and students reach school very early sometimes even before 6 a.m. If the parents of some students are working in Bangkok, he or she reaches school early. The others reach school 7 or 7.30 a.m. The national anthem starts at 8 a.m. and all should be present by that time. Lunch break for kinder garden starts at 10.15 a.m. junior students get lunch break at 11 a.m. while seniors get at 11.30. Most of students go home by 4.45 p.m. The last students are generally picked up by parents by 6 p.m. at the latest.

Thailand Holidays

In Thailand you can enjoy some exciting festivals. The festivals are really colorful and spread liveliness everywhere. Sometimes visitors specially come to Thailand to be a part of its festivals. But one thing should be kept in mind that at these times the hotel accommodation can be little costly. So, in this case you can take the help of the websites and do your booking in advance. Various festivals are there out of which some are randomly selected and mentioned below:

Wat Phra Si Sanphet: This festival is celebrated in Ayutthaya. In Thailand most of the festivals are related to Buddhism and the monarchy. This is one of them. Except for some banks nobody celebrates all of them.

Chinese New Year: This Chinese New Year is celebrated by Chinese Thais. They are numerous in Bangkok. They celebrate this festival by cleaning their houses. They also offer food to their ancestors during this festival. Feasts take an important part in this festival. Everywhere you will see merrymaking. If you are visiting Bangkok’s Chinatown or Yaowarat, you can have the idea of real festivity.

Makha Bucha: This festival in Thailand falls on the full moon of the fourth Lunar month. Usually this falls in February or March. During this festival nearly 1250 followers venerate in front of the Buddha. This eventually leads to their ordination and subsequent nirvana i.e. enlightenment. Buddhists carry candles at temples in Bangkok and throughout Thailand. They also walk around the main shrine three times in a clockwise direction. People in Thailand are very religious and they show this nature during this festival.

The King’s Birthday: King’s Birthday is celebrated on December fifth. This is known as Thailand’s National Day which is also celebrated as Father’s Day. During this time you will find all the buildings and homes are properly decorated with the king’s flag. Around the Royal palace in old Bangkok, you can see some lighting on trees, roads and buildings. You will see happy faces everywhere in the city at this time. The Queen’s Birthday i.e. Mother’s Day is celebrated on August 12 in the same way with great pomp.