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.

Thai Alangkarn Theatre in Pattaya

Alangkarn show is situated at the distance of 155 kms on Sukhumvit Road at Jomtien. You will get a cultural rostrum, hexa stage theatre and a restaurant there. Alangkarn always proposes a new concept of demonstrating an innovative culture to Thais. Standard Thai traditional dances can be found anywhere but this Alangkarn show displays some unique style. There is unusual combination of multi dimension techniques. They use surround sound system and laser show that is multi colored. Mr. Supawat Jongsiri who is the director of Performances at Alangkarn provide a team that usually choreograph the professional performances. Thus Alangkarn has become multi dimensional extravaganza show.

Different acts are comprised together to give the actual picture of Alangkarn theatre. These are Elephant Battle, Royal Barge Procession, Thai Buddhist Ceremonies, Naga Stories of Thailand, Sun Moon and Planet, History of Thailand and many more. These acts are sometimes accompanied with old film sequences from Thailand.

In Pattaya, the new Alangkarn complex is opened from evening at 5.30 from night t 11. There is only one performance at 8 pm. Ticket price costs 800 to 1000 baht. You can enjoy the buffet at Alangkarn restaurants that is included within entry fee. The art theatre in Alangkran Theatre can accommodate 2000 seats which are decked up in modern Thai style. There are 70 m lengthy Hexa stage, 50 m water screen, and also two large eleven by fifteen meters screens. All of these are used to present Thai extravaganza show. The combination of multi dimension presentation like surround sound system, pyrotechnics, multi colored laser show, etc. have the the show extremely interesting and eye catching.

Loi Krathong in Pattaya

Loy Krathong is a festival that held on full moon of the twelfth month. It is celebrated according to the traditional Thai lunar calendar. The festival falls in the month of November according to the western calendar. ‘Loi’ means ‘to float’ while ‘Krathong’ is a raft. Traditionally this is made out of a banana tree trunk. This is decked up with folded banana leaves, incense sticks, flowers, candles, etc. At the night when full moon is visible many people float a decorated raft like this. Some contests are often organized where the corporations, Governmental offices and also some other organizations build larger rafts. During this festival Thais organized some fireworks and beauty contests. This festival resemble with the Hindu festival Deepavali as here you can see lots of light and fireworks.

In 1863, H.M. King Rama IV has written that in actual the Brahmanical festival was adjusted by Buddhists in Thailand. It can be said that besides the Buddha matter, this floating of the candle raft also symbolizes that one’s anger, grudges and all bad things are going. It indulge the person to start his life afresh with a new vigor. Some people also cut their hair and nails and add it to the raft. By this gesture they try to proof that all bad body parts are going with the raft. It’s a general believe that Krathong will generate some good luck. They do it with full respect and also thank water goddess Phra Mae Khongkha.

‘Noppamas Queen Contests’ is the name of the beauty contest. The legend says Noppamas was a associate of Sukothai king Loethai in fourteenth century. She was the first person who floated Krathong. The start of vegetable carving is also related to Loi Krthong festival. This festival was first started in Sukhothai but now it is celebrated throughout Thailand. Chiang Mai and Ayutthaya is very popular. Chiang Mai Loi Kratong alias ‘Yi Peng’ is very famous. Every year millions of people gather to float the Krathong in the water and they do it in extreme happiness.

The sanctuary of truth in Pattaya

The Sanctuary of truth is situated in northern Pattaya at Soi Nakula 12. Tourists often visit the place with enthusiasm. This sanctuary of truth is located at 150 meters height in to the sky. This is entirely carved on teak wood. This gigantic structure is world famous and attracts a lot of visitors. This structure is actually a fusion of art, philosophy, religion, and art. It is neither a temple nor a palace but you can say that this structure s a hybrid of both. This can be described as a memorial to Thai craftsmanship. This structure is a reflection of ancient vision of earth and also eastern philosophy. This is the place where one can get attached with two good-natured dolphins. Sometimes the dolphins perform a show for the tourists and that way give value or money to the tourists. The Sanctuary of Truth is an extra-ordinary place where one gets calm while appreciating the exquisite beauty.

This huge structure was prepared by late Khun Lek. The entry fee is 500 baht. There is a horse and buggy ride that take the visitors to the top of the mount. This structure can be the biggest in the world. This structure is 100 m long and 105 m high. You can say that this is equivalent to twenty floor building. Several eastern cultures and religions are depicted well in the structure.

You can get some exclusive pictures while enter in the complex. There is an aquarium situated at the Sanctuary of Truth. Great view of sea and countryside are available from some of the hills. The aquarium is worth viewing. But beware of a troupe of monkeys. They will snatch any food at your hand. You can buy some fruit and feed if you really wish to do so.