Tag: video

Bpai Tiao Video: Elephant Owner for a Day at Patara

November 2, 2014

In Thailand, a bpai tiao is a trip of any length. I’ve written about some of my more significant bpai tiaos to tourist destinations here, to be used as travel ideas and tips.

One thing that my parents were particularly interested in doing on their visit to Thailand was spending time with some elephants. There are a lot of disreputable elephant organizations in Thailand, that don’t properly care for the elephants. However, there are two organizations that I have found that I would whole-heartedly recommend.

Elephant Nature Park is a sanctuary for elephants that have been used and abused in the past. Patara Elephant Farm works to breed elephants with the ultimate goal of releasing them and combatting the declining population. We went with Patara, and included in their Elephant Owner for a Day program are photos and videos. Check out this video I made using the videos they took!

Planning a trip to Thailand? Check out my 2 Weeks in Thailand itinerary. It will take you to all the best spots, making sure you don’t miss any of the highlights.

Bpai Tiao Video: the Emerald Cave on Koh Muk

October 26, 2014

In Thailand, a bpai tiao is a trip of any length. I’ve written about some of my more significant bpai tiaos to tourist destinations here, to be used as travel ideas and tips.

Thailand is famous for its beaches and islands in the south. I personally haven’t had much time to spend down south until recently. One of the places I was really excited to see was the Emerald Cave, Tham Morakot, on Koh Muk. I thought you might want to check it out as well!

A BBC Documentary About the Thai Royal Family

September 28, 2014

The Thai royal family is very revered in Thailand. You will see photos and images of the king and queen all around the country. The BBC made a great documentary about them, called “The Soul of a Nation.” Check it out.

Thai Twist on Ice Bucket: Rice Bucket Challenge

September 14, 2014

A quick glance at social media, and you’ll find the “Ice Bucket Challenge” spreading like wildfire. Ostensibly, it’s meant to raise money and awareness for ALS, a debilitating disease. Meanwhile, Thais (and Indians) have made the “Ice Bucket Challenge” their own by making the “Rice Bucket Challenge” to give away a bucket of rice to a family in need. Check it out!

TEDx Talk in Thailand Asks Why We Make Life Hard

August 31, 2014

You may have heard of the TED conference and even watch some of the TED Talk videos. There are also independently organized TED events that take place around the world. One of those was held here in Thailand recently. Jon Jandai is a farmer in Chaiyaphum, a province that is not far from me, and he gave a talk asking why we make life so difficult, when it’s really easy. Check it out.

Bpai Tiao Video: Wat Luang Phor Toh

August 24, 2014

In Thailand, a bpai tiao is a trip of any length. I’ve written about some of my more significant bpai tiaos to tourist destinations here, to be used as travel ideas and tips.

On all of my bus trips to and from Bangkok, I’ve passed a large, gleaming, white temple. I’ve always been curious about the temple, but never curious enough to try and go on my own. However, at a recent training, we scheduled in a trip to the temple, which I also built a lesson around. Interestingly, it isn’t a temple dedicated to the Buddha, but rather a monk. Check it out!

Dancing in the Streets of Rural Thailand

August 17, 2014

It seems like Thais are always looking for an excuse to party. (Not that I’m complaining!) A lot of these celebrations, like monk ordinations, include everyone in the village parading through the streets and dancing. The music is supplied by a vehicle that is stacked with speakers and a DJ blaring music. Having trouble picturing it? Here’s an excellent video showing it. Bonus, it includes some great Thai folk music.

Thai Nationalism and the National Anthem

August 12, 2014

In Thailand, there is a strong current of enforced nationalism which is most evident in the public playing of the national anthem, or pleng chat (เพลงชาติ) twice a day, and the required standing and observance. A friend said that she was asked recently by the kids she works with when we sing and hear the national anthem in America. All she could come up with was at sporting events and sometimes at school concerts. But here in Thailand, the national anthem is a constant part of my life, I overhear it coming from my neighbors’ televisions at 8 a.m. and 6 p.m.. If I’m at the bus station it comes on, everyone stops and stands and the students sing it every morning. So I thought I would give you readers a taste of the anthem here and what the words mean.

more “Thai Nationalism and the National Anthem” …

Heartwarming Thai Commercials Get Me Every Time

August 10, 2014

There’s quite the trend happening in Thai marketing right now. Lots of companies are making longer videos that are designed to really pull at your heartstrings. They tell these really beautiful and emotional stories, that often times aren’t really connected to what they are selling. This one was one of the first and has gone viral. Definitely got me to tear up!