Art & Culture

In an era where money rules the world, there is a community nestled in the heart of Bangkok that still preserves its old way of life. Baan Krua, the oldest Muslim community in Thailand has been engaged in Thai weaving since 1787, which includes a long association with Thai silk king Jim Thompson.

Collateral Event of the 60th International Art Exhibition – La Biennale di Venezia

As armies of locals and tourists lay down their water guns to end the world-famous Songkran Festival, The Nation takes a look at four other soft-power weapons that Thailand is wielding to conquer international hearts and minds.

Two Bangkok shopping malls have splashed out on Songkran this year as Thailand seeks an economic lift from three-week celebrations of its latest Unesco cultural heritage.

Songkran’s inclusion as a UNESCO intangible cultural heritage has offered an opportunity to promote the traditional Thai New Year as one of the best festivals in the world, Tourism and Sports Minister Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol said on Thursday.

A massive Songkran festival will take place for five days at Sanam Luang in Bangkok, highlighting a seamless fusion of Thai traditional and modern activities, catering to people of all generations.

When the water guns are filled and people don colourful floral printed shirts, you know it’s Songkran time. Also known as the water festival, Songkran takes pride of place among Thai festivals, as the mostly widely celebrated, the most famous, and undoubtedly the most entertaining.

Labubu, a toy doll with high, pointed ears and serrated teeth, became a much-sought-after item after K-pop sensation Lisa Blackpink posted a photograph of her holding a Labubu Macaron on Instagram.

When talking about magicians, names like David Copperfield, Jeff McBride or Criss Angel are the first to come up. However, amid these luminaries, there shines a young Thai magician whose talents have captured attention – Thirawat Kongnugul, better known as “Smart Magic”.

With Songkran fast approaching, both government and private sectors have kicked off preparations for fun celebrations in 118 venues across Bangkok.

Ever noticed the sculptures in front of Bangkok skyscrapers and wondered what they mean and who made these strange artworks?

In this big Buddhist city boasting 450 temples, there are also 194 mosques and some 600,000 Muslims living in communities in different nooks and crannies. And one of them is the Phetchaburi Soi 7 community with the 150-year-old Darul Aman Mosque at the centre of it.

A Czech artist is working with a Thai government agency to showcase paintings that reflect Thai traditions, at a Prague gallery.