Walking back from the University today I came across over 100 monks outside the National Stadium for a retreat event. I thought this picture (taken in the major shopping district) speaks to how modern Bangkok has amalgamated religious ideology with modern life. Buddhist monks are still highly respected in Thai society.
A weekend market off a side street in downtown Bangkok.
Posted in Bangkok, Rotary Peace Fellowship
Although the vast majority of Thais claim Buddhism as their religion, Thai culture is full of mysticism with stories of spirits and elements of Hindu legend and Animism interwoven into everyday life. One of the most noticeable manifestation of this cultural aspect is in the Spirit House. These “houses” are a shrine to the protective spirit of a place that are found all over Thailand and many other Southeast Asian countries. Most houses and businesses, regardless of how small or how large have a Spirit House placed most often in a corner of the property. The spirit house is normally in the form of a miniature house or temple, and is mounted on a pillar. The house is intended to provide a shelter for spirits which could cause problems for the people if not appeased. Even the newest multi million pound 60+ story skyscraper in Bangkok will have a Spirit House out the front of it somewhere.
A Spirit House I walk past each day on the University campus.
Posted in Bangkok, Rotary Peace Fellowship, Thailand
A few of us were asked to give a brief overview of our work at lunchtime to the Rotary Club of Bangkok South on Friday. Here I am suited and booted talking about the work of TIDES Training at home.
Posted in Bangkok, Rotary Peace Fellowship
View from Wat Arun, Temple of the Dawn
One of my favourite parts of the City across the Chao Praya River
Buddha on the left hand side (below) with a demon temple guard on the right.
Posted in Bangkok, Rotary Peace Fellowship
A view of the city from the restaurant on the roof of the building next door.
Posted in Bangkok, Rotary Peace Fellowship
Practical Peace 