paang (ปาง)

See pahng. 回

Pacific Reef Egret

Common name for a large wading bird, with the binomial designation Egretta sacra. READ ON. 回

pad (พัด)

Thai. ‘Fan’. Of old an utensil of the Far East. See also punka. 回

pad bai kapho (พัดใบกะพ้อ)

Thai. A small, round to heart or lotus-shaped fan, with a short handle, and woven from the dried leaves of the fan palm. READ ON. 回

pad bai laan (พัดใบลาน)

Thai. Fan made of the leaf of a species of palm called Corypha lecontei, which is similar to the sugar palm or ton taan. In China, similar palm-fans known as bajiao shan, are often exquisitely decorated with typical Chinese patterns and designs, and used as decorative items (fig.). It is an attribute of Phra Malai and Shin Thiwali. 回

pa daek (ປາແດກ)

Lao for pla daek. 回

pad daam jiw (พัดด้ามจิ้ว)

Thai. A folding fan (fig.). Traditionally made in Chiang Mai in North Thailand and usually painted with scenes of Thai landscapes or ornamental motifs. The folding fan originated in Japan in the 8th century and was taken to China in the 9th century by a Japanese monk who had brought some folding fans to China as an offer to the Emperor. See also fan. 回

paddy

Name for rice in the husk, before threshing it, as well as for a field where rice is grown. 回

Paddyfield Pipit

Common name for a small passerine bird in the pipits and wagtail family Motacillidae, and with the scientific designation Anthus rufulus. READ ON. 回

pad lek (พัดเหล็ก)

Thai for ‘iron fan’. See tessen. 回

padma (पद्म)

Sanskrit. ‘Lotus flower’, i.e. a pink lotus. White, red and blue lotuses are called differently, i.e. pundarika, kamala, and utpala, respectively. In general, the lotus is a symbol in Indian culture associated with purity, creativity and fertility, and the padma or pink lotus is generally reserved for the highest deities and the Buddha himself. In Buddhism, it is a symbol of Enlightenment. In iconography the lotus is often used as a pedestal for Buddha images or a base for Hindu deities. See also pathum and Padma. 回

Padma (पद्म)

Sanskrit. Another name for the Hindu goddess Lakshmi, in her form as ‘mother of the earth’. See also padma. 回

Padmapani (पद्मपाणि)

Sanskrit. ‘Lotus in the hand’. The bodhisattva Avalokitesvara in his appearance as creator, depicted with many small figures that emerge from his body and represent all beings, gods, and buddhas over whom he has the power to create. See also Radiating Avalokitesvara. 回

Padmasambhava (पद्मसम्भव)

Sanskrit. Name of a deity considered to be an emanation of the Amitabha Buddha and worshiped in Vajrayana Buddhism and Lamaism. He is also known as Guru Rinpoche, among many other appellations. 回

padmasana (पद्मसन)

Sanskrit. ‘Lotus throne’. The seated pose of a divinity (asana) with crossed legs forming a circular space resembling an open lotus. See also pathum and padma. 回

Padong (ปะด่อง)

One of the subgroups of the Longneck Karen in Thailand, originally from Burma. They live principally in the province of Mae Hong Son. 回

padwaanlawichanih (พัดวาลวีชนี)

Thai. ‘Royal Fan and Yak's Tail’ or ‘Royal Fan and Fly Whisk’. Part of the Thai royal regalia or kakuttapan. These are symbolic items that the king uses to ward off any peril that may befall his people. During the reign of king Rama I the fly whisk was made from yak hair, but this was changed during the reign of king Mongkut (Rama IV), replacing it with the tail-hair of a White Elephant, a tradition that still lasts today. 回

pad yot (พัดยศ)

Thai. ‘Fan of rank’. A kind of fan attached to a stick and used in certain religious and in royal ceremonies. READ ON. 回

Pae Kong (แป๊ะกง)

Thai-Chinese. Another name for the Tae Chew deity Peung Thao Kong (fig.). 回

pae kuay (แป๊ะกวย, แปะก๊วย)

Thai-Chinese name for the Ginkgo biloba (fig.), as well as for it seed, i.e. a kind of a semi-large bean with a hard nut-like shell (fig.). When peeled it is of a yellowish colour and used in soups as well as in rice dishes. In English the seeds are known as ginkgo nuts, after the tree they grow on. This tree, which is found in China, is a unique species of tree, with no close living relatives and thus classified as a single species in its own family, i.e. Ginkgoaceae. Ginkgo nuts are often seen for sale in bulk on markets around Bangkok's Chinatown. Also spelt pae guay. 回

paeng dinsoh phong (แป้งดินสอพอง)

Thai. Name for marl powder, a type of powder that is made from limestone which is fired into a white clay and then dissolved in water and filtered to create a fine powder. When mixed with water, it becomes a cream-like consistency that can be applied to the face and body (fig.). It is used during Songkraan as a long-standing tradition to show respect to elders and for fun during the water festival. Dinsoh phong also has skin-nourishing properties and provides a cooling effect, making it a refreshing relief during Thai new year, which coincides with the peak of Thailand's hot season. During Songkraan, marl is typically sold in dried form shaped into small rosette-like swirls or rocks (fig.). 回

paengman (แป้งมัน)

Thai name for tapioca starch, starch of the cassava. 回

pae riyan (แปะเหรียญ)

Thai. ‘To paste coins’ or ‘to stick coins’. Name for a kind of tradition or form of tamboon in which worshippers or visitors to certain places of worship, leave or stick coins onto an object of reverence (fig.), such as a Buddha image (fig.), or an object in its vicinity. Also transliterated pè rian or similar. 回

Paet Riw (แปดริ้ว)

Thai. ‘Eight lines’ or ‘eight stripes’. A nickname for Chachengsao (fig.), that derives from a story which relates that the city's river (fig.) once teemed with giant snake-head fish that needed up to eight cuts (paet riw - fig.) on each side, to make it into sun-dried fish. 回

paga (ਪੱਗ)

Punjabi name for the Hindi term pagri, meaning ‘turban’. 回

Pagan (ပုဂံ)

1. For 230 years the capital of Burma and the city of Burma's Golden Era, between the 11th and 13th centuries AD. Its earliest edifice dates from the late ninth century and it was probably founded in 849 AD by the Burmese who lived on the irrigated rice lands of the Mandalay region (fig.), after the collapse of the earlier Pyu Period. The city was eventually abandoned subsequent to the invasion of Kublai Khan in 1287, and in 1297, the remaining regime was toppled by the three brothers who co-founded the Myinsaing Kingdom. There are still around 2,217 pagodas among the remains of another 2,000 temple ruins, as well as the Bagan Archaeological Museum (map - fig.). Originally, the walled city had twelve gates, but the western and northern parts of the city wall were washed away by the Irrawaddy River (fig.) and the Tharabha Gate, i.e. the main gate of the east wall, is today the only near-intact gate of the old city (map - fig.). Among the more important monuments and places of interest are Alodawpyi Phaya (map - fig.), Ananda Phaya (map - fig.), Buphaya (map - fig.), Dhammayangyi Phaya (map - fig.), Dhammayazika Phaya (map - fig.), Gu Byauk Gyi Zedi Myinkaba (map - fig.), Gu Byauk Gyi Zedi Wetkyi-in (map - fig.), Htilominlo Phaya (map - fig.), Kyaukgu Umin (map - fig.), Lawkananda Zedi (map - fig.), Maha Bodhi Phaya (map - fig.), Mahazedi Pagoda (map - fig.), Mahuna Phaya (map - fig.), Myazedi Phaya (map - fig.), Nan Phaya Kyaung (map - fig.), Nathlaung Kyaung (map - fig.), Ngakywenadaung (map - fig.), Kyauk Sa Ga Gyi Phaya (map - fig.), Phaya Thonzu (map - fig.), Pitaka Taik (map - fig.), Pottery Hill (map - fig.), Pya Tha Gyi Phaya (map - fig.), Sabbannu Phaya which is also known as Thatbyinnyu Phaya (map - fig.) and its Tally Temple (map - fig.), Shwegugyi Phaya (map - fig.), Shwezigon Phaya, Bagan (map - fig.), Sulamani Phaya (map - fig.), Tantkyitaung Zedi (map - fig.), Gawdawpalin Phaya (map - fig.), Thambula Temple (map - fig.), Mingala Zedi (fig.), Tabatkya Zedi (map - fig.), Shwesandaw Phaya (map - fig.) and Tuyintaung Zedi (map - fig.). See also Pegu and Hongsawadih. See MAP. 回

2. Art style from the period and region of Pagan, and amply on display at the Bagan Archaeological Museum in Old Bagan (map - fig.). 回

3. Name of the 9th King of the Konbaung Dynasty of Burma, who reigned from 17 November 1846 to 18 February 1853, when he was forced to abdicate by his half brothers Mindon Min (fig.) and Kanaung (fig.), in favour of the former. To avoid confusion with the Burmese capital described above, he is usually referred to as Pagan Min (ပုဂံမင်း), i.e. ‘King Pagan’. 回

Pagan Min (ပုဂံမင်း)

Burmese for ‘King Pagan’. 回

pagoda

1. A temple, religious or sacred tower, usually in a tapering shape and consisting of several stories, and found in Burma, China, Vietnam (fig.), Korea and Japan. Its form is often octagonal, which corresponds to the Eightfold Path in Buddhism, and it usually has an odd number of stories, as this corresponds with the yang principle of the yin-yang concept, i.e. the bright aspect, which relates to Enlightenment and thus in turn also to heaven. Similar to and sometimes used as a translation for the Thai word chedi, along with the word stupa. It may also refer to an idol found in such a temple or tower. In Thai known as tha. 回

2. Idol found in such a temple. 回

3. In Vietnam, a temple in Mahayana Buddhism. 回

4. In Myanmar, term used generally to refer to a temple and its compound, that is any temple, whether it has an actual pagoda, i.e. a sacred tower (zedi or stupa), or not. In this manner it is similar as described above, i.e. an idol found in a temple. In Burmese referred to as Phaya. 回

pagri (पगड़ी)

Hindi. ‘Turban’. Name of a shawl-like piece of cloth, that is worn as a kind of headwear, manually wound around the top of the head of men in India. READ ON. 回

pah chok (ผ้าจก)

Thai. Name for a kind of traditional cloth (fig.) from Central Thailand, which is produced by using the chok weaving technique (fig.). It is typically woven from silk or cotton, or from a combination of both. Also transcribed phah jok. 回

pah gohng gahng (ป่าโกงกาง)

Thai name for mangrove woods. 回

pah hahd siao (ผ้าหาดเสี้ยว)

Thai. Name for a kind of fabric with different patterns, woven with the use of a supplementary weft technique. It is a product from Sri Satchanalai, where it is traditionally woven by the Thai Phuan. 回

pah kahsahwapad (ผ้ากาสาวพัสตร์)

Thai. The saffron −or alternatively, ochre to brown− coloured robe for Buddhist monks. Within the temple compound this robe covers only one shoulder, but when monks go outside they usually cover themselves completely (fig.). When working (fig.) they wear a lighter shirt called angsa (fig.). In both Buddhism and Hinduism, saffron and ochre are colours that symbolize renunciation. Also kahsahwapad. See also traijiewon. 回

pahkaomah (ผ้าขาวม้า)

Thai. Multi-functional loincloth usually worn around the waist by farmers (fig.), when not used. It serves as a sarong, a loincloth for bathing in the open or as a headscarf but may also be applied as an improvised bag and sometimes even to cook food in. 回

pah khit (ผ้าขิต)

Thai. ‘Khit cloth’. Name for an ancient type of hand-woven cloth (fig.), which is produced in certain areas of Isaan. It typically uses geometric patterns in contrasting colors, usually a darker pattern over a light background, often with the colours red, purple and dark green. Formerly this style of cloth was used in the traditional household dress of the area, like shoulder cloths, but also to make pillows that are generally known as mon khit, etc. In the past it was customary for Isaan girls to learn to weave khit cloth before getting married. There are about 72 different patterns, each with its own specific designation. In 2004, some of those patterns (fig.) were publicized on a set of four Thai postage stamps (fig.). 回

Pahk Khlong Talaat (ปากคลองตลาด)

Thai. ‘Canal Mouth Market’ or ‘Market at the Mouth of the Canal’. Name of the biggest wholesale and retail fresh flower market in Bangkok. READ ON. 回

pahk nahm (ปากน้ำ)

1. Thai. ‘Water mouth’. Designation for the estuary of a river, as well as the end or confluence of any other waterway, such as a canal, etc. Sometimes transliterated Paknam, as in Paknam Incident. 回

2. Thai. Nickname for the city of Samut Prakan, which is located at the estuary of the Chao Phraya River. Sometimes transliterated Paknam, as in Paknam Incident. 回

3. Thai. Name of a tambon in the amphur Sawankhalok, in the province of Sukhothai (fig.). See also POSTAGE STAMP. 回

pah krahb (ผ้ากราบ)

Thai. ‘Prostrating cloth’. A piece of cloth placed in front of an altar or Buddha image for resting one's hands and head while praying. This 25 by 50 centimetre yellow cloth is mainly used by -especially newly ordained- monks and novices and is often seen attached to their traijiewon. 回

pah mai saket (ผ้าไหมสาเกต)

Thai name for an ancient pattern on silk cloth from Roi Et, made (fig.) with the matmi thechnique (fig.). It is mainly pinkish to violet in colour and has a very detailed pattern, using colours that usually include white and gold. Also transcribed pha mai saket and sometimes called pah mai laai saket. 回

pah leh laai (ป่าเลไลย์)

See Parileyyaka and pahng pah leh laai. 回

pahng (ปาง)

Thai. The attitude, position, pose or style of a Buddha image, e.g. as used in the Phra prajam wan system. Also paang and similar to the term tha, yet the latter is more frequently used to indicate the attitude or pose in traditional dance. 回

pahng bamphen thukkarakiriyah (ปางบำเพ็ญทุกรกิริยา)

Thai-Rajasap. ‘The pose of practicing suffering’ or ‘the attitude of observing mortification’. A style of Buddha image in the attitude of mortification (fig.). READ ON. 回

pahng chan samoh (ปางฉันสมอ)

Thai-Rajasap. ‘Position of eating the gall-nut fruit’. Buddha image seated in the half lotus position with his left hand in his lap and with his right hand placing the gall-nut fruit (samoh) in his mouth to eat (chan). The Buddha sits enjoying happiness under a tree during the seventh week after his Enlightenment when in the morning Indra offers him the samoh, the medicinal fruit of the gall-nut tree, a tree of the genus Terminalia. An alternative pose referring to the same narrative is called pahng rab (phon) samoh and shows the Buddha accepting the fruit with his right hand. Also pahng chan phon samoh. 回

pahng hahm phra kaen jan (ปางห้ามพระแก่นจันทน์)

Thai-Rajasap. ‘Position of stopping the sandalwood Buddha image’. Buddha image in a standing pose with a abhaya mudra corresponding to Monday in the Phra prajam wan system. In this pose the left hand is raised with the palm forward as if making a stopping sign and it refers to a scene when the Buddha returned from Tavatimsa heaven. When the Buddha was away king Udayana had a sandalwood replica made of him which he erected in a large hall in Sravasti. On his return this Buddha image greeted the Buddha in a miraculous manner, but the Buddha stopped this by raising his left hand ordering the image back to its place to enable it to serve as an example for the making of other images after his death. A variation of this is the abhaya mudra with the right hand raised, known as pahng hahm yaht. Only in Thailand there exists yet another variation in which the Buddha has two hands raised in front of him with the palm forward (fig.), known as the pose of ‘calming the waters’, in Thai pahng hahm samut. 回

pahng hahm samut (ปางห้ามสมุทร)

Thai-Rajasap. ‘Position of stopping the ocean’ or ‘calming the waters’. Buddha image in a standing pose with an abhaya mudra performed with two hands, a pose found only in Thailand. This pose correspond with Monday in the Phra prajam wan system and refers to an episode where the Buddha calmed the flood waters of the Nairanjana River, a tributary of the Ganges in North India. See also pahng hahm yaht and pahng hahm phra kaen jan. 回

pahng hahm yaht (ปางห้ามญาติ)

Thai-Rajasap. ‘Position of stopping the relatives’ or ‘calming the relatives’. Buddha image in a standing pose with an abhaya mudra corresponding to Monday in the Phra prajam wan system. In this pose the right hand is raised with the palm forward, as making a stopping sign. It refers to an episode where the Buddha  returning from Tavatimsa heaven after an absence of three months stopped a quarrel among his relatives over the rights for water of a river flowing through their land. He arbitrated between blood relatives, of both his father and mother, forcing them to make a compromise and share the water. See also pahng hahm phra kaen jan and pahng hahm samut. 回

pahng hyieb lohk (ปางเหยียบโลก)

Thai. ‘Posture of stepping on the world’. Name of a rather unique and rare Buddha image in a standing pose with one foot on a globe, stepping on the world, subduing it. 回

pahng kho fon (ปางขอฝน)

Thai. ‘Position of requesting for rain’. Buddha image in a seated or standing pose in which the right hand is held forward on chest level with the finger tips pointing forward or upward and the left hand is bent in front of the waist with the palm upward as if forming a bowl. This pose is related to the pahng song nahm pose and refers to a scene in which the Buddha calls for rain after a long period of drought. In some images the head of the Buddha is lifted upward, as if looking at the sky in anticipation of the coming rain (fig.). See also gandharattha. 回

pahng leelah (ปางลีลา)

Thai-Rajasap. ‘Attitude of the gracefully procession’. Thai designation for a walking Buddha. Also spelled paang lihlaa. See also Leelah. 回

pahng nahg prok (ปางนาคปรก)

Thai-Rajasap. ‘Position of the overspreading naga’. Buddha image seated in meditation on the coiled body of the naga Muchalinda that uses its head as a cover against rain. This pose refers to a scene during the sixth week after Siddhartha's Enlightenment, when the naga king protected the Buddha, who was in deep meditation under a Taengwood Tree, against heavy rainfall by making a shelter with his multi-headed hood and lifted him above the flood waters by coiling its body under him. According to some old texts it coiled its body around the Buddha (fig.). This pose corresponds with Saturday in the Phra prajam wan system. Occasionally represented with the Buddha seated in a bhumisparsa pose (fig.), a pose often found in Myanmar (fig.), where the overspreading naga is also found depicted over a standing Buddha (fig.). Besides this, it may also refers to Vishnu, of whom the Buddha is an avatar, and who is also often represented seated (fig.) or reclining on the giant snake Ananta, e.g. Anantasayin (fig.). See also POSTAGE STAMP. 回

pahng pah leh laai (ปางป่าเลไลย์)

Thai-Rajasap. ‘Position of Parileyyaka (pah leh laai) [forest]’. Buddha image in a pose seated in western style with a monkey and an elephant in the front. This image corresponds with Wednesday during night-time in the Phra prajam wan system. The pose refers to a scene in Kausambi during the tenth year after the Buddha's Enlightenment, when the disciples were quarreling amongst themselves causing the Buddha to retire in the forest, searching for calm. A monkey then brought him honey to eat and an elephant, water to lessen his thirst. This pose is also called Rahu (compare with Rahu in the Indian Phra prajam wan system - fig.). See also TRAVEL PICTURES. 回

pahng pathom thetsanah (ปางปฐมเทศนา)

Thai-Rajasap. ‘Position of the first sermon’. Name for Buddha image in a seated pose, that symbolizes the Buddha's first public discourse of his doctrine which was given to five ascetics at Mrigadava, a deer park in Sarnath, edifying the panjawakkih, in iconography depicted with a mudra or gesture known as dhammachakka and vitarka. The largest Buddhs statue in the world portrayed in this position is situated in a giant hall at Wat Phraphuttha Saengtham in Saraburi (fig.). WATCH VIDEO (1) and (2). 回

pahng peut lohk (ปางเปิดโลก)

Thai-Rajasap. ‘Position of opening the world’. Buddha image in a standing pose, with the arms pendent alongside his body, the forearms lifted slightly outwards and the palms turned forwards. READ ON. 回

pahng phijahranah chara tham (ปางพิจารณาชราธรรม)

Thai-Rajasap. ‘Position of meditating on the dhamma of aging’. Buddha image seated in the half lotus position, with both hands resting on the knees, the palms down. In English it is usually called the Consider the Great Truth pose, but also referred to as the pose of Considering Old Age. The pose relates to the final year of his life, when the Buddha stopped at a place near Vulture's Peak, known as Veluvana. Aged eighty and seriously ill, the Buddha preached to his disciple Ananda on physical decay, explaining him the Law (Dhamma) of Old Age, i.e. that sickness, old age and death are inevitable to all creatures, describing his body as an old cart which must be repaired with bamboo, and bundled up with narrow strips of leather. The pose is confusingly similar to pahng rab matoop yaht, in which a Buddha image seated in the half lotus position, has both hands resting on the knees, the palms up. 回

pahng plong kammatahn (ปางปลงกรรมฐาน)

Thai-Rajasap. ‘Position of meditating (kammataan) on the cremation or disposal of [a corpse] (plong)’. Buddha image in a standing pose with a walking stick hanging from his left hand and his right arm pointing downward, the hand slightly forward as if making a gesture, although the positions of the right hand and arm may vary slightly, and sometimes he is holding the walking stick with his left hand (fig.), rather than letting it hang from the hand. It refers to the scene in which the Buddha meditates beside the corpse of a girl in Sawatthi on the nature of phenomenal existence and its cessation. Afterwards he took the girl's shroud and made it into a monastic robe thus symbolizing the transience of life. 回

pahng prathan phon (ปางประทานพร)

Thai. ‘Position of giving a blessing’ or ‘blessing pose’. Buddha image, usually seated in western style, with one hand held up the thumb and index finger touching or nearly touching, while the other arm is held down with hand palm up and the elbow in L-shape, a pose somewhat similar to certain depictions of the varada mudra (fig.). A famous Buddha image in this pose is known as Luang Pho Prathan Phon (map - fig.), and is found in many places around the nation, such as at the Phra Pathom Chedi in Nakhon Pathom and at Wat Phanan Choeng in Phra Nakhon Sri Ayutthaya. Occasionally, Buddha statues in the blessing pose may be seated in the lotus position, such as the Maha Pathimakorn (มหาปฏิมากร) Buddha statue at Wat Phrathat Doi Saket in Chiang Mai. 回

pahng prathap yeun (ปางประทับยืน)

Thai. ‘Position of standing at ease’. Buddha image in a standing pose with both arms hanging  passively alongside the body and the eyes downcast. In this pose the Buddha stands quietly before commencing his duties thus reflecting his complete awareness of what he is doing. 回

pahng proht Alavaka yak (ปางโปรดอาฬาวกยักษ์)

Thai. ‘Position of preaching to the yak Alavaka’. Buddha image in a seated pose, with the left hand on his lap and the right hand raised in front of the chest with the fingers folded, as in the preaching manner. It is the Buddha image worshipped by people that are born in the year of the rat. 回

pahng proht sat (ปางโปรดสัตว์)

Thai. ‘Position of preaching to living creatures’. Buddha image as the guardian of animals, in a standing pose with the right hand raised and palm forward, similar to the abhaya mudra, whilst the other hand is raised and stretched outward with the palm up (fig.). The pose refers to a scene in the life of the Buddha when he stayed in a mango grove near the city of Nalantha (นาลันทา) and told Asiphanthabut (อสิพันธบุตร)), a local headman, that he always extends loving-kindness to all living creatures and taught the dhamma thoroughly, without any prejudice to any human being, including people from other religions. 回

pahng rab matoop yaht (ปางรับมธุปยาส)

Thai. ‘Position of accepting rice porridge’. Fame for the pose of a Buddha image seated in the half lotus position, with both hands resting on the knees, the palms up. It refers to the episode in the Buddha's life before his Enlightenment, when he accepted milk-rice or rice porridge from a young, rich and beautiful milkmaid named Sujata. The pose is confusingly similar to pahng phijahranah chara tham, in which a Buddha image seated in the half lotus position, has both hands resting on the knees, the palms down. 回

pahng rab samoh (ปางรับสมอ)

Thai. ‘Position of accepting the gall-nut fruit’. Buddha image seated in the half lotus position with his left hand in his lap and his right arm extended to accept (rab) the gall-nut fruit (samoh). The Buddha sits enjoying happiness under a tree during the seventh week after his Enlightenment when in the morning Indra offers him the samoh, the medicinal fruit of the gall-nut tree, a tree of the genus Terminalia. An alternative pose referring to the same narrative is called pahng chan (phon) samoh and shows the Buddha placing the fruit in his mouth with his right hand. Also pahng rab phon samoh. 回

pahng ram peung (ปางรำพึง)

Thai. ‘Position of reflecting or thinking in retrospect’. Buddha image in a standing pose with both hands crossed over the chest, meaning ‘contemplation’, ‘consideration’ or ‘retrospective thinking’. This pose refers to a scene in which the Buddha contemplates the subtle nature of dhamma and ponders on how to reveal this to mankind. This happened after the visit of the two merchants Tapussa and Bhalika came to pay their respects. The Buddha considered that his teachings may be understood better by some than by others. He compared this with the image of lotus flowers, of which some are already flourishing above the water while others are still below the surface awaiting their bloom. The pose of this image corresponds with Friday in the Phra prajam wan system. A variety exists in which both hands are crossed over the belly rather than over the chest (fig.). See also POSTAGE STAMP. 回

pahng saiyaat (ปางไสยาสน์)

Thai. ‘Position of sleeping or reclining’. Buddha image in a reclining pose. READ ON. 回

pahng samahti (ปางสมาธิ)

Thai. ‘Position of meditation’. Buddha image in the seated pose of concentration or meditation, similar to the dhyani mudra. It refers to a higher form of meditation and corresponds with Thursday in the Phra prajam wan system, associated with teachers, lawyers and judges. See also samaddhi. 回

pahng song nahm (ปางสรงน้ำ)

Thai-Rajasap. ‘Position of having a bath’. Buddha image in a standing pose with a bathing cloth over the left shoulder and the right hand in front of the chest, as if throwing rain water over himself. The left arm hangs passively alongside the body. This pose refers to a scene that happened in Kosala district at Sravasti, in India. After receiving many meagre meals in his alms bowl during a protracted period of drought the Buddha pitied the population and asked his disciples for a bathing cloth near a lotus pond in the garden of Jetavana. When he started to walk in the direction of the pond it began raining and the Buddha washed himself with rainwater. See also pahng kho fon. 回

pahng song phayabaan piksu khai (ปางทรงพยาบาลภิกษุไข้)

Thai-Rajasap. ‘Position of nursing a monk sick with fever’. Buddha image in a standing pose carrying a sick monk. The pose refers to the Buddha, who personally nursed a neglected, feverish monk, demonstrating compassion and emphasizing the duty to care for the sick (fig.). This act, recorded in the Vinaya Pitaka, underscores his teachings on selflessness and community care, shaping Buddhist caregiving traditions. Buddha statues in this pose are rare. One notable example can be found at Wat Laksi Raht Samohson in Samut Sakon. During and after the COVID-19 pandemic, this statue gained increasing popularity, with devotees expressing their reverence by sprinkling it with marigold petals, a flower known in Thai as dao reuang. See also Phra Phutta Chao Song Phayabaan Piksu Khai. 回

pahng tawaai naet (ปางถวายเนตร)

Thai-Rajasap. ‘Position of dedicating (tawaai) [with] the eyes’. Buddha image in a standing pose with the arms crossed in front of the waist, the right hand resting on the left. It refers to a scene just after the Buddha's Enlightenment when he, according to legend, admired the bodhi tree in gratitude for a whole week without even blinking his eyes (naet). During  this event the Buddha was in a state of bliss in which he realized the triviality of all foregoing in his life and contemplated on the suffering of all living things, including the bodhi tree. This image corresponds with Sunday in the Phra prajam wan system and its name may also be translated as ‘the open-eyed posture’. It is also known as the ‘position of standing in pensive thought’. 回

pahng thukkarakiriyah (ปางทุกรกิริยา)

Thai-Rajasap. ‘Position of mortification’ or ‘attitude of suffering’. A bearded Buddha image in a seated, meditation pose with a thin, emaciated body (fig.). The image refers to a scene in which Siddhartha and the panjawakkih practiced extreme asceticism for six years in a place near the village of Uruvela. He tried to bring his body and passions into subjection by self-denial but his extreme mortification almost resulted in his death, following the idea of Mahavira, who taught that anyone who overcame his desires would be prepared to fast to death (fig.), hence he consumed just one grain of rice per day, until Suchada eventually offered him a bowl of milk-rice porridge, thus ending his six years of asceticism. Afer this, he concluded that there is a middle path between austerity and worldliness and abandoned his mortification. Also called pahng bamphen thukkarakiriyah. 回

pahng um baat (ปางอุ้มบาตร)

Thai-Rajasap. ‘Position of carrying the alms bowl (baat)’. Buddha image in a standing pose holding an alms bowl with both hands. This image corresponds with Wednesday during daytime in the Phra prajam wan system. This pose refers to the first morning in Kapilavasthu on the Buddha's first visit to his father's palace. In the early morning he went to beg for food among the subjects of his father since nobody had actually invited him for breakfast, although they had received him the night before and had prepared breakfast. Tradition however does not allow mendicant monks to ask for food but eat whatever they are offered by believers. 回

pah nung (ผ้านุ่ง)

Thai. ‘To wear a cloth as a lower garment’. Name for a traditional sarong-like garment for both women and men, especially in the past. READ ON. 回

pah phrae mongkhon (ผ้าแพรมงคล)

Thai name for a piece of ‘silk’ cloth in several different colours used in elemental worship and tied around objects, either to worship or for protection, such as the bow of a boat or a tree, the latter two often in order to worship or appease naang mai, i.e. female spirits that inhabit trees. In spite of its name this cloth is usually not made of silk (phrae) but is rather of a synthetic fabric. See also hom pah and TRAVEL PICTURE. 回

pah prachiad (ผ้าประเจียด)

Thai. Piece of cloth with yan numbers and sacred script, used as a charm to make someone invulnerable. Often red but appears also in others colours. Also known as pah yan. See also prachiad. They are often placed above door lintels to bless anyone entering or leaving the house. In Nepal and Tibet, similar pieces of cloth are used as prayer flags. They are put out in the open and the wind will send the prayers written on them out in the world, a principle similar to the Tibetan prayer wheel. 回

pah sompak (ผ้าสมปัก)

Thai name for a kind of royal sarong-like garment, similar to the traditional pah nung, but of a high, brocade-like quality and given to the nobles according to their position. READ ON. 回

pah thip (ผ้าทิพย์)

Thai. ‘Celestial or heavenly cloth’. Ornament or decorated piece of cloth hanging in front of a pedestal. It is part of the pedestal and made from the same material. Usually with seated Buddha images or other seated deities. 回

pah thong goh (ปาท่องโก๋)

Thai-Chinese. Name of a wok-fried pastry which, prior to consumption, is usually dipped in soya milk (nahm tao hoo), sweet and sour milk, or coffee. When fried the dough becomes of a golden colour and swells into a quaint curved x-shape. Sometimes translated as Chinese donut. WATCH VIDEO. 回

pah tihn jok (ผ้าตีนจก)

Thai. Piece of cloth with a decorative pattern, woven with silk and used as part of skirt-like dress. The pattern often has embroidery, made with golden or silver braid or tinsel in the form of a thread, which is woven with intervals, resembling falling rain. Also transcribed pha teen chok, or similar. See also pah nung. 回

pahtimohk (ปาติโมกข์)

Thai. The code of 227 precepts for a Buddhist monk. See also Buddhist precepts. 回

pahto (ပုထိုး)

Burmese. Architectural term used for a stupa with a vaulted base, as found in early Bagan style temples, especially so-called gu or cave temples, such as Pahtothamya Gu Phaya (fig.). It is pronounced pahtu or pahtoe, rather than patho, what the given transliteration suggests. 回

Pahtothamya Gu Phaya (ပုထိုးသားများဂူဘုရား)

Burmese. Name of a temple in Old Bagan. READ ON. 回

pah wai (ผ้าไหว้)

Thai. Cloth or clothes offered by a groom to his parents in law, after a wedding ceremony. 回

pah yan (ผ้ายันต์)

See pah prachiad. 回

pah yok (ผ้ายก)

Thai name for brocade. 回

pai (ไพ)

Thai. An obsolete coin equal to three satang. 回

paifang (牌坊)

Chinese. ‘Memorial archway’ or ‘signboard archway’. Name of a traditional Chinese-style architectural edifice in the form of a decorated archway. READ ON. 回

paijayon (ไพชยนต์)

Thai. Name for Indra's abode, banner and vehicle. 回

Painted Bronzeback

Another designation for the Common Bronzeback. 回

Painted Copperleaf

See hoo plah son. 回

Painted Jezebel

Common name for a medium-sized butterfly, with the binomial name Delias hyparete. READ ON. 回

Painted Stork

Common name for a large wading bird, with the scientific designation Mycteria leucocephala. READ ON. 回

pa-kahrang (ปะการัง)

Thai generic designation for ‘coral’, i.e. both solitary and colonial marine invertebrates that develop from coelenterate organisms and consist of a deposit of calcium carbonate, with the coelenterate animal producing a calcareous skeleton and polyps. Over time the coral develop into coral rocks and coral islands, thus creating a coral reef. There are many different kinds, each with its own varieties, including Sea Whips or Sea Fans (fig.), Brain Corals (fig.), Flower Pot Corals (fig.), Mushroom Corals (fig.), Flower Corals (fig.), Bubble Corals (fig.), Common Lettuce Corals, etc. 回

pa-kahrang dokmai (ปะการังดอกไม้)

Thai name for Wonder Coral. It is a compound of pa-kahrang and dokmai, and can thus be translated as ‘flower coral’. 回

pak kae salak (ผักแกะสลัก)

Thai. The culinary art of sculpturing vegetables into shapes and reliefs, usually in order to adorn banquets. It is related to fruit carving, which is known in Thai as ponlamai kae salak (fig.), though both arts are similar and their terms are often used interchangeably, and they are very often practiced together (fig.). Most commonly, larger-sized vegetables are used, such as pumpkins, East Asian white radishes (fig.), and carrots. Besides being merely decorative, the carved vegetables may in certain cases also have a practical use, e.g. a carved pumpkin, that is hollowed out and used as a bowl to serve food (fig.). Also transcribed phak gae salak. See also POSTAGE STAMPS. 回

Paknam Incident

A military engagement that took place during the Franco-Siamese War near Samut Prakan, and is named after this city located at the estuary of the Chao Phraya River. READ ON. 回

pak pao (ปักเป้า)

1. Thai. A ‘female’ kite that fights the chula (fig.), the ‘male’ kite, during kite contests. The aim is to try and eliminate each others kite in the air. The pak pao has a diamond shape. See also kite flying fights. 回

2. Thai for ‘globe fish’, ‘balloon fish’ or ‘puffer’ of the genus Tetraodon. 回

paksah (ปักษา)

Thai-Pali for ‘bird’, particularly used in literature, next to paksi and paksin, all with the same meaning. Mythological compound creatures with some features of a bird, often carry one of the above designations in their name, e.g. Kabin Paksah, Kraison Paksah, Asurapaksi, Theppaksi, etc. 回

paksi (ปักษี)

Thai-Pali for ‘bird’. Also transcribed paksih or paksee. See also paksah. 回

paksin (ปักษิน)

Thai-Pali for ‘bird’. See also paksah. 回

pak tob chawa (ผักตบชวา)

Thai for water hyacinth. 回

Pak Thong Chai (ปักธงชัย)

Thai. ‘Victory Flag Planting’. Name of an annual tradition in the amphur Nakhon Thai (นครไทย) in Phitsanulok, which is hence also known as the Nakhon Thai Flag Flying Festival. On the waxing moon of the 14th of the 12th month, usually around November, the district organizes a big fair to celebrate and display the unity of its people, who will parade specially made flags through the village and then hike up Khao Chang Luang Mountain where they will plant them on the summit. This is depicted on a Thai postage stamp issued in 2018 to promote tourism in Phitsanulok (fig.). 回

Pala (पाल)

1. Dynasty that ruled over the Bihar and Bengal regions in northern India, between the 8th and 12th centuries AD. 回

2. Name given to an art form between the 8th and 12th centuries AD from the North Indian empire of Bihar and Bengal. 回

palanquin

Indian style sedan chair with a hood and concealing curtains. Also yahnamaht and yahnumaht. See also saliang and kaanhaam. 回

Pale-chinned Flycatcher

Common name for a kind of Flycatcher, with the scientific designation Cyornis poliogenys and a common resident in Nepal, below altitudes of 455 meters. It is about 18 centimeters large and has a greyish head and a well-defined pale creamy throat. The breast is creamy-orange and at the flanks, these colours merge with the whitish belly. Its upperparts are grey, which is darker on the sides. 回

Pale Grass Blue

Common name for a very small, about 26 to 30 millimeter-sized butterfly. READ ON. 回

Pale Orb Weaver

Common name for a small spider, with the scientific designation Araneus mitificus and which is found in many countries of South, East, and Southeast Asia. READ ON. 回

Pali

An ancient language derived from Vedic Sanskrit and used in the sacred texts of Theravada or Hinayana Buddhism, contrary to Sanskrit  which is used in Mahayana Buddhism. Pali is the language of the Tipiṭaka, which is the sacred canon of Theravada Buddhism and contains much of the Buddha's speech. Closely related to Sanskrit, both languages are sometimes used interchangeably between these religious sects. Pali texts were originally recorded in Sinhala, the official script of Sri Lanka, as well as in other scripts, such as Khmer and Burmese. Later also Mongolian, Thai and Devanagari, through to a Romanized form, have been used. 回

palladium

1. A sacred image upon which protective and supernatural powers are bestowed. 回

2. Rare white metallic element used as a catalyst and in jewellery. 回

Pallas's Squirrel

Another name for the Mountain Red-bellied Squirrel. 回

Pallava

A Hindu dynasty in Southeast India that flourished between the 4th and 8th centuries AD usually classified as post Gupta, from the 6th to 8th century AD, a significant period in art history. 回

palm hahng mah jing jok (ปาล์มหางหมาจิ้งจอก)

Thai for ‘Foxtail Palm’. 回

Palong (ปะหล่อง, ပလောင်)

Name of a hill tribe people in Thailand, that originally come from Burma's Shan State (fig.). READ ON. 回

Pa-mah (พม่า)

Thai name for Burma, which derives from Bamar, i.e. the name of the dominant ethnic group in Myanmar, which is Thai is similarly known as Chao Pa-mah. 回

Panaspati (पनस्पति)

Sanskrit. ‘Lord of the jungle’ or ‘lord of the wilderness’. A form of Shiva who offers protection against the dangers and demons of the jungle. The term also refers to either a composite winged animal head or a mythical animal that combines the body of Nondi (Shiva's bull), the wings of Hamsa (Brahma's swan) and the head of the Garuda (Vishnu's vehicle), sometimes assumed to be the same as Brahmanaspati. In Thailand, as well as in Mon Dvaravati art, it is occasionally depicted as the vehicle of the Buddha and referred to as Phra Phanatsabodih, which translates as ‘King of the Forest’ or ‘Lord of the Jungle’. Sometimes equated with kala, kala face or kirtimukha. 回

Panax pseudoginseng

Latin. Scientific name for ginseng. 回

pan chang (盘长)

Chinese name for the Chinese Knot. 回

panda

Large, bear-like, black and white mammals native to China and Tibet. READ ON. 回

pandan

Common name for Pandanus ordorus. 回

pandanus

English-Latin. Large genus of trees with around 600 species, found from East Africa to Australasia and the Pacific. READ ON. 回

Pandava (पाण्डव)

The tribe who fought with the Kauravas in the battle at Kuruksthera. Their leader was Pandu and his descendants are hence known as the Pandavas. Whereas Pandu remained childless, he was given an offspring through his wives and the gods. The names of the Pandavas are Yudhishthira, Bhima, and Arjuna, who were begot by Kunti (कुन्ती) with Dharma (also known as Yama), Vayu, and Indra, respectively, and the twins Nakula and Sahadeva, who were born from Madri (माद्री) with the Ashwin Twins. All five brothers were married to the same woman, i.e. Draupadi (द्रौपदी), with whom each had a son of his own. See also Bhima Swarga. 回

pandita (पण्डित)

Sanskrit. ‘Learned’ or ‘literate’, against apandita (अपण्डित), which means ‘unlearned’ or ‘illiterate’. The original usage of the word refers to a Hindu, usually a Brahman priest, who has memorized a substantial portion of the Vedas, together with the corresponding rhythms for chanting them. Over time its usage changed, first referring to scholars and learned or wise men, especially those skilled in Sanskrit, Hindu law, religion, philosophy or even music, and today the word has become an honorary title conferred on experts with special knowledge of or skill in any subject or field. Both the English word pundit and the Thai word bandit are derived from it. See also Vithura Chadok. 回

Pandu (पाण्डु)

Sanskrit. ‘Whitish’. King of Hastinapur and leader of the Pandava tribe. He had two wives, i.e. Madri (माद्री), a princess of Madra (माद्र) Kingdom, and Kunti (कुन्ती). One day, he accidently shot a sage with an arrow while hunting in the forest, having mistaken him for a deer. Hence, he was cursed with a spell that prevented him of making love to his wives, save he would die. Remaining childless, Kunti begot three sons by the gods, i.e. with Yama, Vayu, and Indra, while Madri bore a twin son from the physicians to the gods, i.e. the Ashwin twins, the sons of Ashwini. Whereas the gods were the actual fathers of Pandu's offspring, Pandu is recognized as the earthly father of his sons, who are together known as the Pandavas. 回

pangkaan tang phra prajam wan (ผังการตั้งพระประจำวัน)

Thai. Plan used in the Hindu Phra prajam wan system indicating the order and direction of the different gods, including Rahu and Ketu. The system sometimes follows the navagrahas or nine planets and may hence be different from temple to temple. The position of the statues will therefore be made clear with a map or plan. 回

pangolin

Generic common name of a –usually– nocturnal, scaly mammal, of the genus Manis, of which there exist several species, with four of them found in South, East and Southeast Asia, i.e. the Sunda Pangolin (Manis javanica - fig.), also known as the Malayan Pangolin or Javan Pangolin; the Chinese Pangolin (Manis pentadactyla); the Indian Pangolin (Manis crassicaudata); and the Philippine Pangolin (Manis culionensis), which is also known as Palawan Pangolin or Malintong. Both the Sunda Pangolin and the Malayan Pangolin are endangered species (fig.), especially due to a high demand from China, where their scales are used in Chinese traditional medicine, notwithstanding that it is today totally illegal and despite all the scientific evidence that these scales have no therapeutic value whatsoever. Due to their many scales, pangolins have often been compared to walking pine cones or artichokes. When it sleeps or feels threatened it curls up into a ball. This state of defense has led to its common name, which is said to derive from the Malay word pengguling, a term used for things that can be rolled up. Pangolins feed on ants and in order to do so, they have extremely long and sticky tongues, as well as strong claws that help them to remove bark or break into termite mounds, etc. 回

Pangpond (ปังปอนด์)

Thai. Name of a popular Thai cartoon character, which was invented and created by Pakdih Saenthawihsuk (ภักดี แสนทวีสุข). He is presented as an ordinary boy, with large round eyes and 3 strands of hair on his head, and always wears blue shorts and a wine red T-shirt with a large white Thai letter P (ป) on it, i.e. the first letter of his name. He has a lively imagination and a hyperactive personality. His curiosity often gets him into trouble, but he always finds a way out. He owns a dog called Big (บิ๊ก) and has a girlfriend named Na-moh (นะโม). In 1989, he first appeared in the Thai comic weekly Maha Sanook, but now is published in his own comic book. Since 2002, he also features in animated 3D comic movies and in 2003, Pangpond was chosen as the mascot on a set of four postage stamps issued to mark the Thai National Children's Day (fig.). 回

Pan Gu (盘古)

Chinese. Name of the first living being and creator of all in Chinese mythology, who slept in a black egg until he was born and started creation. READ ON. 回

panhtain ngo (ပန်းထိမ်ငို)

Burmese for ‘Weeping Goldsmith’. 回

panjanatie (ปัญจนที)

Sanskrit-Thai. The five great rivers of India. See also Sapta Sindhava. 回

panjawakkih (ปัญจวัคคีย์)

Sanskrit-Thai. The five ascetics to whom the Buddha gave his first sermon (fig.) and who eventually became his disciples. The head of these five ascetics was Ajnata Kaundinya. He was ordained a Buddhist monk by the Buddha and hence became the first ever monk in Buddhism. See also TRAVEL PICTURES (1), (2) and (3). 回

pansa, phansa (พรรษา)

1. Thai-Pali. ‘Rainy season’. Period from June to October that coincides with Buddhist Lent when the monks retreat in their temples to study and meditate, and refrain from traveling to prevent destroying young vegetation and new life that blooms in this period. According to tradition many young boys are ordained as novices (naen) or monks (phra) for the duration of this period. See also khao pansa and owk pansa. Similar term for the seasonal wet monsoon include phansa reudoo (พรรษฤดู) and phansakaan (พรรษากาล), but is also known by other terms, such as reudoo fon and nah fon. 回

2. Thai-Rajasap. ‘Year’ or ‘age’. Respectful term used when speaking to or of royalty and monks, in order to indicate age. 回

pan saai lohk (ปั้นทรายโลก)

Thai. ‘World sand sculpting’. Name of an international art form, that consists of making sculptures from sand and which in Thailand is practiced especially in Chachengsao, where the sculptures usually represent characters and themes from Buddhism and the Ramakien, as well as from Thai folklore. Sand sculptures are also on display at Bangkok's Buddhist Art Garden House, which is known in Thai as Ban Suan Phuttasin (fig.). 回

panta (พันตา)

Thai. ‘Thousand eyes’. A name for the god Indra. Also transliterated Phan Tah. 回

Panthaka (पन्थक, ปันถกะ)

Sanskrit-Thai. Name of one of the eighteen arahats, and the elderly brother of Chudapanthaka. READ ON. 回

panwatsa (พันวรรษา)

Thai. A king who lives for a thousand years, like the king from the story Khun Chang Khun Paen. See also Somdet Phra Pan Pie Luang. Also transliterated Phanwatsah. 回

Panya Nanthaphikku (ปัญญา นันทภิกขุ)

Thai. ‘Monk with the Wisdom of Ananda’. Designation of a Buddhist monk (Phra pikku) from Pattalung Province. READ ON. 回

Pa-oh (ပအိုဝ့်)

Burmese. Name of an ethnic group in Myanmar, which are also known as Taungthu and Black Karen. READ ON. 回

Paowanasoon (เปาวนาสูร)

Thai. Name of an important yak character from the Ramakien, who is fighting on the side of Totsakan. READ ON. 回

papaya

A small kind of tree with the scientific name Carica papaja that grows to a height of 7.5 meters. The unripe fruits are used as the main ingredient in the popular Thai dish somtam. When ripe the fruits turn orange and resemble the honey melon. Also called melon tree, pawpaw and in Thai malako. 回

Papaver somniferum

Latin. ‘Sleep-inducing poppy’. A 50 to 150 centimeter tall plant in the botanical family Papaveraceae, from which opium and morphine are extracted. Each plant normally yields 3 to 8 opium pods (fig.) and its flowers may vary in colour from white-pink to red-purple. In Thai known as ton fin. 回

Paper Butterfly

Another common name for the Paper Kite. 回

Paper Kite

Common name for a translucent silvery white butterfly with black spots, also known as Paper Butterfly and Large Tree Nymph, and with the binomial name Idea leuconoe. It is native to Southeast Asia and is distinguished by its slender body and large, papery white wings adorned with striking black veins and markings. They are notable for their size and their somewhat cumbersome flight. With large wings and relatively weak flight muscles, Paper Kites are easily affected by even the slightest breeze, causing them to drift through the air like delicate pieces of paper. WATCH VIDEO en VIDEO (EN). 回

paper mulberry tree

A deciduous tree with the scientific name Broussonetia papyrifera, which bark is used to make paper. In Thai, it is commonly known as ton sah, ton poh sah and ton poh krasah. See also mulberry and White Mulberry. 回

Paphiopedilum concolor

Latin-botanical name for a species of terrestrial orchid of the genus Paphiopedilum, endemic to southern China, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam. READ ON. 回

Paphiopedilum exul

Latin-botanical name for a rare species of terrestrial orchid of the genus Paphiopedilum, endemic to Peninsular Thailand. READ ON. 回

Paphiopedilum sukhakulii

Latin-botanical name for a species of terrestrial orchid of the genus Paphiopedilum, endemic to Isaan. READ ON. 回

Paphiopedilum villosum

Latin-botanical name for a species of terrestrial orchid of the genus Paphiopedilum, endemic to northeastern India, southern China, Myanmar and Thailand. READ ON. 回

Papyrus Sedge

See kok ih-yipt. 回

Parable of the Snake, Elephant and Fox

An ancient Buddhist tale and jataka with a moral teaching on how pride, anger and greed will lead to an untimely death. When an elephant one day stopped with its foot on a hole in which a snake had made its nest, it was arrogant and didn't want to move on the snake's request, saying that since it was the largest of all animals in the forest it didn't had to take orders from any other animals. Hence, the venomous snake became angry and bit the elephant in its leg. The giant died and fell over crushing the snake in the process, thus both were killed. A fox that passed by saw the dead elephant and wanted to eat it, but since it couldn't bite through the thick skin, it entered the corpse though its anus. Once inside, the ravenous fox ate so much that it became too fat to exit the corpse and thus also died inside the elephant. As such, arrogance, rage and greediness led to their premature demise. The story is depicted on one of the 550 glazed terracotta tiles on Shwezigon Phaya (fig.) in Bagan. 回

Parakeet Flower

See Heliconia. 回

Paramanuchit Chinorot (ปรมานุชิตชิโนรส)

Thai. Name of the 28th son of King Rama I. READ ON. 回

param phao sop (ปะรำเผาศพ)

Thai. ‘Body cremation pavilion’. Thai term for a crematorium. Also tee plong sop and Phra Meru (Phra Mehn). WATCH VIDEO. 回

Parasa Moth

Name of a species of slug moth in the family Limacodidae. There are several subspecies, of which Parasa repanda, with the Thai name mot non nahm sen khob khao (มอธหนอนหนามเส้นขอบขาว), Parasa pseudo repanda, and Parasa lepida are among the ones found in Thailand and other parts of Southeast Asia. 回

Parasurama (परशुराम)

Name of the sixth avatara of Vishnu, described as a descendant of Brahma and apprentice of Shiva. His attributes includes an axe, which he received after undertaking terrible penance to please Shiva, who in turn taught him the martial arts, making him master of all divine weapons. He is also one of the Seven Immortals of Hinduism, referred to in Sanskrit as Chiranjivi. Also transcribed Parasu-Rama and Parashurama. 回

Pareinma Shin Mingaung (ပရိမ္မရှင် မင်းခေါင်)

Burmese. One of 37 nats that belong to the official pantheon of spirits worshipped in Myanmar. During his life, he was the 11th Century AD King Kyiso of Pagan, and brother of King Anawrahta (fig.). He was the usurper who together with his brother Sokkate forced their stepfather, the 10-11th Century King Kunhsaw Kyaunghpyu, i.e. the later nat Htibyuhsaung, to abdicate and become a recluse. Later, Kyiso was accidentally killed by a hunter's arrow while hunting for deer. After which his brother Sokkate became king for a while, until he was killed in a duel by Anawrahta for making his mother one of his consorts. See also LIST OF BURMESE NATS. 回

Pariah Kite

Common name for a bird of prey, with the scientific name Milvus migrans govinda, i.e. a subspecies of the Black Kite. READ ON. 回

parian (เปรียญ)

Thai. A graduate in theology. 回

parihataka (परिहाटक)

Sanskrit term for a ring worn around the arm or leg. See also keyuradhara. 回

Parileyyaka

Pali. Forest near Kausambi where two conversions took place. The first in the seventh year after the Buddha's Enlightenment, concerning the yaksha Avalaka, a tyrannous monster of immense powers who terrorized an entire city, and four years later, the conversion of the bandit Angulimala (fig.), the delinquent son of a brahmin who entered into the service of an evil master. It is also the forest to which the Buddha retired on his own to find rest and where he enjoyed the company of a lone elephant and a monkey, of whom he received miraculous assistance, a scene often portrayed in iconography and called pahng pah leh laai (fig.). In Thai usually called ‘pah leh laai’, but also ‘pah li laaika’, ‘pah li laaik’, ‘pah leh laaik’, ‘pah pah li laaik’ (pah li laaik forest), and ‘pah pah leh laai’ (pah leh laai forest). The name Parileyyaka is derived from the name of the elephant who waited on the Buddha. 回

parinippahn (ปรินิพพาน, परिनिब्बाण)

Thai-Pali. Term for a state of complete bliss. With regards to the Buddha, oblivious to worldly things, i.e. when he passed away (fig.). See also Mahaparinirvana. 回

parinirvana (परनिर्वाणि)

Sanskrit. In Buddhism the final nirvana after death, when all rebirths cease. The Buddha reached parinirvana in 483 BC at Kusinagara in India, after he had gathered all his disciples to hear his final sermon. After the Buddha's demise, the Parinirvana Temple (fig.) was built at this place in order to commemorate the event, and Kusinagara became an important place of worship for Buddhist pilgrims along the so-called Buddha Trail in northern India and southern Nepal. See also Mahaparinirvana. 回

parinyah (ปริญญา)

Thai for an academic degree. See also education. 回

parinyah aek (ปริญญาเอก)

Thai for a doctor's degree or doctorate. See also education. 回

parinyah toh (ปริญญาโท)

Thai for a master's degree. See also education. 回

parinyah trih (ปริญญาตรี)

Thai for a bachelor's degree. See also education. 回

Paris Peacock

Name of a large species of swallowtail butterfly, with the scientific name Papilio paris. READ ON. 回

Parkia Tree

See sa-to. 回

Parrot and Palm Garden

Name for a bird sanctuary in Chachengsao's Bang Talaat (บางตลาด) district, said to be the biggest parrot farm in Thailand. It consists of a large domain set in a lush green natural environment, with many species of parrots (fig.) and palms. Besides the over 2,000 species of parrots, including some 80 rare breeds, there are also other animals, such as waterfowl, goats and deer. The Parrot and Palm Garden is known in Thai as Suan Palm Farm Nok. See MAP. 回

Parvati (पार्वती)

Sanskrit. ‘Daughter of the mountain’. The shakti of Shiva in a serene form (fig.) and mother of Ganesha (fig.). She is considered to be the Hindu goddess of marriage (fig.), harmony, love, fertility, beauty, children, and devotion. During Hindu weddings (fig.) and as part of the bridal jewellery, the bride typically wears a nose chain (fig.), known in Hindi as naak shrinkhala, in honour of Parvati. Also known as Uma and Devi. 回

pasa (पाश)

Sanskrit. ‘Lasso’. An attribute of several Hindu and Mahayana Buddhist deities, including Mahakala (fig.), Ganesha (fig.), who uses it to combat lust and desire, and also of the tantric deity Ushnishavijaya (fig.), as well as of Phra Kaan Chai Sri, the deity responsible for sending the souls of sinners to hell. In Thai called buangbaat. 回

Pa Sak (ป่าสัก)

Thai. Literally ‘Teak Forest’. Name of a river that originates in the Phetchabun Mountain Range (fig.) of Dahn Saai (ด่านซ้าย), a district of Loei province famous for the annual Phi Tah Khohn festival (fig.). It then flows through the provinces of Lopburi and Saraburi, and merges with the Lopburi River northeast of Phra Nakhon Sri Ayutthaya. The latter in turn joins the Chao Phraya River near the Pom Phet city fortifications (fig.), which empties in the Gulf of Thailand (fig.) near Samut Prakan. Sometimes transliterated Pah Sak or Pasak. WATCH VIDEO. 回

pashmina

A kind of very fine cashmere wool, which is gained from a special breed of mountain goat known as Changthangi or Pashmina Goat, which is indigenous to the Himalayas, where it dwells at high altitudes. Typical products manufactured from this very soft wool are shawls. The ultra-fine cashmere fibers are purportedly several times finer than human hair, and the best quality is allegedly gained from the goat's chin and neck. Though there are blends of cashmere wool with other materials, such as silk, the quality of all cashmere (usually labeled 100% pashmina) is reportedly far superior. 回

Pashupati (पशुपति)

Sanskrit. Shiva as the ‘Lord of wild animals’ or ‘lord of creatures’. In South India this form of Shiva is represented with four arms, with one hand in a blessing pose, the second opened to accepting an offer, the third holding an axe, and the fourth with a small deer leaping from it. 回

passionflower

Name of a plant of which worldwide around 500 species exist. Most passionflowers are vines and grow in both the cooler mountains and the much hotter climate of the tropical rain forest. Passionflowers have a wide variety of colourful flowers (fig.), often perfumed and with additional sweet nectar glands on leaves, petioles and sometimes bracts. Its fruits contain a juice with an unique aromatic taste and smell. In Thai called katakrok (กะทกรก), a name with a double usage, notably for the Passiflora caerulea or Passiflora edulis (fig.), as well as for the Olax scandens, a species of plant belonging to another family. See also passionfruit, Bush Passionfruit and Leopard Lacewing. 回

passionfruit

Tropical fruit belonging to a plant in the family of passionflowers and with the botanical name Passiflora eduli (fig.), which in Thailand is mainly cultivated in the North and Northeast. Immature fruits have a thick, bright green skin, with small light yellow to white spots, but when ripe the skin turns reddish brown. Their shape is somewhat reminiscent of that of certain tomatoes. Inside its thick rind, the passionfruit has multiple, dark-coloured seeds, that are covered with a rather slimy fruit of flesh (fig.). When still immature it is best eaten with a teaspoon and its sweet-and-sour taste perks up by adding a little salt. Its fruiting season is from September to November. In Thai called sawarot. See also Bush Passionfruit and THEMATIC STREET LIGHT. 回

pata (पट)

Sanskrit. ‘Piece of cloth’. A commemorative plaque or tablet made from earthenware, stone or metal, bearing the depiction of a deity. The name derives from earlier Buddhist cloth paintings. See also votive tablet. 回

patak (ปฏัก)

Thai name for a kind of goad, a long spiked stick (fig.) used for urging cattle or elephants forward. It is akin to the shorter kho chang, the elephant hook used my mahouts (fig.). 回

Pata Zoo

Name of a privately owned animal zoo in Bangkok, located on the top two floors, i.e. the sixth and seventh floors, of the Pata Department Store on Phra Pinklao Road. READ ON. 回

Pathein (ပုသိမ်ထီး)

Burmese name for small hand-painted parasols and umbrellas, with a bamboo framework, which is named after its place of origin, i.e. Pathein, a district of Ayeyawady in Myanmar. It is an attribute of U Shwe Yo (fig.). See also rom and hti, as well as TRAVEL PHOTOS (1), (2) and (3). 回

Pathet Lao (ປະເທດລາວ)

Laotian. Full Lao name for Laos. 回

Pathology and Forensic Museum

See Siriraj Hospital Museum. 回

pathom (ปฐม)

Thai term meaning ‘first’ or ‘primary’. 回

pathum (ปทุม)

Thai. Collective name for both the lotus and water lily. See also padma. 回

pathum unnahlohm (ปทุมอุณาโลม)

Thai. Name for the royal emblem of King Rama I, which consists of an unnahlohm, i.e. an auspicious emblematic sign used in Buddhism and similar to the yan sign (fig.), over a background shaped in the form of a stylized lotus, a flower known as pathum. 回

pathumah (ปทุมา)

Thai name for the Siam Tulip (fig.). Also transcribed pathummah. Compare with pathum. 回

pathummah (ปทุมมา)

An alternative spelling for pathumah. 回

Pathum Tham Thada (ปทุมธรรมธาดา)

Thai-Pali. ‘Holder of the Dharma Lotus’. Name of a Buddhist monk in the reign of King Mongkut (fig.). In 1857 AD, the King invited this monk of Laotian descent and with the title of Phra Kruh, who at that time lived at Wat Bowonniwet Wihaan Rachaworawihaan (fig.), to become the first abbot of the then newly constructed temple Wat Pathum Wanaraam Ratchaworawihaan (fig.). He is nicknamed Kam (ก่ำ). 回

Pathum Thani (ปทุมธานี)

Thai. ‘Lotus City’. Capital of a province (map) of the same name in Central Thailand. READ ON. 回

patisotagami

Pali. ‘To go against the current’. Term used to describe the event in the Buddha's life, where he floated a bowl upstream, against the current of the river Nairanjana, in order to affirm his thought, i.e. if he was to gain Enlightenment. This episode is often explained as an allegory, which signifies that the Buddha's knowledge and teaching went against all the teachings of his day. Also spelled Patisothagami. 回

patjai sih (ปัจจัย ๔)

Thai. ‘Four factors’. Term from Thai Buddhism which teaches that four things are absolutely necessary for human life, namely food, clothing, shelter, and medicine, and that if humans have all four of these qualities, it is considered sufficient for daily life. 回

Patjim (ปัจจิม)

See Prajim. 回

patka

Term that derives from the Punjabi paga and which refers to an under-turban, i.e. a scarf-like single piece of cloth of about one square meter, used by Sikh boys to wrap their kesh, i.e. uncut hair, which is knotted on top of their head. The cloth, sometimes referred to as a child's turban, is tied over both the topknot and the head. It may also be worn by adult Sikh men beneath their turban, usually in contrasting colours, or when playing sports. See also dastar and pagri. 回

Patpong (พัฒน์พงษ์)

Thai-Chinese. A famous entertainment district in Bangkok's Bangrak area, named after the Chinese Patpongpanit family that owns much of the quarter's property. Immigrants from Hainan, they purchased the land in the post-bellum years of WWII, when it was little more than an undeveloped plot of land on the outskirts of the city. Situated on the periphery of today's Sathorn's business district, between Silom and Suriwong road, Patpong has become a redlight district consisting of two alleys (Soi Patpong I and Soi Patpong II) with lots of nightclubs, go-go bars and a busy night bazaar. The area is frequented by mostly foreign tourists. Also transcribed Pat Pong, Phatphong and Phat Phong. 回

Pattalung (พัทลุง)

Thai. ‘City of Elephants’. Capital of a province as well as the name of the province itself, on the east coast of the southern Thai peninsula 840 kms from Bangkok. READ ON. 回

Pattani (ปัตตานี)

Capital of a province (map) of the same name situated on the east coast of the Thai peninsula in South Thailand. READ ON. 回

pattasihma (พัทธสีมา)

Thai. The territory or grounds belonging to a wat or temple, usually demarcated by Thai Buddhist flags called thong thammachak (fig.), often alternately with Thai National flags, known as thong chaht. 回

Pattaya (พัทยา)

Thai. Popular seaside resort (map) on the East coast of Thailand, in the province of Chonburi (map). Its name is possibly derived from ‘thap phaya’, the army (thap) of a phaya, referring to the troops of general Taksin (later king Taksin) that were stationed in the area (fig.).  However, other sources claim that the name comes from the southwest wind which in Thai is spelled slightly differently and named phat taya. Each year on April 19th it celebrates the Pattaya Festival, a local extension and climax of the nationwide Songkraan Festival. Also transcribed Phattaya. See also MAP, TRAVEL PICTURE (1), (2) and (3), THEMATIC STREET LIGHT, and WATCH VIDEO. 回

Pattaya Dolphinarium

Name of  prominent attraction dedicated to showcasing the talents of dolphins and other marine animals. Central to its appeal are live performances featuring trained dolphins, which demonstrate their agility and intelligence through acrobatics and synchronized swimming. In addition to dolphins, the venue also includes sea lions and various marine species, providing a diverse array of entertaining shows. The dolphinarium emphasizes education and conservation, offering informative programs that raise awareness about marine ecosystems and the challenges dolphins face in the wild. Visitors can engage in interactive experiences, such as swimming with or feeding the dolphins, enhancing their understanding and appreciation of these creatures. With comfortable seating and amenities like a gift shop and refreshments, the dolphinarium is easily accessible from central Pattaya. 回

Pattaya Festival

Annual festival in Pattaya on 19 April, usually celebrated as a kind of local extension and climax of the nationwide Songkraan Festival. 回

pattisangkhon (ปฏิสังขรณ์)

Thai. To restore old temples, Buddha images (fig.) and palaces. 回

Patuxai (ປະຕູໄຊ)

Lao. ‘Victory Gate’. Name of a war monument located on Thanon Lahn Sang (ຖະຫນົນລ້ານຊ້າງ), usually translated as Lane Xang Avenue, in downtown Vientiane (ວຽງຈັນ), the capital city of Laos. Built between 1957 and 1968, it commemorates those who fought for independence from France. Its design, while reminiscent of Paris's Arc de Triomphe, features distinct Laotian elements, such as mythological creatures and deities from Hinduism and the Ramayana. The monument was originally dedicated to Laotian soldiers who died during World War II and the fight for independence. After the communist Pathet Lao (ປະເທດລາວ) took over in 1975, it was renamed to honour their victory. The top floor has five towers, symbolizing coexistence and the Buddhist principles. The monument features gateways in four cardinal directions, petals ay the base that represent a lotus, and statues of nagaraat. Patuxai was constructed with American funds intended for a new airport, earning it the nickname ‘vertical runway’. See also TRAVEL PICTURES, POSTAGE STAMPS, and WATCH VIDEO. 回

Paung Daw Oo Buddhas

See Hpaung Daw U Buddhas. 回

pawpaw

A nickname for papaya. 回

peach

The well-known round juicy fruit with downy yellowish and pink skin, which is in China regarded as a symbol of longevity. The peach tree tends to flower quite early in spring, producing pinkish flowers, which are abundantly spread over its branches (fig.). Peach blossoms are considered so pretty that they frequently occur as a subject in Chinese paintings and art. See Peach of Immortality. 回

Peach of Immortality

In China, the peach (fig.) is a symbol of longevity. Xi Wangmu (fig.), Queen Mother of the West and mother of the Jade Emperor, has a magical tree that bears peaches of immortality. Whoever eats from them will attain everlasting life. READ ON. 回

peacock

Common name for a kind of large, pheasant-like bird, of which males have bright and colourful feathers. READ ON. 回

Peacock Pansy

Common name for a nymphalid butterfly found in South and Southeast Asia, and with the scientific name Junonia almana. On the upperside, its wings are rich orange-yellow, with buff outer margins. On the upper margin of the forewings there are short perpendicular bars, with lateral jet-black marginal lines. Both the fore- and hindwings have large ocelli, the ones on the forewings brownish and white-centred, with an outer black-buff ring, the ones on the hindwings dark orange, with a black-white outer ring and a white centre as well as a larger, off-centre black spot. On the underside, the wings are ochreous brown, with the same pattern as above, but much paler. The antennae are dark brown with brownish-orange tips, whereas the head is orange-brown, and the thorax and abdomen are blackish, with orange-brown furry colouring. In Thai, this species is known as phi seua phaensih mayura (ผีเสื้อแพนซีมยุรา). See also WILDLIFE PICTURES. 回

pea eggplant

See makheua phuang. 回

peanut plant

See thua lisong. 回

Peanut Worm

Common name for a species of unsegmented marine worm, with the scientific designation Sipunculus nudus. READ ON. 回

pearl

See khai muk. 回

pedah (पेड़ा)

A kind of spiced biscuit from India, made from sweetened khoa (fig.) with flavourings, such as saffron and cardamom (fig.), and formed into balls or thick disc-like chunks. This sweet is originally from of Uttara Phrathet, i.e. Uttar Pradesh. Also transcribed peda and pedha. 回

Ped Bluesman

Ped Bluesman, a rising blues guitarist and singer from Hua Hin, who usually performs in venues across Bangkok and with his band called Ped's Band (formerly known as Hoochie Coochie Band) mostly covers songs of famous blues artists, such as BB King, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Buddy Guy, the Allman Brothers Band, Muddy Waters, etc. 回

Pegu (ပဲခူး)

State and Kingdom of the Mon before annexation by Burma. READ ON. 回

Pegu Medaw (ပဲခူးမယ်တော်)

Burmese. ‘Royal Mother Pegu’. Name of a nat, whom previously was a female buffalo, who is said to have raised a prince who got lost in the wilderness. READ ON. 回

Peking Opera

A form of traditional Chinese theatre, that surfaced at the end of the 18th century AD. READ ON. 回

Penan

Name of an indigenous people of Borneo, and their language. READ ON. 回

Penang Diocesan Museum

Name of a museum located at the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit in Penang, Malaysia, which preserves the rich history of the Catholic Church in the region. It highlights the church's growth since the arrival of Portuguese and French missionaries in the 18th century and its role in shaping the community, especially after Penang became a British colony in 1786. Established in 1955, the Diocese of Penang marks a key milestone in this history. The museum features religious artifacts, manuscripts, and historical documents that illustrate the church's contributions to education, healthcare, and social services, while also exploring how Catholicism integrated with local cultures. WATCH VIDEO. 回

peng (เป้ง)

Thai for opium weight. 回

Penh (ពេញ)

Khmer. Name of a wealthy lady, who is associated with the name of the Cambodian capital Phnom Penh, as she had a temple built on a 27 meter tall hill, called phnom in Khmer, in order to house a piece of wood from a candlenut tree which she in 1372 AD had found floating in the Tonlé Sap River (fig.) and that contained images of four buddha's, as well as an image of Vishnu. The compound name of this venerated height, located in the present capital, and of the lady who built the temple on its summit was in 1434 AD chosen to be the name for the city when it was founded. Today the lady Penh has a personal shrine (map - fig.) at this temple, which is known as Wat Phnom (map - fig.), as well as a bronze statue adjacent to the temple's compound. 回

penjing (盆景)

Chinese. ‘Miniature landscape’. Chinese term for the art of tray scenery, the growing of miniature trees in trays (fig.), usually better known by its Japanese name bonsai (fig.). In Thai, it is known as khao mo, i.e. a form of a miniature garden arrangement with rocks and stones in potted plants. See also topiary (fig.). 回

Pennywort

See Asiatic Pennywort. 回

Pensajuba (ပဉ္စရူပ)

Burmese. Name of a composite animal from Burmese mythology. READ ON. 回

Peony

Generic name for plants in the genus Paeonia. READ ON. 回

pepper tree

See prik thai. 回

persimmon

A fruit from China with the scientific name Diospyros kaki. READ ON. 回

pet daeng (เป็ดแดง)

Thai. ‘Red duck’. Name for the Lesser Whistling Duck. 回

petrified wood

Name for a rare form of fossilization in which wood or an entire tree has been turned completely into stone, due to an underground process known as petrifaction, in which all the organic materials are being replaced with minerals (i.e. permineralization), whilst the original structure of the wood is being retained. A collection of this kind of fossilized wood can be observed at the Northeastern Museum of Petrified Wood and Mineral Resources, located in the Isaan province of Nakhon Ratchasima. In Thai petrified wood is known as saak deuk dam ban mai klai pen hin (ซากดึกดำบรรพ์ไม้กลายเป็นหิน) or simply mai klai pen hin (ไม้กลายเป็นหิน). 回