taab (ตาบ)

Thai. A decorative or protective neckpiece, which at some time in the past was worn by kings (fig.) and warriors, and sometimes also by Thai dancers. Nowadays, it can still be seen on traditional marionette puppets (fig.). See also THEMATIC STREET LIGHT. 回

taak (ทาก)

1. Thai. Name used for almost all types of snails, slow-moving gastropod molluscs with a spiral shell. There are many different types and may live on land, in freshwater or in the sea. A commonly seen kind in Thailand is the Apple Snail (fig.), which lays its pink eggs, clung together in clusters. These pink, caviar-like, clusters of eggs are typically found near freshwater, often on poles or the stalks of plants that stand in the water, such as rice (fig.). This particular type of snail is therefore an natural enemy of rice plants and has several names in Thai, including hoy cherih (หอยเชอรี่), i.e. ‘cherry snail’. Generally, snails are also called hoy taak (หอยทาก). Alternatively transcribed thaak. WATCH VIDEO (1) and (2). 回

2. Thai general name for slugs and used for any gastropod mollusc that either has a very reduced, a small internal or no shell at all. There are many different types. Some species of slugs feed on leaves and thus often destroy plants, though other species are predators, eating snails, earthworms or even other slugs. Besides this many slugs may occasionally also eat carrion, including dead of their own kind. 回

3. Thai for leech, a bloodsucking, worm-like, invertebrate and hermaphrodite animal living on land and with the scientific name Haemadipsa interrupta, of the family Hirudinae. Being hermaphrodite means that each animal has both the female and also the male reproductive organs inside its body and when two leeches meet and want to mate, they will choose who is going to provide the sperm and who will provide the egg cells. Leeches have two suckers, i.e. one at each end of the body. Whereas the posterior disc-like sucker is used for locomotion, i.e. moving and erecting the body, the anterior sucker is used for adhesion to the host and feeding. Leeches have segmented bodies and belong to the phylum Annelida, which also includes ringed worms. Whereas most leeches are best known for sucking onto another animal and feed of its blood or haemolymph, i.e. the internal body fluid of invertebrate animals, though most species live a predatory life, actively hunting and feeding on small animals such as insects, snails and other worms. Since they don’t have teeth to chew their food, they will swallow their prey in one piece. Leeches are commonly found in Thai rainforests and will cling to passer-bys, people and mammals alike, and suck their blood. They may even make their way into clothing and shoes (fig.). Its bite is not painful but the leech will inject an anti-haemostatic agent that prevents the blood from curdling (fig.) and enables the leech to suck blood without difficulty, after which their bodies swell (fig.). Bloodsuckers usually stick to their host until they are full and then let go and drop off by themselves. To remove them sooner one could spray them with salt or burn them with a cigarette. To prevent leeches from attacking, locals often smear a mixture of saliva and tobacco on their exposed skin, but one may also spray insecticide or a mosquito repellant containing diethyl-m-toluamide (DEET). Leeches were in the past often used medically, for bloodletting. Akin to the taak is a leech living in freshwater which has the Latin name Hirudinaria manillensis and is in Thai known as pling, though the term is occasionally also used for terrestrial leeches, but then usually the suffix bok (บก), meaning ‘land’, is added, i.e. pling bok (ปลิงบก). 回

taan (ฐาน)

See tahn. 回

taanbat (ฐานบัทม์)

See tahnbat. 回

taanphrakon (ธารพระกร)

Thai. Royal stick or sceptre, part of the Thai regalia or kakuttapan. It represents the king's power over his subjects to lead them in the right directions, yet under the totsaphit rajatham or ten royal virtues, ruling with righteousness for the benefit and happiness of the Thai people. 回

taanphraphuttarup (ฐานพระพุทธรูป)

See tahnphraphuttarup. 回

taban (ตะบัน)

Thai name for a betel nut grinder, a cylindrical tool with a metal rod and a wooden pestle, which is used to mash the mixture of betel nut, chalk and spices, making it finer and easier to chew. The cylindrical tube is usually made from iron or brass, and its bottom end is plugged with a wooden pestle that serves as a stopper. An appropriate amount of betel nut and piper betel leaves is chopped and put into the cylinder and then pound with the metal rod, until they are fine. Then, the wooden pestle is pushed forward to force the mixture along the cylinder to the open end. The grinder is typically a part of a traditional betel set (fig.). See also POSTAGE STAMP. 回

taban fai (ตะบันไฟ)

A lighter made on the principle of the fire piston. It consist of two parts, that is: a cylinder called krabok taban and a compressor named look taban. This primitive fire starting device was widely used by several primeval tribes in the jungles of Southeast Asia, as was observed by British explorers already in the mid 1850's. Unlike other primitive fire starting methods such as the bow or hand drill, the fire saw, flint and steel, the fire piston operates by compression, a principle later adopted by the diesel engine invented by Rudolf Diesel. It is believed that the idea of the primitive fire piston may have inspired him. The tool may be made from buffalo horn, elephant tusk or hardwood, which is  turned into a hollow round, cylinder-like rod or bar with a lathe. It is about 8 to 12 centimeters long. The end of the krabok taban is often made into a pointed shape to allow the insertion of a pointed piece of metal to scrape out the ashes. The compressor is usually made from the same material as the cylinder but a little longer and with a good grip to make it easy to handle and avoid hurting your hand when the compressor is pressed down the cylinder to ignite a spark. At the end of the compressor a concave is drilled out to store the kindling or fueling agent, such as kapok. The taban fai is a lighter that will ignite a spark by rushing the compressor down in the cylinder. This causes an explosion of the air inside and makes a spark that will light the kindling attached in the hollow concave at the end of the compressor. It is also called fai ad, fai yad, bok yad, lehk tob fai or fai tob, and in English sometimes referred to as fire plunger. 回

Tabatkya Zedi (တဘက်ကျစေတီ)

Burmese. ‘Anti-falling Pagoda’. Name of a Theravada Buddhist temple in Old Bagan. It dates from 1046 AD and is located near the Tharabha City Gate (fig.) and opposite of the Buddhist library Pitaka Taik (fig.), which was built 12 years after this temple. Tabatkya Zedi has a square floor plan and is surrounded by a low brick wall. It has three terraces and is topped in the center by a bell-shaped stupa, though the spire with its gilded hti-umbrella has been toppled in the August 2016 earthquake. Also transliterated Tabhaat Kya Zedi. See MAP. 回

Tabebuia chrysantha

Tupian-Greek. Botanical name for the Trumpet Tree or Golden Tree, a deciduous tree of the genus Tabebuia, in the family Bignoniaceae. The tree originates from South America and the name tabebuia, a neotropical genus of about a hundred species, is a contraction of tacyba and bebuya meaning ‘ant wood’ in the Tupi dialect, a language spoken by Indian peoples living along the coast of Brazil, in the Amazon River valley and in Paraguay. Chrysantha is a Greek compound word (χρυσάνθα) which derives from the words chrysos (χρυσός, ‘golden’) and anthos (άνθος, ‘flower’), and means ‘golden flower’, due to its yellow trumpet flowers. In Thai it is known as leuang india (เหลืองอินเดีย) meaning ‘yellow India’. It usually blooms in two or three flushes from March to May, producing flowers in bulbous clusters. The tree is often multi-trunked and has a height that ranges from 6 to 12 meters. 回

Tabebuia rosea

Tupian-Latin. Botanical name for the Rosy Trumpet Tree, a deciduous tree of the genus Tabebuia, in the family Bignoniaceae. It blooms from January to April and produces light to dark pink trumpet flowers, usually with fading to dark yellow eyes which mostly grow in clusters. The tree originates from South America and for the etymology of the name tabebuia see Tabebuia chrysantha. In Thai the tree is called chomphu phanthip meaning ‘pink celestial strain’. It is similar to the Tabebuia impetiginosa, i.e. the Lavender Trumpet Tree. 回

Tabinshwehti (တပင်‌ရွှေထီး)

1. Burmese. ‘Unitary Golden Umbrella’. Name of a former Burmese King and founder of the Taungoo Empire, who reigned from 1530 to 1550 AD. His military campaigns, between 1534 and 1549, created the largest kingdom in Burma since the fall of the Pagan Empire in 1287, and was the impetus for the eventual reunification of the entire country by his successor and brother-in-law King Bayinnaung (fig.). He was born at the palace of Taungoo King Mingyi Nyo on 16 April 1516, and assassinated on 30 April 1550 by a close confidant of Mon descent, but also a pretender to the throne, who had lured the King to the region near Pantanaw, a town in the Irrawaddy Region of Southwest Myanmar, under the pretext to track an auspicious White Elephant. 回

2. Burmese. ‘Unitary Golden Umbrella’. One of 37 nats that belong to the official pantheon of spirits worshipped in Myanmar. In life, this nat had the same name, i.e. warrior King Tabinshwehti, the founder of the Taungoo Empire. He was assassinated on his 34th birthday, on the orders of Smim Sawhtut, one of his close advisers. He was killed by his own guard while he was drunk. See also LIST OF BURMESE NATS. 回

Ta-buang (ทบวง)

1. Thai. Name for a government agency in the central administration that may or may not belong to the Office of the Prime Minister or the Ministry. 回

2. Thai. Name for government agencies in the central administration that have the same status as the Ministry but are called Ta-buang. 回

Tachina Fly

See malaeng wan bian. 回

Tae Chew (แต้จิ๋ว)

1. Thai name for an ethnical subgroup of the Han Chinese people who principally live in the coastal region of southeastern China, especially in the Chaozhou (潮州) prefecture of Guangdong (Kwangtung - 广东) province, from where more than half of the ethnic Chinese population in Thailand trace their ancestry. They speak a branch of Chinese belonging to the Southern Min dialect, equally known as Tae Chew. Most of them came to Siam as traders, especially during the Ayutthaya Period and at least as early as the 13th century AD. King Taksin (fig.), who was the son of a Tae Chew immigrant named Hai-Hong, actively encouraged Chinese immigration and trade. Thailand today has about 8.5 million ethnic Chinese of which 56% are Tae Chew. Also transcribed Teochew, Taechew, Teochiu and Tae Chiw. See also Susahn Tae Chew. 回

2. Thai name for the largest Chinese dialect group in Thailand, spoken in most places, apart from Phuket and Songkhla, where the predominant Chinese dialect is Hokkien (and to some extend Hakka), and the North, where Hakka is the most important Chinese dialect, though most of the Hakka people can usually speak Tae Chew as well. It is the largest Min language and the only branch of Chinese that cannot be directly derived from Middle Chinese (the language spoken from the 6th to 10th century AD) and therefore has little intelligibility with most other Southern Min dialects. Much of the Tae Chew that is spoken in Thailand today is a rather old form of the original vernacular and not spoken anymore in the motherland, where the local tongue continued to develop over time. In Mandarin it is known as Chaozhou hua (潮州话), literally a ‘dialect of Chaozhou’. It is also transcribed Teochew, Taechew, Teochiu and Tae Chiw. 回

tael

Name for a historical unit of weight or currency in East Asia, notably used in China, primarily as a measure for precious metals (fig.). The English term tael derives from the Portuguese, which in turn originates from the Malay word tahil, signifying ‘weight’. In Mandarin, the tael is known as liang (兩), which freely translates as ‘volume’ or ‘quantity’, with the most prevalent official tael measure weighing approximately 37.5 grams. The Thai equivalent of the tael is known as the tamleung. 回

taen (แตน)

See toh. 回

taeng (แตง)

Thai. General name for plants of the family Cucurbitaceae, of which many are grown in Thailand, such as taeng kwa (a small cucumber), taeng rahn (a large cucumber), taeng thai (a melon), taeng moh (the watermelon), etc. Compare with makheua. 回

taeng moh (แตงโม)

1. Thai for the watermelon, a fruit of the genus Citrullus and with the scientific name Citrullus lanatus. There are numerous varieties, differing in size, shape, coulour of skin and flesh. The watermelon belongs to a large and distinguished family of vines, which includes gourds and cucumbers, many of which names in Thai start with the prefix taeng. While some of these vines are climbers, the watermelon with its large and heavy fruit spreads across the ground. Its sweet succulent flesh is usually red, but may also be yellow (fig.). Its seeds too are edible and roasted these are a popular snack throughout Southeast Asia. 回

2. Thai. Name for one of the two drum barges used in the Royal Barge Procession, the other one being Ih-Leuang (อีเหลือง). Whereas the Ih-Leuang barge opens the parade as the first boat in the middle, preceded only by the reua pratu nah (เรือประตูหน้า) or ‘front door boats’ that actually sail on the sides, the Taeng Moh barge sails out in front of the King's Golden Swan Barge. 回

taeng thai (แตงไทย)

Thai. Name for a melon, the fruit of a plant with the botanical name Cucumis melo, that has been cultivated into many varieties and of which the rind can be either smooth, rough, ribbed, wrinkled, or netted, such as that of the Japanese crown melon (fig.). The colour of the flesh is often whitish to pale yellowish-green with a darker green outer edge, or either entirely light green or orange. See also TRAVEL PICTURE. 回

Taengwood Tree

Name for a kind of tree found in some countries of mainland Southeast Asia, including Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam, and that produces tropical hardwood. It is listed in the Dipterocarpaceae family and though disputed, it is usually given the botanical name Shorea obtusa. In Thailand, it is known as Teng or Mai Teng (ไม้เต็ง) in general; Jik or Mai Jik (ไม้จิก) in Isaan; and Ngae or Mai Ngae (ไม้แงะ) in the North, besides a variety of more specific regional names, including Mai Teng Khao (เต็งขาว) in Khon Kaen; Chan Tok, Chanatok or Chanatak (ชันตก) in Trat; Nao Nai (เน่าใน) in Mae Hong Son; Kho Jeua (เคาะเจื้อ) or Jeua (เจื้อ) in the Lawa dialect of Chiang Mai; Prajad (ประจั๊ด) in the Khmer dialect of Buriram; Prajeuk (ประเจิ๊ก) in the Khmer dialect of Surin; Lahnai (ล่าไน้) in the Karen language; Lenai (เหล่ไน้) in the Karen dialect of the North; Laeney (แลเน่ย) in the Karen dialect of Mae Hong Son; Oung Liang Yong (อองเลียงยง) in the Karen dialect of Kanchanaburi, etc. According to Thai Buddhist folklore, the Buddha was seated in deep meditation under a Taengwood Tree, when Muchalinda (fig.), the king of nagas (fig.), protected him against heavy rain by making a cover with its multi-headed figure, whilst coiling its body under the Buddha, to lift him above the floodwaters, a scene that in iconography is known as the naagprok pose (fig.). However, some sources describe the tree under which the Buddha was seated during this event as Freshwater Mangrove, a tree with drooping bright red flowers (fig.). The Taengwood Tree grows in relatively dry areas and in Thailand up to an altitude of 1,300 metres. It is deciduous, grows up to 27 meters tall, but usually smaller, and flowers from January to July, producing distinctive yellow flowers in drooping branched clusters, with long narrow and pointed petals, that are twisted and overlapping, but not fused together at the base. It has nut-like fruits with 3 shorter and three larger wings. The wood is a preferred source of firewood, while the yellow resin from its trunk, known as dammar, from Malay and meaning ‘resin torch’, is used to make torches, as well as paraffin wax used in batik (fig.). The hard timber has a long lifespan and is commercially exported, usually under the name Taengwood Balau, whereas the tree is also commonly known as Burma Sal and Siamese Sal. See POSTAGE STAMP. 回

tah jorakae (ตาจระเข้)

Thai. ‘Crocodile eyes’. Term used in iconography to refer to a style of eyes of certain characters from the Ramakien, especially demons or yak, and in which the upper eyelid in part covers the eyeball, similar to those of crocodiles (fig.), known in Thai as jorakae. If the eyes are wide open, with the pupil completely visible, the style is known as tah phlohng (fig.). See also tah mangkon. 回

Tahkahy Nah Chang (ตาข่ายหน้าช้าง)

Thai. ‘Elephant-faced Mesh’. Name of a kind of kreuang khwaen, i.e. net or frame-like, stringed flower arrangements, that are used to suspend at windows, doorways, gables, etc. This particular type is rather simple and is knitted in a triangular shape using mainly jasmine buds (fig.) and dok rak (fig.), and is adorned at the corners with colourful flowers, often yellow jampah flowers (fig.), or small garlands made of dok rak and roses. The tapering sides are also adorned, usually with the same kinds of flowers, but of a smaller size. Its name derives from the fact that the shape is remniniscent of that of the head from an elephant as seen from the front. 回

Tah Khai (ตาไข่)

Thai. ‘Egg Eyes’. Another name for Ai Khai, a disciple of the highly venerated monk Luang Poo Thuad (fig.). 回

tahmanae (ตามะแน)

Thai. A name for Hog Deer, next to neua saai. 回

tah mangkon (ตามังกร)

Thai for ‘dragon eyes’. 回

tahn (ฐาน)

Thai. Base or pedestal for a statue. Also transcribed taan. See also thaen. 回

tahnbat (ฐานบัทม์)

Thai. Base or pedestal for a Buddha image in the form of an upside-down lotus (fig.). Also transcribed taanbat. 回

tahn singh (ฐานสิงห์)

Thai. ‘Lion base’. The foot of a pedestal in the form of a lion's paw. 回

tahnphraphuttarup (ฐานพระพุทธรูป)

Thai. Base or pedestal for a Buddha image, often in the form of a lotus (fig.), but also in other forms such as elephants (fig.). When the pedestal has outward turned legs in the shape of a lion's paw, it is called tahn singh. Regularly pedestals may have a pah thip, an ornamental cloth hanging from the bottom of the Buddha image, in front of the pedestal (fig.). At Phra Phutta Monthon, a Buddhist compound and park in Nakhon Pathom, there are four garden sections with garnite pedestals, that represent the sangwechaniyasathaan sih tambon (สังเวชนียสถาน ๔ ตำบล), i.e. the four major stages in the Buddha's life (fig.), namely his birth (fig.), his Enlightenment (fig.), his first discourse (fig.), and his demise (fig.). These pedestals are also are depicted on a set of Thai postage stamps issued in 1988 (fig.). Also spelt taanphraphuttarup. 回

tah phlohng (ตาโพลง)

Thai. ‘Wide open eyes’. Term used in iconography to refer to a style of open, somewhat bulging eyes of certain character from the Ramakien, especially demons or yak. In this style, the pupil is completely visible. When, however, the upper eyelid partly covers the eyeball, the style is known as tah jorakaen (fig.). Compare also with the term dragon eyes. 回

Tai

1. An animist people in Southwest China (Sipsongpannah), though not ethnically Chinese, who from the 9th century began to migrate southward, little by little, into parts of Southeast Asia and the fertile Chao Phraya valley. They settled down in an area that nowadays would cover Burma, Laos and Thailand. They are the predecessors of the present-day people of the Thai race. See also Tai Yuan. MORE ON THIS. 回

2. A branch of the Tai–Kadai language group, that comprises of Thai, Lao, Shan, and Zhuang. 回

3. An ethnic minority group in Vietnam, also known as Tay. 回

4. An ethnic minority group in Vietnam, also known as Thai. 回

Tai Bai Jin Xing (太白金星)

Chinese. Name of  one of the higher-ranking celestial beings in the Taoist pantheon, also known as the Star God Venus. He is a deity in Taoism associated with the planet Venus, whose role encompasses governing celestial phenomena and maintaining cosmic order, particularly overseeing the movements and positions of celestial bodies, including the sun, moon, and stars. 回

tai chi (太极)

Chinese. Martial art and system of calisthenics with slow controlled movements, fully known as tai chi chuan. While popular and prevalent throughout China, in Thailand, it is practiced each morning in Bangkok's Lumphini Park by both the young and -especially- the old, though usually by people with a Chinese background. The gracefully performed movements are aimed at developing concentration, balance and grace while bringing inner peace. It is often performed with certain gear, such as folding fans (fig.) or –usually fake– swords (fig.), and more recently also a special racket and a ball made heavy with sand are being used to practice a form of tai chi known as rou li (fig.). 回

tai chi chuan (太极拳)

Chinese. ‘Great ultimate boxing’. Chinese martial art which has many traditional schools and different styles, sometimes including weapons such as tessen war fans (fig.), etc. One of its earliest masters is said to have been the supposed 13th century grandmaster Chang Sanfeng, a semi-mythical Chinese Taoist monk (fig.) who is believed to have been a former Shaolin disciple. The gracefully performed movements whilst holding a fan or other weapon are aimed at developing concentration, balance and grace. In the West often known simply as tai chi. 回

Tai chi tu

See Taijitu. 回

Tai Guo (泰国)

Chinese for ‘Thailand’. Though actually using the homophone Tai for Thai, the term Tai Guo could literally be translated as ‘Peaceful Land’, ‘Safe Country’ or ‘Grand Nation’. Yet when the characters are swapped, Guo Tai (国泰) becomes the Chinese name for the Honk Kong air carrier Cathay Pacific. In Pinyin, Tai Guo is spelled tàiguó. 回

Taihe Shan (太和山)

Chinese. ‘Mount of the Greatest Peace’ or ‘Mount of Great Harmony’. Name of a mountain in China's Hubei province. In mythology, it is believed to be the abode of Zhenwu, the protector god of the North in Chinese Taoism. On the opposite sides of the Yangtze River in Wuhan, the capital of Hubei, there is a Tortoise Mountain and a Snake Mountain, a clear reference to the tortoise-snake, the symbol of Zhenwu. In the past the area was known for its many Taoist monasteries which were academic centres of research and teaching, with emphasis on meditation, martial arts, traditional medicine, agriculture and Taoist art. Also referred to as Mount Wudang. 回

tai jian (太监)

Chinese. ‘Highest supervisor’. Term for a court eunuch in Imperial China. 回

Taijitu (太極圖)

Chinese. ‘Diagram of the supreme Ultimate’. Name for a Chinese symbol (fig.) which represents the principle of yin and yang, and therefore often mistakenly called yin-yang. Also spelled Tai chi tu. 回

Tailed Judy

Common designation for a butterfly, with the scientific name Abisara neophron. READ ON. 回

Tailorbird

Name of a small bird belonging to the genus Orthotomus. They are warblers and are usually brightly coloured, with green or grey upperparts and a yellow-white or grey underside. Some species have reddish-brown on the head. They have short wings with rounded tips and a short tail which is typically held upright. Its bill is flat and rather wide and long compared to its head. At the corners of its bill are short, hard hairs. Tailorbirds build their nests by piercing the edges of a large leaf which are then sewn together with plant fiber to make a cradle in which the actual grass nest is constructed. It is a resident breeder in tropical south Asia, from Pakistan and India to southern China and Indonesia. Worldwide there are 15 species of which 5 are found in Thailand i.e. the Mountain Tailorbird, the Common Tailorbird, the Dark-necked Tailorbird, the Rufous-tailed Tailorbird, and the Ashy Tailorbird (fig.). In Thai it is called nok krajib. 回

Taiping Rebellion

Tai Ping (太平) may mean ‘Heavenly Peace’, ‘Highest Peace’ or ‘Peace and Security’, and is the name given to a widespread civil war in southern China between 1850 and 1864, in which about 20 to 30 million people perished, making it history's most deadly civil war and leading to the devastation of the Yangtze delta, China's so-called rice bowl. The rebellion against the then ruling Qing Dynasty was led by a heterodox Christian convert with the name Hong Xiu Quan (洪秀全), who claimed that he was the younger brother of Jesus Christ. The rebels attempted to replace the corrupt feudal system, as well as all Chinese folk religions, with social reforms that were anchored in a kind of pseudo-Christian belief system that promoted full social equality, land redistribution, and common property for all. Whilst the former ideal, i.e. to do away with the dynasty, inspired Sun Yat Sen, the first president of the republic, as well as Mao Ze Dong, the latter seems also to have been enthused by certain principles shared by communism. Hong Xiu Quan founded the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom and placed its capital at Nanjing. Although he controlled large parts of southern China, his troops –known as the Chang Mao (长毛) or ‘Long-hairs’– were besieged by imperial forces throughout most of the rebellion. British sailors had initially sided with the Xiao Dao (小刀) or ‘Small Swords’ rebels, one of a number of revolutionary groups in that period, due to the fact that this group had occupied the walled city of Shanghai and most of the Chinese sections of the city, yet had not invaded the foreign concessions. However, the French supported the imperial government and brought in troops to support the imperial army. This dual stand caused foreigners to fight each other and thus the British authorities, who until then had officially remained neutral, were forced to side with the French. In the end, the rebels became divided by infighting and were eventually crushed by the Qing imperial army, with the aid of French and British forces. 回

Tai Shang Lao Jun (太上老君)

Chinese. ‘Supreme Old Master’ (fig.). Another name for Lao Jun (fig.), that is Lao Tzu, the founder of Taoism (fig.), in his deified form. 回

Tai Sui (太岁)

Chinese god of the year. Name of any of the Sixty Heavenly Generals, who assist the Jade Emperor in his task to guard the mortal world. READ ON. 回

Tai Yai (ไทใหญ่)

Thai. ‘Great Tai’. One of the subgroups of the Shan people, who also live in Thailand. They are also referred to as Tai Luang (ไทหลวง) or Tai Lohng (ไตโหลง), and is English as Tai Proper, besides the name Ngiaw, which is used in general for all the Shan people. Sometimes transcribed Thai Yai. 回

Tai Yuan (ไทยวน, ไท-ยวน)

Name for a subgroup of the Tai people, which lives in Northern Thailand and whose members today all have the Thai nationality. They are also referred to as Khon Meuang (คนเมือง), Tai Lan Na (ไทล้านนา), and Tai Neua (ไทเหนือ), though the latter term is also used for a group of people living in Yunnan. Sometimes transcribed Thai Yuan. 回

Taj Mahal (ताजमहल)

Hindi. Name for the famous mausoleum in Agra, in India's northern state of Uttar Pradesh. READ ON. 回

Tak (ตาก)

Name of a province (map) and its capital city on the eastern banks of the Ping River in North Thailand. READ ON. 回

takaab (ตะขาบ)

1. Thai for centipede. Also transliterated takhaab and ta-kahb. 回

2. Thai name for a roller bird, as in nok takaab thung, the Indian Roller. 回

3. Thai. Name of a rhythmic instrument. 回

4. Thai name for a centipede-like stick made of split bamboo. 回

takan (ตะคัน)

Thai. ‘Censer’. Earthen receptacle for burning incense or gum spices, as well as an ancient dish-shaped, clay phaang pha theed-like receptacle used as lamp (fig.). Also referred to as tao spa (เตาสปา). 回

tak baat (ตักบาตร)

Thai. To put food in the alms bowl of Buddhist monks. An alms bowl is called baat (fig.) in Thai and tak baat is an act usually done in the morning during bintabaat (fig.). After giving alms to monks, it's customary to pour a small amount of water into a cup and then pour the water onto the soil. This is done to dedicate the merit gained by the almsgiving to the dead as a kind of libation in order to keep hungry ghosts at bay. See also kruad nahm. 回

Tak Baat Thewo (ตักบาตรเทโว)

Thai. To put food in the alms bowl of Buddhist monks as an act of tamboon on the morning of the first night of the waning moon of the 11 month of the lunar calendar, to remember the occasion when the Buddha came down from the heaven, known in Thai as Thewalohk, i.e. ‘World of the gods’. The word Thewo (เทโว) is an abbreviation of the Pali word Theworohana (เทโวโรหนะ), which translates as the ‘descend from Thewalohk’. It takes place around owk pansa, at the end of the rainy season. 回

Ta Keo (តាកែវ)

Khmer. ‘Tower of crystal’. Temple in Angkor dedicated to Shiva and built in the late 10th to early 11th century AD, under the auspices of Jayavarman V. 回

ta-koh (ตะกอ)

Thai name for the heddle bar on a traditional weaving loom, used to separate the warp threads. The heddle bar typically consists of two wooden rods bridged by vertical cords, thus forming elongated eyes through which each thread in the warp passes through. To weave cloth, the heddle is moved up and down in an alternating fashion by lifting and lowering the heddle bar, usually by means of loom pulleys (fig.), in order to allow the passage of the weft-thread, which is passed back and forth through the shed with the aid of a shuttle, in Thai known as krasuay, in which sits the reel from which the weft unrolls (fig.). 回

takoh (ตะโก)

1. A Thai name for persimmon. 回

2. Thai. Name for a style of Buddhist monk's alms bowl. It is an alms bowl with a compressed and flat-bottomed shape, and is usually referred to as baat song takoh (บาตรทรงตะโก), i.e. ‘persimmon (fig.)-shaped alms bowl’. Compared to the original baat song thai deum, i.e. the ‘old-shaped Thai alms bowl’, it has a less rounded bottom so it can be placed on the floor. This style of alms bowl has been in use for centuries. 回

takong (ตะกอง)

A Thai name for the Indochinese Water Dragon, alongside lang and king kah yak. 回

takong (ตะข้อง)

Thai. ‘Creel’. Name for a bamboo basket (fig.), which is used as a tool for keeping aquatic animals (fig.), such as crabs, fish, shrimps, clams, etc. They usually have a narrow bottleneck-like opening that can be closed off with a lid in the form of funnel-shaped spikes (fig.), known in Thai as nga (fig.). There are many different kinds and shapes, some with the form of a animal and called accordingly, such as takong pet (duck creel), takong mah (dog creel - fig.), takong gai (chicken creel), etc. A takong pet is a creel woven in the shape of a duck and typically has floats on its sides to enable it to drift on the water, like a duck (fig.). Sometimes transliterated takhong and also called kong, an aphaeresis. 回

takrai (ตะไคร้)

Thai for any kind of plants or grasses belonging to the genus Cymbopogon which has a variety of about 55 species, including lemon grass (fig.), citronella grass, etc. Takrai is a widely used herb in Southeast Asian cooking. Its stalks contain a citrus flavoured oil but are too hard to be eaten, except for the softer inner part. When used fresh it is therefore usually finely sliced or sometimes bashed and added to food where its aromatic oils are absorbed. Although habitually served with the dish for flavour it is generally not meant to be eaten. It is used in a variety of Thai dishes, such as tom yam, tom kha, etc. It is also exists in dry or powdered form. Commonly found in Thailand are the species Cymbopogon flexuosus and Cymbopogon citratus. Besides takrai this herb has many local names, depending on place. In North Thailand it is called jakrai, in the South krai, in Mae Hong Son ka hom, in Surin churt kreuy or lo kreuy, and the Karen call it howo tapoh. 回

takrai nihb mahk (ตะไกรหนีบหมาก)

Thai.  ‘Betel nut scissors’. Name for a betel cutter, i.e. a metal or copper tool with two handles, of which one side has a blade, the other a modified groove. The head is habitually engraved with ornamental designs, and often made in the form of a naga-head or the head of another animal, often mythological, such as that of a hongse or a singha, generally depending on the region. It is used to pinch or nip off slices of betel nut and is usually part of a traditional betel-set (fig.). See also POSTAGE STAMP. 回

takra sai kai (ตะกร้าใส่ไก่)

1. Thai. ‘Fowl basket’. Name for a kind of basket used to transport fowl, also referred to as a poultry basket (fig.). May be transcribed takraa sai gai or takrah saai gai. See also soom kai. 回

2. Thai. ‘Fowl basket’. Name for a kind of basket used to transport fighting cocks. May be transcribed takraa sai gai or takrah saai gai. See also soom kai. 回

takraw (ตะกร้อ)

1. Thai. Traditional game played over a net (fig.), similar to volleyball, but with a rattan ball, also called takraw (see below). READ ON. 回

2.  Thai. A lightweight spherical ball, originally loosely hand-woven of rattan (fig.), though these days usually made from more durable, synthetic materials, such as polyester, and used in a foot sport that is also known as takraw (see above). Officially, the ball must have a circumference of between 42 and 45 centimeters, have 20 intersections and 12 pentagonal holes. It has a weight that ranges from 150 to 180 grams. In the past, one form of torture used in Thai prisons was a large rattan takraw ball, referred to as the elephant ball (fig.), which on the inside had sharp nails sticking through. A prisoner was put inside the ball, which was then kicked around by elephants, encouraged by the guards. Miniature  takraw balls are also found as key hangers and as souvenirs, and they make fun toys for pet birds, such as parakeets and parrots (fig.). Also called look takraw (ลูกตะกร้อ) and sometimes spelt takro. See also THEMATIC STREET LIGHT. 回

3.  Thai. A basket made from rattan with a long handle, that is used for picking fruit from trees. Also spelt takro. 回

takro (ตะกร้อ)

See takraw. 回

takrut (ตะกรุด)

Thai. A charm of rolled gold or silver strips, or of a bullet shell (fig.) usually filled with 108 herbs blessed by a monk, providing immunity from physical assault to those who wear it strung around the neck or the waist, though there are also smaller versions that are worn around the wrist. It sometimes has a piece of cord tightly coiled around it (fig.). It is usually an alternative for those who want supernatural protection against bullets but don't like to get a sacred tattoo. Also trakrut. If the takrut consists of a single cylinder, it is known as takrut thohn/thone (ตะกรุดโทน); if it consists of two cylinders attached parallel to each other, it is called takrut faed/faet (ตะกรุดแฝด), i.e. ‘twin takrut’; and if it has three cylinders, it is referred to as takrut sahm kasat (ตะกรุดสามกษัตริย์), literally ‘three kings takrut’. See also takrut sahm huang and takrut song huang. 回

takrut sahm huang (​ตะกรุดสามห่วง)

Thai. ‘Three-looped takrut’ or ‘three-ringed takrut’. A charm that consists of a cylinder with three loop-like rings at the top, often made from glass and sometimes with a piece of cord tightly coiled around it. It generally contains a piece of paper with religious writings on, and is blessed by a senior monk, usually a Luang Pho or a Luang Poo. See also takrut song huang. 回

takrut song huang (ตะกรุดสองห่วง)

Thai. ‘Two-looped takrut’ or ‘two-ringed takrut’. A charm that consists of a cylinder with two loop-like rings at the top, often made from glass and sometimes with a piece of cord tightly coiled around it. It generally contains a piece of paper with religious writings on, and is blessed by a senior monk, usually a Luang Pho or a Luang Poo. See also takrut sahm huang. 回

Taksin (ทักษิณ)

Thai. ‘South’ or ‘southern’. The wind direction guarded by the lokapala Phra Yom. See also Udon, Isaan, Burapah, Ahkney, Horadih, Prajim and Phayap. 回

Taksin (ตากสิน)

Thai. ‘Wealth of Tak’. General who after the fall of Ayutthaya in 1767 assembled an army (fig.) in Chanthaburi to chase out the invading Burmese. READ ON. 回

Taksin Bridge

Name of a bridge in Bangkok named after King Taksin and which connects Sathorn Road on the east bank of the Chao Phraya River with Krung Thonburi Road on the west bank. 回

takuad (ตะกวด)

Thai name for a monitor lizard of the species varanus bengalensis. 回

takuhatsugasa (托鉢笠)

Japanese. Name of a traditional kind of hat made from bamboo and rounded at the top, akin to some types of ajirogasa, and worn especially by Japanese mendicant monks to offer shade during alms rounds, as well as by pilgrims. 回

Talaat Khlong Thom (ตลาดคลองถม)

Thai. ‘Khlong Thom Market’. Name of a market named after a neighbourhood in Bangkok's Chinatown and which includes Khlong Thom Center, i.e. a huge indoor market for tools, toys and electronics (fig.). 回

talaat nahm (ตลาดน้ำ)

Thai. ‘Water market’. A floating market where people trade from boats. READ ON. 回

Talaat Nahm Khwan-Riam (ตลาดน้ำขวัญ-เรียม)

Thai. ‘Khwan-Riam Water Market’. Name of a floating market located on Khlong Saen Saeb, a major canal in Bangkok. READ ON. 回

Talaat Nahm Lao Wiang (ตลาดน้ำลาวเวียง)

Thai. ‘Lao Wiang Water Market’. Name of a is a floating market in Saraburi, located on and along the eastern bank of the Pa Sak River. The name of the market suggests that it is organized by Thais of Laotian descent, who belonged to the ethnic super-group of the Lao Wiang. Around the market are the ruins of an ancient temple, as well as a display of some local pottery and Thai cultural effigies, such as a replica buffalo. See MAP. 回

Talaat Nat Rot Fai (ตลาดนัดรถไฟ)

Thai. ‘Train Flea Market’. Name for a number of night markets held in different locations throughout greater Bangkok. READ ON. 回

Talaat Roi Pih (ตลาดร้อยปี)

Thai. ‘100-Year Old Market’. Name for old-fashioned markets, often with wooden shop houses, that have retained their authentic Thai character from a century ago, hence the name. There are several such markets nationwide, such as the Chinese community Sam Chuk Riverside Market in Suphanburi, which is famous for its unique giant look chin. See MAP. 回

Talaat Rom Hoop (ตลาดร่มหุบ)

Thai. ‘Shadow Valley Market’. Local name for the Mae Klong Railway Market in Samut Songkhram, where local vendors set up shop alongside the rail tracks, which are still in operation, with a train passing by several times a day. Hence, each time this train arrives, everyone and everything needs to move aside. In order to be able to move away quickly many vendors display their merchandise on retractable trolleys, whilst others display their groceries on low trays that don't need to be removed as they fit underneath the carriages of the train (fig.). See also TRAVEL PHOTOS, MAP, and WATCH VDO. 回

Talaat Sampheng (ตลาดสำเพ็ง)

Thai. Name of a bustling semi open-air, wholesale market at Sampheng Lane and in many of the adjacent narrow alleys, in Bangkok's Chinatown. It is set up in many of the narrow alleys in this area where motorbikes come and go to deliver supplies. The market is a source for many a vendor who comes here to buy goods en mass and sell them on as loose items elsewhere. See MAP. 回

Talaat Tha Tian (ตลาดท่าเตียน)

Thai. ‘Tian Wharf Market’. Name of a large indoor dry fish market in Bangkok's Phra Nakhon district. The market is situated in the centre of a U-shaped building which on the outside is lined with shop houses, many also selling dried and salted seafood products (fig.). It is located adjacent and to the west of Wat Poh, and named after as well as situated at the Tian Wharf along the Chao Phraya River. In the early Rattanakosin Period, a floating market was held along the shores of this wharf and the dry fish market evolved from this. Additionally, the name thian (เตียน) could also be translated and means ‘tidy’, ‘leveled’, ‘even’ or ‘smooth’. See MAP. 回

talaat thong nahm (ตลาดท้องน้ำ)

Thai. ‘Market (talaat) in the middle (thong) of the water (nahm)’. See talaat nahm. 回

Talaat Trok Moh (ตลาดตรอกหม้อ)

Thai. ‘Pot Alley Market’. Name of a fresh market in Soi Thetsah (ซอยเทศา) in the Khwaeng Wat Ratchabophit, Khet Phra Nakhon, in Bangkok, which in English is usually referred to as Trok Moh Morning Market, which is often transliterated Trok Mor Morning Market. Historically, the market extended its reach to the Giant Swing (fig.) and the area now occupied by Bangkok City Hall (fig.), and was at the time described as one of the oldest and liveliest markets in the city. However, in 1973, coinciding with the construction of Bangkok City Hall, the market's extend was substantially reduced and traders relocated to their current premises. Today, the market has earned recognition for its diverse offerings, featuring seafood, fresh fruits, vegetables, rice and curry, and clothing. Whereas the downsized market area is characterized by a Chinese-Portuguese architectural style, the majority of businesses are managed by individuals of Thai-Chinese descent. WATCH VIDEO and VIDEO (E). 回

talaew (ตาแหลว)

Thai. Thin strips of bamboo (fig.) called tok (fig.), which are plaited (fig.) into a circular or star shaped object with five or seven points, found mainly in northern Thailand. The hill tribes, place them at the entrance to their houses or villages to keep away the spirits of the deceased. Similar items, either circular or star shaped, are placed in (fig.) or at paddy fields during the rice growing season (fig.) as a protection for the offers made to Poh Sop (fig.). It may also be used as a charm on a pot containing a potion, or as a boundary mark. Also called chalaew. 回

Talamae Sri (ตะละแม่ศรี)

Thai. Name of the daughter of Suthasomma (สุทธโสม/สุตตโสมมะ), a Mon King from Hongsawadih, who became the wife of King Mengrai (fig.), the founder and ruler (fig.) of Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai, as well as a king of Lan Na (fig.). Chao Nang Talamae Sri is also referred to as Usah Paikoh (อุสาปายโค) or Nang Phaiko/Paikoh (นางพายโค/ปายโค), and is accredited with renovating Wat Ming Meuang in Chiang Rai (fig.). 回

talapat (ตาลปัตร)

Thai. Originally a feather fan or, like the pad bai laan (fig.), a fan made of  a palm leaf, and which is used by Buddhist monks to hide their face when preaching or chanting, similar to the  pad yot (fig.). Though nowadays, it is often made from other materials, such as cloth. As the described religious fan it has an approximately 70 cm long handle, but there is also a similar type, that in general is referred to as kreuang soong, which has a much longer handle, about two meters in length. Its use may be stationary, or it may be carried around in royal processions and ceremonies as a symbol of royalty or honour. In some ways the longer variety has a similar purpose as the chattra or chat (fig.) and it is often used or displayed simultaneously (fig.). 回

talisman

An object which it is believed to bring good fortune to its holder. The counterpart of an amulet, which rather serves an apotropaic purpose. 回

Talking Hill Myna

Common name for a tropical bird that belongs to the starling family Sturnidae. It is also called Hill Myna or Common Hill Myna, and In Thai it is known by the names nok khun thong and nok ihyang dam. This genus has representatives in tropical southern Asia, from India and Sri Lanka in the West, to Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia in the East. Until recently, only two species were recognized, i.e. Gracula religiosa and Gracula ptilogenys, but several additional subspecies of Gracula religiosa have now been listed as being distinct species, including the Gracula religiosa intermedia, which is found mostly in northern Thailand, and the Gracula religiosa religiosa, which is found on the southern peninsula, where it is sometimes called nok khun thong kwai by the locals. This glossy black bird typically has large yellow wattles on the head, usually in the area of the neck, though their position and shape varies with species. Its legs and beak are bright yellow or orange. The Talking Hill Myna gets its name from its ability to mimic human speech, a skill for which it has become a popular pet (fig.), both in Thailand and overseas. It is still fairly common in the wild, though not normally outside the forests. See POSTAGE STAMP and WATCH VIDEO. 回

talokbaat (ถลกบาตร, ตลกบาตร)

Thai. ‘Bowl-case’ or ‘bowl-bag’. An alms bowl-sack with shoulder strap, a removable bag with a cloth sling, used for carrying an alms bowl (baat) in. It sometimes has a foot at its base, on which the bowl can rest when placed on the floor or on a table (fig.). 回

tam (ธรรม)

Thai name for dhamma. 回

tam (tằm)

See con tam. 回

Tamahagane (玉鋼)

Japanese. ‘Precious steel’. A kind of iron sand unique to Japan and used to forge katana, i.e. Japanese swords, such as those worn by samurai in feudal Japan. 回

tamarind

An evergreen tree that grows to 25 meters and has the Latin name Tamarindus indica. Its fruits have elongated pods of a woody structure, somewhat reminiscent of pea pods. There are several varieties, mostly sweet or sweet-sour, as well as some other, related species, such as makhaampom, makhaamthet and velvet tamarind. Tamarind fruits develop in three distinct stages: growth, maturation and ripening, and they are usually harvested at two stages, i.e. half ripe and fully ripe. At the half ripe stage the pulp is yellowish and has a more dense consistency, particularly in the case of sweet forms. At the fully ripe stage the pulp shrinks, due to loss of moisture, and changes to reddish-brown and becomes sticky. At this stage, the sticky fruit sits very lose in the peel, around shiny brown seeds, and is held together by inedible fibres (fig.). Sometimes tamarind is also harvested at the unripe, growing stage, when the fruit is sour, the seeds soft and white, and its peel still attached to the greenish-white flesh. It is then eaten entirely, i.e. with skin, seeds and flesh, dipped in a mixture of sugar, salt and chilies, or processed for other purposes. Tamarind is slightly laxative and is processed as an ingredient for phad thai, chutney and curries, as well as in drinks. In Thailand, the general name is makhaam (fig.) and sweet varieties are widely grown in Phetchabun province. 回

tambon (ตำบล)

1. Thai. ‘Rural administrative subdistrict’. A subdivision of an amphur administered by a kamnan and consisting of several mu ban or villages. Thailand has a total of 7,255 tambon. In Bangkok, subdistricts are named khwaeng. See also thetsabahn tambon. 回

2. Thai. The major stages in the Buddha's life, the four most important being referred to as sangwechaniyasathaan sih tambon (สังเวชนียสถาน ๔ ตำบล), namely his birth, his Enlightenment, his first discourse, and his demise. These stages, symbolized by stone pedestals, are represented on a set of Thai postage stamps issued in 1988 (fig.). 回

tamboon (ทำบุญ)

Thai. Offering or merit making for religious purposes to gain advantage either for oneself or for a third person. This may consist of make temple offerings (fig.); donate food to mendicant monks (sai baat - fig.); release birds (fig.); release or feed of turtles or fish (fig.); a temporary stay in a temple; burning candles or joss sticks (fig.); an offering of paddy, i.e. unhusked rice, mixed with rice flour (fig.); attach gold leaf to Buddha images or other sacred objects (fig.); a prayer (fig.); a miniature boat offering (fig.), etc. It could be said that tamboon in is certain cases akin to a social safety net and as such the country's alternative welfare distribution network, that forms the backbone of survival for anyone not covered by the governmental social security system which is very basic and benefits only some. Often the people selling flowers, birds or fish food are disabled or poor people without an education nor a job, trying to make a living. By buying from those individuals one supports them. The merit therefore does not necessarily comes from the act of feeding the fish or releasing a bird in itself, but more so from the fact that one is supporting a fellow citizen who is not as well off. In this way Buddhist temples may likewise act as intermediaries, collecting from the rich who make merit and distributing among the poor. See also dana. 回

tamboon sai baat (ทำบุญใส่บาตร)

Thai. To perform a good deed or to make merit (tamboon) by giving an offering into (sai) the alms bowl (baat) of a Buddhist monk. Sometimes in temples several alms bowls are arranged in a long row in which small coins, usually 25 satang (fig.) are offered. The alms bowls are typically 108 in number, symbolizing the 108 auspicious signs of a buddha. This form of tamboon may occur in combination with Buddha images as in the phra prajamwan system (fig.). Sometimes transliterated tamboon saai baht. See also sai baat. 回

Tam Coc (Tam Cốc)

Vietnamese. ‘Three Caves’. Name of a village in Ninh Binh Province (fig.), an area that is often referred to as Ha Long Bay (fig.) on land, as it is likewise dotted with numerous karst formations. It is part of the Trang An eco-tourism area, which since 2014 is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site (fig.) under the name Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex and that also includes Hoa Lu and Chua Bai Dinh (fig.). It is often referred to as Tam Coc-Bich Dong as it consists of a flooded cave karst system called Tam Coc, and a series of mountain pagodas known as Bich Dong (fig.). The region can best be visited by small rowing boat passing several tunnel caves, through which the Ngo Dong (Ngô Đồng) River flows. See MAP. 回

tamleung (ตำลึง)

1. Thai. A monetary that equals 4 ticals. The term derived from Khmer and was formerly used as a unit of currency equal to four baht. Nowadays, is is used as a unit of weight and is fixed at 60 grams. See also tael, saleung and kon tamleung thong. 回

2. Thai. A weight unit that equals 4 baht or 60 grams. The term derived from Khmer and was formerly used as a unit of currency, but nowadays, as a unit of weight, it is fixed at 60 grams. See also tael, saleung and kon tamleung thong. 回

tammaht (ธรรมาสน์)

Thai. A pulpit in the form of an elaborately carved seat. See also phanak phing. 回

tamnaan (ตำนาน)

Thai term for ‘legend’ or ‘myth’. It refers to a traditional story or narrative that is often rooted in historical events, folklore, or cultural beliefs and is passed down through generations. Also transliterated tamnan. 回

Tamnaan Luang Pho Loy Nahm Hah Phi-Nong (ตำนานหลวงพ่อลอยน้ำ ๕ พี่น้อง)

Thai. ‘Legend of the Five floating Luang Pho brothers’. Name of a legend that in English is referred to as the Legend of the 5 Floating Buddha Statues. According to the legend, there once were five brothers who ordained and became enlightened monks. They prayed together and vowed that they would dedicate their lives to help all living creatures, by stopping their suffering. When these five monks passed away, their spirits dwelled in five Buddha statues and displayed their miraculous power by allowing these Buddha statues to float along five rivers, until they stranded and were found by the local villagers, who enshrined each Buddha statue in a temple in the vicinity where they were found. The five Buddha images and temples are: 1. Luang Pho Sothon (fig.), a Buddha image seated in the dhyani pose, which was found in the Bang Pakong River and is today enshrined in the Sothon Wararam Woriwihaan Temple (fig.) in Chachengsao; 2. Luang Pho Toh (fig.), a Buddha image seated in the bhumisparsa pose, which was found at the Chao Phraya River and now located at Wat Bang Phli Yai Nai (fig.) in Samut Prakan; 3. Luang Pho Wat Rai Khing (วัดไร่ขิง), a Buddha image seated in the bhumisparsa pose, which was found in the Nakhon Chai Sri River and now housed at Wat Rai Khing in Nakhon Pathom; 4. Luang Pho Wat Ban Laem, a Buddha image standing in the pahng um baat pose, which was found floating in the Mae Klong River and is now standing at Wat Phet Samut Worawihaan in Samut Songkhram; and 5. Luang Pho Wat Khao Ta-Khrao (วัดเขาตะเครา), also known as Luang Pho Thong Khao Ta-Khrao (ทองเขาตะเครา), a Buddha image seated in the bhumisparsa pose, which was also found at the Mae Klong River, though some sources mention the Phetchaburi River, and is currently enshrined at Wat Khao Ta-Khrao in Phetchaburi. Since these Buddha statues are 5 in number, they were depicted on a set of 5 Thai postage stamps, each with a value of 5 Baht, and issued on 5/5/2555 BE, that is 5 May 2012 AD (fig.), believed to be an auspicious date for the occasion. 回

tamnaay laksana (ทำนายลักษณะ)

Thai. ‘Personality prophecy’. Refers to a scene in Buddhism where the reusi Kaladevaila honoured the newborn prince Siddhartha causing the latter to perform his first miracle by placing himself on top of the turban of the sage (fig.). On the fifth day after his birth king Suddhodana invited eight brahman priests to foretell the future of the prince. Seven of them proclaimed that he had the auspicious signs of a monarch or a buddha, depending on whether he would strive for a secular or religious career. The eight brahman confirmed that if he denied a worldly life he would attain Enlightenment. 回

Tamnak Chan (ตำหนักจันทร์)

Thai. ‘Chandra Palace’ or ‘Moon Palace’. Name of a two-storey building that was commissioned by King Chulalongkorn as a residence for Vajirananavarorasa, the tenth Supreme Patriarch of Thailand, who was in office from 1910 to 1921. It is located adjacent to Tamnak Phet (fig.), within the compound of Wat Bowonniwet in Bangkok (fig.). It is named for Princess Chandra Saradavara (จันทราสรัทวาร), a daughter of Chulalongkorn, who donated the funds for its construction. 回

Tamnak Phet (ตำหนักเพ็ชร)

Thai. ‘Diamond Palace’. Name of a two-storey building in western Gingerbread-style, built by King Mongkut as a royal residence within the compound of Wat Bowonniwet in Bangkok (fig.), adjacent to Tamnak Chan. The front porch of this L-shaped edifice is decorated with elaborately detailed openwork lattices, typical of the reuan kanompang khing-style. 回

Tamnak Phra Mae Kwan Im (ตำหนักพระแม่กวนอิม)

Thai. ‘Residence hall of the goddess of Mercy’. Name of a Chinese temple in Bangkok's Laht Phraw (Lad Phrao) district. READ ON. 回

Tam Toa (Tam Tòa)

Vietnamese. Name of an old Catholic church in Dong Hoi (Đồng Hới), nowadays the capital of Quang Binh (Quảng Bình) Province in central Vietnam. It was built in the late 19th century and was destroyed by American bombs on 11 February 1965, during the Vietnam War. It has remained in ruins ever since. The building belongs to one of the oldest Catholic parishes in Vietnam, with its roots dating back to the mid 17th century AD, and efforts to restore it have led to a conflict with the local government who wants to keep it undisturbed as a war relic. See MAP. 回

tandava (ताण्डव)

Sanskrit. Cosmic dance of the Hindu god Shiva. See also Nataraja and kalachakra. 回

tang cong (糖蔥)

Chinese. ‘Sugar shallot’ or ‘onion candy’. Name of a Chinese-Taiwanese confectionary made from liquid sugar or syrup. READ ON. 回

tang meh (ตังเม)

Thai name for nougat, a sweet made from sugar or honey, nuts and egg-white. Different from the West is that usually roast peanuts, called thua lisong, are used, whereas in western nougat, called tang meh farang, several kinds of roast nuts are used, ranging from almonds, hazelnuts, walnuts to pistachios, but usually not peanuts. It is made in a huge block filled with pulverized, roast peanuts. From this block a string is pulled using some strength which is cut into small pieces (fig.). The term tang meh possibly derives from the Chinese word for nougat (fig.), i.e. niu ga tang (牛轧糖), in which the character tang (糖) is the Chinese equivalent of the Thai word kanom, i.e. ‘candy’. 回

Tanimbar Corella

Common name for a species cockatoo, with the scientific name Cacatua goffiniana. It is the smallest species of the white cockatoos and originates from the Tanimbar Archipelago in Indonesia. It has been introduced in several other countries, including also Singapore, and occurs in Thailand as a feral bird (fig.). The Tanimbar Corella is overall white, with pinkish-salmon lores, a pinkish tinge on the upperparts, and a washed yellow tinge on the underside of the wings and tail. It has a short crest, of which the feathers can be raised. The legs and feet are bluish-grey, the beak is deep pale, and the colour of the eyes can range from reddish-brown in females to brown or black in males, though otherwise both sexes are similar. Juveniles have dark grey eyes. Its habitat includes open forest and cultivation. In Thai this bird is called kra tua goffin (กระตั้วก็อฟฟิน). 回

tanka

Pali for thangka. 回

Tan Khun Khun Luang (ท่านขุนขุนหลวง)

Thai. The next title in ascending line after a Khun or Khun Luang, now obsolete. Also the popular name for a Khun. Also transliterated Than Khun Khun Luang. 回

tanta (दन्त)

Sanskrit. ‘Tooth’ or ‘tusk’. An attribute of Ganesha (fig.) and refers to his broken tusk that he uses as a divine weapon to destroy obstacles. In Thai called nga tih hak, literally ‘broken off tusk’. Also danta. 回

Tantima (ทัณฑิมา)

Thai. Mythological bird of the Himaphan forest. It has the head of a bird and the body of a Garuda. According to legend, it loves to dwell near lotus pools, where it looks for fish. In some legends this bird has the face of a human and it is sometimes associated with the bird Sadayu, the younger brother of Samphati. It is usually depicted holding a long rod with both hands and is often seen in pairs, standing guard at the gates of certain temple buildings (fig.), such as in Wat Phra Kaew, where a bronze pair guards Wihaan Yod (fig.). Also referred to as nok Tantima. 回

Tantkyitaung Zedi (တန့်ကြည့်တောင်စေတီ)

Burmese. ‘Tantkyi Mountain Pagoda’. Name of a Buddhist hilltop temple near Bagan. READ ON. 回

tantra (तन्त्र, ตันตระ)

Sanskrit-Thai. ‘Weave’, ‘loom’, ‘warp’, ‘groundwork’ or ‘underlying principle’. A term used to refer to a collection of sacred texts and practices associated with Tibetan Buddhism (fig.). There are also tantric texts in Hinduism. The central theme of the tantra is the divine energy and creating power symbolized by the female characteristics (shakti) of a god, personified in a goddess. See also samahkhom tantra. 回

Tantra Thewalai (ตันตระเทวาลัย)

Sanskrit-Thai. ‘Tantra Idol Shrine’ or ‘Home of Tantra Deities’. Another name for Wat Phra Siwa Chao. See also thewalai. 回

Tantrism

A late form of Brahmanism, that consists of a Hindu doctrine in which the worship of demons −in particular Devi− plays an important role, as well as a mystical form of Vajrayana Buddhism. Tantra yoga is described as the extreme expression of Hinduism and designed to invoke possession by Indian spirits, in order to break the chain of reincarnation. It is a form of occultism, in which the shakti of Durga or Kundalini force is aroused, releasing psychic powers that can be channeled either into white or black magic by the medium. Whereas white magic is employed in healing, advanced disciples in black magic indulge in the most degenerate and perverse behaviour, from human sacrifices to sorcery, including meditation on severed human heads, the eating of bits of flesh and unconsumed parts of cremation rites, and other horrifying practices. It became important in Northeast India after the 8th century AD, and is still practiced in Mongolia, Tibet and Nepal. It expanded the Buddhist pantheon and emphasizes the worship of shakti, whilst placing greater importance on the esoteric practices based on the tantra. In India, the Hindu sect of the Aghoris have similar practices. They dwell on Hindu cremation and charnel grounds, eat leftovers from human dead bodies, drink and eat from a kapala (fig.), i.e. a bowl made from a human skull, and smear vibhuti on their bodies (fig.), i.e. ash from a human cremation pyre. Followers engage in morbid and gruesome occult practices that date back to the 5th century AD. They are sadhus and followers of Shiva in his manifestation as Bhairava, and of Durga. They claim to live in a natural state of no fear and no disgust, hence the name Aghori, which derives from the Sanskrit word aghora (अघोर), an euphemistic title of Shiva, that means ‘not terrific’ or ‘not terrible’, yet which is usually translated as ‘one who has no fear’. Besides cannibalism, the Aghori sadhus also indulge in the smoking of marihuana, the drinking of alcohol and human urine, and the eating of animal feces and decomposing meat for which they scavenge in garbage, etc. They also practice rituals of animal and human sacrifices. See also Dakini (fig.). 回

tao (เตา)

Thai generic term for a ‘stove’, a ‘cooker’, as well as for a ‘kiln’. The specific type is defined by adding a suffix, e.g. tao tahn, tao tawaan, tao turiang, tao wong, etc. 回

tao (เต่า)

Thai for ‘turtle’, ‘terrapin’ or ‘tortoise’. The Thai word tao is used to refer to all species of turtles and tortoises, despite the fact that ‘tortoises’ are in reality land turtles, and ‘turtles’ are either aquatic or semi-aquatic reptiles, including ‘sea turtles’ and ‘terrapins’. Often no difference is made when translating the word from Thai, using one for the other and vice versa. Other languages, such as Chinese and Sanskrit, also have certain words that are not specific whether it concerns a turtle or tortoise, i.e. the Chinese word gui refers to both, whereas bie specifically means ‘turtle’. Besides this Chinese has specific words to refer to certain mythological creatures that are some form of turtle or tortoise, e.g. Xuanwu. In Hindu mythology the second avatar of Vishnu is known as Kurma, which translated means either ‘turtle’ or ‘tortoise’, though from the context it can be understood that it rather was a turtle, since Kurma supported the churning stick during the churning of the Ocean of Milk (fig.), thus preventing it from going in the soft soil of the ocean. Given the above and the fact that foreign texts, or translations thereof, are often ambiguous in their meaning, Thailex may at times also use one term for the other, usually depending on the origin of the word or following the original texts, but only when related to mythology. In the domain of science, Thailex always uses the proper term, e.g. with animal names. If such was unspecified or unclear from the original text, then the word ‘turtle’ is used, which correctly refers to any of all the species. See also tao mangkon. 回

tao (เท้า)

1. Thai for ‘foot’ or ‘pedestal’. 回

2. Thai for ‘to lean on’. In this regard it can be used as a prefix for the name of deities or gods, on who one leans in need. It can than be written with a capital letter in English. 回

Tao (道)

Chinese. ‘Right Way’. The all embracing, ultimate and primordial principle of Taoism, with which Taoists aspire to become one by comprehending the universal law that everything returns to its source. The Tao has been described as a square circle, a sound that can't be heard and an image without form, said to be everything and nothing, and while it is nowhere, it can be seen without looking for it. Also transcribed Dao. 回

tao angloh (เตาอั้งโล่)

See tao tahn. 回

tao bai mai (เต่าใบไม้)

Thai. ‘Leaf turtle’. Name for the Asian Leaf Turtle. 回

tao ban (เต่าบ้าน)

Thai. ‘House turtle’. A name for the Giant Asian Pond Turtle, along with tao waai. 回

tao bua (เต่าบัว)

Thai. ‘Lotus turtle’. A name for the Yellow-headed Temple Turtle, alongside tao wat and tao bung hua leuang. 回

tao bung hua leuang (เต่าบึงหัวเหลือง)

Thai. ‘Yellow head turtle’. A name for the Yellow-headed Temple Turtle, next to tao bua and tao wat. 回

tao dam (เต่าดำ)

Thai. ‘Black turtle’. A name for the Black Marsh Turtle. 回

tao dao india (เต่าดาวอินเดีย)

Thai for Indian Star Tortoise. 回

tao dao pa-mah (เต่าดาวพม่า)

Thai for Burmese Star Tortoise. 回

tao hab (เต่าหับ)

Thai. ‘Shut turtle’ or ‘closed turtle’. Name for the Southeast Asian Box Turtle. The name refers to fact that the plastron, the flat to slightly concave part of the shell structure on the turtle's underside, fits tightly in the openings of the dome-shaped carapace. 回

tao hok leuang (เต่าหกเหลือง)

Thai name for the Asian Forest Tortoise. The word hok translates as ‘spill’ or ‘six’ and may refer to the sometimes hexagonal shape of this tortoise's scutes, whereas leuang means ‘yellow’ and refers to the carapace's colour, which is dark brownish gray with light brown to vague yellow clouds in the centre of each scute, which are striated. 回

tao hoo (เต้าหู้)

Thai for tofu. 回

Tao Hua (桃花)

Chinese. ‘Peach Blossom’, a Taoist deity, who is also referred to as the peach god. READ ON. 回

Taoism  

An influential philosophy in China, probably founded in the 4th century BC by Lao Tzu (fig.), and advocating humility and religious piety. The Tao-te Ching forms the basis of Taoism, in which Tao is the comprehensive ultimate and primordial principle. Its objective is to become one with the Tao by comprehending the universal law that everything returns to its source. It has been described as a square circle, a sound that can't be heard and an image without form. It is everything and nothing, and although it is nowhere it can be seen without looking for it. Also transcribed Daoism. See also Wu Wei, Yu Huang, Quan Zhen, and Qiu Chang Chun. WATCH VIDEO and VIDEO (EN). 回

Taoist

1. Follower of Taoism. Also transcribed Daoist. 回

2. Adjective of Taoism. 回

Taoist Gate of Hell

According to Chinese folklore in Taoism, the souls of the deceased have to enter the Underworld through a gate, known in Chinese as Gui Men Guan. 回

tao jan (เต่าจัน)

Thai for Keeled Box Turtle. 回

tao kaem daeng (เต่าแก้มแดง)

Thai. ‘Red-cheeked turtle’. A name for the Red-eared terrapin, alongside tao yipun. 回

tao kaem khao (เต่าแก้มขาว)

Thai. ‘White-cheeked turtle’. A name for the Black Marsh Turtle. 回

tao ko laai (เต่าคอลาย)

Thai. ‘Striped neck turtle’. A name for the Chinese Stripe-necked Turtle. 回

tao kra-ahn (เต่ากระอาน)

Thai name for the Mangrove Terrapin. 回

Tao Maliwaraat (ท้าวมาลีวราช)

The distinguished old man who came from his abode in the Himalayas to arbitrate the differences between Ramachandra and the demon king. Also transcribed Thao Maliwaraat and Thao Maliwaraht. 回

tao mangkon (เต่ามังกร)

Thai. ‘Dragon-tortoise’. Name of an auspicious animal from Chinese mythology. It has the characteristics of two kinds of favourable animals, i.e. the tortoise and the dragon (fig.). It is depicted with the head of a dragon and the body of a tortoise (fig.). It is the symbol of longevity and power, because the tortoise is an animal with a long life, whereas the dragon is animal with an enormous strength. It is thus a combination of the great virtues of both the dragon and the tortoise (fig.), two out of the four animals from Chinese paradise. Those four animals are the tortoise, the dragon, the hongse and the tiger, though in some instances they may consist of a dragon, tortoise, red phoenix or other bird, and a white tiger (fig.). The tortoise with dragonhead embodies the intelligence and ability, that comes with courage, and the prestigious and influential power of the dragon, as well as the steadfast power, endurance, happiness and lasting physical force of the tortoise. A statue of the dragon-tortoise is believed to have the power to bring about or enhance progress, strength, fortune, influence, etc., depending on how the statues is placed with regard to the points of the compass. It is sometimes depicted with the characteristics of all four animals from Chinese paradise, i.e. the tortoise, the dragon, the hongse and the tiger (fig.). A female dragon-turtle is, like the Rui Shi lion, usually depicted with a young (fig.). Though it originated in China, it also occurs in other Southeast Asian nations and in northern Vietnam there is in fact a hill shaped like a giant dragon-tortoise (map - fig.). Sometimes transcribed thao mangkon. See also tortoise-snake. 回

tao nah (เต่านา)

Thai. ‘[Rice-] field turtle’. A name for the Rice-field Terrapin. 回

tao rahng (เต่าร้าง)

Thai name for the fishtail palm. 回

Tao Ramathep (เท้ารามเทพ)

Thai. Name of the guardian god of the holy relics of the Buddha, together with Tao Kadtukam (Kattukam). In iconography he is generally represented together with the demon-god Rahu (fig.) and seated with the right knee uplifted in a casual yoga position. Though, sometimes he is depicted seated in half lotus position on the coiled body of a snake that uses its head as a cover, similar to the pahng nahg prok pose with Vishnu (fig.) and some Buddha images (fig.). He is also depicted on the front side of the famous Jatukam-Ramathep amulet (fig.). Also spelled Thao Ramathep. WATCH VIDEO. 回

tao sahm san (เต่าสามสัน)

Thai. ‘Three-keeled turtle’ or ‘three-barred terrapin’. A name for the Rice-field Terrapin, and referring to the three strong keels or bars on this turtle's carapace, which is somewhat reminiscent of the upper shell of horseshoe crabs (fig.). 回

Tao Samon (ท้าวสามล)

The old king with seven daughters from the story of Santhong. Also known as king Benares. 回

tao tahn (เตาถ่าน)

Thai. ‘Charcoal stove’ or ‘cinder oven’. Name for a brazier, a kind of a small charcoal stove (fig.) which is often used on markets, etc. It is made of earth, chaff, ashes, galvanized iron and cement. It is also called tao angloh, which name derives from a Chinese earthen stove, and this kind of furnace, sometimes in a somewhat different style, may also be referred to as tao wong, i.e. ‘circular stove’ (fig.). Besides charcoal, also kindling is sometimes used for fuel, especially with the tao wong. Also transliterated tao thaan. 回

tao tawaan (เตาตาหวาน)

Thai. The oven stoked up to heat the pans used to process sugar from the bud of the coconut palm (fig.). ‘Tao’ means oven, ‘ta’ is the bud of the tree that produces the fruits and ‘waan’ sugary or sweet. 回

Tao-te Ching (道德经)

Chinese. ‘Book of the way’. Book that forms the basis for the philosophy of Taoism and is attributed to its founder Lao Tzu. 回

Taotie (饕餮)

Chinese. Name of a ferocious mythological animal, the fifth son of the Dragon King (fig.), commonly represented in the form of a zoomorphic mask motif. READ ON. 回

tao turiang (เตาทุเรียง)

Thai for a kind of kiln used in Sawankhalok. 回

tao waai (เต่าหวาย)

Thai. ‘Rattan turtle’. A name for the Giant Asian Pond Turtle, alongside tao ban. 回

tao wat (เต่าวัด)

Thai. ‘Temple turtle’. A name for the Yellow-headed Temple Turtle, besides tao bung hua leuang and tao bua. 回

tao wong (เตาวง)

Thai. ‘circular stove’. It uses kindling for fuel, rather than charcoal. See also tao tahn. 回

tao yipun (เต่าญี่ปุ่น)

Thai. ‘Japanese turtle’. A name for the Red-eared terrapin, alongside tao kaem daeng. 回

tapathi (တပသီ)

Burmese term for a recluse, ascetic or hermit (fig.). They typically dress in dark brown robes and wear a distinctive hat, which is similar in shape to that of the Indian rishi (fig.) and the Thai reusi (fig.). In Mon, the term is ithi, which drives from the Pali word risi, which in turn derives from the Sanskrit word rishi. 回

taphaab (ตะพาบ)

Thai common name for the Asiatic or Malayan Soft-shell turtle, found in Southeast Asia. It belongs to the family Trionychidae and has the scientific name Amyda cartilaginea. In Thailand it is also known by the names taphaab nahm (ตะพาบน้ำ), taphaab suan (ตะพาบสวน), taphaab khao tauk (ตะพาบข้าวตอก), taphaab thammada (ตะพาบธรรมดา) and taphaab thai (ตะพาบไทย), meaning ‘water soft-shell turtle’, ‘garden soft-shell turtle’, ‘popped rice soft-shell turtle’, ‘common soft-shell turtle’ and ‘Thai soft-shell turtle’, respectively. In Isaan it is called pla fah (ปลาฝา), literally ‘capped fish’. It has a round to oval, olive-grey to green carapace with dark spots and a soft belly, white with males and grey with females, though the shell of juveniles is somewhat darker, with tiny yellow and larger dark spots. The yellow spots are also visible on the juvenile's head, which has a typical nozzle-shaped snout. Males have long and thick tails, but those of females are short. A mature Asiatic Soft-shell Turtle can grow to a length of over 80 centimeters and a weight of 35 kilograms or more. It occurs in rivers and canals, as well as in garden beds, in all parts of the kingdom. Some people, mainly Chinese, breed soft-shell turtles for consumption, but not the Chinese or Taiwanese soft-shell turtle (Pelodiscus or Trionyx sinensis - fig.), as that particular species grows much slower. The Siamese or Striped Narrow-headed Soft-shell Turtle (Chitra chitra), also known as Giant Thai Soft-shell Turtle and Burmese Chitra, and in Thai as taphaab mahn laai (ตะพาบม่านลาย), meaning ‘dotted or striped-curtain soft-shell turtle’, is allegedly the largest known Soft-shell Turtle in the world, measuring up to 140 centimeters and weighing around 150 kilograms (fig.). It is found in Indonesia, Myanmar, Malaysia and Thailand. 回

tapioca

Starch gained from the thickened root of the manioc, i.e. cassava (fig.). Also called tapioca starch and in Thai known as paengman. It is the basic ingredient to manufacture monosodium glutamate (MSG), but also an ingredient in many a food product, especially in the form of starch. In addition, it is also used as fodder and to produce bio-fuel. 回

tapioca balls

A snack of tapioca dough obtained by kneading small-sized tapioca pearls in warm water, and filled with minced pork and condiments, such as ground white pepper, ground roasted peanuts, fish sauce, onion and palm sugar. The dough is steamed on a piece of cloth spanned over the mouth of a large pot and covered by a cone-shaped lid, until the balls have become semi-transparent (fig.). It is typically served with lettuce leaves, chopped fried garlic, chopped coriander and prik khee noo chilies, very similar to kanom pahk moh. In Thai known as kanom sakoo sai moo, i.e. ‘sago-snack filled with pork’. 回

tapioca starch

See tapioca. 回

tapohn (ตะโพน)

Thai. A drum with a double drum head, horizontally placed in a holder and played with both hands whilst sitting on the floor. Sometimes called pohn. 回

Ta Prohm (ប្រាសាទតាព្រហ្ម)

Khmer. ‘Grandfather Brahma’. Presentday name of an ancient Khmer temple at Angkor, which was formerly known as Rajavihara. According to a stele commemorating its foundation, the temple was founded in 1186 AD by King Jayavarman VII, as a Mahayana Buddhist monastery. The temple's main image represents Prajnaparamita, i.e. the bodhisattva of knowledge (fig.), and was purportedly modelled on the king's mother. The inscriptions also state that the temple had considerable riches, including gold, pearls and silks. Expansions and additions to Ta Prohm continued well into the 15th century. Today, the complex is very popular, because it is left in much the same condition in which it was found, i.e. in the jungle and covered with trees of which the roots overgrow the ruins. In Thai, Tah Phrom (ตาพรหม). As in many other Angkor temples, many of the walls are decorated with Apsaras (fig.). See also Phra Phrom, raja and vihara, as well as Thai Family Tree. See also THAILAND'S NEIGHBOURS & BEYOND, as well as TRAVEL PICTURES (1), (2), (3) and (4), and MAP. 回

Ta Pu Yie (淡浮院)

Tae Chew-Chinese name for Anek Kuson Sala. In Thai, it is transcribed Tah Poo Ih (ต้าผู่อี่). In Mandarin, it is pronounced Tan Fu Yuan, transliterated in Thai as Tahn Foo Yewian (ต้านฝูเยวี้ยน). 回

taqiyah (طاقية)

Arabic term for the brimless, short, and rounded cap, worn by Muslim boys and men (fig.). In English, it is known as a prayer cap, and Thai in called kapioh (fig.), yet in some places it may also be called a kufi, topi, or just a cap. There are many varieties and it can be of any colour, but often it is –and in some instances needs to be–white. See also Hadj. 回

Tara (तर/तारा)

1. Sanskrit. ‘One who enables crossover’. Name of a bodhisattva, i.e. a Buddhist goddess, who is especially worshipped as the female emanation, shakti or spouse of Avalokitesvara (fig.). Her name is derived from the word ‘to cross’, and refers to her function, i.e. to help mankind to cross safely from birth to death. She is described as full of compassion and devoted to alleviating the suffering of mankind. Gradually, she became the personification of love and compassion. In this sense, she is associated with the Chinese goddess Kuan Yin (fig.). Eventually, Tara was elevated to the status of mother of all buddhas and is often depicted with a royal crown and holding a vajra. Her name is sometimes spelled Tārā, which means ‘star’ and is related to dara, the Thai word for star, and a term used for both heavenly bodies and celebrities. In Vajrayana Buddhism, there are five goddesses named Tara, corresponding to the five jinas or transcendental buddhas. They are the consorts of the five great bodhisattvas, who were created by the jinas and hold the rank of a bodhisattva.  In Tibetan Buddhism, there are 21 forms of Tara, each with a different colour, posture, and attribute (fig.). They can have either peaceful or wrathful appearances. The most frequent forms are Green Tara and White Tara (fig.). 回

2. Wife of the monkey king Vali in the Indian epic Ramakien. 回

Taraw Palm

See chanoht. 回

taro

See pheuak. 回

Tarut (ตรุษ)

Another pronunciation for Trut. 回

Tatakot (ตถาคต)

Thai. Term for a buddha or Buddha, derived from the Sanskrit word Tathagata. 回

Tatar Grasshopper

Name of a 6 to 7 centimeter large grasshopper, with the scientific names Cyrtacanthacris tatarica, Acanthacris tartarica, and Cyrtacanthacris ranacea. It has a long, tapering body, which is overall brownish, with alternating light and dark brown streaks, as well as some pale yellowish markings. Its antennae are pale yellow and it has dark spots spread allover the outer-wings, leading to its nickname Brown-spotted Locust. It has three pairs of legs, the larger posterior pair with some spines, similar to the Bombay Locust (fig.). It feeds on cotton and corn leaves and is hence considered a potential pest. In Thai, it is known as takkataen saitahkhaentahkris (ตั๊กแตนไซตาแคนตาคริส), a transliteration of this creature's designation in Latin, as well as by the name takkataen faai (ตั๊กแตนฝ้าย), which means ‘cotton grasshopper’. 回

Tat Bunnag (ทัต บุนนาค)

Thai. Name at birth of Somdet Chao Phraya Borom Maha Phichaiyaht (fig.). Also transliterated That Boonnaak, or similar. See also Bunnag. 回

Tathagata (तथागत)

Sanskrit word meaning a buddha or Buddha. In Thai Tatakot. 回

Tatmadaw (တပ်မ​တော်)
Burmese. ‘Armed Forces’. The official name of the military apparatus of Myanmar under command of the  Ministry of Defence. It is  composed of the Army, the Navy and the Air Force, whilst auxiliary forces include —though are not limited to— the Myanmar Police Force (fig.). 回

tat molih (ตัดโมฬี)

Thai. ‘Cutting the hair tuft’. In religious context the term refers to prince Siddhartha who cut his hair after the Great Departure, thus giving up his secular life to start his spiritual existence. See also Pittih Kohnjuk. 回

tattoo

See sak. 回

Taungmagyi (တောင်မကြီး)

Burmese. ‘Lord of the South’. Name of a spirit that belongs to the official pantheon of 37 nats worshipped in Myanmar. During his life, he was known as Shin Nyo, brother of Shin Byu, who later became the nat Maung Minshin. Both brothers served under King Duttabaung of Prome. According to legend, the king became so fearful of the brothers' strength that he forced them to fight each other, to death. They are the sons of Maung Tint De, the extremely strong son of a blacksmith, who was burned to death by the King of Tagaung for similar —yet unfounded— fears that he might usurp the throne, and after his death became the gold-faced spirit Min Mahagiri (fig.). According to another version the brothers are described as the sons of Naga Medaw (fig.). See also LIST OF BURMESE NATS. 回

Taung Min Gyi (တောင်မင်းကြီး)

Burmese. ‘Southern Minister’. Name of a Buddhist temple located on the west bank of Taungthaman Lake in Amarapura. READ ON. 回

Taungoo (တောင်ငူ)

Burmese. Name of a former vassal state of the Ava Kingdom, that grew in importance and produced a dynasty of the same name, which rulers −especially the Kings Bayinnaung (fig.) and his predecessor Tabinshwehti− with military campaigns succeeded in unifying Burma and integrating many other former sovereign kingdoms and states into the Taungoo Empire, and thus came to rule the largest empire in the history of Southeast Asia, even exceeding the size of the earlier Khmer Empire and including much of modern-day Burma, the Chinese Shan States, the northeastern Indian State of Manipur, Lan Xang (Laos), Lan Na and Siam (both part of present-day Thailand). Also transliterated Toungoo. 回

Taungoo Mingaung (တောင်ငူမင်းခေါင်)

Burmese. ‘Minkhaung of Taungoo’. One of 37 nats that belong to the official pantheon of spirits worshipped in Myanmar. In life, he is by some believed to be Minkhaung II, twice viceroy of Taungoo between 1549 and 1584 AD, and a younger brother of King Bayinnaung (fig.). However, Minkhaung II died of natural causes, according to one report from dysentery or, though reported yet less likely, from a strong smell of onions coming from an onion field he was passing by on his quest to find a cure for his illness. But, since one of the main criteria for being inducted into the pantheon of the 37 nats usually includes a violent dead, many belief that this nat in life was actually Minkhaung I, the viceroy of Taungoo from 1446 to 1451 AD, who was brutally assassinated, i.e. hacked to death by a sword. See also LIST OF BURMESE NATS. 回

Taungthu (တောင်သူ)

1. Burmese. Another name for the people of the Pa-oh ethnic group (fig.) in Myanmar. Also transcribed Taundhu. 回

2. Burmese term for cultivators of agricultural crops other than paddy. Also transcribed taundhu. See also Taungthugyi Min. 回

Taungthugyi Min (တောင်သူကြီးမင်း)

Burmese. ‘Cucumber King’ or ‘Farmer King’. Another name for the 10th Century Bagan King Nyaung-u Sawrahan. According to legend, King Nyaung-u Sawrahan usurped the throne from King Theinhko. Once a farmer, Nyaung-u Sawrahan killed Theinhko when he stole a cucumber from his field, after which Nyaung-u Sawrahan was accepted as the new King by the Queen, supposedly in order to prevent unrest in the kingdom. See also Taungthu. 回

Tavatimsa

Pali. The heaven of 33 gods presided over by Indra. It's a place on the summit of the mythical Mt. Meru and one of the heavens that can be reached by accumulated merit. The Buddha spent one rainy season there preaching to his mother who had died shortly after his birth. The Buddha descending from Tavatimse heaven is often portrayed in Southeast Asian art and was the starting point for the creation of the walking Buddha image that originated in Sukhothai. This heaven is said to house Chulamanie, a stupa containing hair from the Buddha, which is worshipped by Buddhists during certain nights by releasing kohm loy, i.e. paper lanterns, into the sky as offerings (fig.). A tower-like structure in Lay Myat Nar Phaya (fig.) depicts the Buddha's descent from the Tavatimsa Heaven. In Thai called Dawadeung. See also Apsara. 回

tawaai (ถวาย)

Thai. ‘To present, to dedicate’. Term used when the receiver is a prince or monk, as in tawaai phra traipidok. If the recipient is a king, the correct term is toonklaw tawaai or nomklaw tawaai. 回

tawaai naet (ถวายเนตร)

See paang tawaai naet. 回

tawaai phra traipidok (ถวายพระไตรปิฎก)

Thai. To present (tawaai) a volume of the Tripitaka (traipidok) to a monk, as a form of tamboon. 回

Tawagu Phaya (တဝဂူဘုရား)

Burmese. Name of a small group of freestanding stupas located in a grove in the field just behind Bagaya Kyaung (fig.) in Inwa. The main stupa in the centre is a gu-like, that is cave-style edifice, reminiscent of the Thai mondop. It houses a Buddha image seated in the full lotus position and with a bhumisparsa mudra. See also TRAVEL PICTURES (1) and (2), and MAP. 回

tawak (ตวัก)

Thai. A ladle made of coconut shell and wood. Its handle is made of wood and attached to the coconut shell scoop or bowl whickered by a piece of rattan. It somewhat resembles a wooden spoon. There are generally three types of ladle, that is one with a shallow bowl, one with a slightly deeper bowl and one with a very deep bowl. Also called krajah or jah, in southern Thailand it is called jawak or wak, and in the North phaak. See also krabuay. 回

tawed (เตว็ด)

Thai. ‘Figure’. Another word for jawed. 回

Tawny Coster

Common name of a butterfly (fig.), with the scientific designations Acraea terpsicore and Acraea violae. In Thai, it is known as phi seua non nahm kathokrok (ผีเสื้อหนอนหนามกะทกรก), which translates as ‘thorny butterfly passiflora caterpillar’, a name that refers to the leaves of the Passiflora foetida, which the larvae of this butterfly, which are reddish-brown with fine black spines, prefer to feed on. The upperside of the male butterfly is tawny, with transverse black spot on the forewings and a black apex and termen. The hindwings also have some black spots and black border, with pale, almost white spots. The underside is similar to the upperside, but paler, and females are similar to males, but duller. In both sexes, the antennae are black, the head and thorax black with pale brownish-yellow and white spots, and the abdomen is black near the front and orangey at the back, with narrow transverse black lines. On the head there is also has an orangey epistome. 回

Taxila (तक्षशिला)

Sanskrit. The ancient capital city of the Gandhara civilization and a former Buddhist centre of learning, which developed the Gandhara style, an Indian art form in which Buddha images have realistic features and draped attire. Today, Taxila is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in present-day Pakistan. See also POSTAGE STAMP. 回

Tay (Tày)

Vietnamese. With an estimated 1.5 million members, the second largest ethnic group in Vietnam, after the majority of Viet people. Most members live in the hills and valleys of northern Vietnam and are self-supporting agriculturalists. They typically inhabit small villages of  a dozen or so households, usually located at the feet of mountains, where they cultivate the fertile plains, planting rice and other crops, such as corn and sweet potatoes. Most Tay abide by animism and ancestor worship. They speak Tai and are are closely related to the Nung, and the Zhuang (fig.) in China. In China, the Tay are known as Dai Yi (岱依) and are, together with the Nung, classified as members of the Zhuang. 回

tazaung (ဆောင်)

Burmese. ‘Room’ or ‘chamber’. Name of small pavilions, located within Buddhist temple complexes or palaces in Burma. There are different types with different functions, with some being similar to the Thai sala, while others are more reminiscent of a mondop, or may serve as the temple's belfry, or as a building that connects two main halls in a monastery or a palace. They usually have pyatthat-like rooftops. Also hsaung. 回

Tazaung Daing (တန်ဆောင်တိုင်)

Burmese. ‘Leading Light Pillar’ or ‘Leading Light Post’. Name of a festival in Myanmar, similar to Loi Krathong in Thailand, and celebrated during the full moon day of the eight lunar month of the Burmese calendar called Tazaungmon, which is usually in November. In English, the event is referred to as the Festival of Lights or Balloon Festival, as hot air balloons lit with candles, similar to the Thai kohm loy floating lanterns (fig.), are released and monk's robes weaving competitions are held. The festival marks the end of the rainy season, as well as the end of the kathin season, during which monks are offered new robes and alms. Whereas the hot-air balloons date back to the late 19th century, when the British first held hot air balloon competitions, the origin of the robe weaving competition goes back to Maha Maya, the mother of the Buddha, whom after her death was reborn in Tavatimsa heaven. It is believed that when the Buddha went there to preach to his mother during the rainy season, she near the end of his visit spent the entire night weaving a monk's robe for him. Gautami, the sister of Siddhartha's mother, who became his guardian after Maha Maya died, continued this tradition and began offering new robes annually, thus initiating the tradition of thod kathin. Also spelled Tazaungdine. 回

tea

See cha. 回

tea brick

Dried tea which is pressed into an easily transportable and storable block, in the past usually square in shape, though in our time the dried tea may be pressed into chunks of any form, sometimes even decorative, as a souvenir or a novelty item, such as the form of Chinese gold ingots (fig.) or ancient Chinese coins (fig.) called fang kong qian (fig.), perhaps to indicate that they in the past were also used as a form of currency, though most commonly they are nowadays disc-shaped. Also referred to as compressed tea. See also cha. 回

tea ceremony

A ritualized form of making, serving and drinking tea. Though these rituals can be found in many countries with a tea culture worldwide, they are practiced typically by people from nations such as China, Korea and Japan. The Chinese tea ceremony, which is locally called cha yi (茶仪), includes certain gestures, e.g. the server will lift the teapot high-up three consecutive times while pouring the hot water on the dried tea leaves, whilst the drinker will tick with his index and middle fingers together on the surface of the table to express his recognition, yet without saying a word. When pouring ready-to-drink tea from a pot, rather than just hot water on tea leaves, often an additional cylindrical cup is used, in which the tea is poured first. Afterward, the tea is poured from the cylindrical cup into the drinking cup and the cylindrical cup is held under the nostrils to absorb the aroma before dinking the tea. Chinese people always use tea to welcome guests in their home, filling a cup of tea for only seven-tenths of its capacity, believing that the other thirty percent will be filled with friendship and affection, in line with Confucius' wisdom: ‘behave toward everyone as if receiving a great guest’. See also Chinese tea house and Lu Yu. 回

tea egg

A chicken's egg boiled until hard and then simmered in black tea, which is mixed with various spices, such as ground cinnamon, star anise (fig.), fennel seeds, cloves and Szechuan peppercorns, and soy sauce. To allow the fragrance and flavours of the tea and spices to penetrate the hard-boiled egg, the shell is gently cracked all around, which produces marbling that becomes visible when the egg is peeled (fig.). In Chinese tea eggs are known as chayedan, i.e. ‘tea-leaves eggs’. 回

tea house

See Chinese tea house. 回

teak

Name for a deciduous tree with the botanical name Tectona grandis. It is recognizable from its large rough leaves (fig.), and the dull coloured flowers and seeds that sit on the sides and rise above the canopy. The leaves resemble those of the ton phluang (fig.), but they have a rough surface instead of a smooth one. When squeezed, they release a dark red sap (fig.), which some hill tribe women reportedly use to colour their lips as a natural alternative to cosmetic lipstick. According to some sources, teak is the tree under which Siddhartha was born (fig.) and of which Maha Maya holds a branch standing during the delivery, a scene often depicted in art (fig.). Other sources however state that Maha Maya reached out to pick a flower of the Ashoka blossom when the prince was born. Besides this, the tree is famed for its use as tropical hardwood (fig.), which is sometimes called djatiwood and in Thai known as mai sak. Logging, usually with the aid of elephants (fig.), is nowadays strictly regulated, and while trees are cut at a much youmger age as in the past, for every tree cut a new one must be replanted. However, there is reportedly still a lot of illegal logging going on by poachers, who during transportation of the logs habitually use forged documents to support their claims that the logs have been imported from neighbouring Myanmar. Due to its hard qualities it is used for furniture, as well as for carving art (fig.), especially for making very detailed reliefs (fig.). Nowadays, the thick logs from the past have now become rather rare. The tree itself is in Thai called ton mai sak. 回

teak tree

In Thai ton mai sak. See teak. 回

teakwood

In Thai mai sak. See teak. 回

tears grass

See deuay. 回

Temiya (เตมีย์)

Thai-Pali. Name of the bodhisatta in one of the jataka stories, when he was born as the son of Queen Chanda Devi, the wife of the king of Kashi, i.e. Varanasi. READ ON. 回

Temminck's Tragopan

Common name for a medium-sized pheasant, with the scientific name Tragopan temminckii. Adult males are crimson, with grey-edged, white ocelli-like spots below and black-edged, white spots above. They have a brown tail, barred with chestnut and a grey tip, a dark bill with some faded yellowish patches, and pinkish-orange legs. The neck, breast and hind-crown are dark orange, whilst the forehead and ear-coverts are black. They have bare blue facial skin, and an inflatable dark-blue lappet on the throat, as well as inflatable, horn-like appendixes over the eyes. These features stand at the origin of its Chinese name, i.e. hong fu jiao zhi (红腹角雉), which translates as ‘red-bellied horned pheasant’. Adult females are brown, with white spots, and a bare blue eyering. This bird is widespread in northern India, China and some northern areas of Southeast Asia, such as Northwest Vietnam. 回

temple

See wat or araam. 回

Temple of Dawn

See Wat Arun. 回

Temple of Heaven

See Tian Tan. 回

Temple Plant

Another name for the Sacred Garlic Pear. 回

temple tree

Nickname for the frangipani tree, often grown in temples grounds. 回

temple drum

Large drum in temples and monasteries usually kept in the drum tower or ho klong (fig.). The most common is called klong aew. 回

Temple Of Literature

Name of a Confucian temple in Hanoi, in northern Vietnam, which was first built in the beginning of the 11th century AD. READ ON. 回

tengai (天蓋)

Japanese. Name of a beehive-shaped reed hood that fully covers the head and face and worn by the mendicant monks the Komuso sect of Zen Buddhism in Japan during the 17th to mid-19th century AD, in order to manifest the absence of specific ego. 回

teng lang (เต็งลั้ง, 灯龙)

Thai-Chinese term for any type of Chinese lantern. It derives from tung long (เติงหลง, 灯笼), which literally translates as ‘caged lamp’ or ‘light basket’, and since it is often red in colour, it may also be referred to as hong tung long (หงเติงหลง, 红灯笼), which means ‘red lantern’ and which is a symbol of good fortune (fig.). See also THEMATIC STREET LIGHT (1), (2), (3), (4) and (5). 回

Ten Judicious Kings of Hell

According to popular Taoist beliefs influenced by Buddhist karma, the Ten Judicious Kings of Hell (fig.), who come up against the Ten Celestial Judges, are responsible for the judgement of the soul after death by examining the deeds of the newly-deceased, in order to dispense punishments for evil acts and rewards for good deeds, and accordingly give them a reincarnation in a fit form. The concept comes from the apocryphal Sutra of the Ten Kings, which describes the ten spheres through which a soul must pass on its way to rebirth. It was believed that each sphere was presided over by a king and hence hell is made up of ten courts. They are also called the Ten Kings of Hell (Diyu - fig.) or the Ten Yama Kings and are sometimes depicted in the presence of Ksitigarbha (fig.), the bodhisattva of hell beings, who is regarded as having powers to rescue souls from undesirable forms of rebirth. In Vietnam, they are known as Thap Dien Diem Vuong (Thập Điện Diêm Vương), and statues of the judges are often found in pagodas, as funeral rites for the saving of the souls of the deceased were once closely linked with Buddhist rituals. 回

ten kam ram khiyaw (เต้นกำรำเคียว)

Thai. ‘Sheaves and sickle dance’. A Thai folk dance in which the participants dance while holding a sheaf (kam) of rice in one hand and a serrated sickle (kiyaw - fig.) in the other. See also POSTAGE STAMP. 回

Ten Principal Disciples

Monks and the main disciples of the historical Sakyamuni Buddha. Depending on the source, the disciples included in this group vary, and according to the Vimalakirti Sutra the members are: Sariputta (fig.), founder of the Abhidhamma tradition; Mogallana (fig.), the disciple who was the most accomplished in supernatural powers; Maha Kassapa or Kasyapa (fig.), the monk that succeeded the Buddha as leader of the Sangha; Ananda (fig.), a cousin of Siddhartha Gautama and chief disciple; Rahula (fig.), the only son of Prince Siddhartha and Princess Yashodhara; Upali (fig.), a top master of the Vinaya, which in the First Buddhist Council after the Buddha's death was compiled based on his memory; Anuruddha Thera (fig.), a cousin to Prince Siddhartha who frequently appears in the Jataka (fig.) and who is described as an affectionate and loyal disciple of the Buddha and a master of clairvoyance; Maha Katyayana (fig.), who is known in Thai as Phra Sangkatjaai (fig.) and whom the Buddha praised for his excellence in explaining the Dhamma; Purna (fig.), the greatest teacher of the Dhamma; and Subhuti (fig.), who had a deep understanding of the potency of Emptiness. Large marble images of the Ten Principal Disciples are on display at Chua Linh Ung (fig.), a Buddhist pagoda in Da Nang in central Vietnam. 回

termite

Name of a small subtropical or tropical antlike, social insect of the genus Isoptera, of which there are an estimated 4,000 species. They are sometimes referred to as white ants and in Thai called pluak (ปลวก). The genus has several families, the three main ones, which are economically the most significant as pests, being Kalotermitidae, Rhinotermitidae and Termitidae, with the latter including the subfamily Macrotermes. In Southeast Asia alone there are about 270 species, with around 90 of them living in Thailand. Eleven of those are economically significant as pests and are divided into two main categories, i.e. dry wood termites and subteranean termites, in Thai known as pluak mai haeng (ปลวกไม้แห้ง) and pluak tai din (ปลวกใต้ดิน), respectively. In Thailand, about 95% of all economic damage is caused by two species belonging to the last group, i.e. the rubber termite or Asian subterranean termite (Coptotermes gestroi) and the Mound-Building Subterranean Termite (Globitermes sulphureus), which in Thai are known as pluak yahng phara (ปลวกยางพารา) or ‘rubber tree termite’ and pluak tih sahng jom pluak (ปลวกที่สร้างจอมปลวก), respectively. Termites live in large colonies, often inside a termite mound (fig.). Physically, termites differ from ants by three main features: 1. termites' antennae are straight and look like a very fine string of pearls, whereas those of ants are elbow antennae, i.e. bent in an angle; 2. the termite's waist is broader than that of ants; 3. in alates, i.e. winged adults, the termite's wings are equally long and shaped the same, whereas those of ants are not the same size nor shape. See also mot. See also WILDLIFE PICTURES. 回

termite mound

Name of a sculptured, cone-shaped, hard earth mound, home to a small tropical antlike social insect called termite (fig.). Termite mounds  can be small or tall, and the outer form can be rather simple, with a smooth rounded shape, to quite complex, wavy structures (fig.), which increases the surface area and thermal mass, providing a cooling system during the day, as well as a heating system at night, by flattening out the daily temperature fluctuations, since the thermal mass will absorb thermal energy when the surroundings are higher in temperature than the mass, and give thermal energy back when the surroundings are cooler. Besides this, there is a complex system of labyrinth-like tunnels and cavities inside a termite mound. Cool wind is drawn into the base of the mound via channels and its coldness is stored using wet soil. As the air warms during the day, it flows upwards and out of the mound via vents. This gives the mound the ability to keep a stable temperature throughout. Termites live in large colonies and do not feed on wood as is commonly believed but on fungus, as they lack enzymes in their intestines to break down wood cellulose. Inside the termite mound, there are several chambers, including a nest chamber and humid food chambers used to cultivate fungus. These fungus gardens are supplied with wood fiber, hence the confusion with regard to their nourishment. Termites are heavily preyed upon by other insects, reptiles, birds and even larger mammals, such as the pangolin and some bears. Worker termites build and maintain the chambers as well as a labyrinth of tunnels leading to them. Soldier termites have the important task of defending the termite mound from enemies and for that reason have enlarged jaws. Unlike ants termite workers may be of either sex, but only one male and female in the entire colony reproduce: the queen with her distended abdomen produces eggs and the king fertilizes them. At certain times, often at sundown during the rainy season, the nest will send out large swarms (fig.) of winged offspring (fig.) to establish new colonies. In popular Thai speech, these winged termites are called maeng mao (fig.), meaning ‘drunken insects’, since they seem to be completely disorientated and once they have dropped on the floor, they act even more so, going around in circles, as if they are drunk. Although the majority of them will die, it takes only one male and one female to become the king and queen of a new colony. In Hinduism, termites and ants are considered divine beings and are believed to be the first beings ever created. As such, they are the subjects of a number of myths, especially in connection with procreation. In traditional folklore they play an essential role in the creation process. Some say the world was created from their excreta, whilst others believe that the first humans were made from the clay of termite mounds. In India, it is also widely believed that rainbows originate from termite mounds or anthills. In addition, termite mounds and anthills are the haunt of snakes, which are inextricably connected with the cult and myths of the naga. Also known as termitaria and in Thai called jom pluak (จอมปลวก). 回

terracotta

Italian. ‘Baked earth’. Hard orange to brown clay, used in architectural decorations, sculpturing and pottery. It is made into unglazed, usually brownish-red earthenware, including statuettes. Famous places where terracotta is produced, include Koh Kred or Ko Kret (เกาะเกร็ด) in Nonthaburi, Dan Kwian (ด่านเกวียน) in Nakhon Ratchasima, and Ban Thung Luang (บ้านทุ่งหลวง) in Sukhothai. Sometimes spelled terra-cotta. WATCH VIDEO. 回

Terracotta Army

See Terracotta Warriors. 回

Terracotta Garden

Name of a traditional theme park in the northen Thai province of Lamphun which features a number of lifesized Khmer-style monuments, art and architecture, much of it in reddish sandstone and terracotta. In Thai, this location is known by the name Suan Mai Thai Ban Pho Liang Meun (สวนไม้ไทยบ้านพ่อเลี้ยงหมื่น), which translates as the ‘Wooden Garden of Stepfather Meun's Thai House’. 回

Terracotta Warriors

Name for a collection of about 8,000, life-sized, terracotta funerary statues (fig.), that were excavated near the mausoleum of Qin Shi Huang Ti, the first emperor of the Qin Dynasty and the founder of China. The terracotta sculptures allegedly represent exact replicas of the then soldiers and servants of the aforementioned emperor, and beside warriors, such as archers, cavalrymen and infantrymen, the collection also includes horses, chariots and charioteers, as well as officials, acrobats, strongmen and musicians. Each statue is said to be unique, varying in aspect, height, uniform and hairstyle, in accordance with the model's function, rank and military unit. The Terracotta Warriors were discovered by accident in 1974, in the district of Lintong, about 40 kilometers East of the city of Xi'an. Today, the Terracotta Warriors have become one of China's prime tourist attractions, and copies of the terracotta army's soldiers and chariots (fig.) can be found all over China, as well as abroad, such as in Thailand's Anek Kuson Sala (fig.). Construction of the tomb, with 35 square miles the largest in China (i.e. 500 times bigger than any other tomb excavated in the nation), was started as soon as emperor Qin ascended the throne and is said to have lasted 37 years, hence it continued even after his death. At one point some 710,000 people worked on it. So far, no one has been able to find the entrance to the tomb where the emperor is buried. See MAP. 回

tessen (鉄扇)

Japanese. ‘Iron fan’. Name for a war fan, a folding fan with outer spokes made of iron and used in oriental warfare, originally from Japan. The fan was designed to look like a normal, harmless folding fan, so it could be taken to places where swords or other weapons were not allowed. The war fan was used as a throwing weapon or for fending off arrows, kung-fu stars and darts, and even as an aid in swimming. Some tessen were solid clubs shaped to look like a closed fan. A certain style of tai chi chuan using a fan (fig.) is derived from the use of war fans. In Chinese, it is called tie shan and in Thai pad lek. 回

tetrahedron (τετράεδρον)

Greek term for a building with four gable ends. See also jaturamuk. 回

teuk chang (ตึกช้าง)

Thai for ‘Elephant Building’. 回

teuk hun yon (ตึกหุ่นยนต์)

Thai for ‘Robot Building’. 回

tha (ถะ)

Thai name for a Chinese-style pagoda (fig.). 回

tha (ท่า)

1. Thai. ‘Pose’ or ‘posture’, a term typically used for poses in dance. It is similar to pahng, but the latter is more frequently used to indicate the attitude, position, pose or style of a Buddha image or other statues. 回

2. Thai. ‘Wharf’ or ‘port’. 回

thaan (ถ่าน)

Thai. ‘Charcoal’. Burnt wood used as a fuel. Charcoal is produced by removing fluid from wood by means of heating it in the absence of oxygen. The process of carbonizing the wood therefore takes place in a oven underneath the ground and takes several hours. Charcoal is mainly used by street vendors using a small charcoal brazier called tao tahn (fig.) for cooking food on (fig.), and in foundries. In Myanmar, bamboo charcoal is used for cooking rice, i.e. added to the water, as it is said to absorb chlorine, bad odor and toxic substances from it. Typically, unindustrialized charcoal is always packaged in the same manner in most, if not all places across mainland Southeast Asia, i.e. in large woven polypropylene bags, generally left open at the top yet laced with plastic cord, i.e. tied in an open web-like pattern. The legendary creature Sih Hoo Hah Tah (fig.) eats red-hot charcoal which it defecates as pure gold (fig.). Also transcribed tahn. 回

thaan tawan (ทานตะวัน)

Thai for ‘sunflower’. A kind of annual flowering plant, with a large flower head and the botanical name Helianthus annuus. It is produced commercially, in Thailand especially in the provinces of Saraburi and Lopburi, with the latter celebrating an annual Sunflower Blooming Festival in December (map - fig.). Its seeds are edible and roasted they are a popular Thai snack, while the roots of the species Helianthus tuberosus, which are known in Thai as kaen tawan, are also edible (fig.). There are several cultivars. See also POSTAGE STAMP (1), (2) and (3). 回

thaat (ธาตุ)

See that. 回

3. Thai name for a Chinese goddess, who is fully known as Chao Mae Thabthim (fig.). 回

Tha Byae Tan (သပြေသန်း)

Burmese. Name of a fortress, located at the east bank of the Irrawaddy River (fig.), near the old Ava bridge (fig.) or southern bridge to Sagaing, southwest of Mandalay and just north of the mouth of the Myit Nge River near Inwa. It was built under King Mindon Min (fig.) between 1874 and 1878 AD in order to protect the Mandalay capital against the British during the Third Anglo-Burmese War, as one of three forts, the others being Asaykhan Fortress (fig.) and Sin Kyone Fortress (fig.). Also transliterated Thabyedan. See MAP. 回

Tha Chang Wang Luang (ท่าช้างวังหลวง)

Thai. ‘Main Palace Elephant Wharf’. Location at the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok, near the old city gate at the Grand Palace, where in the reign of Rama I, the royal palace elephants were taken to bathe. When in 1808,  the Phra Sri Sakyamuni Buddha image (fig.) from Sukhothai was transported to Bangkok by raft, in order to be installed at Wat Suthat (fig.), a wharf was built at the location to unload the Buddha image. However, the large image could not pass through the city gate, which was consequently demolished and a new one was built afterward, which was named Pratu Tha Phra (ประตูท่าพระ), i.e. ‘Buddha Wharf Gate’ or ‘Buddha Port Gate’ and the wharf is since then referred to as Tha Phra, i.e. ‘Buddha Wharf’ or ‘Buddha Port’. Today, it is still a boat landing from where ferries cross the river and which is by local residents unofficially still called Tha Chang, i.e. ‘Elephant Wharf’. 回

Tha Chin (ท่าจีน)

Thai. ‘Chinese Seaport’. Name of a river in central Thailand, that flows through the Central Plains. It is a distributary of the Chao Phraya River, that branches off near the province of Chainat and then flows southward, more or less parallel to the Chao Phraya, but to its West, until it empties into the Gulf of Thailand at the province of Samut Sakon. The Tha Chin River is an important source for local distribution of tap water. Only near its mouth at Samut Sakhon is the river called Tha Chin, i.e. the old name of Samut Sakon, because in the past, it had been a trading port dealing with a vast number of Chinese junks. However, along its flow, the river is known by a variety of regional names: after it splits from Chao Phraya River at Chainat, it is called Makhaam Thao River; near Suphanburi it is known as the Suphan River; and near Nakhon Pathom it is referred to as the Nakhon Chai Sri River. Tha Chin is also transliterated Tachin and is pronounced Thah Jihn. See MAP. 回

Thadingyut (တင်းကျွတ်)

Burmese. ‘The End of Buddhist Lent’. Name of a lunar month in Myanmar, which coincides with the end of the Buddhist Lent, i.e. the three-month annual retreat observed by Theravada Buddhists known in Pali as Vassa and locally as Wa or Thadin, whereas the end of it is known as Watwin or Thadin Gyut (Kyut), literally ‘The Top of Buddhist Lent’, and is akin to the Thai period of owk pansa. On the full moon day of this month, usually somewhere in September/October, the Lighting Festival is held, which commemorates the Buddha's descent from Tavatimsa Heaven after having preached the Abhidhamma there to his mother Maha Maya during the rainy season. Thadingyut Festival is known in full as Thadin Gyut Pwe Taw, i.e. the ‘Week of the Fall Festival’, and considered the second most popular festival in Myanmar, after Thingyan, i.e. the New Year Water Festival. 回

Thadin Gyut Pwe Taw (သီတင်းကျွတ်ပွဲတော်)

Burmese. ‘The End of Buddhist Lent Festival’. Full name for the Thadingyut Festival. See also pwe taw and pwe. 回

Thadominbya (သတိုးမင်းဖျား)

Burmese. Name of a Shan King, who was born on 7 December 1345 as the son of Princess Soe Min Kodawgyi of Sagaing (fig.) and Viceroy Thado Hsinhtein of Tagaung, and thus a grandson of King Saw Yun (fig.), the founder of the Sagaing Kingdom. In 1365 AD, he founded Ava and reigned it from 26 February 1365 to ca. 3 September 1367 AD, when he passed away, aged 21. In his 3+ years of reign, he laid the foundation for the reunification of central Burma and took on corrupt clergy. See also TRAVEL PICTURES. 回

thaen (แท่น)

Thai. Base, pedestal or altar. See also tahn. 回

Thaen Khwan (แทนขวัญ)

Thai. Name for a species of water lily, with the botanical name Nymphaea tan khwan and commonly as the Tan-khwan Water Lily. READ ON. 回

Thaen Phong (แทนพงศ์)

Thai. Name for a species of water lily, with the botanical name Nymphaea tanpong and commonly as the Tanpong Water Lily. This free-blooming hardy water lily originates from Thailand and blooms all year round. It is a hybrid of the Mayla and the Madam Ville Frongoniere, and was bred by Pairatana Pongpanich of the Department of Agriculture. The flower bud tapers towards the top end and bulges in the middle, whilst the tip of the petals is pointed. The petals are white and red, whilst the layers of petals are specially dense, with more than 45 petals. This water lily is depicted on a Thai postage stamp issued in 2008 (fig.). 回

Thagyamin (သိကြားမင်း)

Burmese. ‘King Thagya’ or ‘Lord Thagya’. Name of the nat who is the appointed leader of all other nats, i.e. nature spirits or spirits from mythology (fig.), especially the spirits of those who met a violent and unjust death, and of which there is a pantheon 37 in total, although Thagyamin himself has not suffered a sudden and violent death. He was designated their leader by King Anawrahta in the 11th century, in an effort to merge the existing practices of animism with those of Theravada Buddhism. Thagyamin is said to rule over the deva plane of existence and is often depicted holding a conch in both hands, or a conch in one hand and a yak-tail's fly-whisk in the other. Sometimes he is represented standing on a three-headed White Elephant, similar to Erawan, the mount of the Hindu god Indra, with whom he is identified. In Buddhism, he is associated with Shakra. Sometimes transcribed Thagya Min and also called Thagya nat. See also LIST OF BURMESE NATS. 回

thahaan sarawat (ทหารสารวัด)

Thai for ‘military policeman’. See also Sarawat Thahaan. 回

Thahng Chang Pheuak (ทางช้างเผือก)

Thai. ‘Path of the White Elephant’. Thai name for the Milky Way. 回

thahng deun jong krom (ทางเดินจงกรม)

Thai term for a meditation path, a lane that is typically about 1 meter wide and 15 meters long, with the entire floor leveled so that one can walk easily without having to worry about any obstacles, oftentimes fashioned as a kind of elongated sandbox and used by Buddhist monks to walk whilst meditating, a practice done barefooted and known in Thai as deun jong krom (เดินจงกรม), literally ‘to walk being mindful’. The meditation path is usually covered with a roof and as such somewhat resembles an elongated sala-like edifice. At one end it typically has a large thian pansa, i.e. a large Buddhist candle (fig.). WATCH VIDEO (1) and (2). 回

Thahng Rot Fai Mareutayu (ทางรถไฟมฤตยู)

Thai for Death Railway. 回

Thai (Thái, ไท)

Vietnamese-Thai. Name of an ethnic minority group in mainland Southeast Asia, not to be confused with the present-day people of the Thai race, who inhabit Thailand. There are many subgroups. In Vietnam, the traditional attire of the women consists of a long-sleeved blouse or a short-sleeved shirt in pale blue, purple, white, red or pink colour, worn over a long black skirt, with a waistband is a bright colour (fig.). The short-sleeved shirt is trimmed with a black collar-like band with silver buttons or clips, whereas the long-sleeved blouse has no buttons, but is of one piece. The latter is typically covered with an embroidered cloth that is wrapped around the lower torso, and stretches from the breasts to navel. Also spelled Tai and sometimes Thay or Tay, of which the latter spelling is not to be confused with the other ethnic minority group in Vietnam. 回

Thai (ไทย)

1. The present-day people of the Thai race, formerly called Siamese, who inhabit Thailand. 回

2. Language spoken by the present-day people of Thailand. 回

Thai Air Force Museum

See Royal Thai Air Force Museum. 回

Thai Airways

Name of the national airline of Thailand. READ ON. 回

Thai Bank Museum

Museum founded by the Siam Commercial Bank, Thailand's first ever local bank (fig.), and located at its head office in Chatuchak District (fig.). The museum exhibits objects and information on the historical development of the Thai financial world and commercial business, which is strongly related to the bank's own history. In Thai, the museum is known as Phiphithaphan Thanakhaan Thai (พิพิธภัณฑ์ธนาคารไทย). See also Mahison Rachareuthay and Bank of Thailand Museum. See MAP. 回

Thai-Belgian Bridge

Flyover on Rama IV Road in Bangkok that crosses Witthayu Intersection near Lumphini Park. The viaduct originally stood on the largely residential Leopold II Boulevard in Brussels and was built to improve traffic during the 1958 World Fair. The elevated road connected the brand new ring road around central Brussels with the highway to the coastal city of Oostende. Though intended to be a temporary measure, the viaduct stayed for over 25 years. The viaduct was dismantled in 1984 and replaced with a 2,5 kilometer-long tunnel. The classic story is then that the dismantled bridge was shipped to Thailand and rebuilt in Bangkok, yet other sources state that the Thai-Belgian Bridge in Bangkok would have been made up of parts of another temporary bridge that was put up next to the Brussels viaduct during its demolition. In any case, Belgian engineers constructed Bangkok’s first of many flyovers as a gift from the Belgian government. See MAP. 回

Thai basil

Another name for a kind of basil, with the botanical name Ocimum basilicum var. thyrsiflora and known in Thai as hora-phaa. 回

Thai Black Tarantula

See beung. 回

Thai cabbage

See kalamplih. 回

Thai-Chinese Culture & Arts Exchange Centre

Organization that looks after the coordination of the cultural exchange relations between Thailand and China. It is located in Bangkok's Huay Khwang (ห้วยขวาง) District, opposite of the Chinese Culture Centre (fig.). In Thai, it is known as Soon Laek Plian Silapa Wattanatham Thai-Jihn (ศูนย์แลกเปลี่ยนศิลปวัฒนธรรมไทย-จีน). See MAP. 回

Thai Constitution

See Ratthathammanoon. 回

Thai Dragon Tree

Common epithet for an ornamental plant with the botanical binomial names Dracaena cochinchinensis and Dracaena loureiroi, the latter often misspelled as Dracaena loureiri. In Thai, it is known as chanpha (จันผา, จันทร์ผา). 回

Thai eggplant

See makheua proh. 回

Thai fisherman pants

See kaangkaeng le. 回

Thai Forest Tradition

Theravada Buddhist lineage of monasticism that focuses on kammataan, which started around 1900 AD with Phra Ajaan Man (fig.), who strived for a return the oldest form of Buddhism by concentrating on a strict observance of the Vinay, while teaching the actual practice of jhana, and the realization of nibbhana. His doctrine includes that virtue is a matter of the mind and that intention forms the essence of virtue, rather than the widely held belief that virtue is a matter of ritual and that good results are achieved by conducting the proper ritual. Practitioners of this form of monasticism that consists of wandering meditating monks typically dwell or are accommodated in so-called forest temples called wat pah. 回

Thai gold

Thai gold usually contains 96.5% gold, which is a bit over 23 karat. The remaining 3.5% are silver and bronze. Thai gold is measured in baht, a unit of weight that equals 15.244 grams for gold bars and ingots, and 15.16 grams for gold jewelry. Because pure gold, in Thai referred to as thong nopphakhun and thong kham neua kao, is considered too soft to make jewelry, a lower karat like 18k is recommended. The price of Thai gold is published daily by the government and every gold shop uses that price for selling their gold items on that particular day. Gold shops display the buying and selling prices on their windows. Thai gold is a popular item amongst the Chinese population during Chinese New Year (fig.) when the young traditionally buy gold to give to senior family members. Since 1982, a well-liked collectable among Thai-Chinese people are the popular Chinese gold panda coins (fig.), which are issued annually (fig.) by the People's Bank of China (fig.). See also Chinese gold ingot. 回

Thai Heritage Conservation Day

Since 1985, an annual event organized on 2 April, the birthday of Princess Sirinthon, to celebrate her efforts to preserve a variety of national heritages, such as culture, art, language, literature, history, archeology, architecture, music, and religion. Since 1988, this annual event is commemorated by issuing a set of postage stamps (see list). In Thai, Wan Anurak Moradok Thai. 回

Thai Human Imagery Museum

Museum in Nakhon Pathom with a permanent exhibition featuring life-size wax images of famous Thai and foreign personalities. READ ON. 回

Thai Khoo Fah (ไทยคู่ฟ้า)

1. Thai. ‘Thai Pair of the Sky’. Name of the Government House of Thailand, i.e. a building in Neo-Venetian Gothic style, that resembles the Palazzo Santa Sofia in Venice and since 1963 houses the offices of the Prime Minister and the cabinet ministers. It was built in 1923, in the reign of King Vajiravudh (fig.), and designed by the Italian architect Annibale Rigotti. It was initially referred to as Baan Norasingh and Teuk Kraison, i.e. ‘House Norasingh’ and ‘Kraison Building’, and served as the residence of General Chao Phraya Ram Rakhop (รามราฆพ), i.e. Momluang Feua Pheungboon Na Ayutthaya (เฟื้อ พึ่งบุญ ณ อยุธยา) and his family. When the general eventually moved, he sold the edifice to the government during the time when Phibun Songkram (fig.) was premier, to be used as a reception venue for foreign guests of the government, rejecting a bid from the Japanese government, who wanted to turn it into their Embassy. But at the time, the government lacked the necessary funds for the purchase, so the Royal Treasury was asked to step in and buy the property on their behalf, for the amount of 1 million baht. The office of the Prime Minister was given the care of the building, and had it renovated and modified with the help of the Italian sculptor Corrado Feroci (fig.). Though the government initially used it as a venue to entertain foreign guests of the government, from 1963 onward it is used as the Government House. When Sarit Thanarat/Dhanarajata was premier, he further purchased the land and mansions around the Government House, including the assets that belonged to the Royal Treasury in front of the Department of Highways, for nearly 57 million baht. Today, Thai Khoo Fah (fig.), is located on a 45,000 square meters plot of land near the Royal Turf Club in Bangkok (fig.). In 2012, the building was published on a postage stamp, to mark the 80th Anniversary of the Office of the Prime Minister (fig.). See MAP. 回

2. Thai. ‘Thai Double Sky’. Name of an Airbus A319 CJ, which purchase was approved by the former prime minister Thaksin Shinawat, to serve as the Office of the Prime Minister, and nicknamed the Thai Air Force One. After the coup of 2006, which ousted Thaksin Shinawat, the aircraft was transferred to the Royal Thai Air Force. It is currently used primarily to transport VIPs and as a reserve aircraft for members of the royal family. Its Thai name is the same as that of the Government House of Thailand, as it was meant to serve as its double in the sky. 回

Thailand

Thailand is a unified kingdom, previously known by the name Siam. It was officially established in 1238 AD, the traditional founding date. READ ON. 回

Thailand Balloon Festival

Annual event in Bangkok featuring balloon art, i.e. multiple party balloons that are made into sculptures. During the 4th Thailand Balloon Festival in June 2009, the main theme was creatures from Thai mythology, featuring multiple balloon sculptures of fabulous creatures (fig.), many of them inhabitants of Himaphan forest, including the most gigantic Hanuman in Asia (fig.). The happening, organized for the first time in 2006, should not to be confused with the Thailand International Balloon Festival, which features hot air balloons. In Thai, the Thailand Balloon Festival is called thetsakahn look pohng yak. 回

Thailand-Burma Railway

See Death Railway. 回

Thailand-Burma Railway Centre

The Thailand-Burma Railway Centre in Kanchanaburi is an interactive museum, as well as a research and information Centre dedicated to presenting the story of the Thailand-Burma Railway, which ran from Nong Pladuk in Thailand to Thanbuyuzayat in Burma and was built by the Imperial Japanese Army during WW II. The museum consists of eight galleries featuring: an introduction in view of a timeline; the different phases of planning; construction and logistics; a geography of the railway; the living conditions in the camps; medical aspects; a summary of the deaths; the end of the war; and what happened after the war. The museum has video and slide show displays and sixty panels describing the history of the Death Railway from its inception to the final scene of the line in 1947, in both Thai and English. The text is supported by artwork, (electronic) maps, scale models, a diorama (fig.), graphics, actual war time photographs and plans. The museum is situated just beside the Don Rak war cemetery, on which it offers a panoramic view from its coffee shop. See also the Hellfire Pass Memorial. See MAP and WATCH VIDEO. 回

Thailand Cultural Centre

Complex in Bangkok that promotes the culture and arts of Thailand, especially the performing arts, such as khon. For this purpose, the venue has several auditoria and an outdoor amphitheater. It also features a cultural library and several permanent exhibition on Thai life and culture, including a collection of khon masks. The Thailand Cultural Centre was built with a grant from Japan and in tribute features a Japanese pavilion and Japanese-style garden (fig.), as well as a Thai pavilion, which is built over a pond and houses a Buddha image. The foundation stone was laid on 1 April 1983 by Princess Sirinthon and the venue was inaugurated on 9 October 1987 by King Bhumiphon. The Thailand Cultural Centre is located in Huay Khwang (ห้วยขวาง) District, adjacent to the Chinese Culture Centre (fig.), and is built on a plot of land measuring 22 rai, 2 ngan and 83 wah, donated by Mr. Phairoht (ไพโรจน์) and Mrs. Thipawan Jirachanahnon (ทิพย์วรรณ จิรชนานนท์). The centre is under the supervision of the Fine Arts Department and is also referred to as Thailand Culture Centre. In Thai, it is known as Soon Wattanatham Haeng Prathet Thai (ศูนย์วัฒนธรรมแห่งประเทศไทย). See MAP. 回

Thailand Earth Observation Systems Satellite

Name of the first satellite in Southeast Asia, that is used for natural resource exploration in Thailand and which is operated by the Thailand's national space agency, i.e. Geo-Informatics & Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA), in cooperation with EASD Astrium SAS in France, who developed the satellite. The project is funded by the Thai Ministry of Science and Technology and stems from the cooperation between the French and Thai governments. It is also referred to by its abbreviated name, i.e. THEOS, which is Greek for ‘God’. The satellite was launched into orbit on 1 October 2008 from Dombarovsky Air Base near Yasny in Russia, using a Dnepr carrier rocket of the International Space Company Kosmotras. The satellite has an orbital inclination of 98.78° and orbits earth every 101.4 minutes. See also POSTAGE STAMP. 回

Thailand Post

See Praisanih Thai. 回

Thailand Tobacco Monopoly

Thai state enterprise, that ‒until the signing of the ASEAN Free Trade Area agreement in 1992‒ had a monopoly over the manufacturing and distribution of tobacco products in Thailand. READ ON. 回

Thai Labour Museum

Museum on the evolution of Thai labour, from the time that slavery still existed up to the present. It is located in Bangkok's Makkasan district, in a building that was first used as the office of the Railway Police and later as office of the Labour Union, from where it conducted its operations. In front of the museum a monument is erected to celebrate the dignity of labour, which consists of a sculpture of a man and a woman pushing a large mechanical wheel forwards, symbolizing the (cog-)wheel of (labour) history (fig.). Inside the museum, murals depict the history of the evolution of Thai labour, and displays objects from the past, such as a Chinese rickshaw, an important vehicle of the past. A former police cell, which still has metal bars, has been adapted as a library with the works of prof. Nikhom Chantharawituhm (ศ. นิคม จันทรวิทูร), the foremost expert on Thai labour. The exhibition is divided into six themes, i.e. 1. forced labour as the foundation of the ancient society; 2. labour during the time of the reformation of the country; 3. the sorrows of the labourer; 4. labour and democracy; 5. from the dark age to the golden age; and 6. Thai labour today. See MAP. 回

Thai Lu (ไทลื้อ, ไตลื้อ)

Ethnic minority group and a subgroup of the Tai, who migrated some 200 years ago from China's Xishuangbanna to Thailand and mainly settled in the provinces of Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Phayao, and Nan. Their religion is similar to Thai Theravada Buddhism. In Nan, they have influenced Buddhist architecture and a typical Thai Lu style temple is recognizable from its thick walls with small windows and stairs with broad handrails and double or triple roofs with curved gable boards. They build their traditional houses of wood or bamboo on solid wooden poles. On the ground floor is usually the kitchen and a place for weaving. They are known for their hand-woven fabrics. In Thailand, they are estimated to be with ca. 100,000. The word Lu, Leu or Leua in the Tai languages means ‘North’, akin to the Thai word Neua (เหนือ). Also transliterated Thai Leua, Tai Lue, and Tai Leua. They are also called Lawa and Lua, and in China, the ethnic Tai are classified as Dai (傣), in Laos as Tai (ໄຕ), in Myanmar as Tai Yai, and in Vietnam as Tai and Thai. See also Tai Yuan and Wa. See also TRAVEL PICTURE. 回

Thai Mask Play

See khon. 回

Thai Military

See kong thap. 回

Thai Parliament Museum

Name of a museum within the Parliament House of Thailand in Dusit and dedicated to the political history of Thailand after the transition to a constitutional monarchy in 1932. In Thai, the museum is known as Phiphithaphan Lae Jodmaay Het Rattasaphah (พิพิธภัณฑ์และจดหมายเหตุรัฐสภา). See MAP. 回

THAIPEX

Abbreviation for ‘Thailand Philatelic Exhibition’, a biannual event organized by the Thai Post Office, in which stamp collectors exhibit their national and international stamp collections. There may also be competitions. The exhibition is usually held in August in a location in or around Bangkok. It was first held in 1971 under the name ThailandPEX, and has occasionally been organized under different names, especially when it was part of a larger international event. Since 1973, special commemorative stamps with the Thaipex logo have been issued on the occasion of each of the exhibitions. In Thai, it is known as ngan sadaeng trah praisanih yahkon haeng chaht (งานแสดงตราไปรษณียากรแห่งชาติ), which translates as ‘national postage stamps' exhibition’. 回

Thai Phuan (ไทยพวน)

Name of a Tai Theravada Buddhist people spread out in small pockets over most of the Isaan, with other groups dotted in Central Thailand and Laos. They number around 205,000 and their population is split fairly evenly between Laos and Thailand. Their language is closely related to other tribal Tai languages. In the beginning of April the Thai Phuan of Sri Satchanalai hold their annual Buat Chang Had Siew ceremony in which they use elephants to parade buatnaag novices into the temple. Also transcribed Tai Phuan and sometimes called just Phuan or Lao Phuan. 回

Thai plum

See makok. 回

Thai Pony

See mah klaeb. 回

Thai Red Cross Society

Society founded on 26 April 1893, during the reign of King Rama V, to provide relief to the victims of the territorial conflicts along the borders of Siam and French Indochina, over land on the left bank of the Mekhong River. Initially and prior to 1906, the organization was called Red Unnahlohm Society of Siam (fig.), referring to the yan-like (fig.) insignia (fig.) worn on the cap of the soldiers of those days (fig.), which the organization took at its emblem (fig.) and also appeared on its flag (fig.). At first, the society only dispatched medical supplies, food and clothing to the soldiers engaged in defending the country, and aided to alleviate the suffering of the injured. Later, during the reign of King Rama VI, the scope of its activities was widened to include general health care, disease prevention and relief services. In 1920, the society was recognized officially by the International Committee of the Red Cross and a year later accepted as a member of the League of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. The society has always been closely associated with the royal family and is under royal patronage, with many projects initiated by royal members, such as the Queen's Housing Resort in Sri Racha (map - fig.). From its foundation onward successive queens have been the Thai Red Cross Society's presidents and at present princess Sirindhorn serves as executive vice president, while a council of 20 members and 12 representatives from the provincial Red Cross chapters are appointed by the queen to oversee the operations of the organization. The Thai Red Cross Society is represented in all of Thailand’s 77 provinces (fig.) and the provincial Red Cross chapters are usually chaired by the provincial governor’s wife. Besides hospitals (map - fig.) and administrative offices (fig.), the society has several specialized branches and services, such as a cancer institute (map - fig.), a national blood centre (map - fig.), an organ donations centre (fig.), a nursing college, a first-aid and health training centre, a research centre, a children's home for orphans (fig.), etc. In the society's Queen Saovabha Memorial Institute anti-tuberculosis (map - fig.) and rabies vaccines, as well as snake serums are produced (fig.), both for domestic use and export. In Thai called Sapaakahchaad Thai. See MAP. 回

Thai Red Cross Youth

Movement founded on 27th January 1922 by the initiation of Prince Boriphat Sukhumphan (fig.), the then Executive Vice-president of the Siam Red Cross Society, and initially known as the Siam Red Cross Youth Division. Its goal is to inculcate Thai youth to be good citizens, have self-dedication, as well as values and ideas of peace and good health, and to offer voluntary services to the society. Hence, on January 27th the annual Thai Red Cross Youth Day is observed. There are today more than 900,000 Thai Red Cross Youth members all over the nation, though the majority are girls. Initially, membership was available for children aged 8 to 18, but in 1978 the age range was expanded from 8 to 25 years old. In Thai, the organization is known as Yuwakahchaad Thai (ยุวกาชาดไทย) and its emblem is a red cross on a white background in a pale blue circle, the same colour as the girls' uniforms, whereas boys wear a white shirt over blue shorts. See also POSTAGE STAMP, as well as TRAVEL PICTURE. 回

Thai Song Dam (ไทยทรงดำ)

Another name for Lao Sohng. 回

Thai Talipot Palm

Common name for the bai lahn fan palm (fig.). 回

Thai Thani Arts and Culture Village

Name of an arts and cultural village, located just south of Pattaya (fig.) city, in Chonburi province, that highlights authentic Thai traditions and lifestyles. It features a replica of the Lan Na-style Ho Kham Luang Grand Pavilion (fig.), and a northern traditional market. The village also includes a khantoke northern-style dinner (fig.), traditional houses in the different architectural styles of the four regions of Thailand (fig.), and cultural performances. 回

Thai Water Dragon

See Indochinese Water Dragon. 回

Thai Waterworks Museum

Museum located at the Samsen Water Treatment Plant in Bangkok's Phaya Thai District. READ ON. 回

Thai Yai (ไทใหญ่)

See Tai Yai. 回

Thai Yuan (ไทยวน)

See Tai Yuan. 回

Thaksin (ทักษิณ)

1. Thai name for the South. See also Isaan and Phayap. 回

2. Thai. Name for a kind of base for chedi, and also known as tahn thaksin. 回

3. Thai. Another name for Shiva, the Hindu deity who represents destruction. 回

thaksinahwat (ทักษิณาวรรต)

Thai. A circular procession around a temple, an important shrine or a stupa, in a clockwise direction with the temple or shrine on the right, whilst holding candles, or other offerings. It is practiced during some Buddhist festivals, such as Khao Pansa and Visakha Bucha. When candles are used, it is also referred to as kaan wian thian. It is the opposite of an uttarawat. Compare this with the Sanskrit word pradakshina. WATCH VIDEO. 回

thalae (ทะเล)

Thai for ‘sea’ and thus a synonym of samut. However, while samut and thalae both refer to large bodies of water, samut is a more formal, literary term often found in classical or official contexts, such as in place names like Samut Prakan, whereas thalae is the common, everyday word used in casual conversation. Thalae can also be used in other contexts, such as in thalae mek, meaning a ‘sea of ​​clouds’. Also transliterated thale. 回

thalae mek (ทะเลเมฆ)

1. Thai. ‘Sea of ​​clouds’. Name for a natural phenomenon that arises due to low stratiform clouds that form a foggy band, often floating in between mountains. 回

2. Thai. ‘Sea of ​​clouds’. Name for a lunar mare, i.e. a dark spot of basaltic lava on the moon's surface, visible from Earth, and in generally referred to by its Latin name Mare Nubium. 回

Thalang (ถลาง)

1. Ancient name for Phuket. It derives from the old Yawi word telong, which means ‘cape’ and the Malay name for the island, i.e. Tanjung Salang, which means ‘Cape Salang’ and was itself distorted into Junk Ceylon in some Western sources. The northernmost amphur of the province, which was the location of the old capital, is still named Thalang. Sometimes transcribed Tha-Laang. 回

2. Name of the northernmost amphur of the province Phuket, where the old capital used to be located. It is also the former name of the island and is sometimes transcribed Tha-Laang. 回

Thalon (သာလွန်)

Burmese. Name of the eighth king of the Toungoo Dynasty of Burma, who reigned for 19 years, from 19 August 1629 until his death on 27 August 1648. He was born on 17 June 1584 as the son of King Nyaungyan Min and thus a grandchild of King Bayinnaung (fig.). He is acclaimed for successfully rebuilding the war-torn country after the preceding near century long warfare, thereby instituting many administrative reforms and restoring the economy. During his reign an revenue inquest was made for the first time in the peaceful kingdom. Also transliterated Thalun. 回

tham (ธรรม)

Thai pronunciation of the Pali word dhamma. Also pronounced thamma. 回

tham (ถ้ำ)

Thai for ‘cave’. Most caves in Thailand are limestone caves that have formed over long periods of time when corrosive trickles of rain water seeped through tiny pores and cavities in the limestone, eating away at the rock. Cavities became cracks allowing more water to enter and erode more rock, sometimes allowing for an underground river to form. The flow of such as subterranean river then can create enormous underground chambers, in which in due course speleothems, such as stalactites and stalagmites are formed. This happens when a single drop of water saturated with minerals trickles from the rock. Each time this occurs it leaves behind the faintest ring of limestone, a process that is repeated time and again, over time depositing enough limestone rings to eventually form a very narrow hollow tube known as a soda straw. These can grow quite long, but are very fragile. If they become plugged by debris, water begins flowing over the outside, depositing more calcite and eventually form into cone-shaped stalactites. The same water drops that fall from the tips of stalactites deposit more limestone on the floor below over time resulting in the formation of rounded stalagmites. Given enough time these formations can meet and fuse, creating columns. 回

Tham Din Phiang (ถ้ำดินเพียง)

Thai. Name of a tunnel cave within the compound of Wat Tham Sri Mongkhon (fig.) in Nong Khai. The grotto is said to be the abode of the naga and a golden statue of a seven-headed naga guards the entrance. The cave has been formed by water erosion and allegedly has an underground corridor that connects all the way to the Mekhong River, several kilometers away. Visitors are let in only in small groups of a few people at a time,  as most of the area in this subterranean place is narrow while the ceiling is mostly low. Year-round, the cavern is at least in part inundated and visitors are asked to take off their shoes before entering, as  in most places one needs to walk through shallow streams or pools of still water. Whereas walking upright would be virtually impossible for adult visitors most of the time, in a few places one will also have to squeeze through narrow corridors, often while wading through low water. At certain spots the passage is in fact so narrow or low that visitors will have to crawl on their knees or belly in order to pass through. The naga tunnel cave is eventually exited at the top by a series of steep ladders, just a short walk back downhill to the main entrance where visitors can retrieve their shoes. See also TRAVEL PICTURES and MAP. 回

thamin sa bibi la (ထမင်းစားပြီးပြီလား)

Burmese. ‘Have you eaten rice yet?’. Informal greeting in Myanmar, similar to the Chinese chi fan le ma, and the Thai kin khao reua yang. These questions are usually rhetorical in nature, and posed in order to show an interest in the other person's wellbeing, rather than a nosiness into someone's actual eating habits or an invitation to a meal. Also transliterated thamin sa pyeepyee la, or similar. 回

Tham Kaew (ถ้ำแก้ว)

Thai. ‘Chrystal Cave’. Name of a huge limestone cave in Surat Thani province, located in a steep cliff near Khao Sok National Park (fig.). This little visited, off the beaten track cave is situated about a kilometer from the entrance along the main road but the mountainous path towards it is challenging, i.e. steep and slippery, with sharp rocks. Some sections are fitted with metal ladders and ropes to hold onto to facilitate the way up and down. WATCH VIDEO (1) and (2). 回

Tham Kaew Saraphat Neuk (ถ้ำแก้วสารพัดนึก)

Thai. ‘Magic Crystal Cave’ or ‘Crystal Cave of the Various Imaginations’. Name of a stunning cavern located on the compound of Wat Tham Trairat (วัดถ้ำไตรรัตน์), a Buddhist temple in Nakhon Ratchasima province. The cave is believed to be sacred and used to be a residence of several revered monks, such as Luang Poo Dun Atulo (ดูลย์ อตุโล), Luang Poo Chot Khunasampanno (โชติ คุณสัมปันโน), and Luang Pho Pheum Barami (เพิ่มบารมี). The cave is divided into five major zones, namely: 1. The entrance to the cave is the name also used as a generic name for the entire cave, i.e. Tham Kaew Saraphat Neuk (ถ้ำแก้วสารพัดนึก), which means ‘Magic Crystal Cave’; 2. Tham Phra Phut (ถ้ำพระพุทธ) or ‘Buddha Cave’; 3. Khrohng Kraduk Phra Reusi (โครงกระดูกพระฤาษี), meaning the ‘Hermit’s Skeleton’, i.e. the remains of a hermit that allegedly lived in the cave some 4,000 year ago; 4. ‘Pratu Mangkon (ประตูมังกร) or ‘Dragon Gate’; and 5. Phiphithaphan Hin lae Rohng Phapphayon Tham (พิพิธภัณฑ์หินและโรงภาพยนตร์ถ้ำ), which translates as ‘Rock Museum and Cave Theatre’. In English, the cave is referred to as Magic Cave Land. This subterranean labyrinth of interconnecting grottos is inhabited by a small colony of microbats that find their way in and out by an open-ended shaft in the ceiling. WATCH VIDEO. 回

Tham Khamin (ถ้ำขมิ้น)

Thai. ‘Turmeric Cave’. Name of a huge limestone cave in Tai Rom Yen, a circa 425 km² National Park in Surat Thani. READ ON. 回

Tham Khwan Deuan (ทำขวัญเดือน)

Thai. Name of a ritual in which the hair present at birth, which in Thai is called phom fai, is shaved. The ritual is consequently also known as Kohn Phom Fai and often referred to as Phittih Tham Khwan Deuan. It takes place when the infant has reached the age of one month (deuan), i.e. pass the danger period, when the infant is considered to be no longer at risk of dying. An auspicious day is chosen and on the occasion, it will also be given its name. The term Tham Khwan literally means ‘to perform welcoming rites’. Compare also with khwan and Phittih Kohnjuk. See also TRAVEL PICTURE, POSTAGE STAMPS and WATCH VIDEO. 回

Tham Khwan Naag (ทำขวัญนาค)

Thai. ‘Blessing the Naga’. Name of a pre-ordination ritual and  purification rite conducted in order to educate the naga or buatnaag, i.e. the candidate Buddhist novice, on parental grace, nurturing a commitment to virtue and monk's discipline that will lead to merit accumulation and blessings for the parents, and in which the naga will receive the traijiewon or pahkahsahwapad, i.e. the monk's habit, which symbolizes the protection one enjoys as a monk. See also POSTAGE STAMPS and WATCH VIDEO. 回

Tham Le Khao Kop (ถ้ำเลเขากอบ)

Thai. Name of a limestone cave with a subterranean stream in Trang, which can be visited only by a flat-bottomed rowing boat. READ ON. 回

thamma (ธรรม, ธัมมะ)

Thai pronunciation of the Pali word dhamma. Also pronunced tham. 回

Thammakaay (ธรรมกาย)

Thai ‘Legal body’, ‘truth body’ and ‘reality body’. Name of a Thai Buddhist tradition known in English as Dhammakaya. 回

Thammasat (ธรรมศาสตร์)

Thai ‘Legal science’. The term derives from the Sanskrit word Dharmasastra, an ancient book of the law in Hinduism, and refers in Thai to the science or philosophy of the law, i.e. jurisprudence. In the late 19th century, the Thai legal system was reformed with the assistance of Gustave Rolin-Jaequesmyns, a Belgian diplomat and adviser to King Chulalongkorn, who helped to establish law courts and founded the International Law Institute, the precursor of the Thammasat University founded by Pridi Phanomyong (fig.), where he is now honoured with a statue (fig.). Both in 1973 and 1976 the university was the scene of a massacre (fig.) twice, first during an uprising in which students and other citizens alike demanded democracy, the second time during demonstrations against the return of the former dictators of the military regime who in 1973 had fled the country. For its 60th Anniversary in 1994, a memorial building was erected and a plaza was established on the University's Tha Phrachan Campus, located on the east bank of the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok, along where the former Rattanakosin western city wall (fig.) used to be and which today features a paifang-style (fig.) memorial wall and archway. The middle section of this watchtower-like walled gate (fig.) has battlements similar to the bai sema (fig.) of a crenellated city wall, and refers to the base of the ancient city wall built in the reign of King Rama I, that was discovered underneath the adjacent 60th Anniversary Building during restoration works in 1997. The Thammasat Association (fig. - map) in the khet Sathorn, is a prestigious organization and leading center for all students and alumni of the Thammasat University that supports and develops activities in education and social development. There is also a large campus in Pathum Thani, which in its front has a large water pond filled with lotus flowers, the symbol of Pathum Thani, whose name actually means ‘Lotus City’. See also TRAVEL PICTURE and PANORAMA PICTURE. 回

Thammayut (ธรรมยุต, ธรรมยุติ)

Thai word derived from the Pali word Dhammayutika, meaning ‘group adhering the dhamma’. It is the name of a sub-sect of the Thai Theravada school of Buddhism, founded in 1833 by King Mongkut and modeled after an early Mon form of monastic discipline which is generally stricter than its counterpart. Its aim was to make monastic discipline more orthodox, as it was found that there were serious discrepancies between the rules given in the Pali Canon and the actual practices of the monks. It also tried to get rid of all non-Buddhist, folk-religious and superstitious elements that had become part of Buddhist practices. Thammayut monks are expected to attain proficiency in meditation, as well as Buddhist scholarship through study of the scriptures. They are allowed to eat only once a day, before noon, and only what is in their alms bowl. This is in contrast with the monks of the Mahanikaai sect, who specialize in either meditation or study of the scriptures, not in both, and are allowed to eat twice before noon, as well as to accept side dishes. In 1855, the Khmer king Norodom invited a Cambodian monk educated in the lineage of King Mongkut, to establish a branch of the Thammayut order in Cambodia. With the passing of the Sangha Act of 1902, the Thammayut sect was formally recognized as the lesser of Thailand's two Theravada denominations. It became stronger under royal patronage and the present-day royal family is purportedly still closely associated with the Thammayut order. Also called Thammayutnikaai. 回

Thammayutnikaai (ธรรมยุตินิกาย)

See Thammayut. 回

tham moh (ทำหม้อ)

Thai for pottery making. 回

Thamoddarit (သမုဒ္ဒရာဇ်)

Burmese. Name of a Burmese monarch, i.e. the founder of and first King of Bagan. 回

Tham Pah Acha Thong (ถ้ำป่าอาชาทอง)

See Wat Tham Pah Acha Thong. 回

Tham Pha Tai (ถ้ำผาไท)

Thai. ‘Independent Cliff Cave’ or ‘Free Cliff Cave’. Name of a cave in Lampang province, as well as of the National Park in which it is located. Whereas the national park covers an area of about 1,214 km², the limestone cave has a depth of about 1,150 meters, of which about 405 meters can be visited. The cave is home to some bats (fig.) which are preyed upon by at least one local Cave Dwelling Snake (fig.) and some smaller creatures, such as the cave dwelling giant Huntsman Spider. Also transliterated Tham Phah Thai. See also WILDLIFE PICTURE and WATCH VIDEO. 回

Tham Phet (ถ้ำเพชร)

Thai. ‘Diamond Cave’. Name of a cave in Krabi, located on the small peninsula of Railay (ไร่เลย์), between its eastern and western bays and beaches. This small limestone cave is about 130 meters deep and has a bridge-like walkway for visitors to facilitate sightseeing. It is home to some Micro-bats (fig.) that dwell between its stalactites and stalagmites. The cave is also known as Tham Phra Nang Nai (ถ้ำพระนางใน), i.e. ‘Inner Princess Cave’ or ‘Inner Queen Cave’. See EXPLORER'S MAP, TRAVEL PICTURE, and WATCH VIDEO. 回

Tham Phraya Nakhon (ถ้ำพระยานคร)

Thai. ‘Princely City Cave’. Name of a cave in Khao Sahm Roi Yot National Park, in Prachuap Khirikhan, which consists of a compound of the words tham, Phraya, and nakhon. The cave is home to a royal pavilion (fig.) known as Phra Thihnang Khoo Ha Khareuhaat, built in 1890 by order of King Chulalongkorn, after his second visit to the cave. The mansion today houses a statue of this former monarch, who is known by the crown title Rama V. See MAP. 回

Tham Sat My Lai (Thảm Sát Mỹ Lai)

Vietnamese for ‘My Lai Massacre’. 回

thana (သနပ်)

Burmese name for the Fragrant Manjack, a shrub or small tree with the botanical name Cordia dichotoma, of which the leaves, called thana hpe, are used in Myanmar as a wrapper to make cheroot-cigars (fig.). 回

thanaakhaan (ธนาคาร)

Thai for ‘bank’, i.e. a financial institution. The first ever Thai bank that came into being is the Siam Commercial Bank (fig.), founded in 1907 and sprouting from the Book Club which was established in 1904. Later other banks were established, such as the Government Savings Bank (map - fig.), which was founded in 1913 under the name Saving Treasury and initially located in the Grand Palace, and using the personal funds of King Rama VI. The word Thanaakhaan derives from the Sanskrit term dhanagara, in which dhana means ‘wealth’ or ‘money’. 回

thana hpe (သနပ်ဖက်)

Burmese. ‘Thana leaf’, i.e. the leaves of the Cordia dichotoma, which are edible. In Myanmar, they are also dried and used as a wrapper to make cheroot-cigars (fig.). 回

thanaan (ทะนาน)

Thai name for a vessel made of a coconut shell and used for scooping rice, which later became a unit of capacity for uncooked rice, now officially settled at one liter and called thanaan luang. See also thang. 回

thanaan luang (ทะนานหลวง)

Thai. The official unit of capacity for measuring uncooked rice, equivalent to one liter. The term is derived from a vessel made of a coconut shell, used for ladling rice, which is known as thanaan. See also thang. 回

thanaka (သနပ်ခါး)

Burmese. Traditional fragrant paste used in Myanmar for cosmetic purposes and facial painting. It consists of organic wood powder mixed with water, which is obtained from pulverizing or rubbing (fig.) wood bark of the Wood-apple Tree (Limonia acidissima) on a stone slab (fig.). Markets in Myanmar usually have ample thanaka wood vendors selling chunks of wood (fig.), which they may saw into smaller sizes to order (fig.). The use of thanaka is very popular, especially amongst Burmese minority groups in parts of Thailand and in Burma, both as protection from the sun or simply as a decoration. By some it is also believed to have protective powers. When under British rule as part of the British-Indian Empire, Burma has long been administered as a province of India and the practice is probably a Burmese adaptation of a Hindu tradition known as tilaka, a Sanskrit word used for a coloured mark worn on the forehead of most Hindus, typically as a sign of spiritual devotion (fig.), or as a decoration. Like the tradition, the word thanaka is most likely also related to this Sanskrit word. The custom also occurs in Laos where it is known as kajae. Also transcribed thanakha. 回

Thananchai Setthi (ธนัญชัยเศรษฐี)

Thai. ‘Victory over Wealth’ or ‘One who brings Wealth’. Name of a wealthy and generous follower of the Buddha, known for his immense charity and support for the monastic community. He was the son of Menthaka Setthi (fig.), also famed for his charitable acts, and the father of Visakha (fig.). Though born into affluence, he attained Sotapanna, the first stage of Enlightenment, and used his wealth to promote generosity and selflessness, embodying Buddhist ideals. Thananchai's wealth was used to achieve spiritual victory through charity and devotion to the Buddha.  In Sanskrit, he is known as Dhananjaya (धनञ्जय), a name also used  as an epithet for Arjuna, the hero of the Mahabharata, symbolizing his prowess in battle and his acquisition of wealth and victory. See also setthi and WATCH VIDEO. 回

Thandawgan (သံတော်ခံ)

Burmese. One of 37 nats that belong to the official pantheon of spirits worshipped in Myanmar. In life, he was Ye Thiha, a royal messenger of Minkhaung II, the viceroy of Taungoo, i.e. a brother of the 16th Century King Bayinnaung (fig.). Some belief Minkhaung II became the nat Taungoo Mingaung, though other ascribe this nat representation to Minkhaung I. According to legend, Ye Thiha went to the forest to fetch flowers for his king, but contracted malaria and died, though according to another version, the cause of his death was from a snakebite, also while collecting flowers for his king. In iconography, he is sometimes portrayed in a seated pose while holding a fan made of palm leaves on a stick. Compare with the nat Shindaw. See also LIST OF BURMESE NATS. 回

thang (ถัง)

1. Thai name for a bucket or pail, used for storing uncooked rice. It is customarily made from wood, with a metal ring on the top rim, in the centre and at the bottom, and a wooden grip in the middle of the opening, leveled with the top of the bucket. This bucket traditionally has a capacity of 20 liters, and is used to scoop and measure rice. As such, it stands at the origin of a measure of capacity, especially for rice, equivalent to 20 liters and referred to by the same name. 回

2. Thai name of a measure of capacity, especially for rice, equivalent to 20 liters. The term is derived from a wooden bucket used for storing uncooked rice. One thang equals 20 thanaan, officially referred to as thanaan luang and equivalent to 20 liters; 50 thang equals 1 ban or ban luang; and 100 thang is the equivalent of 1 kwian, officially known as kwian luang. 回

thangka (टङ्क)

1. A piece of cloth, often made from silk, painted with deities from Tibetan Mahayana Buddhism. Also tanka. Compare with mandala. 回

2. An object of veneration and a source of inspiration when meditating. Also tanka. Compare with mandala. 回

Thanh Giong (Thánh Gióng)

Vietnamese. ‘Saint Giong’. Name of a Vietnamese mythical folk hero. READ ON. 回

Thanh Thai (Thành Thái)

Vietnamese. Name of an Emperor of the Nguyen (Nguyễn) Dynasty, who reigned for 18 years, from 1889 to 1907 AD. READ ON. 回

thani (ธานี)

A Thai term for ‘city’, which is used often as part of city names, next to krung, nakhon, . 回

Thani (ตานี)

1. Thai. Old name for the town of Pattani in the South of Thailand. 回

2. Thai. Name for a species of banana. See gluay thani. 回

Thaniniwat Sonakun (ธานีนิวัต โสณกุล)

Name at birth of Phitayalahp Phrithiyakorn. 回

Than Tai (Thần Tài)

Vietnamese. ‘God of Wealth’. Name of a wealth deity, akin to Chinese wealth deities, who are generally referred to as Cai Shen (fig.). Than Tai typically is one of two deities placed in small Vietnamese home altars, together with Tu Di Gong, the Chinese Lord of the Soil and the Ground, who in Vietnamese is known as Tho Cong (fig.). According to local beliefs, these house shrines (fig.) should always be erected in such a manner that they face the entrance door, and its deities are offered fruit, food and drinks, the latter usually in the form of tea traditionally offered in either 5 or alternatively 3 small cups. 回

thao (ท้าว)

Thai honorary title meaning ‘lord’, ‘prince’ and ‘king’. Also used in a feminine way and accordingly translated as ‘dame’, ‘princess’ and ‘queen’. In titles usually transcribed with a capital letter Thao, but also often spelled tao or Tao. 回

Thao Barot-Nang Usa (ท้าวบารส-นางอุษา)

See Nang Usa-Thao Barot. 回

Thao Pajit-Nang Oraphim (ท้าวปาจิต-นางอรพิม)

Thai. Name of an ancient folk tale that is set in Phimai in the pre-Sukhothai era, during the reign of the Khmer, when the area was known by the name Suvarnabhumi, around the 15th-16th century BE. It relates the love story between Thao Pajit and Nang Oraphim, people from two big cities, i.e. Phimai and Nakhon Thom. The tale also mentions that Meru Phrommathat (fig.) was the cremation ground used for the legendary ruler Thao Phrommathat. 回

Tha Phae (ท่าแพ)

Thai. ‘Raft Landing’. Name of an ancient city gate located on the eastern wall of Chiang Mai. READ ON. 回

that (ธาตุ, ທາດ)

1. Thai. One of the four  elements from antiquity, namely earth, water, air and fire. Pronunciation and alternative transliteration is thaat. 回

2. Thai-Lao. A relic of the Buddha or a shrine with a relic of the Buddha. Common in Laos and some parts of Thailand. Pronunciation and alternative spelling is thaat. 回

3. Thai. A funeral temple for members of the monarchy. Pronunciation and alternative transcription is thaat. 回

Thatarattha (ธตรฐ)

Thai name of one of the four guardian gods, also known as the Four Heavenly Kings, and the guardian of the East, who is associated with Indra. READ ON. 回

Thatbyinnyu Phaya

See Sabbannu Phaya. 回

Thathanabaing (သာသနာပိုင်)

Burmese. ‘Keeper of the Faith’. Term used for the Supreme Patriarch of the Buddhist church in Upper Burma during the Konbaung Dynasty, comparable to the Phrasangkaraat in Thailand, while prior to this period the term Sangha-raja was popularly used. The office was abolished in 1938 AD by the British authorities in colonial Burma, after the death of Taunggwin Sayadaw U Visuddha Silacaraha, the last Buddhist monk to hold the office. See also Nyaunggan Sayadaw. 回

thattiya (ทัตติยะ)

Thai term meaning ‘to give’. 回

Thaton (ท่าตอน)

Thai. Name of a tambon located along the Kok River (fig.) in the amphur Mae Ai, in the far north of the Thai province of Chiang Mai and bordering Myanmar. Its main attraction is the hilltop temple Wat Thaton (fig.). This sleepy Thai town is not to be confused with Thaton, a former Mon Kingdom and present-day town in Myanmar. 回

Thaton (သထုံ)

Burmese-Mon. Name of a Mon Kingdom in Lower Burma, located on the Tenasserim plains in present-day Myanmar and not to be confused with the Thai town and tambon of Thaton (fig.). The Kingdom was founded in ca. 300 BC and ceased to exist in 1057 AD after it was defeated by King Anawrahta (fig.), who captured and took its ruler King Makuta to Pagan (fig.) as a prisoner. 回

thawaanbaan (ทวารบาล)

Thai term for dvarapala, which derives from the Pali words thawaan and paan (ปาล), which mean ‘door’ or ‘gate’, and ‘to look after’ or ‘to guard’, respectively. In Thailand, the term often refers to any of the giant or demon, i.e. yak guardians, found at entrances of temples, palaces, and important tourist attractions. 回

Thawai (ทวาย)

Thai. Name of a people and city in southern Myanmar and in English known as Dawei. The name derives from the Mon term hawai, which means ‘to sit cross-legged’, in reference to the Buddha's lotus position. See also phanaeng choeng. 回

Thanwantari (ธันวันตรี)

Thai name of one of the avatars of Phra Narai, who is considered to be a health deity, also referred to as phaet sawan, i.e. ‘physician of heaven’. His name derives of Dhanvantari, the matching avatar of the Hindu god Vishnu. 回

Thawornwatthu (ถาวรวัตถุ)

Thai. Name of an elongated building along the southwestern part of Sanam Luang (fig.). READ ON. 回

Thayaan Phikaat (ทะยานพิฆาฎ)

Thai. A Thai Army Lieutenant, who in 1912 took an aviation course in France. Afterward, he received a proper Air Force rank and was at the same time promoted to Group Captain. He took his aviation training course together with Army Captain Luang Ahwut Sikhikorn (fig.) at Mourmelon-le-Grand (fig.), a military airfield in northern France, flying a Nieuport 11 trainer monoplane (fig.). They were sent to France together with Army Major Luang Sakdi Sanyawut (fig.), who received his initial training at Villacoublay (fig.), a military air base near Paris, and learned to fly in a Breguet Type III biplane (fig.). Of both aircrafts replicas are on display at the Royal Thai Air Force Museum in Bangkok (fig.) and the planes are depicted on the first two postage stamps of a double set of 8 postage stamps each (fig.), issued in 2012 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of theses pioneer's initial training, which eventually led to the establishment of the Royal Thai Air Force. The trio became known as the Founding Fathers of the Royal Thai Air Force, sometimes referred to as the Parents of the RTAF, and Thayaan was bestowed with the title of Phraya. He is also known as Thip Ketuthat. 回

The Bangkok City Model

Name of a huge scale model of inner Bangkok (fig.) that was built in 2009 by The Bangkok Department of City Planning. It measures 10,4 by 13,8 meters, i.e. 143.52 m², and is made to a scale of 1:750, encompasses 20 khet or zones, and covers an area of ca. 80 km². Where the Chao Phraya River (fig.) divides the city in east and west, the model is split and visitors can walk on the divide for a better view from the banks of either side.  It is located in a vacant hall of the former Thailand Tobacco Monopoly in Bangkok (fig.). In Thai, The Bangkok City Model is known as Hun Jamlong Meuang Krung Thep Maha Nakhon (หุ่นจำลองเมืองกรุงเทพมหานคร). WATCH VIDEO. 回

theen (เถร)

Thai-Pali. ‘Elder’. A senior Buddhist monk who has been more than ten years in the priesthood. Also thera as in Theravada. May also be spelt then. 回

The Government Lottery Office

State-owned enterprise under the Ministry of Finance. READ ON. 回

The Helix Bridge

Name of a pedestrian bridge, officially known as The Helix, in Singapore. It is an iconic structure that connects Marina Centre with Marina South in the Marina Bay (fig.) area. The bridge is named for its helical tubular structure, built to resemble a double-stranded helix DNA structure. The bridge is constructed using stainless steel, giving it a modern and sleek appearance. The helical design is made up of curved steel tubes that are illuminated at night, creating a visually stunning effect. The Helix is an integral part of the pedestrian network around the Marina Bay area, connecting key attractions, such as to Marina Bay Sands (fig.), Gardens by the Bay, and the Singapore Flyer. 回

thein (သိမ်)

The ordination hall at Buddhist temples in Burma and as such the Burmese counterpart of the Thai bot. 回

The Mall Group

Name of a major shopping center and retail entertainment complex operator in Thailand. The group opened its first retail store in Bangkok in 1981 and though that was disbanded in 1988, its operations over time expanded to include some of Thailand's main shopping centers, with brands that include The Mall (M Lifestore), Emporium, Siam Paragon (fig.), Power Mall, Gourmet Market, The Mall SkyPORT, EmQuartier, SportsMall, BeTrend, BLÚPORT, EmSphere, Bangkok Mall (Bangkok Arena), and BLÚPEARL. It's head office is currently at The Mall Bangkapi. Many of these often gigantic malls have lush indoor gardens, sometimes with pools, waterfalls and even live animals, such as giant fish and parrots. To attract more visitors many malls regularly organize special thematic events, markets and fairs. WATCH VIDEO (1), (2) and (3). 回

The Narrowest Part of Thailand

See Narrowest Part of Thailand. 回

Theng (เท่ง)

Thai. Name of one of the tua talok characters (fig.) in the lesser Thai shadow play known as nang thalung. He is usually depicted as an old man with dark skin, a big nose, a bald forehead and curly hair in the back of his head, a potbelly, and wearing only a checkered sarong, a pahkaomah behind which he carries a southern-style knife called miht aai krok, and wearing a kind of shawl or necklace. Characteristically, his face is reminiscent of a hornbill (nok hang), and his one hand is shaped as a human penis complete with testicles (fig.). The character was reportedly invented in Songkhla Province as a change to the classical characters that up to then were depicted with a slim and tall figure. He is also referred to as Aai Theng (อ้ายเท่ง). 回

THEOS

Abbreviation for Thailand Earth Observation Systems Satellite. 回

thep (เทพ, ទេព)

Both a Thai and a Khmer term for a deva, a god, a deity, an angel, a miracle worker or something divine. In Thai, also called thevada. See also Apsara. See also THEMATIC STREET LIGHT. 回

thepaniyai (เทพนิยาย)

Thai. ‘Mythology’. A legend or myth. 回

thepanom (เทพนม)

Thai. ‘To pay homage to angels and gods’. A compound word referring to a respectful posture clasping the hands as a token of worship and sign of respect, a gesture commonly known as phanom, phranom or phranommeua, and more commonly as wai (fig.). In iconography, it often occurs as a depiction of an angel, thep, thevada, deva or devi (fig.). Also spelled thephanom, and a compound of thep and phanom. See also gluay thep phanom and THEMATIC STREET LIGHT (1) and (2). 回

thepatida (เทพธิดา)

Thai. A goddess or angel. 回

thepbut (เทพบุตร)

Thai. ‘Offspring of a thevada’. Term for an angel or a male deity. 回

thepchumnum (เทพชุมนุม)

Thai. ‘Assembly of thevadas’. The rows of devas, garudas, yakshas, etc., often seen as decoration on rajarot, royal sedan chairs (fig.), chedis, temples, etc., both in sculptured form and as painted murals. One of the more well-known thepchumnum are those of the two golden redented chedis at the compound, in which 4 monkeys and 16 giants from the Ramakien support the base of these pagodas, which were built by King Rama I to house the ashes of his parents, i.e. those of his mother in the gilded chedi on the North, and those of his father in the gilded chedi on the South (fig.). 回

Thep Haeng Kwahm Samret (เทพแห่งความสำเร็จ)

Thai. ‘God of Success’ or ‘Deity of Accomplishment’. A designation used for Ganesha. 回

thephanom (เทพนม)

See thepanom. 回

The Philatelists Association of Thailand

Association of stamp collectors and interested persons, under the royal patronage of Princess Maha Chakri Sirinthon. It was established in 1975 and originated from a group of enthusiastic stamp collectors who, together with some senior officials of the then Post and Telegraph Department, officially founded and registered the association. Their first ever meeting was held on 9 August 1975 to elect an ad-hoc executive committee, as is required by the association's regulations, and therefore 9 August of each year has been designated as the Association's establishment day. On 9 August 2011, a Thai postage stamp was issued to mark the 36th anniversary of its establishment (fig.). In Thai, the association is known by the lengthy name samahkhom nak sasom trah praisanihyahkon haeng prathet thai. See MAP. 回

The Stock Exchange of Thailand

A juristic entity set up under the Securities Exchange of Thailand Act, which started operations on 30 April 1975 and serves as a centre for the trading of listed securities. READ ON. 回

The Supreme Court of Thailand

The final court of appeal, i.e. the highest court where the Chief Justice presides. READ ON. 回

The Petalclouds

Name of a kinetic art sculpture in Terminal 4 at Changi Airport (fig.) and crafted by the same art studio that delivered the work on the Kinetic Rain (fig.) sculpture, also on display at the airport. Suspended 200 metres across the Central Galleria, the sculpture consists of six clouds, each adorned with 16 petal elements and seamlessly blend art, music, and science, as the petals move in a choreographed dance, accompanied by animated lighting and synchronized music, creating a mesmerizing spectacle. The intricate design showcases the intersection of artistic creativity and technological innovation. The suspended clouds, each petal element supported by four specially designed cables, result in a total of 384 cables and 192 winches controlling the movement of the entire installation. Beyond the petal elements, various components like motors, oscillators, and LED lights contribute to the overall aesthetic and require meticulous attention. The Petalclouds stand as a testament to the harmonious integration of art and engineering. WATCH VIDEO. 回

Thep Kasatri (เทพกษัตรี)

Thai heroine with the title of thao who in 1785 prevented a Burmese invasion of Phuket Island, together with her sister Sri Sunthon. Also known as Chan, Satri and Thep Krasatri. See also heroines of Phuket. 回

Thep Krasatri (เทพกระษัตรี)

See Thep Kasatri. 回

Thepnorasi (เทพนรสีห์)

Thai. Creature from Thai mythology with a body that is half man and half lion, and also known as Thepnorasingh (เทพนรสิงห์), literally ‘Angel-lion’. It is similar to Narasimha, yet differs in this that the latter has the body of a man with the head of a lion, whereas in Thepnorasi the head and torso are those of a man and the part from the hips down that of a lion or singha (fig.). It is a creature from Himaphan forest and is depicted either standing or walking upright. It serves an apotropaic purpose and could be seen as the Thai equivalent of the Burmese Manuthiha (fig.). See also Apsonsi. 回

Theppaksi (เทพปักษี)

Thai-Pali. ‘Angel-bird’. Name of a mythical creature, half-bird half-celestial being from Himaphan Forest, with the upper body of a thep, i.e. an angel depicted as a male human, and the lower body of a bird (paksi - fig.). It is similar to the Kinnon but has no winged section with feathers on its lower arms (fig.). 回

Thep Patchanna (เทพปัชชุนนะ)

The god of the storm clouds in Lan Na folklore. His mount is a mom. Also known by the name of Watsawalahok Thep. 回

thep prajam wan (เทพประจำวัน)

Thai system in which each day of the week corresponds with a certain deity. These seven deities (fig.) are Phra Jan for Monday (fig.), Phra Angkahn for Tuesday (fig.), Phra Phut for Wednesday (fig.), Phra Phareuhadsabodih for Thursday (fig.), Phra Suk for Friday (fig.), Phra Sao for Saturday (fig.) and Phra Ahtit for Sunday (fig.). In Thai the days are derived from these gods and their names appear in them e.g. Thursday is wan phareuhad, Sunday is wan ahtit, etc. See also wan tua, dao prajam wan, sat prajam wan, Phra prajam wan and sih prajam wan. 回

The Privy Council Chambers

Name of the government building used by the Office of the Privy Council, a private agency of the King that is supervised by a Secretary-General appointed by the King, and responsible for supporting the Privy Council in their duties towards the Crown, or as instructed by the King. In Thai, it is known as Thamniyeb Ongkhamontrih (ทำเนียบองคมนตรี). 回

Thep Than Jai (เทพทันใจ)

Thai. ‘Instant Deity’. Name used in Thailand for the Burmese nat-like deity Bo Bo Gyi, a benevolent guardian spirit found in Buddhist temples in Myanmar (fig.). Thep Than Jai is basically the same deity but sometimes depicted in a style more typically Thai. 回

The Queen's Gallery

Thai art gallery founded in response of queen Sirikit's whish to provide a permanent home for the exhibition of a wide range of Thai visual arts, especially sculpture and paintings, in order to promote Thai culture and artists, both young and well established talents. The gallery also acts as an education centre giving training courses to Thai nationals from all backgrounds, turning them into professional artists in various disciplines. The queen is a loyal patron of the gallery. 回

thera (เถระ)

See theen. 回

Theranuthera (เถรานุเถระ)

Thai-Pali. The Buddhist hierarchy, the governing body of the Buddhist clergy. See also Sangha. 回

Therasapha (เถรสภา)

Thai-Pali. Buddhist council. See also Sangkayana. 回

Theravada (थेरवाद)

Sanskrit-Pali. ‘Words of the elders’ or ‘teachings of the elders’. A Hinayana sect of Buddhism that spread to Southeast Asia from India via Sri Lanka, where it is the dominant form of Buddhism. Its texts are written in Pali. 回

Therawaht (เถรวาท)

Thai for Theravada. 回

thet (เทศน์)

Thai. ‘Sermon’, as in kanthet and kreuang kanthet. 回

thetsabahn (เทศบาล)

Thai for ‘municipality’. See also thetsabahn tambon. 回

thetsabahn nakhon (เทศบาลนคร)

Thai for ‘city municipality’. Name for a municipal district in large cities with a population of 50,000 or more and with sufficient income to provide public services according to the duties provided by law. There are currently 30 city municipalities throughout Thailand. 回

thetsabahn tambon (เทศบาลตำบล)

Thai for ‘municipal district’. It is often abbreviated as th t (ทต.). See also thetsabahn and tambon. 回

thetsakahn (เทศกาล)

Thai for ‘festival’, ‘festival season’, ‘festivities’ and ‘holiday’. The term is reminiscent of ‒and possibly linguistically related to‒ Tet (Tết), i.e. the Vietnamese New Year (fig.). 回

thetsakahn hua toh (เทศกาลหัวโต)

Thai for ‘Big Head Festival’. 回

thetsakahn kin jae (เทศกาลกินแจ)

Thai. Lent or fasting period according to Chinese custom. In translation it is generally called Vegetarian Festival, but it is also known as the Nine Emperor Gods Festival. This nine-day festival is celebrated the most exuberantly in Phuket, but is also popular in other regions and all over Thailand restaurants place small yellow banners with red Thai and Chinese characters (fig.) to indicate that they serve vegetarian food. It is believed the soul and mind are purified by refraining from meat consumption. Believers will gather to help clean out spirit shrines and light candles to prepare the arrival of nine angels. To symbolize their presence, nine lanterns are lit up and placed aloft a pole, known as Ko Teng. A ceremony is also held to welcome Yok Ong Song Te. Festival partakers dress in white, place yellow and red banners and make small altars in front of shop houses (fig.). On the sixth day of the festival in Phuket this custom is accompanied with parades in which spiritualist mediums chastise themselves whilst in a trance, doing such things as body piercing and walking over hot coals. Other participants walk over lit candles, crossing the bridge of purification, whilst receiving a stamp with red Chinese signs on their back, as proof of their participation and the reward for their commitment to the nine days festival. Throughout the festival firecrackers are used abundantly to add lustre and noise to the celebrations. On the last day of the festival there will be a goddess procession. This festival usually takes place somewhere in the beginning to the middle of October and coincides with the Indian festival of Vijayadazaami, to which it bears many resemblances. See also jae and mangsawirat. 回

thetsakahn look pohng yak (เทศกาลลูกโป่งยักษ์)

Thai name for the Thailand Balloon Festival. 回

thevada (เทวดา)

Thai. A deva, god, deity, angel, miracle worker or something divine. Also transliterated Thewada. The Thewada bar in Bangkok, which is decorated with colourful paintings of angels and themes of Himaphan, serves so-called creation cocktails whose names are inspired on creatures of this legendary heavenly place of Thai mythology, such as its Mekhala cocktail, named after the goddess of lightning and topped with a smoke bubble that symbolizes Mekhala's crystal ball (fig.). See also THEMATIC STREET LIGHT. 回

Thevasathaan (เทวสถาน)

Thai. ‘Divine place’ or ‘angelic place’. Name of a Brahmin temple built in 1784, on the orders of King Rama I, to be used for holding Brahmin rites and ceremonies. The temple comprises of three Thai-style buildings, made from brick and mortar. Each building has a different colour of roof and is actually a Hindu shrine, each for another deity. The first one on the premises from the main entrance, with a brown roof, is devoted to the god Shiva and contains his image in a blessing pose, whereas the building in the middle, with a green roof, has a shrine dedicated to Ganesha, and the last shrine, with an orange roof, is devoted to Vishnu. In front of the first building is a large golden statue of Brahma, enshrined under an open, arched pavilion. Past the entrance on the left is a small garden with a pile of rocks, topped by a small golden statue of Shiva, and on the opposite side stands a tall sala tree. In the back of the compound is an assemby hall where devotees gather. This temple is located adjacent to the Giant Swing, another residue of one of the Brahmin rites from the past. Sometimes referred to as the Brahmin Shrines, in Thai Boht Phraam, and also transcribed Devasathan. See MAP. 回

Thevasathaan Uthayaan Phra Phi Kaneht (เทวสถานอุทยาน พระพิฆเนศ)

1. Thai. ‘Place of the deity Ganesha’. Name of a religious complex, also referred to as the Ganesha Idol Park in Chachengsao Province, and located on the banks of the Bang Pakong river at Bang Talaht, in the king amphur Klong Kheuan. It is allegedly the world's largest bronze statue of Ganesha, described to stand 39 meters tall (fig.), and the project was officially initiated in a casting ceremony held on 28 January 2012, in which the giant head of the statue was cast using phaen thong kham, donated by the public. The lampothon statue is in the Chaturbuja-style, i.e. with four arms, and with a halo in the shape of a lasso called pasa, an attribute that in Hindu iconography represents an instrument used to destroy desire and craving. At the top of the lasso is a circle wreathed in flames, similar to the chintamani (fig.), with the word ohm inside. Among his attributes are also a writing brush, that represents literature and refers to his role as the god of arts, as well as some food favoured by Ganesha, such as mango. At his left leg sits a rat, i.e. the official vehicle or vahana of Ganesha. There is also a Ganesha Idol Park in Nakhon Sawan, located on the east bank of the Chao Phraya River in the tambon Klang Daet (กลางแดด) of the amphur meuang (map - fig.) and featuring a large Ganesha statue in a seated pose and with a pink complexion, which in colour and design is reminiscent to the large reclining statue of Ganesha at Wat Samaan Rattanaraam (map - fig.), also in Chachengsao. See MAP. 回

2. Thai. ‘Place of the deity Ganesha’. Name of a religious complex (fig.) in Nakhon Sawan Province, located on the east bank of the Chao Phraya River, in the tambon Klang Daet of the amphur meuang, and known in English as Ganesha Idol Park. It features a large Ganesha statue in a seated pose and with a pink complexion. The statue is  similar in style and colour to the to the large pink reclining statue of Ganesha (map - fig.) at Wat Samaan Rattanaraam in Chachengsao, whereas the name is also used for a 39 meter tall bronze statue of Ganesha (map - fig.), also in Chachengsao. Besides the large pink statue of this Hindu deity, the temple has several other smaller statues and images of Ganesha, as well as a number of statues and shrines devoted to other deities and characters from both Thai and Hindu religion and mythology, such as Phra Witsanukam (fig.); nagas, including those forming a naga-bridge (fig.); reusi tah fai (fig.); Vishnu (Narai) on his Garuda; Jivaka Komarabhacca (fig.); etc. See also TRAVEL PICTURE (1), (2), (3), (4), (5) and (6), and MAP. 回

thevathut sie (เทวทูต ๔)

Thai. ‘Four divine emissaries’. The several life phases, ending in death. A term used to indicate the observations of Siddhartha when he went outside the palace walls for the first time and noticed the suffering of ordinary people. He consequently met an ascetic or hermit (samana), a cripple, a sick man and a dead man (fig.). The term stands for old age, sickness, death and rebirth, respectively. See also Four Encounters. 回

thewalai (เทวาลัย)

Thai. Term for the dwelling place of deities, i.e. the place where idols are enshrined, and although it is more the concept of a ‘shrine’, it is sometimes translated as ‘temple’. See also Tantra Thewalai and TRAVEL PICTURE. 回

thewalohk (เทวโลก)

Thai. ‘Angelic world’, ‘world of the gods’ or ‘heaven’. Term for the world (lohk) or plane where the gods live. READ ON. 回

thewi (เทวี)

Thai. ‘Princess’ or ‘queen’. The title derives from the Sanskrit word devi, which means ‘goddess’ and as such emphasizes the often avatar-like statues ascribed to royalty in Thailand. Sometimes transliterated dhevi or thevi. Compare also with thep and thevada. 回

thian ob (เทียนอบ)

Thai. A horseshoe- or U-shaped fragrant candle used for smoking sweetmeats, such as khao too maprao oun. The curved candle has a wick sticking out on each side, which are both lit and blown out again, after which the smouldering scented candle is quickly placed into a pot, usually on a small platter in the centre, together with the sweetmeats and closed off with a lid, allowing the smoke to spread and its aroma to penetrate the sweetmeats. When the smoke has died out, the process is repeated until satisfactory. Also called thian ob kanom. 回

thian pansa (เทียนพรรษา)

Thai. ‘Pansa candle’. Name for large candles which are cast (fig.) as a means of tamboon, either in an decorative mould or elaborately carved afterwards, before being carried around in a procession (fig.), at the beginning of the rainy season, with the start of khao pansa. Yhe candles are entered in a contest in which neighbouring villages compete against each other for the most beautiful candles. Eventually the candles are offered to the local temple (fig.). See also Wax Candle Festival. Sometimes transcribed thian phansa. See also kaan wian thian. 回

thian phae (เทียนแพ)

See toob thian phae. 回

thian phu luang (เทียนภูหลวง)

Thai. A plant, with the botanical name Impatiens phulungensis, that is found only in Thailand. It is a succulent that blooms between July and October, and bears bright pink flowers, that have heart-shaped petals (fig.). The plant grows mostly in mountainous areas, and is commonly found in Phuluang Wildlife Sanctuary, in Loei Province. 回

Thich Quang Duc (Thích Quảng Đức)

Name of a Vietnamese Mahayana Buddhist monk, whom on 11 June 1963 publicly burned himself to death in Saigon, in protest of the violation of religious freedom and the discriminative policies against Buddhists by the then South Vietnamese regime. For his ritualistic suicide, the abbot of Phuoc Hoa Pagoda went by car (fig.) to the spot where he was to immolate himself and calmly seated himself in the lotus position. A fellow monk then poured gasoline over his head and Thich set himself alight with a match (fig.). After his death, he became venerated as a bodhisattva (fig.) and in Ho Chi Minh City a small memorial park accommodates his statue (map). 回

Thick-billed Pigeon

Name of an olive green pigeon with the binomial name Treron curvirostra and a distinctive, heavy bill, red at the base and yellowish green at the tip. Being sexually dimorphic, females are recognized by a green mantle, whereas that of males is maroon, yet both sexes have red legs and the same characteristic, yellow wingbars and pale blue-green orbital rings. Different from the female, the male also has light underparts and a grey crown. Thick-billed Pigeons inhabit most forest types, including mangroves and are found through much of Thailand, where it is called nok khao plao thammada. Also known as Thick-billed Green-pigeon. 回

thien kaew (เทียนแก้ว)

Thai. ‘Glass candle’. A kind of traditional Thai hand-made sweet that takes the form of stuffed dough, somewhat cake-like, shaped as triangular pyramids and wrapped in banana leaf. They are usually made from tapioca flour or in some regions sticky rice flour, with a filling of coconut, green or red beans, or mung bean. It is also referred to as kanom thien kaew and in some regions known as kanom jok (ขนมจ็อก) and kanom nom sahw (ขนมนมสาว). They are commonly used in tamboon, i.e. the act of merit making, especially during the Songkraan festival. This type of candy is depicted on a postage stamp issued in 2018 as part of a set of six stamps on traditional Thai sweets (fig.). 回

Thien Khuyen (Thiên Khuyển)

Vietnamese. Name of the Vietnamese-Taoist Judge of the Heavens. READ ON. 回

Thien Tu Bao Chau (Thiền Tự Bảo Châu)

Vietnamese. ‘Protection [by the] Pearl of Self-meditation’ or ‘Security Gem of Self-taught Zen’. Name of a small Mahayana Buddhist temple in Hoi An. READ ON. 回

thihra (ธีร)

Thai. ‘Learned man’, ‘wise man’ and ‘genius’. 回

thihraraat (ธีรราช)

Thai. ‘Learned king’ or ‘wise king’. A designation given to King Vajiravudh for his literary work. 回

thim (ทิม)

Thai. Name given to a pavilion within the compound of a royal palace. It has several meanings, depending on its use. It can be a pavilion used as accommodation for the palace guards along the edge of the palace's fortified walls, but also a Thai-style sala used as a waiting place for high-ranking officials or monks prior to an audience with the King. See also thimdahb. 回

thimdahb (ทิมดาบ)

Thai. ‘Sword pavilion’. Name for the [weapons'] shelter or accommodation of the palace guards, located within the grounds of a royal palace. See also Murathathorn and thim. 回

Thinglish

Term, mostly used by expatriates living in Thailand, to express the incorrect use of English grammar, vocabulary (word choice) and pronunciation by Thais, often due to interference from their own language, as well as local anomalies and colloquialism. For example, the Thai term for ‘same’ in is meuan kan (เหมือนกัน), but can also be meuan meuan kan (เหมือนเหมือนกัน), thus in English, the Thais will often say the word same twice, i.e. ‘same same’. With regards to incorrect pronunciation, typical examples are: university and electricity, which are pronounced ‘univer-city’ and ‘electric-city’, with the penultimate and ultimate syllables pronounced as city (town); vegetable, which is pronounced ‘vege-table’, with the penultimate and ultimate syllables pronounced as table (furniture), etc. In addition, there is also a certain laziness of the tongue, which is by the way equally commonly found in the Thai language, when the letter R is either unpronounced or swapped for an L, and vice versa. A common example is the question from a Thai waiter for more rice, i.e. ‘You want mo(le) lice’? The incorrect use of grammar often relates to syntax, i.e. the grammatical arrangement of words into a sentence, as in the example ‘you are my friend’, which Thais often almost literally translate from Thai, i.e. khun pen pheuan khong phom, or simply khun pheuan phom (คุณ [เป็น] เพื่อน [ของ] ผม), meaning you [are] friend [of] I/me, into ‘you my friend me’, seemingly also thinking that ‘my friend’ is one indivisible term as it is and that the word ‘friend’ on its own doesn't exist, as is often thought with the word birthday too, which is usually spoken of as ‘happy birthday’, e.g. tomorrow is my ‘happy birthday’. Thinglish or the incorrect interpretation of English may sometimes lead to misunderstanding or funny situations, especially when the R is swapped for an L, as in the incident when a Thai tour guide with regards to politics was asked the question ‘How often do you have elections in Thailand?’, he greatly astonished replied ‘Eve-l-y morning’! Sometimes spelled Tinglish and also called Thenglish, Thainglish and Thailish. 回

Thingyan (သင်္ကြန်)

Burmese. Name of the Water Festival in Myanmar, which takes place toward the end of the hot, dry season and ushers in the Myanmar New Year. Thingyan Festival is considered the most popular festival in Myanmar, followed by Thadingyut, which celebrates the Buddha's descent from Tavatimsa Heaven after having preached the Abhidhamma there to his mother Maha Maya during Buddhist Lent. Thingyan is the Burmese equivalent of the Thai Songkraan. 回

Thipangkon (ทีปังกร)

Thai. ‘Lamp bearer’. Name of a royal prince of the Chakri Dynasty of Thailand, namely the fifth yet only recognized son of King Vajiralongkorn. Hence he is the heir presumptive to his father and first in line to the throne. His name derives from the Sanskrit Dipankhara, which means ‘Lamp bearer’. The prince was born on 29 April 2005 and is fully known as Thipangkon Ratsamichot (ทีปังกร รัศมีโชติ), which may also be transliterated Dipangkorn Rasmijoti. He is actually the seventh child of King Rama X, whose mother is the King's third legal wife Srirasmi Suwadee (ศรีรัศมิ์ สุวะดี). The king also has a daughter from his first marriage and a daughter and four sons from his second marriage, yet he disowned the four sons after the then-Crown Prince divorced his second wife. Since Prince Thipangkon was born on a Friday, his personal flag consists of a blue field, the colour of his birthday in the sih prajam wan-system, with his royal cypher, i.e. his monogram that consist of the stylized Thai letters Th (ท) in light blue and P (ป) in yellow. 回

Thipchakratiwong (ทิพย์จักราธิวงศ์)

Thai. Name of the dynasty that ruled Chiang Mai from 1774 to 1939. This period started after the revolt of Lan Na against Burmese rule, that began with the liberation of Lampang and the 1774 recapture of Chiang Mai by the Siamese King Taksin, and lasted until seven years after Chiang Mai was made a province of Siam in 1932. This dynasty includes Chao Kawila, the first king of Lan Na under Siamese rule, and is also known by the name Chao Jed Ton, the ‘Dynasty of the Seven Lords’. Also transliterated Thippachakkrathiwong. See also Thip Chang and list of Thai kings. 回

Thip Chang (ทิพย์ช้าง)

Thai. Name of the ruler of Lampang, who reigned from 1732 to 1759 AD. READ ON. 回

Thip Ketuthat (ทิพย์ เกตุทัต)

See Thayaan Phikaat. 回

Thipphimaan (ทิพย์พิมาน)

Thai. ‘Angelic Paradise’. Name of a royal palace in Pak Chong (ปากช่อง) District, in Nakhon Ratchasima, which on its compound also has an art gallery known as Phimaanthip (พิมานทิพย์), i.e. ‘Paradise of Angels’, and usually transliterated and referred to as Pimarntip Art Gallery, as well as the Thipphimaan Veterinary Hospital, both under the auspices of Princess Chulaphorn Walailak (fig.), the youngest daughter of King Bhumipon Adunyadet (fig.), and features some of her art work, most notably several depictions of Leopards. The top floor, which is in part decorated in Chinese traditional style, houses a number of zheng (fig.), i.e. ancient Chinese zithers, multiple-stringed instruments with a flat soundbox that are placed horizontally and played with the fingers and a plectrum, as well as pictures of the princess posing with this ancient Chinese instrument, also called gu zheng (古筝), i.e. ‘ancient zheng’, which she is said to master. This floor also has a room with has a royal collection of LEGO toys. Also transliterated Tippimarn. 回

third eye

1. The name at times given to the curl of hair between the eyebrows of some gods, otherwise called an urna. According to legend it radiates the beams of light that enlighten the world and is a symbol for great, all-seeing wisdom. It is one of the marks of an enlightened being. In oriental iconography it is often depicted as a round sign, though it may also be depicted as an actual, additional eye (fig.). In Hinduism it is regarded the seat of occult power. The third eye of Shiva, for example, will eventually consume the universe and that of Durga created the goddess Kali. Besides this it is also seen as the ajnakhya, one of the six chakras or centres of spiritual energy of the body, representing inner vision. Hindus often place a red, white or black mark, called pundra or tilaka, on their forehead which indicates either a third eye or refers to their marital status, its significance varying from community to community. Sometimes called a buddha eye (fig.). See also Wisdom Eyes. 回

2. The colloquial name for the iridescent, photosensitive spot between the eyes in some reptiles and which is officially known as the pineal gland (fig.). This gland recognizes differences in light and is thought to help avoid threats from above, such as attacks from aerial predators, as well as to assist with basking, in order to keep the body temperature within certain boundaries, i.e. thermoregulation. Also called pineal eye or parietal eye. 回

Third Lotus Prince

A title given to Nezha, the Taoist child-deity, who is fully known as Nezha San Taizi. He is usually depicted holding a magical Golden Hoop in the left hand and a Fire Spear in the right hand, whilst subduing a sea dragon (fig.). In Chinese, Lian Hua San Taizi, literally ‘Third Lotus Flower Crown Prince’. 回

Thisa Taik Phaya (သစ္စာတိုက်ဘုရား)

Burmese. ‘Pagoda of the Oath’, ‘Temple of the Loyal Fight’ or ‘Temple of the Faithful Struggle’. Another name for the White Temple Yattana Pontha in Ava (fig.). 回

thobe (ثَوب)

Arabic. ‘Garment’. Term for a type of long outer garment with wide sleeves, worn by Muslim men, and similar to the jubbah (fig.), that –except for the hands and face– covers the entire body to almost ankle-length. Also transcribed thaub or thawb. 回

Tho Cong (Thổ Công)

Vietnamese name for Tu Di Gong, the Chinese Lord of the Soil and the Ground (fig.). He is also known by the names Tho Dia (Thổ Địa) and Tho Than (Thổ Thần). In Tae Chew his name is Di Zhuia (fig.) and he is the Chinese equivalent of the Thai chao thih, the animist guardian spirit of the land. In Vietnam, he is typically one of two deities placed in small home altars, the other one being Than Tai (fig.), the Vietnamese name for Chinese wealth deities, who are generally referred to as Cai Shen (fig.). According to local beliefs, these Vietnamese house shrines (fig.) should always face the entrance door, and its deities are offered fruit, food and drinks, the latter usually in the form of tea traditionally offered in either 5 or sometimes 3 small cups. 回

thod kathin (ทอดกฐิน)

See kathin. 回

thod man pla (ทอดมันปลา)

Thai name for local fish cakes. The term could be interpreted as both ‘oil fried fish’ and ‘fried fish fat’. Ingredients include fish meat; a spicy curry paste, normally used to make nahm phrik kaeng (fig.); sliced Chinese longbeans, called tua fak yao in Thai (fig.); bai makrud or kaffir leaves (fig.), cut into slivers; chicken egg yolk; sugar and salt. The items are mixed into a paste and fried in oil as flat slabs. They are a Thai specialty often found as a snack on markets or as a starter in restaurants. 回

thod phah (ทอดผ้า)

Thai. Offering robes to Buddhist monks in Thailand. Also thod phah pah. 回

thod phah pah (ทอดผ้าป่า)

Thai. Ceremony in which laymen present robes and other offerings to Buddhist monks in Thailand. Also thod phah. 回

thohn ram manah (โทนรำมะนา)

Thai name for two hand drums, i.e. the klong thohn and the klong ram manah, played as a pair in Central Thai traditional music (fig.), especially in string ensembles. The thohn gives a low pitch and the ram manah gives a high pitch. In 1970, these drums were depicted played as a pair on one of a set of four Thai postage stamps featuring Thai musical instruments (fig.). Also transcribed ton rammana, tone ram manaa, or similar. 回

thom (ធំ)

Cambodian or Khmer for ‘great’, as in Angkor Thom. 回

Thonbanhla (သုံးပန်လှ)

Burmese. ‘Beautiful in Three Ways’. Name of a female nat, and one of the 37 that belong to the official pantheon of spirits worshipped in Myanmar. In life, she was a native of a Mon village and is described has having been extremely beautiful. Hence, she was given to King Duttabaung of Pyay to become one of his consorts. However, when his chief consort learned of this, she became jealous of her beauty and thus told the king that Thonbanhla was in fact very ugly and so fat that she could not enter through the city gate. Upon hearing this, the king refused Thonbanhla into his harem and she consequently died in despair. Another story says that she actually was the youngest sister of Maung Tint De (fig.), i.e. ‘Brother Handsome’, the extremely strong son of a blacksmith who was executed by the King of Tagaung, lest he might usurp his throne. In this version, she was as a child adopted by a Rakhine King during Maung Tint De's persecution by the King of Tagaung. Later, she married King Smim Htaw Yama of Utthala (Oakkala), and gave birth to a daughter, but then died of a sudden illness. Consequently, the daughter also died of grief from her mother's death and thus became the nat Shin Nemi (fig.). See also LIST OF BURMESE NATS. 回

Thonbodih (ธนบดี)

Thai name for a deity associated with the Chinese wealth god Tsai Shen Yeh or Chai Sing Ihya (fig.). Usually referred to as Phra Thonbodih. 回

Thonburi (ธนบุรี)

For a short period a former capital of Siam, founded after the fall of Ayutthaya in 1767 (fig.) and then situated in vast swampy delta with the nickname ‘sea of mud’. Located near the estuary and on the western bank of the Chao Phraya River, it lays opposite Rattanakosin and is today a khet (zone) of greater Bangkok. The capital was founded by King Taksin (fig.) and is fully known as Krung Thonburi Sri Maha Samut (กรุงธนบุรีศรีมหาสมุทร). Whereas the word thon (ธน), which can also be pronounced thana (as in thanakaan, meaning ‘bank’), can be translated either as ‘estate’ or ‘wealth’, the word buri derives from the Sanskrit word puri, and refers to a ‘city’, commonly a ‘fortified city’. Hence, the full name can be translated as ‘Fortified City Estate at the Graceful Ocean’, though other translations include ‘City of Wealth Gracing the Ocean’. Though not an official province, Thonburi is by some at times referred to as jangwat Thonburi. The area is home to Wat Arun (fig.), Wat Prayun Wongsahwaht (fig.), the Royal Dockyard Museum (fig.), Thonburi Palace (fig.) or Phra Rachawang Deum (fig.), as well as the Princess Mother Memorial Park (map - fig.). Today, the area has a large network of canals and a boat tour on those is a popular tourist attraction (fig.). 回

Thonburi Train Station

Built in 1900, during the reign of King Rama V, at the mouth of Bangkok Noi Canal. The site was originally a property of a Muslim family which was relocated to the other side of the canal, where King Rama V had a mosque built for them in compensation. During WW II the Imperial Japanese Army used the rail line to deliver weaponry and supplies to its troops in Kanchanaburi, as part of the construction of the Thailand-Burma Railway. During the war the station was entirely damaged by bombs and was rebuilt in its original architectural style after the war was over, commissioned by Phibun Songkram. The train station resumed service and the station was the terminus and departure point for mainly southern-bound trains, as well as trains to and from Kanchanaburi. In 2003, the land of the station and its surrounding area was purchased by the adjacent Siriraj Hospital (fig.) for expansion. Hence, the rail track was shortened and the train service was moved about a kilometer eastward, whilst the old train station became a museum on the history of the hospital, officially known as the Siriraj Bimuksthan Museum (fig.). See MAP. 回

Thonburi Palace

In Thai, it is known as Phra Rachawang Deum, literally the ‘Former Palace’, but is usually translated as the ‘Old Palace’. It was the royal residence of King Taksin, located in Thonburi, adjascent to Wat Arun, and today within the compound of the Royal Thai Navy Headquarters at the old Wichai Prasit Fort (fig.). READ ON. 回

thong (ทอง)

Thai for ‘gold’ or ‘golden’. See Thai gold and Chinese gold ingot. 回

Thong Bo Po Ro (ธง ภ.ป.ร.)

Thai. Name for the personal Royal Flag of King Bhumiphon, in full known as Thong Bhumipon Adunyadet Parama Rajatiraat, and which consists of a golden crown over his initials, the letters B (ภ) P (ป) and R (ร) in yellowish-orange, blue, and white, on a yellow field, the colour of his birthday (see sih prajam wan). Another version of the same personal Royal Flag of the King, consists of a yellow field with the logo and text in red print (fig.), and in addition to the crown and the initials, it has a ribbon with the text Song Phra Charoen (ทรงพระเจริญ), which is rajasap, meaning ‘to prosper’ or ‘to be prosperous’, but is usually translated as ‘Long Live the King’. Pronounced Thong Po Po Ro and often transcribed Thong Bor Por Ror. 回

thong chaht (ธงชาติ)

Thai. ‘National flag’. The flag of a nation. The present Thai national flag is a horizontal striped red-white-blue-white-red banner. According to vexillology, the colours symbolize the nation (red), the monarchy (blue) and religion (white). It was introduced in 1917 by King Rama VI and replaced the thong kha khaay, a briefly used flag consisting of a red field with with two horizontal white stripes (fig.). The latter was initially a maritime merchant flag and briefly used as the national flag, reportedly introduced because the King had taken offense when some of his subjects had flown the until then used national flag, i.e. a White Elephant on a red field (fig.) known as thong chang (fig.), upside down during a flood in order to indicate distress. The present flag is also known by the name thong trai rong, meaning tricolour (fig.). See also Vexillology & Heraldry and WATCH VIDEO. 回

thong chai chaleum phon thahaan reua (ธงชัยเฉลิมพลทหารเรือ)

Thai. ‘Victory flag in honour of the sailors’. Victory flag in honour of its sailors, which consist of the Thai national tricolour, with in the centre, in yellowish gold, the emblem of the Royal Thai Navy, i.e. a golden royal chadah-style crown over a ship's anchor, with a twisted chain and a chakra (fig.). It is in use since 1936 AD, though the same flag has also been used since 1917 as the Thai naval jack, known in Thai as thong chahn. 回

thong chahn (ธงฉาน)

Thai name for the naval jack, an additional national flag flown by warships at the head of the ship, usually on special occasions and while not on the move. The one in use since 1917 AD is the same design as the Thai victory flag in honour of its sailors and known in Thai as thong chai chaleum phon thahaan reua (fig.), which is in use since 1936. 回

thong chang (ธงช้าง)

Thai. ‘Elephant flag’. A former Siamese flag consisting of a red field, akin to the initial national flag of Siam (fig.), but with the figure of a White Elephant in the middle (fig.). Today this can still be seen as part of the ensign of the Royal Thai Navy (fig.), placed in a circle on the thong chaht, the present Thai tricolour. Besides this the navy also has a flag consisting of a blue field with a white circle (fig.). This circle depicts a yellow chadah-like crown above a chakra encircling an anchor. The former Siamese national flag was used from 1855 to 1893-1917, prior to that the elephant was smaller an encircled by a chakra (fig.), a flag sometimes referred to as thong chang chak (ธงช้างจักร - fig.) and also used simultaneously by the Siamese Navy. In turn, the latter was an adaption of the former naval and national flag, which has only a chakra on a red field (fig.), a flag called thong chak (ธงจักร) and only proceeded by the first Siamese flag, sometimes referred to as thong sayaam and consisting of just a plain red field (fig.). National flags following the thong chang are thong chang song kreuang chak (ธงช้างทรงเครื่องจักร), i.e. a red field with a decorated White Elephant and a small chakra in the top left corner (fig.), which was used in the reign of King Rama V, [initially] as the flag on royal battleships and ─only according to a few unconfirmed sources─ temporary doubled as a national flag; thong chang song kreuang (ธงช้างทรงเครื่อง), the same flag without the chakra (fig.) and according to some sources flown in reverse with the elephant facing the hoist; thong kha khaay (fig.), the first striped national flag and initially a maritime flag on merchant ships; and eventually the present tricolour (fig.). See also Vexillology & Heraldry. 回

Thongdaeng (ทองแดง)

Thai. ‘Copper’. Name of the 17th royal dog of King Bhumipon Adunyadet, i.e. a female copper-coloured dog, that was born as a stray dog (fig.) in a soi (side street) nearby a Medical Centre on Rama IX Road, on Saturday 7 November 1998, as one of a litter of 7 puppies, from a mother called Daeng (แดง), i.e. ‘Red’. The other puppies, mostly female, were named Lamun (ละมุน), Kalua (คาลัว), Nun (หนุน), Kohroh (โกโร), Kohsoh (โกโส), whilst the only male puppy was named Thongleuang (ทองเหลือง), which means ‘Brass’. When the King presided over the opening ceremony of the Rama IX Medical Center, a doctor presented Thongdaeng to King Rama IX. At that time, Daeng was ill and unable to sufficiently care for her litter. The King took Thongdaeng to Dusit Palace, where she was adopted by Ma-li (มะลิ), i.e. ‘Jasmine’, a dog already owned by the King, who had just delivered 9 puppies herself the day before Thongdaeng arrived. In 2000, Thongdaeng became pregnant from Thongtae (ทองแท้), a Basenji dog whose name translates as ‘Real Gold’, with similar features to Thongdaeng and also raised by the King. Hence, on Tuesday 26 September 2000, Thongdaeng delivered a litter of 9 puppies, 3 female and 6 male, at the Veterinary Faculty Clinic of the Kasetsart University in Bangkok. The female puppies were named Thongchompunut (ทองชมพูนุท), Thongyod (ทองหยอด) and Thong-att (ทองอัฐ), whereas the male puppies were named Thong-aek (ทองเอก), Thong-muan (ทองม้วน), Thongthat (ทองทัต), Thongphlu (ทองพลุ), Thongyip (ทองหยิบ), and Thongnopphakhun (ทองนพคุณ). Thongdaeng's full name and title are Khun Thongdaeng Suwanna-chaht (คุณทองแดงสุวรรณชาติ), which is sometimes spelled Khun Tongdaen Suvarnnachad. In 2002, the King wrote a biography of his so-called uncommon common dog, titled Reuang Thongdaeng (เรื่องทองแดง), i.e. the ‘Story of Thongdaeng’, which instantly became a bestseller. See also sunak and POSTAGE STAMPS. 回

Thongdi (ทองดี)

Thai. ‘Good Gold’. Birth name of the royal father of King Rama I, who was was born in the Ayutthaya period at Ban Sakae Krang, in the Sakae Krang River basin, in the old city of Uthai Thani. His title is Somdet Phra Pathom Borom Maha Chanoknaht, i.e. ‘Royal Father of the Great First King’. 回

Thong Duang (ทองด้วง)

Thai. ‘Golden chrysalis’. Birth name of Chao Phraya Chakri, who later became King Rama I. 回

thong kathin (ธงกฐิน)

Thai. Name of a kind of vertical banners that are placed at Buddhist temples during the kathin ceremony in Thailand indicating their participation. READ ON. 回

thong kha khaay (ธงค้าขาย)

Thai. ‘Trade flag’. The former Siamese Civil Ensign and national flag of Siam, used briefly from 1916 to 1917. It consists of a red field with with two horizontal white stripes one-sixth wide, and one-sixth from the top and bottom. Its Thai name derives from the fact that this flag was initially used as a maritime flag on merchant ships. It is the precursor of the current national tricolour (fig.), the thong trai rong (fig.), and thus used for a while simultaneously with the thong chang song kreuang (fig.). The striped flag was reportedly introduced by King Rama VI as he had taken offense when some of his subjects had flown the national flag upside down during a flood in order to indicate distress. See also Vexillology & Heraldry and POSTAGE STAMPS. 回

thong kham neua kao (ทองคำเนื้อเก้า)

Thai term used for pure gold, besides thong nopphakhun. 回

Thong Kongsun (ธงกงสุล)

Thai. ‘Consular Flag’. Flag of the Consul of Thailand. It consists of the thong trai rong, i.e. the National Tricolour (fig.) as a background, with additionally a white elephant on a blue circular background. It is similar to Thai Ambassador Standard (fig.), known in Thai as Thong Raja Thoot, but on the Consular flag the elephant is depicted without regalia nor on a pedestal. 回

thongkhamplaew (ทองคำเปลว)

Thai for gold leaf. 回

thong kwahw (ทองกวาว)

Thai name for the Tiger Claw, a tree also known as Flame of the Forest and Bastard Teak. 回

Thong Maai Yod Jom Phon Reua (ธงหมายยศจอมพลเรือ)

Thai. ‘Flag that intends the rank of admiral of the fleet’. Name for the flag of the Admiral of the Fleet of the Royal Thai Navy (fig.). It consists of a navy blue field with five white chakra, one in each corner and one at the centre of the flag, akin to the rank (fig.). 回

Thong Maha Raj (ธงมหาราช)

Thai. ‘Flag of the Great King’. Name for the Royal Standard, a yellow field with a red Garuda. The Queen has the same emblem but depicted on a swallow-tailed flag, named Thong Rajanih (fig.). There are two models, i.e. Thong Maha Raj Yai and Thong Maha Raj Noi, meaning ‘Big Royal Standard’ and ‘Small Royal Standard’, respectively. Whereas the first one relates to a large square flag, the second refers to a smaller model of it, not larger than 60 centimeters and prolonged with a long, white, slightly tapering, swallow-tailed streamer (fig.). The Crown Prince has a similar flag called Thong Yaowaraht in Thai, i.e. a red Garuda on a yellow field, but the yellow field is surrounded by a broad blue frame (fig.). Other princes in the Chakri dynasty use a flag called Thong Rajawong which consists of a blue field with a yellow disc that features a red Garuda (fig.), whereas other princesses have the same emblem, but depicted on a swallow-tailed flag. Besides this the present king, Rama IX, also has a personal flag called Thong Nai Luang and consisting of a yellow field with the king's initials (ภ.ช.ร. - P. Ch. R.) underneath the Phra Maha Phichai Mongkut, the Thai royal crown in the form of a chadah (fig.). During his reign also several memorial flags were designed (fig.), i.e. on his 50th (fig.) and 60th anniversary on the throne (fig.), to commemorate his 72th birthday (fig.), i.e. the sixth cycle of 12 years according to the zodiac, his 80th birthday (fig.), etc. See also Vexillology & Heraldry. 回

Thong Maha Raj Noi (ธงมหาราชน้อย)

Thai. ‘Small Flag of the Great King’. Name for a smaller model of the Thong Maha Raj which is also known as Thong Maha Raj Yai. It cannot be larger than 60 centimeters and is prolonged with a long, white, slightly tapering, swallow-tailed streamer. It is similar to the Small Standard used by the Crown Prince (fig.). See also Vexillology & Heraldry. 回

Thong Maha Raj Yai (ธงมหาราชใหญ่)

Thai. ‘Big Flag of the Great King’. See Thong Maha Raj. See also Vexillology & Heraldry. 回

Thong Nai Luang (ธงในหลวง)

Thai. ‘Flag of the King’. The personal flag of the king. It bears the Thai Royal Emblem on a yellow-orange field, i.e. the king's initials B.P.R. (ภ.ป.ร. - fig.) underneath the Phra Maha Phichai Mongkut, a chadah-like crown. It is flown throughout the kingdom year round, especially on 5 December, the king's birthday, when it is seen on display in large numbers. In Thai, the flag is called Thong Nai Luang or Thong Barama Phithai. 回

thong nopphakhun (ทองนพคุณ)

Thai term used for pure gold, besides thong kham neua kao. 回

thong phra phutta sahtsanah (ธงพระพุทธศาสนา)

Thai. ‘Flag of Buddhism’. Flag consisting of an orange field with a dhammachakka (fig.). Also known as thong thammachak. Besides the Thai Buddhist flag there is also an International Buddhist flag, in Thai known as thong phra phutta sahtsanah sakon (fig.). See also Vexillology & Heraldry. 回

thong phra phutta sahtsanah sakon (ธงพระพุทธศาสนาสากล)

Thai. ‘International flag of Buddhism’. International Buddhist flag consisting of five vertical stripes in blue, yellow, red, white and orange, followed by five horizontal stripes of the same colours. Vexillologicaly the five colours are symbolic of the five Buddhist commandments, known as sihnha in Thai. Besides this, each vertical colour represents a different aura as emanated from the body of the Buddha when he attained Enlightenment, i.e. blue represents loving kindness, peace and universal compassion; yellow corresponds to the middle path; red stands for the blessings of practice, i.e. achievement, wisdom, virtue, fortune and dignity; white symbolizes the purity of the dharma; and orange represents the Buddha's teachings and wisdom, reminiscent of the colour orange in the sih prajam wan which corresponds with the pahng samahti pose in the Phra prajam wan system, both associated with Thursday. The five horizontal colours together are a compound of the five vertical colours and represent a sixth aura, known as the ‘essence of light’. The five vertical and five horizontal stripes together also symbolize the ten Buddhist precepts (as with the flag, an additional five to the first five) as upheld by novices (naen) and most lay people on special occasions, e.g. on Buddhist holy days or during Buddhist Lent. However, in Nepalese tradition, the five colours represent five parts related to the body of the Buddha, with blue representing the hair of the Buddha; whilst yellow stands for his dress; red symbolizes the blood of the Buddha; white the teeth and bones of the Buddha; and orange represents the Buddha's heart. The flag was originally designed in Colombo, Sri Lanka and first hoisted in public on Visakha day in 1885. Besides the International Buddhist flag, Thailand also has a national Buddhist flag known as thong phra phutta sahtsanah or thong thammachak (fig.). See also Vexillology & Heraldry. 回

Thong Phra Ratcha Phithi Borommarachaphisek (ธงพระราชพิธีบรมราชาภิเษก)

Thai. ‘Flag Royal Coronation Ceremony’. Name for a flag with the emblem of the Coronation Ceremony of King Maha Vajiralongkorn, i.e. Rama X, issued in 2019. It consists of a yellow field, for Monday, the colour of the King's birthday, according to the Thai sih prajam wan system. The emblem itself consists of ten-layered chattra, i.e. the multi-layered royal umbrella, with in front of it a chadah-style crown, that represents the Great Crown of Victory, with underneath it the Thai number ten (๑๐), representing the Crown Title of Rama X, as well as the King's initials M.V.K. (ม.ว.ก.), referring to his name and his royal status as a member of the House of Chakri (fig.). Flanking the initials are a mythological lion known as a Singha (fig.), and a Gajasingha of the type Takkatoh (fig.), each holding another ten-layered chattra. Crossed behind the dark blue shield with the King's initial's are the Sword of State (fig.) and the Royal Sceptre (fig.), one with the Golden Fan, the other with the Yak's Tail (fig.), all objects that are part of the kakuthaphan (fig.), i.e. the Thai regalia. At the bottom is a green banner with in gold the text Phra Ratcha Phithi Borommarachaphisek Phutthasakkarat 2562 (พระราชพิธีบรมราชาภิเษก พุทธศักราช ๒๕๖๒), which translates as ‘The Royal Coronation Ceremony, Buddhist Era 2562 (2019 AD)’. Furthermore, the emblem is embellished with kranok, a characteristic Thai design resembling tongues of fire (fig.). In full, this flag is also referred to as Thong Trah Sanyalak Phra Ratcha Phithi Borommarachaphisek, literally ‘Flag with the Emblem of the Royal Coronation Ceremony’. See also Vexillology & Heraldry. 回

Thong Phra Ratcha Phithi Maha Mongkhon Chaleum Phra Chonmaphansa Hok Rop (ธงพระราชพิธีมหามงคลเฉลิมพระชนมพรรษา 6 รอบ)

Thai. Flag of the Grand Royal Ceremony Celebrating the 6th cycle birthday anniversary. Flag  with the emblem for the 72nd birthday anniversary of King Maha Vajiralongkorn, i.e. Rama X, in 2019.  It consists of a yellow field, for Monday, the colour of the King's birthday, according to the Thai sih prajam wan system. The emblem itself consists of ten-layered chattra, i.e. the multi-layered royal umbrella, with in front of it a chadah-style crown, that represents the Great Crown of Victory, with underneath it the Thai number ten (๑๐), representing the Crown Title of Rama X, as well as the King's initials M.V.K. (ม.ว.ก.), referring to his name and his royal status as a member of the House of Chakri (fig.). Flanking the initials are a mythological lion known as a Singha (fig.), and a Gajasingha of the type Takkatoh (fig.), each holding another ten-layered chattra. Underneath this, in pink, is the Thai number 72 (๗๒), indicating the King's 72nd birthday, and at the bottom is a pink banner with the golden text Phra Ratcha Phithi Maha Mongkhon Chaleum Phra Chonmaphansa 6 Rop, 28 Karakadaakhom 2567 (พระราชพิธีมหามงคลเฉลิมพระชนมพรรษา ๖ รอบ, ๒๘ กรกฎาคม ๒๕๖๗), which translates as ‘The Grand Royal Ceremony Celebrating the 6th Cycle Birthday Anniversary, 28 July 2567’, with BE 2567 being 2024 AD. Furthermore, the emblem is embellished with floral and kranok motifs (fig.). See also Vexillology & Heraldry. 回

thong prajam thahaan bok (ธงประจำกองทหารบก)

Thai. ‘Regular flag of the Army Corps’. It consists of the national tricolour, with in the centre a sunburst and a chakra, as well as the pathum unnahlohm (fig.), i.e. a kind of unnahlohm similar to the yan sign (fig.). In the top left corner is the Phra Maha Phichai Mongkut over the King's the initials B.P.R. (ภ.ป.ร. - fig.) in a pale blue notched circle. See also POSTAGE STAMP. 回

Thong Rajanih (ธงราชินี)

Thai. ‘Flag of the Queen’. Name for the Standard of the Queen. There are two models, i.e. Thong Rajanih Yai and Thong Rajanih Noi, meaning ‘Big Standard of the Queen’ and ‘Small Standard of the Queen’, respectively. Whereas the first one relates to a large, rectangular, swallow-tailed flag, the second refers to a smaller model of the Thong Maha Raj, not larger than 60 centimeters and prolonged with a long, red, slightly tapering, swallow-tailed streamer (fig.). Besides this, Queen Sirikit also has a personal Royal Flag (fig.), referred to as Thong So Ko (often transcribed Sor Kor and short for Thong Sirikit Kitthiyagon), named after her initials, the letters S (ส) and K (ก) in blue and white (fig.). These are placed on a light blue field, the colour of her birthday (see sih prajam wan), and under a golden crown, similar to the personal Royal Flag of the King (fig.), but without the radiating beams of light at the top (fig.). See also Vexillology & Heraldry. 回

Thong Rajanih Noi (ธงราชินีน้อย)

Thai. ‘Small Flag of the Queen’. Name for the Small Standard of the Queen. It refers to a smaller model of the Thong Maha Raj, not larger than 60 centimeters and prolonged with a long, red, slightly tapering, swallow-tailed streamer. The Small Standard of the Queen is thus the same as the Thong Maha Raj Noi, the Small Royal Standard used by the King (fig.), but with a red streamer, opposed to the white one used for the King. See also Vexillology & Heraldry. 回

Thong Rajanih Yai (ธงราชินีใหญ่)

See Thong Rajanih. 回

Thong Raja Thoot (ธงราชทูต)

Thai. ‘Flag of the Royal Envoy’. Standard of the Ambassador of Thailand. It consists of the thong trai rong, i.e. the National Tricolour (fig.) as a background, with additionally a white elephant in ceremonial dress and on a pedestal, against a blue circular background. It is similar to the flag of the Royal Thai Navy (fig.), but with a blue rather than a red disc, whereas the consular flag of Thailand, known as Thong Kongsun, is the same apart from the elephant, which is depicted without regalia nor on a pedestal (fig.). 回

Thong Rajawong (ธงราชวงศ์)

Thai. ‘Flag of the Royal House’. Standard for members of the Chakri dynasty, other than the King, Queen, Crown Prince or Royal Consort of the Crown Prince. There are two models, i.e. Thong Rajawong Fai Nah and Thong Rajawong Fai Nai. However, if left unspecified it most likely refers to the first, rather than to the latter. Of each model exist two types, referred to as Yai and Noi, meaning ‘Big’ and ‘Small’, respectively. Whereas the first one relates to a large square flag with a yellow circle that features a red Garuda (fig.), the second refers to a smaller model of it, not larger than 60 centimeters and prolonged with a long, slightly tapering, swallow-tailed streamer which is white for princes (Fai Nah) and red for princesses (Fai Nai). See also Vexillology & Heraldry. 回

Thong Rajawong Fai Nah (ธงราชวงศ์ฝ่ายหน้า)

Thai. ‘Flag of the Royal House for Officials of the King’. Standard for princes of the Chakri dynasty, other than the Crown Prince, consisting of a square blue field with a yellow disc that features a red Garuda. Besides this type which is sometimes referred to as Thong Rajawong Yai Fai Nah, there is also a smaller model, named Thong Rajawong Noi Fai Nah. This consists of a smaller flag, not larger than 60 centimeters and prolonged with a long, white, slightly tapering, swallow-tailed streamer. Also called Thong Rajawong Yai Fai Nah. See also Thong Rajawong Fai Nai and Thong Rajawong. See also Vexillology & Heraldry. 回

Thong Rajawong Fai Nai (ธงราชวงศ์ฝ่ายใน)

Thai. ‘Flag of the Royal House for Ladies of the Court’. Standard for princesses of the Chakri dynasty, other than the Royal Consort of the Crown Prince. It consists of a blue field with a yellow circle that features a red Garuda, depicted on a swallow-tailed flag. Besides this type which is referred to as Thong Rajawong Yai Fai Nai, there is also a smaller model, named Thong Rajawong Noi Fai Nai. This consists of a smaller flag, not larger than 60 centimeters and prolonged with a long, red, slightly tapering, swallow-tailed streamer. Also called Thong Rajawong Yai Fai Nai. See also Thong Rajawong Fai Nah and Thong Rajawong. See also Vexillology & Heraldry. 回

Thong Rajawong Noi Fai Nah (ธงราชวงศ์น้อยฝ่ายหน้า)

Thai. ‘Small Flag of the Royal House for Officials of the King’. Standard for princes of the Chakri dynasty, other than the Crown Prince, consisting of a flag akin to the Thong Rajawong Fai Nah, a square blue field with a yellow disc that features a red Garuda, but not larger than 60 centimeters and prolonged with a long, white, slightly tapering, swallow-tailed streamer. See also Vexillology & Heraldry. 回

Thong Rajawong Noi Fai Nai (ธงราชวงศ์น้อยฝ่ายใน)

Thai. ‘Small Flag of the Royal House for Ladies of the Court’. Standard for princesses of the Chakri dynasty, other than the Royal Consort of the Crown Prince, that consists of a small flag similar to the Thong Rajawong Fai Nah, but not larger than 60 centimeters and prolonged with a long, red, slightly tapering, swallow-tailed streamer. See also Vexillology & Heraldry. 回

Thong Rajawong Yai Fai Nah (ธงราชวงศ์ใหญ่ฝ่ายหน้า)

Thai. ‘Big Flag of the Royal House for Officials of the King’. Another name for Thong Rajawong Fai Nah. See also Vexillology & Heraldry. 回

Thong Rajawong Yai Fai Nai (ธงราชวงศ์ใหญ่ฝ่ายใน)

Thai. ‘Big Flag of the Royal House for Ladies of the Court’. Another name for Thong Rajawong Fai Nai. See also Vexillology & Heraldry. 回

thong samphao (ท้องสำเภา)

Thai. ‘Junk belly’. Name for an architectural style in which the base of a building, pedestal or other structure is boat-shaped. The named derives from a Chinese junk, which in Thai is called reua sampao (fig.). 回

thong samrit (ทองสัมฤทธ์)

Thai for ‘bronze’, an alloy consisting mainly of copper, known in Thai as thong daeng (ทองแดง), with usually tin as an additive, which in Thai is called dihbook. However, it may also consist of different compositions, one in particular which is referred to as brass, known in Thai as thong leuang (ทองเหลือง), and that is made with copper and zinc as an additive, of which the latter in Thai is called sangkasih (สังกะสี). It is widely used in the making of sculptures (fig.). 回

Thong So Ko (ธง ส.ก.)

Thai. Name for the personal Royal Flag of Queen Sirikit (fig.), fully known as Thong Sirikit Kitthiyagon, and which consists of a golden crown over her initials, the letters S (ส) and K (ก) in blue and white, on a light blue field, the colour of her birthday (see sih prajam wan). There also exists a special edition of this flag, with only white print and underneath the crown an additional ribbon with the text Song Phra Charoen, which means ‘Long Live the Queen’ (fig.). 回

Thongthaem Tawanyawong (ทองแถมถวัลยวงศ์)

Thai. Name of a younger brother of King Chulalongkorn and a son of King Mongkut and His consort Queen Sangwaan. He was born on 17 October 1857, and is fully known as Prince Thongthaem Tawanyawong Krom(ma) Luang Sanphasaatsuphakit (ทองแถมถวัลยวงศ์ กรมหลวงสรรพสาตรศุภกิจ). The prince is remembered as the Father of Film, who brought back equipment from Europe when he travelled there with his brother King Chulalongkorn in 1897. He became the first Thai filmmaker and filmed the King at court and in royal ceremonies between 1900 and 1910. The prince died on 16 April 1919 and is depicted on a Thai postage stamp issued in 1997, to commemorate the centenary of cinematography in Thailand (fig.). 回

thong thahaan reua (ธงทหารเรือ)

Thai. ‘Navy flag’. Former Siamese naval flag used from 1912 to 1917 AD (fig.). It consists of a red field with a decorated White Elephant, and in the top corner the emblem of the Royal Thai Navy, i.e. a golden royal chadah-style crown, over a ship's anchor, with a twisted chain and a chakra (fig.). 回

thong thammachak (ธงธรรมจักร)

Thai. ‘Dhammachakka flag’. Another name for the Thai Buddhist flag (fig.), in Thai officially called thong phra phutta sahtsanah. Besides the Thai Buddhist flag there is also an International Buddhist flag, in Thai known as thong phra phutta sahtsanah sakon (fig.). See also Vexillology & Heraldry. 回

Thong Trah Sanyalak Phra Ratcha Phithi Borommarachaphisek (ธงตราสัญลักษณ์ พระราชพิธีบรมราชาภิเษก)

Thai. ‘Flag with the Emblem of the Royal Coronation Ceremony’. See Thong Phra Ratcha Phithi Borommarachaphisek. 回

thong trai rong (ธงไตรรงค์)

Thai for tricolour. Name for any flag consisting of three colours, but in Thailand the name generally refers to the present national flag which is in use since 1917 and consists of horizontal red-white-blue-white-red stripes. See also thong chaht. See also Vexillology & Heraldry and WATCH VIDEO. 回

Thong Yaowaraht (ธงเยาวราช)

Thai. ‘Flag of the Young King’. The Standard of the Crown Prince, consisting of a square yellow field with a red Garuda, surrounded by a blue border. It is derived from the Royal Standard, called Thong Maha Raj in Thai (fig.). There are two models, i.e. Thong Yaowaraht Yai and Thong Yaowaraht Noi, meaning ‘Big Standard of the Crown Prince’ and ‘Small Standard of the Crown Prince’, respectively. Whereas the first one relates to a large square flag, the second refers to a smaller model of it, not larger than 60 centimeters and prolonged with a long, white, slightly tapering, swallow-tailed streamer (fig.). The different flags can be specified even more by adding certain other suffixes, i.e. Fai Nah (ฝ่ายหน้า) which means ‘official of the king’ and refers to the flag used by the Crown Prince personally, or Fai Nai (ฝ่ายใน) which means ‘lady of the court’ and refers to the flag of the Royal Consort of the Crown Prince, who uses the same emblem but depicted on a swallow-tailed flag (fig.), called Thong Yaowaraht Fai Nai. Other princes in the Chakri dynasty have a blue field with a yellow disc or circle that features a red Garuda, whereas other princesses have the same emblem, but depicted on a swallow-tailed flag. Also called Thong Yaowaraht Fai Nah (ธงเยาวราชฝ่ายหน้า). See also Yaowaraht. See also Vexillology & Heraldry. 回

Thong Yaowaraht Fai Nai (ธงเยาวราชฝ่ายใน)

Thai. ‘Flag of the Young King's Lady of the Court’. The Standard of the Royal Consort of the Crown Prince. It uses the same emblem as the Thong Yaowaraht, but is depicted on a swallow-tailed flag. Also called Thong Yaowaraht Yai Fai Nai (ธงเยาวราชใหญ่ฝ่ายใน). See also Vexillology & Heraldry. 回

Thong Yaowaraht Noi (ธงเยาวราชน้อย)

Thai. ‘Small Flag of the Young King’. Name for a smaller model of the Thong Yaowaraht which is also known as Thong Yaowaraht Yai. It cannot be larger than 60 centimeters and is prolonged with a long, white, slightly tapering, swallow-tailed streamer. It is similar to the Small Royal Standard used by the King (fig.). Also called Thong Yaowaraht Noi Fai Nah. See also Vexillology & Heraldry. 回

Thong Yaowaraht Noi Fai Nah (ธงเยาวราชน้อยฝ่ายหน้า)

Thai. ‘Small Flag of the Young King, Official of the King’. Full name for Thong Yaowaraht Noi. See also Vexillology & Heraldry. 回

Thong Yaowaraht Noi Fai Nai (ธงเยาวราชน้อยฝ่ายใน)

Thai. ‘Small Flag of the Young King's Lady of the Court’. A small version of the Standard of the Royal Consort of the Crown Prince (fig.). It consists of smaller model of the Thong Yaowaraht, not larger than 60 centimeters and prolonged with a long, red, slightly tapering, swallow-tailed streamer. See also Vexillology & Heraldry. 回

Thong Yaowaraht Yai (ธงเยาวราชใหญ่)

Thai. ‘Big Flag of the Young King’. See Thong Yaowaraht. 回

Thong Yod (ทองหยอด)

1. Thai. ‘Golden Drops’. Name of a kind of traditional Thai candy made with egg yolk. READ ON. 回

2. Thai. ‘Golden Drops’. Name of a work of art by Arin Roongjaeng. READ ON. 回

thoralek (โทรเลข)

Thai for ‘telegraph’. Telegraphy was introduced in Thailand in 1875, when King Rama V instructed the Directorate of Joint Logistics to construct the first telegraphic cable between Bangkok and Pahk Nahm (ปากน้ำ), in Samut Songkhram province. From then on the telegraphic message service expanded and was available to the public until 1 May 2008, when after 133 years the service came to an end due to the development of technology in communication. In order to convey a message, Morse codes were sent over an electric wire, using a transmitter key (fig.) and an electrical telegraph receiver. For convenience, telegraphy for public use was arranged drom a network of local Post and Telegraphy Offices (fig.). 回

Thoranee (ธรณี)

See Thoranih. 回

Thoranih (ธรณี)

Sanskrit-Thai. Mother or goddess of the earth. She appears as a witness of the Buddha's accumulated merits from earlier lives, just before the moment of his Enlightenment. In art, she is usually depicted wringing water from her hair, thus aiding the Buddha in his resistance against Mara by flushing his army of spirits away, saving the Buddha from the temptation of desire, though this scene is in China portrayed by a male deity pouring water from a kalasa-like flask (fig.). In Thailand, she is known as Mae Phra Thoranee and is the chosen symbol of the Democratic Party. In Myanmar, the goddess of the earth is known as Wathoun Darei (fig.), which may also be transcribed Wet Thonedaree, i.e. the earth production spirit (fig.). See also bhumisparsa and maravijaya. Also spelled Thoranee and in Sanskrit pronounced Dharani, as in Brah Dharani. See also men kan, POSTAGE STAMPS (1), (2) and (3), TRAVEL PICTURES (1) and (2), as well as PANORAMA PICTURE. 回

Thoranih pratu (ธรณีประตู)

Thai. ‘Thoranih's door’. The Thai term for ‘threshold’ or ‘door sill’, suggesting the sill is the dwelling place of this guardian spirit. See also men kan. 回

thousand-year egg

See khai yiew ma. 回

Thread-waisted Wasp

Name for a wasp in the family Sphecidae, a family in Thai referred to as mahrah, which also includes mud daubers (fig.) and digger wasps. The common name Thread-waisted Wasp refers to the wasp's abdomen, which has a stalk-like front end. Thread-waisted Wasps are typically more than 2.5 centimeters long and are parasitic on insects and spiders, which they sting and paralyze, but not kill. Instead, they store them alive in their nests as provisions for their future larvae. The female wasp will lay its eggs in the nest, close it off and then fly away, never to return. Once hatched, the wasp grubs feed off the paralyzed insects or spiders. See also Ichneumon Wasp (fig.). 回

Three Ages of Buddhism

The three periods or divisions of time following the Sakyamuni Buddha's passing. It is believed by some in Mahayana Buddhism that different Buddhist teachings are valid in each period according to the different capacities of the people born in each respective period to accept the dharma. The three periods are further divided into five 500-year periods, with the last one being a time in which the current Sakyamuni Buddhism would lose all its power of salvation and a new buddha, i.e. Maitreya, would appear to save humankind, aided by ten thousand bodhisattvas. This time period, known as the Latter Day of the Law (or the Age of Dharma Decline), would be characterized by great tribulation and would last for a long period, described as ten thousand years. 回

Three-coloured Kaiser

Common name for a butterfly in the family Nymphalidae and with the scientific designation Penthema darlisa melema, and similarly known in Thai as phi seua kaiser sahm sih (ผีเสื้อไกเซอร์สามสี). Above, the forewings of males are blackish with bluish-white markings, consisting mostly of dots, a stripe, and a few upside-down V spots along the edges, while the hindwings are dark brownish-black with pale yellowish-white markings, mostly stripes, as well as some dots and upside-down V marks along the outer edges. 回

Three Jewels

See Rattanatrai. 回

Three Kingdoms

1. A period in Chinese history, in which three kingdoms, that is the Wei, Shu and Wu, competed for control in the Yangtze Delta region of China, after the fall of the Han Dynasty in 220 AD. The period is usually placed between the foundation of the Wei in 220 AD and the conquest of the Wu in 280 AD, though many Chinese historians place the beginning of this period much earlier, at the Yellow Turban Rebellion in 184 AD. It is part of an era of disunity, known as the Six Dynasties, six contemporaneous and sometimes consecutive Chinese dynasties, that besides the Three Kingdoms includes the Jin Dynasty (265-420 AD), as well as the Southern and Northern Dynasties (420-589 AD). In Thai Saam Kok. 回

2. A Chinese historical narrative during the period between 169 AD and 280 AD, from the turbulent years at the end of the Han Dynasty until the reunification of the land, and which covers the power struggle of three competing kingdoms. It features both real and fictional characters and events, and chief personages include Khong Beng, a sagacious counsellor and clever strategist; Jo Cho,  a shifty general; Kuan U, a brave and faithful warrior (fig.) with his adopted son Kuan Ping (fig.) and his aide-de-camp Chou Tsang (fig.); and Lao Pie, a wise and faithful ruler. It was written by Luo Guanzhong (Lo Kuan-chung), most likely in the 14th century AD, and is also known as the Romance of the Three Kingdoms. The story has been widely adapted for screen. In Thai Saam Kok. 回

Three Kings Monument

1. Monument in Chiang Mai that commemorates the treaty between the three kings of the Lan Na empire, i.e. King Ngam Muang of Phayao, King Mengrai of Chiang Mai, and King Ramkamhaeng of Sukhothai. See MAP, TRAVEL PICTURE, and MORE ON THIS. 回

2. Monument at Wat Phuthaisawan, in Phra Nakhon Sri Ayutthaya, featuring three important kings of the Ayutthaya Period, i.e. King Naresuan (fig.), King U-Thong (fig.), and King Ekathotsarot (fig.). See MAP and MORE ON THIS. 回

Three-legged Money Frog

See kaangkok sawan. 回

Three Pagoda Pass

Name of a gateway in the northern part of Kanchanaburi province, that marks the rugged Thai-Myanmar border and was an important corridor in history for the overland Thai-Burmese trade route between the Gulf of Siam and the Andaman Sea. Being one of the few places to access either kingdom overland, it was the spot from where marauding Burmese armies marched into Siam on their traditional invasions, as well as the most plausible route used by the Imperial Japanese Army during WW II to build the Thailand-Burma Railway. In 1785 it was the scene of heavy fighting, when the Burmese Bodawhpaya launched a major attack on Siam. Surasinghanat, the then Siamese viceroy took up position in Kanchanaburi and successfully blocked the invasion route, eventually causing the Burmese to withdraw. The pass is named after three small pagodas that stand near the border with Myanmar, at about 22 km north of Sangkhlaburi. The three pagodas are part of the provincial coat of arms of Kanchanaburi (fig.) and the site today has a small border market. Also Three Pagodas Pass and in Thai Dahn Chedi Sahm Ong (ด่านเจดีย์สามองค์), literally the ‘Checkpoint at the Three Pagodas’ or ‘Outpost of the Three Chedis’. See also THEMATIC STREET LIGHT (1) and (2), and MAP. 回

Three Refuges

See Traisarana. 回

Three-spot Grass Yellow

Common name for a species of small butterfly in the family Pieridae, with the scientific designation Eurema blanda. It can best be identified by its yellow underside, where it characteristically has three cell spots on the underside of the forewings, hence the name. In Thai, this species is known as phi seua naen sahm jut (ผีเสื้อเณรสามจุด). Also spelled Three Spot Grass Yellow. 回

Three Star Gods

English name for Hok Lok Siw. 回

Three-striped Palm Civet

Name of a species of civet, with the scientific name Arctogalidia trivirgata, which is also commonly known as the Small-tootlyhed Palm Civet, despite its seemingly rather large pointed teeth. Its fur is mainly a tawny-buff color, with a darker greyish-tawny head and the final one-third of the tail brownish, whilst the underparts are slightly paler. On the back it has three distinct dark brown stripes, that run along the length of the body, and which are fainter in females. In this civet species, it are only the females that posses a scent gland underneath the tail (fig.). This gland confusingly resembles testicles and an untrained eye can consequently easily mistake the female for the male. 回

Thresher Shark

Common name of a certain type of shark that uses cavitation by flinging its long whip-like tail over its head with speeds of over 30 miles an hour at the peak of the tail, in order to create a shockwave that either stuns or kills its prey. It is found in all temperate and tropical oceans of the world and belongs to the family Alopiidae. In Thai, it is known as pla chalaam hahng yahw, i.e. ‘Long-tailed Shark’, a name also commonly used in English as a synonym for this species. 回

thua din (ถั่วดิน)

Thai. ‘Groundnut’. A synonym for thua lisong, i.e. peanut. 回

thua fak yao (ถั่วฝักยาว)

Another spelling for tua fak yao. 回

thua leuang (ถั่วเหลือง)

Thai name for the soybean. 回

thua lisong (ถั่วลิสง)

Thai name for the peanut, while the Peanut Plant is called ton thua lisong. This commercial crop plant bears its edible seeds under the earth, a feature that is reflected in its botanical name Arachis hypogaea, as hypogaea means ‘under the earth’. The peanut is hence also known as groundnut, a name that in Thai translates as thua din and which is used as a synonym. It bears bright yellow flowers which are very similar to those of the Wild Peanut Flower (fig.), a related plant with similar but more rounded leaves and with a different kind of peanut that has a much smoother husk. The latter is often found used as a kind of ornamental grass used in oriental gardens, especially as a ground cover for lawns and at the base of trees, less so than for its nuts. The plant that yields the peanuts we eat today is an allotetraploid thought to have derived from hybridization between the diploids Arachis duranensis, i.e. the Wild Peanut Flower which has the A genome, and Arachis ipaensis, another species that has the B genome, while the chromosomes are exactly the same. 回

thua ma hae (ถั่วมะแฮะ)

Thai. Another name for thua rae. 回

thua nao (ถั่วเน่า)

Thai. ‘Rotten beans’. Name for a snack that consists of soybeans that are boiled and fermented, slightly moldy, then pounded, thinly sliced and dried, and used for cooking. They are typically sold as round shaped thin disks, somewhat stiff, and brownish in colour. Compare with khao kriyab and khao kriyab waw. 回

thua phoo (ถั่วพู)

Thai name for the Winged Bean, a kind of edible legume from a plant with the scientific name Psophocarpus tetragonolobus, found all over South and Southeast Asia. It grows well in hot, humid climate and virtually all of the plant is edible, including the beans, leaves, flowers and tuberous roots. It is also known as Goa Bean, Asparagus Pea and Asparagus Bean. 回

thua rae (ถั่วแระ)

Thai name for a shrub, with the botanical names Cajanus indicus and Cajanus cajan, and commonly known as pigeon pea. It grows up to around 3.5 meter tall, bears yellow flowers, and pods that hold yellowish edible peas. In Indian cuisine the peas are used to make a kind of dal and in Thailand, the peas are steamed while still in their pods and consumed as a snack by picking the peas from the pods. Steamed the peas have a rather bitter taste and are typically sold by itinerant food vendors. The pigeon pea shrub is in Thai also known as thua ma hae and its pods are somewhat similar to those of the soybean, a crop and much smaller plant known in Thai as thua leuang. 回

thuay chaam (ถ้วยชาม)

See kreuang thuay chaam. 回

thudong (ธุดงค์)

Thai-Pali. Expression for a monk to take to the road or travel. Often this is a kind of walking meditation to eradicate unwholesome thoughts that cause unhappiness, a form of samaati as well as merit making. The monk may then carry a klot, an umbrella to meditate under in the forest or at temples gardens (fig.), or to sleep under in the forest. The term Phra thudong is used for a wandering meditating monks in the Thai Forest Tradition, a lineage of monasticism that focuses on kammataan, which started around 1900 AD with Phra Ajaan Man (fig.). A legendary travelling monk is Phra Siwalih, of whom several statues, often very tall ones (fig.), can be found across Thailand (fig.), and at Wat Song Khlong (วัดสองคลอง) in Chachengsao, there is a giant statue of a venerated senior mendicant monk known as Luang Poo Pahng Thudong (fig.). See also thudongkawat and WATCH VIDEO. 回

thudongkawat (ธุดงควัตร)

Thai-Pali term from Buddhism meaning ‘ascetic routine’ or ‘ascetic duty’. It is related to the term thudong. 回

thung chai (thúng chai)

Vietnamese. Name for a basket boat, i.e. a small, round, keel-less paddle boat, used by many fishing communities in central and southern Vietnam. Traditionally, it is woven from bamboo and made waterproof with buffalo dung and tar, yet today they are often made of other materials, such as polyester (fig.). Due to its flat bottom, this kind of large-sized coracle has a very low depth, allowing it to be used in shallow waters at Vietnam's beaches. It is found only is central and southern Vietnam, starting from about Danang downward (fig.). 回

Thung Makhaam Yong (ทุ่งมะขามหย่อง)

Thai. ‘Betel nut tray tamarind field’. Name of a public park in Ayutthaya, and the place where Queen Suriyothai (fig.) in 1549 mounted a war elephant (fig.) in battle against the invading Burmese army (fig.), and was consequently killed defending her husband and nation. On 14 May 1996, King Rama IX visited Thung Makhaam Yong and symbolically harvested some rice from a local paddy field using a kiyaw, a short-handled sickle-like knife (fig.), which had a customized handle inlaid with mother-of-pearl, bearing the name of Ayutthaya province, as well as the emblem marking the King's fiftieth anniversary on the throne (fig.). To commemorate the event, a granite slab was later erected at Thung Hantra (ทุ่งหันตรา), featuring a gilded statue of the king holding a replica of the sickle he used during the occasion. When King Bhumiphon and Queen Sirikit on 25 May 2012 revisited Thung Makhaam Yong, the local governor officially requested for royal permission to replace the replica of the sickle in the hands of the king's rice-harvesting statue, with the authentic one used in 1996. Also transcribed Thung Makham Yong. See also makhaam and yong. 回

thurian (ทุเรียน)

Thai name for durian. 回

thuyen giay (thuyền giấy)

Vietnamese. ‘Paper boat’. Name for a ceremonial boat made from colourful paper around a light wooden frame, which is set afloat on the water as an offer to the deceased, especially to victims of drowning and akin to the Chinese ritual of gong de, in which relatives of the deceased offer paper paraphernalia to their dead. The ritual is also reminiscent of a ceremony performed by the Chao Le, i.e. the sea gypsies of Thailand, in order to bring prosperity and happiness in a forthcoming year, by building a two meter wooden boat which is filled with mementos (fig.) and set adrift on the sea, as well as of the Paper Boat Procession in Hong Kong. In the latter, villagers throw a variety of symbolic rubbish on to a paper boat which is later burnt outside the village, while during the procession, held on the morning of the 15th day of the first lunar month as part of the annual Chinese New Year celebrations of the local P'aang community, a Taoist priest gives ritual cleansing to the households he passes, whereas a village boy called San Nin Tsai, i.e. ‘New Year Boy’, offers good wishes, while both collect hong bao (fig.), i.e. red envelopes with monetary gifts. Besides this, the Chinese also hold Boat-Burning Rituals to ward off pandemic diseases, wile white paper boats set adrift are typical items sent to deceased on new year's eve. 回

tiab (เตียบ)

Thai name for the hsun ok, i.e. a usually cone-shaped, tray-like container with a stand, originally from Burma and used for offering food to Buddhist monks. READ ON. 回

Tian (天)

Chinese. ‘Heaven’, as well as ‘sky’, ‘god’, and ‘celestial’. READ ON. 回

Tian Du Yuan Shuai (田都元帥)

Chinese-Taoist deity, who is considered the guardian of the performing arts, especially for traditional Chinese Opera. He is typically depicted with a black complexion, holding a pot with a yin-yang lid, wielding an ax, and—similar to Nezha, the youthful Chinese deity and warrior—standing with one foot on a Wheel of Fire. In Thai, his name is transcribed Tien Hu Yuan Soi (เตี่ยนฮู้หง่วนโส่ย), which differs slightly from the Chinese transliteration, but when transliterated from Thai into Chinese, it too becomes Tian Du Yuan Shuai. He is not very widely worshipped in Thailand but his statue can occasionally be found in Phuket, such as in Sahn Chao Tha Reua and at Phra Phuttha Ming Mongkhon Eknaak Khiri (พระพุทธมิ่งมงคลเอกนาคคีรี), and he may also be referred to as Lao Ye (fig.). In life, before his deification, he is believed to have lived during the Tang (唐) Dynasty (ca. AD 618 - 907), in the era of Emperor Xuan Zong (玄宗, AD 712 - 756). WATCH VIDEO and VIDEO (E). 回

tianhe (天鹤)

Chinese. ‘Heavenly crane’. Birds of paradise that in Chinese mythology transport Taoist sages on their backs. 回

Tian Hou (天后)

Chinese. ‘Heavenly Empress’. A title given to Mazu. 回

Tian Gong Tan (天公壇)

Name of a Taoist-Buddhist temple at the foot of Penang Hill in George Town. Completed in 1869, it is the only temple in Malaysia dedicated to the Jade Emperor and is central to the annual Jade Emperor's Birthday celebrations on the 9th day of the Chinese New Year. Built by the Hokkien community in the 1860s and restored beginning in 2002, it is located amidst lush greenery. The approach features 110 granite steps and an archway with century-old stone carvings. The temple combines Buddhist and Taoist architectural styles, housing three gold-plated Buddha statues in the first shrine hall and a statue of the Jade Emperor in the main shrine hall. Also transliterated as Thean Kong Thnuah. WATCH VIDEO and VIDEO (EN). 回

Tian Tan (天坛)

1. Chinese. ‘Altar of Heaven’. Name of a complex of Taoist buildings, located in the South of Beijing, China. In English, it is usually referred to as the Temple of Heaven. It was constructed between 1406 and 1420, during the Ming Dynasty, and was commissioned by the Emperor Zhu Di (Yong Le - fig.), who moved the capital from Nanjing to Beijing and who also ordered the construction of the Forbidden City. In the 16th century, the complex was extended and another three prominent temples in the city were added by the then Emperor Jiajing, in line with the remaining directions of the compass, i.e. the Altar of the Sun (日坛) in the East –now in ruins, which surface was red-glazed, symbolizing the sun; the Altar of the Earth (地坛) in the North, which surface is yellow-glazed, symbolizing the earth; and the Altar of the Moon (月坛) in the West, which consists of a white marble platform, symbolizing the moon. The Temple of Heaven was used by the emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties for heaven worship, i.e. annual ceremonies of prayer for a good harvest, the only time an emperor's knees would touch the earth in the centre of a round white marble platform. The pagoda of Wat Thawon Wararam in Kanchanaburi, Thailand, which is erected on the left bank of the Kwae Yai River (fig.), is a replica of the Temple of Heaven's main hall, that is the Hall of Prayer for a Good Harvest. The main hall is also depicted on the popular silver and gold Panda Coins issued annually by the People's Bank of China since 1982 (fig.). The present-day building in China is actually itself also a replica of the original building, which was destroyed in 1889 by a fire caused by lightning. It is said that the original pagoda had its three roofs coloured blue (roof above), yellow (roof in the middle) and green (roof below), colours symbolizing heaven, earth and the mortal world respectively, though it could also be interpreted as blue for heaven, yellow for the emperor (as in the Forbidden City - fig.) and green for the earth, with the emperor as the so-called son of heaven situated in between heaven and the mortal world, thus symbolizing his kingly role as liaison between heaven and earth, which in turn is reminiscent of the etymology of the Chinese character wang (fig.), and  represented in the overall layout of this temple, i.e. rounded structures within square walls, shapes that in Chinese iconography symbolize heaven and earth, respectively, akin to the ancient fang kong qian coins (fig.), and to the cong (fig.), an ancient Chinese artifact in which the square shape represents the earth and the circular form heaven. In the adjacent park, people gather to perform all kinds of activities, such as tai chi (fig.), public choir singing (fig.), card games, water calligraphy (fig.), dancing, etc. Also spelled Tien Tahn. In Vietnam, the Imperial Altar in Hué which was used by the kings of the Nguyen Dynasty (map - fig.), is known as Dan te Troi Dat (Đàn tế Trời Đất). See MAP. 回

2. Chinese. ‘Altar of Heaven’. Name of a giant Buddha image at Po Lin Monastery on Lantau Island, Hong Kong. The statue is named after the Temple of Heaven in Beijing, because its base is modeled after that of the Altar of Heaven (fig.). In addition, the base of a Buddha image (known in Thai as tahn), could be regarded as a kind of altar (which is similarly called tan or tahn in Chinese), is built on top of a mountain, which in Buddhism often stands symbol for heaven. Also spelled Tien Tahn. See MAP. 回

Tibetan Buddhism

The Buddhist religion as practiced in Tibet and certain regions of the Himalayas, including northern Nepal, as well as Bhutan, where it is the state religion. Tibetan Buddhism encompasses teachings from the schools of Hinayana, Mahayana and Vajrayana Buddhism, and its canon uses Tibetan as its spiritual language. This type of practice of Buddhism has spread to many countries due to the Tibetan Diaspora, i.e. communities of Tibetan people that emigrated from Tibet when it was annexed by China. It is estimated to have around 15 million followers worldwide. Among its prominent exponents is the 14th Dalai Lama (fig.). Tibetan Buddhism has four main traditions, each nicknamed after the colour of the elongated crescent-shaped hats they wear during special ceremonies, i.e. Nyingma or Red Hat Sect (fig.); Kagyu or Black Hat Sect; Sakya, another Red Hat Branch; and Gelug or Yellow Hat Sect (fig.). Traditionally, all monks and novices wear typical wine-coloured to purple robes (fig.), sometimes mixed with yellowish-orange undergarments (fig.). One of the largest and most important temples of Tibetan Buddhism is Yonghe Gong in the Chinese capital Beijing (map - fig.). More broadly, Tibetan Buddhism may also be referred to as Lamaism. 回

tical (ทีคัล)

Thai. Name for the Thai currency until 1897, when King Rama V changed it to baht. Actually pronounced tican. 回

tican (ทีคัล)

Thai pronunciation for tical. 回

Tichakon Jatubot (ฑิชากรจตุบท)

Thai-Pali. ‘Four-footed Bird’. Name of a compound, mythological creature from Himaphan forest, that has the body of a lion and certain features of a bird, i.e. wings, a fan-like tail, and clawed feet. Its complexion is light green, apart for the tail which is yellowish. Like the animal, its name is also a composition, i.e. the word tichakon (ฑิชากร) means ‘bird’, the word jatu (จตุ) means ‘four’, and the word bot (บท) is derived from baht, which is Thai-Rajasap for ‘foot’. 回

Tickell's Brown Hornbill

Another name for the Rusty-cheeked Hornbill (fig.). 回

tie shan (铁扇)

Chinese for ‘iron fan’. See tessen. 回

tiger

Third animal of the Chinese zodiac, as the third year of the animal cycle (fig.). Those born in the Year of the Tiger are said to have admiring but –at the same time– threatening qualities, reminiscent of the awe the tiger instigates, i.e. the wonder for its magnificence, but also the terror for its power and strength. The Bengal Tiger's skin was originally an emblem of the Hindu god Shiva, who killed the ‘tiger of desire’ and used its skin as his meditation seat (fig.). In Sanskrit, the word for tiger is viagra. This term is often used in ancient texts and literature, reflecting the significance of the tiger in Indian culture and mythology, and the tiger is often associated with strength, power, and ferocity. In Hindu mythology, the tiger is the vahana of Durga, the consort of Shiva in her terrible form (fig.), and in Chinese mythology, it is the mount of Lu Tong-pin (fig.), whilst the arahat Pindola is in general depicted sitting on –i.e. subduing– a tiger (fig.), referring to his control over the animal, as well as over his passions. The tiger (fig.) features on many a Thai postage stamp, such as the Zodiac Year of the Tiger Postage Stamp issued in 2010 (fig.), the Songkraan Day Postage Stamp issued in 1998 (fig.), and on one stamp in a set of four wild cats issued in the same year (fig.), as well as on another stamp for the Chinese Zodiac issued in 2022 (fig.). Globally only 3,890 tigers exist in the wild and the best chance to see tigers in the wild is doubtlessly India, which today is still home to around 1,500 Bengal Tigers. In Southeast Asia, tigers are associated with protective power and depictions of tigers can often be seen tattooed on the chest, or ‒as in some villages in Myanmar‒ erected at doorposts or fences around countryside houses and farm yards (fig.), in order to ward off evil. In Thai, the tiger is called seua. See also THEMATIC STREET LIGHT. 回

tiger claw

1. The pointed nail on a tiger's paw. 回

2. Nickname for a deciduous tree with the botanical name Butea monosperma, also known as Flame of the Forest and due to its resemblance to teak, also called Bastard Teak. It can grow up to 15 meters high and its fruit gives the gum ‘Bengal kino’. It blooms in February and its  striking orange to red flowers are alike to those of the creeper Mucuna bennetti. They are sickle-shaped and their outline resembles the French lily or, as seen from its side and according to its name, the claw of a tiger. It is the floral emblem of Chiang Mai University. In Thai, this tree is called thong kwahw. It is one of the various bodhi trees under which some of the buddhas known to Theravada Buddhism attained Enlightenment. See also POSTAGE STAMPS. 回

3. Common name for a deciduous tree with vibrant red flowers and with the botanical name Erythrina variegata, which is also commonly known as Indian Coral Tree. See also POSTAGE STAMPS. 回

Tiger Grass Borer

Another name for the Handmaiden Moth. 回

Tiger Moth

Common name for a group of moths within the subfamily Arctiinae, a large and diverse family of moths, that also includes Lichen Moths, Footmen and Wasp Moths. The most distinctive feature of this family is the possession of a tymbal organ on the metathorax, a membranous organ also present in cicadas and capable of producing ultrasonic sounds, used to attract mates, as well as a defense against predators. When pupating, the caterpillars of these moths make an elaborate mesh cocoon using the shed hairs from their bodies, held together with silk (fig.). In Thai called phi seua laai seua (ผีเสื้อลายเสือ). 回

Tiger Prawn

Common name for a kind of marine crustacean, with the scientific designation Penaeus monodon, and previously also named Penaeus carinatus, Penaeus tahitensis, Penaeus coeruleus, and Penaeus bubulus. The Tiger Prawn is widely distributed, its natural habitat stretching from the eastern coast of Africa, across the Indian Ocean to the Sea of Japan and northern Australia, whilst being an invasive species in the Gulf of Mexico. It is the most widely cultured prawn species in the world, farmed or caught for food on a commercial scale. Its name derives from the black and white bars on its back, which are reminiscent of the stripes of a tiger (fig.). In Thai, it is called kung kulah dam (กุ้งกุลาดำ). See also Japanese Tiger Prawn (fig.) and POSTAGE STAMPS. 回

tihn pet farang (ตีนเป็ดผรั่ง)

Thai. ‘Foreign duck-feet’. Name for a small tree, that grows up to 8 meters tall and originally comes from Central America. READ ON. 回

ti klong phen (ตีกลองเพล)

Thai for the beating of the klong phen-drum in a Buddhist temple, marking the eleventh hour and the start of phen, the hour between eleven and twelve in the morning, when Buddhist priests have their last meal of the day. 回

tilaka (तिलक)

Sanskrit. Literally it means ‘freckle’ or ‘mole’, but generally it is the term for a coloured, often red (fig.), white, white and red, or black mark applied on the forehead of Hindus, typically as a sign of devotion, usually of a spiritual nature. It has many forms and can refer to many different things, its significance varying from community to community. It may be worn on a daily basis, like with priests of followers of certain sects, or on particular occasions only, like after a visit to a temple or at the beginning of a journey, when usually a red dot is placed (fig.). It may be applied purely decorative or as an identifying mark. The dot with Hindu women is a form of tilaka known as bindi, a Hindi word that derived from the Sanskrit word bindu. It means a ‘dot’ or ‘drop’ and refers to their marital status. Equally, the Tibetan word for ‘drop’ is tikle and is likely etymologically related to tilaka. Religious sects often have their own designs of tilaka called pundra literally ‘sectarian mark’ and those are sometimes worn on other parts of the body as well, especially on the torso (fig.), e.g. followers of Shiva mark their forehead or chest with a tri-pundra, three horizontal lines (fig.), followers of Vishnu mark their foreheads with a urdhva-pundra, a simple U-shape (fig.), etc.  When applied on the forehead the original design of the pundra is often accompanied of a red dot too. There are also honorary tilaka, usually applied as a single vertical red line and used to anoint prominent personalities, royalty (raja, i.e. rajatilaka which is used for kings on their accession to the throne) or heroes (vira - वीर). This reminds of the Romans who used to paint the faces of their triumphant generals vermilion with cinnabar pigment in imitation of the brilliant red face of the Capitolinus Temple image of the god Jupiter. However, the origins of the tilaka are not completely known, but it is believed to have derived from ancient traditional tribal practices, such as the application of colours on the forehead on special occasions or during important events, e.g. at weddings or before a hunt or battle. A spot may also be applied on the face of small children to make them less perfect and thus less likely to attract evil eye or adrishti (fig.). Some forms of tilaka are reminiscent of the divine third eye and the Burmese tradition of applying thanaka (fig.) suggests an affiliation with the name tilaka as well as with the custom. In Thailand, Buddhist monks sometimes apply three white dots of a paste-like mixture, made of water and talcum powder, on the forehead of laity, representing a symbol of the Trairat. See also urna and buddha eye. 回

Tilohk Jutha Thewi (ติโลกจุฑาเทวี)

Thai. Name of a royal princess of the Mengrai (fig.) Dynasty in the Lan Na Kingdom, who is also known as Tiloka Jutha Thevi (ติโลกะจุฑาเทวี) and as Somdet Bophit Phra Maha Thewi Sri Rattana Chakrawat. She was the consort or Phra Chaya of Phaya Saen Meuang Ma (fig.), the ninth king of the Mengrai Dynasty who ruled Lan Na from 1385 to 1401 AD, as well as the Queen Mother or Channanie of Phaya Sahm Fang Kaen (fig.), who ruled Lan Na between 1401 and 1441 AD as the tenth monarch. As such she was an influential figure who played an important role in the rule of the kingdom. Her name is sometimes spelled Tiloke Chutha Dhevi. See also TRAVEL PICTURES and LIST OF LAN NA KINGS. 回

Tilokarat (ติโลกราช)

Thai. Name of the eleventh monarch of the Mengrai (fig.) Dynasty, who ruled the Lan Na Kingdom for 46 years, from 1441 to 1487 AD. He was the sixth child of Phra Chao Sahm Fang Kaen (fig.) and became king by deposing his father. He was a belligerent warlord, yet also a fervent supporter of Theravada Buddhism, building several temples, such as Wat Chedi Jed Yod (fig.) where his ashes were later buried (fig.), and Wat Pa Daeng Maha Wihaan (วัดป่าแดงมหาวิหาร), which he built on foundations laid by his mother, as well as enlarging Wat Chedi Luang Worawihaan (fig.) in order to accommodate the Emerald Buddha (fig.). See also TRAVEL PICTURES and LIST OF LAN NA KINGS. 回

ti look lo (ตีลูกล้อ)

Thai. ‘Hit the wheel’. Name of a traditional children's game (fig.), in which a ring or hoop is bowled along by hitting it with a wooden stick, without stopping or letting it fall over. The game starts from a certain point and the first one to arrive at the finish line wins the game. 回

tin

See dihbook. 回

Tinfoil Barb

Common name for a species of carp-like freshwater fish found in Southeast Asia and with the scientific designations Barbonymus schwanenfeldii and Puntius schwanenfeldii. READ ON. 回

Tinglish

See Thinglish. 回

Tinna Siha (ติณสีหะ)

Thai-Pali. ‘Grass Lion’. Name of a mythological creature from Himaphan forest, with the body of a lion and belonging to the pure lions. It is herbivorous in nature and described as having a red body with horse-like hooves. It is similar to the Geson Singh (fig.). 回

Tipitaka

Pali for Tripitaka. 回

tiranga (तिरंगा)

Hindi for ‘tricolour’, a term in India used almost exclusively to refer to the Indian national flag, which consists of a horizontal tricolour in saffron, which represents renunciation; white, which stands for peace and truth; and green, which symbolizes the green soil and thus nature; while in the centre of the white band there is the depiction of a navy blue Ashoka Chakra, a 24-spoked dharmachakra, which replaces the spinning wheel (fig.) depicted in earlier versions. 回

tire bin

Thai-style rubber garbage bin made from recycled car tires. It consists of an old car tire which is turned inside-out and made into a round and bulbous vessel with two side-grips. It can be closed off with a round lid that has a handle in the top centre. The bin is typically placed on a frame of four halves cut from the stronger sides of car tires which are held together by a horizontal circle of a full tire side on top. These durable and flexible garbage bins have a volume of approximately 80 litres and are found nationwide, typically along roadsides and in front of upcountry houses and shops. In Thai, these typical Thai bins are called thang khaya yahng rot yon (ถังขยะยางรถยนต์), i.e. ‘car tire rubber garbage bin’. 回

Tirthanka (तीर्थन्क)

Sanskrit. ‘Ford maker’. See Tirthankara. 回

Tirthankara (तीर्थन्कर)

Sanskrit. ‘Ford makers’. The twenty-four omniscient great teachers of whom the last one founded Jainism. 回

tit lom bon (ติดลมบน)

Thai. ‘To float on the upper wind’. A term used in kite flying, especially in kite flying fights, and which refers to ones astuteness in the competition. Outside the sport, the term means ‘to be stable’, especially of a (or ones) position. See also PROVERBS & IDIOMS. 回

Ti Tsang (地藏)

Chinese. ‘Earth Storehouse’, though often translated as ‘Earth Treasury’ (fig.). Ti Tsang is the Chinese bodhisattva of hell beings (fig.), hence he is the Chinese equivalent of Ksitigarbha, and his role is similar to that of Phra Malai. He is usually depicted wearing a typical Chinese monk's hat (fig.) and holding a khakkhara (fig.), a Buddhist beggar's staff, as well as a chintamani (fig.), a wishing jewel. In Thai, his name is transcribed Tih Jang (ตี่จั่ง), but is usually pronounced Tih Tang, and in Vietnamese he is known by the name Dia Tang (Địa Tạng - fig.). 回

tobacco

See yah soob. 回

tobacco curing barn

See rohng bom yah soob. 回

tobacco cutter

A boat-shaped, bench-like tool, with at the far end a near-vertical board with a round hole in it. It is used to press tobacco leaves together and pushing them through the hole, enabling a worker to cut off the leaves. In Thai, it is called mah han bai yah soob. 回

Tobacco Grasshopper

Common name for an insect in the family of grasshoppers, with the scientific name Atractomorpha crenulata, and also commonly known as a Long-headed Locust. It somewhat resembles the Long-headed Toothpick Grasshopper (fig.), but is much shorter and sturdier. It is mostly bright green, with a thin white edge at the front side of the body, while the base and bottom half of the antennae, as well as the bottom hind legs, have a bluish shine. The Tobacco Grasshopper has well-developed tegmina, i.e. thickened fore wings that protect the more vulnerable hind wings, which are reddish in colour. In Thai, it is called takkataen hua yahw kohn pihk daeng (ตั๊กแตนหัวยาวโคนปีกแดง), i.e. ‘long-headed grasshopper [with a] red wing-base’. See also WILDLIFE PICTURES. 回

Toddy Cat

Another name for the Common Palm Civet. 回

toey hom (เตยหอม)

Thai for pandanus. 回

toei-toei (ตุ๋ยตุ่ย)

Thai. A ‘singing’ waw or kite, with a ‘sounder’ shaped like a bow. See also kite flying fights. 回

tofu (豆腐)

Japanese. A curd made of mashed soybeans (fig.). It usually comes cut into square blocks and is often used in vegetarian dishes to replace animal protein. Tofu can be eaten fresh (creamy white and soft) or fried (golden-brownish and hard on the outside). On markets, especially Chinese ones, it is also sold in small pieces, in a dry hardened form which is made into a knot (fig.) and used to put in soups. Small cubes of fried tofu are an ingredient in phad thai (fig.). In Chinese, it is called dou fu (豆腐), which is usually translated as ‘bean curd’, but literally means ‘decayed peas’ or ‘rotten beans’. In Thai, it is called tao hoo, and the dried form with a knot as tao hoo roop bow (เต้าหู้รูปโบว์), i.e. ‘bow-shaped tofu’. See also blood tofu. 回

toh (ต่อ)

Thai for ‘wasp’ and ‘hornet’. There are many different species. Some bite, others sting from the bottom of their abdomen. Wasps differ from bees (fig.) by the fact that they have no hair, unlike bees which are called pheung in Thai, though in Chinese both are referred to as feng. In temperate and tropical Eastern Asia, the sting of the Asian Giant Hornet, the world's largest hornet, regularly causes fatalities, whilst in India it is the Yellow Paper Wasp that is responsible for a number of deaths per year. Also called taen. 回

Toh (โต, တိုး)

Thai-Burmese. Mythological lion with two deer-like horns or antlers on its head. It is a legendary animal believed to have originated in myths from Laos and also from Myanmar. In art, it often appears in pairs, and often occurs in Lan Na festivals (fig.), in the form of dancers dressed up as this mythical animal (fig.), roaming around in the audience, sniffing bystanders, somewhat reminiscent of a Chinese Lion Dance (fig.). See also simha, singh, singha and singtoh, and compare with Kraison Mangkon, as well as with the Chinese kilen (fig.) and Bi Xie (Bi Ya - fig.), and Pensajuba (fig.). 回

toh chan (โถชั้น)

Thai. Name of a style of porcelain jar or vase in benjarong. The main vessel has a urn-like shape and it is closed of with a lid which ends in two tapering horizontal discs underneath a lotus bud handle. 回

Toh Chatah Chiwit (ต่อชะตาชีวิต)

Thai. ‘Renew Life's Destiny’. Name of an unconventional ritual in which a Buddhist monk performs a symbolical burial for a living person. READ ON. 回

To Hieu (Tô Hiệu)

Vietnamese. Name of a Vietnamese revolutionary and resistance hero, who rebelled against the French colonial occupation of Vietnam. READ ON. 回

tohk (โตก)

See toke. 回

toh nahm mon (โถน้ำมนต์)

Thai. Name for a large jar or vessel that is used in Buddhism to store nahm mon, i.e. ‘blessed water’ (fig.), which is used by Buddhist monks to bless believers or sacred objects, by sprinkling them (fig.), using a brush or tassel-like aspergillum made from bamboo and known as rod nahm mon (fig.). They can have any shape, but are typically large and the more traditional ones are often similar in shape to that of the benjarong toh phaya kru juk tat. See also POSTAGE STAMP and THEMATIC STREET LIGHT. 回

toh phaya kru (โถพญาครู)

Thai. Short for toh phaya kru juk tat. 回

toh phaya kru juk tat (โถพญาครูจุกตัด)

Thai. Name of a style of porcelain jar or vase in benjarong. The main vessel has a flowerpot-like shape which stands on a foot and is closed off with a conical shaped lid of which the peak, that doubles as the handle, is in the form of a flower bud with a cutoff tip. In short toh phaya kru. 回

tok (ตอก)

Thai. A thin strip of bamboo used for tying or weaving (fig.). Hill tribe people typically use them to plait (fig.) baskets, such as krapha baskets (fig.), and talaew (fig.), as well as to thatch roofs of bamboo huts, village gates and forest dwellings (fig.). See also POSTAGE STAMP and THEMATIC STREET LIGHT. 回

Tokay Gecko

Common name for the Gekko gecko, which in Thai is known as tukkae. 回

toke (โตก)

Thai. A tray on a pedestal, or a small floor table. See also khan and phaan. Also transcribed tohk. 回

tom (ถม)

Thai term for niello. 回

tom kha kai (ต้มขาไก่)

Thai. ‘Boiled chicken with galangal’. Name of a spicy chicken soup, with coconut milk, Thai ginger and hed pluak or hed faang, i.e. termite mushrooms or paddy straw mushrooms, respectively. In addition other ingredients, such as bashed lemon grass, kaffir lime leaves, coriander root, coriander leaves, soup powder, whole dried chilies, lime juice, salt and fish sauce, are usually added. 回

tom yam (ต้มยำ)

Thai. ‘Cooked salad’ or ‘boiled salad’. Name of a spicy, hot and sour soup, made of fish or meat boiled (tom) in either water or coconut milk (ka-thi). Other ingredients include lemon grass (takrai), kaffir lime leaves (bai makrud - fig.), galangal (kha), lime juice (nahm manao), fish sauce (nahm pla), tamarind (makhaam), shallots and some chili sauce, chili paste or fried chili paste (nahm phrik or nahm phrik phao). It is typically served boiling hot in an earthen or aluminium pot with a chimney in the middle, called moh fai (fig.). Their are different varieties which be defined by adding the name of its main ingredients at the end, e.g. tom yam kung (ต้มยำกุ้ง) for tom yam with ‘prawns’; tom yam pla (ต้มยำปลา) for this dish with ‘fish’, etc. The term tom yam kung also became a slang expression meaning ‘serious economical problems that cannot yet be solved’, a reference to the Asian Financial Crisis which started in Thailand on 2 July 1997 with the financial collapse of the Thai baht after the government decided to float the local currency, detaching it from the US dollar. Sometimes transcribed tomyam, tom yum or similar. See also POSTAGE STAMP. 回

tom yum (ต้มยำ)

See tom yam. 回

ton (ตน)

Thai. ‘Body, substance and self’, as in ‘ton eng’, oneself. Term and classifier to indicate beings regarded as lower than humans, as in ‘yak song (2) ton’, two giants, and ‘pie saam (3) ton’, three ghosts. The numeric noun for humans is ‘kon’, and that for sacred things or supernatural beings is ‘ong’. 回

ton (ต้น-)

Thai. ‘Tree’ or ‘plant’. Almost always used as a prefix with the names of trees and plants. If used on its own or as an apendix, it can mean ‘first’ or ‘beginning’, as in Chang Ton. 回

ton dahb sethi (ต้นดาบเศรษฐี)

Thai. ‘Millionaire's sword plant’. Thai designation for the Flaming Sword (fig.). 回

ton faai (ต้นฝ้าย)

Thai. General name for the cotton plant or cotton tree of the genus Gossypium, usually a shrub, native to the tropical and subtropical regions. It seeds are stored in seed capsules called bolls (fig.) and are surrounded by soft, fluffy fibres which can be used to make yarn for textiles. In Thailand several species occur, e.g. faai (ฝ้าย - Gossypium herbaceum), faai daeng or ‘red cotton’ (ฝ้ายแดง - Gossypium arboreum), faai thet (ฝ้ายเทศ - Gossypium barbadense), faai samlih (ฝ้ายสำลี - Gossypium barbadense var. acuminatum), faai tun (ฝ้ายตุ่น - Gossypium nanking var. siamensis). 回

tong (ตอง)

Thai. A large leaf, such as that of the banana plant, used as a wrapper, or to thatch roofs of bamboo huts and dwellings, as is still common practice in places such as Mae Hong Son, where it is then referred to as bai tong (ใบตอง) or bai tong teung (ใบตองตึง). See also ton phluang and Phi Tong Leuang. 回

ton gluay (ต้นกล้วย)

Thai name for banana plant. Also spelt ton kluay. 回

ton gohng gahng (ต้นโกงกาง)

Thai name for mangrove. Also spelt ton kohng kahng. 回

tong xing (同性)

See long yang. 回

tong xing ai (同性爱)

See long yang. 回

ton jan (ต้นจันทน์)

Thai name for a tree of which there are many different species, such as the genus Pterocarpus (ton jan daeng) which is known in English as sandalwood (fig.), the genus Myristica (ton jan thet) in English known as nutmeg (fig.), the genus Diospyros decandra (ton jan-in - fig.), which produces the Gold Apple, a fruit known in Thai as look chan, etc. Also transliterated ton chan. 回

ton kanun (ต้นขนุน)

Thai name for artocarpus heterophyllus. 回

ton khlum (ต้นคลุ้ม)

Thai. Name of a small, up to 3 meter high, dark green, bamboo-like plant, that bears white flowers. It is a kind of water plant with tough and strong fibre which stalks are used for weaving household items, such as fish traps. This type of craftwork is widely promoted by the Chanthaburi Provincial Skill Development Centre. The Iban people of Borneo use it to sew overlapping leaflets together in the roofing of houses and temporary sheds. Its scientific, Latin name is Donax grandis and it belongs to the family Marantaceae. In Malaysia it is known by the name bembam. 回

ton khoon (ต้นคูน)

1. Thai. Another name for rachaphreuk, i.e. a tree with the botanical names Cassia fistula and Indian laburnum, commonly known as Golden Shower Tree and Drumstick Tree (fig.). Khoon literally also means ‘to multiply’. 回

2. Thai. A name sometimes used for the Colocasia gigantea, commonly known as Giant Elephant Ear or Indian Taro (fig.), and in Thai usually referred to as ton kradaat, besides the names toon (ตุน) and thoon (ทูน), as well as its generic name bon or ton bon. Khoon literally also means ‘to multiply’. 回

Tonkin

Name of a former French protectorate that encompasses the northernmost regions of present-day Vietnam. It bordered Yunnan in southern China, current northeastern Laos to its west and northern Annam to its south. Its most important city and capital was Hanoi. In Vietnamese, the region is known as Bac Ky (Bắc Kỳ), i.e. the ‘Northern State’. See also Cochinchina. 回

Tonkin Leaf Monkey

Common name for a species of lutung with the scientific name Trachypithecus francoisi, and also commonly known as François' or Francois' Leaf Monkey. READ ON. 回

ton klah (ต้นกล้า)

Thai name for a paddy sprout or rice sprout ready for transplanting, a process known as yaay ton klah (fig.). It literally means ‘strong plant’ or ‘courageous plant’, perhaps referring to the fact that it has survived the first period of about 45 days, before being transplanted. 回

ton kohkoh (ต้นโกโก้)

Thai name for the cacao tree, genus Theobroma, an evergreen tree with the botanical name Theobroma cacao and belonging to the family Malvaceae, or alternatively the family Sterculiaceae. This small tree whose pods (fig.) contain the almond-shaped seeds or beans that are used to make cocoa and chocolate, grows about eight meters tall. It is native to the deep tropical region of the Americas and probably originated in the Amazon. In Thailand the tree is not very popular and only grown by a few smallholder farmers in the southern provinces of Prachuap Khirikhan, Chumphon and Surat Thani, producing but a small annual yield. Malaysia however, yearly produces over thirty thousand tons of cocoa beans, thus ranking eleventh on the list of the world's most significant cocoa producers. Each tree produces about 20 pods and each pod contains between 20 and 60 seeds, and to produce one kilogram of cocoa paste about 10 pods are required. It is sometimes called cocoa tree and the Greek scientific name Theobroma (θεόβρωμα) means ‘food of the gods’. 回

ton kradaat (ต้นกระดาด)

Thai generic name for the Giant Elephant Ear or Indian Taro, as well as its general overlapping name ton bon or bon (fig.). There are several species and varieties, including Alocasia indica, known in Thai as ton kradaat daeng (ต้นกระดาดแดง), i.e. ‘red taro’, due to a reddish shine on the overall green stem; Xanthosoma nigrum, known in Thai as ton kradaat dam (ต้นกระดาดดำ), i.e. ‘black taro’, due to its blackish stem; Alocasia macrorrhizos, known in Thai as ton kradaat khiao (กระดาดเขียว), i.e. ‘green taro’, due to its green stem, which is sometimes referred to as ton kradaat khao (ต้นกระดาดขาว), i.e. ‘white taro’, due to its green stem with a pale silvery-whitish, somewhat powder-like or waxy substance called nuan on the surface (fig.); and a variety with the botanical name Colocasia gigantea, with the Thai name bon kradaat yak (บอนกระดาดยักษ์), i.e. ‘giant taro’, besides other generic names including ton khoon or khoon, ton toon or toon (ตุน) and ton thoon or thoon (ทูน), used in northern Thailand, and oh dip (ออดิบ, อ้อดิบ), ao dip (เอาะดิบ) and ouk dip (ออกดิบ) used in the south. Many of the above names are often and sometimes mistakenly used interchangeably with less precision to detail. See also POSTAGE STAMP and WATCH VIDEO. 回

ton lanthom (ต้นลั่นทม)

Thai name for the Plumeria acutifolia or frangipani tree, which was imported to Thailand from Cambodia, after the Siamese conquered the Khmer city of Nakhon Thom. The name lanthom (ลั่นทม) is said to be a corruption from lanthom (ลั่นธม), a word with a slightly different spelling in Thai. It is composed of the words lan (ลั่น) and thom (ธม), with lan meaning ‘to fire’ (i.e. to pull the trigger of a firearm) and thom referring to the city (or nakhon) Thom. In 1352, the Ayutthayan King U-Thong laid siege to Angkor Thom and in 1353 successfully captured the city, placing one of their princes on the throne, though in 1357 the Khmer regained control. Then, in the 15th century,  Angkor Thom was again raided by the Ayutthayan King Borommarachathirat II, and abandoned. 回

ton mahk (ต้นหมาก)

Thai name for betel palm or areca palm. 回

ton mai kin malaeng (ต้นไม้กินแมลง)

Thai. ‘Insect-eating plant’. Term used for any kind of carnivorous plant. Species found in the wild Thailand include the Tropical Sundew (fig.), and various pitcher plants (fig.). Besides this, many garden centres and flower shops offer foreign introduced species of carnivorous plants, such as the popular Venus flytrap (Dionaea muscipula), which in Thai is known as kaab hoi khraeng (กาบหอยแครง). Sometimes plants of the genus Rafflesia are also listed with or mistaken for carnivorous plants (fig.), though they are in fact parasitic. The reason for this might be that the rafflesia is sometimes called carrion flower, due to its foul odour similar to decaying meat, which is used to attract flies in order to pollinate the plant. 回

ton mai ngeun ton mai thong (ต้นไม้เงินต้นไม้ทอง)

Thai. ‘Silver tree, gold tree’. Name for a pair of artificial miniature trees, one made of silver the other made of gold (fig.). They are used as an offering and can be found all over Thailand, most commonly with shrines, especially those devoted to the king or any other royal family member. They often have bodhi tree leaves (fig.) and are offered to demonstrate loyalty. The offering of silver and gold trees dates from the Ayutthaya and Rattanakosin Periods, when vassal states offered silver and golden miniature trees to the Siamese (or, before, to the Burmese) kings to prove their loyalty. Chiang Mai vassal rulers under Burmese control were also required to travel to Burma at least once a year to pay their respects to the Burmese king and their subordinates had to pay special taxes as stipulated by Burma. Besides this also manpower and requisites had to be made available in times of war, and relatives of vassal rulers, often their direct offspring, were sometimes sent to Burma as a guarantee. Besides silver and gold trees with bodhi leaves as described above, one sometimes finds depictions of silver and golden bodhi trees in Buddhist temples or art (fig.), which may represent an expression of loyalty towards the Buddha and Buddhism. Nowadays the silver and golden trees are often replaced by other silver and golden objects, such as flowers, phum dokmai, chat, etc. The silver and golden colour also refers to money and wealth in general, as the Thai word ngeun means both ‘silver’ and ‘money’, whereas thong means ‘gold’. Also transcribed ton mai ngern ton mai thong or ton mai ngun ton mai thong, and if in the form of bodhi trees: poh ngeun poh thong (โพธิ์เงิน โพธิ์เงิน). 回

ton mai sak (ต้นไม้สัก)

Thai name for teak tree. See teak. 回

ton maprao (ต้นมะพร้าว)

Thai name for coconut palm. 回

ton nga chang (ต้นงาช้าง)

Thai. ‘Elephant tusk plant’. Thai name for the Starfish Snakeplant, a drought-tolerant succulent with thick, cylindrical, slightly curving, spike-like leaves, and which is in Thailand often seen as an ornamental outdoor pot plant (fig.). See also ton, nga, and chang. 回

ton ngiw (ต้นงิ้ว)

Thai. Name for a deciduous tropical tree of the genus Bombax ceiba, which is commonly known as Cotton Tree, due to the white, cotton-like fibres it produces during certain periods. It has a straight tall trunk that grows up to a height of around 20 meters and bears large, cone-shaped spikes (fig.). It blooms from January to February and has dark orange to red flowers (fig.) with five petals (fig.), that appear before the new foliage, and which in Thai are known as dok ngiw or dok ngiaw. Both the petals and the filaments of its flower's stamen, without the anther (fig.), are used in Thai cooking, as well as in the cuisine of other Southeast Asian nations. The petals are eaten as a snack or meal, the filaments are used as an ingredient to flavour food. However, both are confusingly called the same, i.e. dok ngiw or dok ngiaw. In religious folklore the tree has a place in narok, the Buddhist hell, where it is used as part of a punishment for the wicked in the underworld, forcing them to climb up its thorny trunk, naked (fig.). 回

ton ohy (ต้นอ้อย)

Thai name for sugarcane. 回

ton palm nahm man (ต้นปาล์มน้ำมัน)

See oil palm. 回

ton phah pah (ต้นผ้าป่า)

Thai name for a symbolic money tree (fig.) put up to collect donations by attaching bank notes that in turn are used to buy robes for monks, or offered simultaneously with robes donated to monks, during a thod phah pah or kathin ceremony. The name ton phah pah may sometimes also be used for artificial gold or silver bodhi trees (fig.) that are formed by hanging tin plaques in the shape of bodhi leaves to a frame (fig.), often under a klot (fig.) umbrella-like roof, or to the skeleton of an artificial tree, in turn for a small monetary donation. See also silver and gold trees. See also TRAVEL PICTURE. 回

ton phak leuad (ต้นผักเลือด)

1. Thai. ‘Blood vegetable tree’. Name for for the Green Fruited Fig, an up to 25 meters tall deciduous tree, with the botanical name Ficus variegata var. variegata. It has a rounded crown and a staight trunk, and is best recognized by its 2 to 3.5 centimeter large figs that grown in tight clusters on the branches, and that are a food source for many different species of animals, including bats, monkeys, apes, birds and rodents. It is widespread, fairly common, and usually found near streams. 回

2. Thai. ‘Blood vegetable tree’. Name for the White Fig, a fig tree with the botanical name Ficus virens. It has a spreading crown and a few or no aerial roots. Its figs are 0.6 to 1.2 centimeters in size. It is widespread, fairly common, and often found near streams. 回

ton phluang (ต้นพลวง)

Thai name for a deciduous tree with the botanical name Dipterocarpus tuberculatus. READ ON. 回

ton pleuak mai laai phraang (ต้นเปลือกไม้ลายพราง)

Thai. ‘Tree with camouflage striped bark’. See Camouflage Tree. 回

ton pleuay (ต้นเปลือย)

Thai. ‘Stripped tree’ or ‘bare tree’. See Camouflage Tree. 回

ton poh (ต้นโพธิ์)

Thai name for ficus religiosa. 回

ton poh krasah (ต้นปอกระสา)

See ton sah. 回

ton poh sah (ต้นปอสา)

See ton sah. 回

ton prik kee noo (ต้นพริกขี้หนู)

See prik khee noo. 回

ton sah (ต้นสา)

Thai name for the paper mulberry tree. Also ton poh sah and ton poh krasah. 回

ton sai (ต้นไทร)

Thai for banyan tree. Sometimes wrongly transcribed ton trai. 回

ton sala (ต้นสาละ)

Thai name for the sala tree. 回

ton sala langka (ต้นสาละลังกา)

Full Thai name for the sala tree. Also ton sala. 回

ton seua kohng (ต้นเสือโค้ง)

See seua kohng. 回

ton son (ต้นสน)

Thai. Generic name for conifers and pine trees, of which Thailand has several different species, most prevalent being the Two-needled Pine (Pinus merkusii) and the Three-needled Pine (Pinus kesiya) that grow in the wild, and the Star Pine (Araucaria heterophylla - fig.), which is usually cultivated as an ornamental tree. Pine trees are have numerous useful qualities. Its resin for one is very flammable and the northern hill tribes use pine wood as firewood (fig.). Besides this its resin is also gained for other applications. It is gained by carving a 5-6 inches deep notch in its trunk and set it on fire, which is easily done due to its high inflammability. The tree is then left alone for about a week. During this time the tree will fast produce resin, abundantly covering the area of the cavity that was cut. Next the locals will dig the resin out and sell it on the market. The colour of the resin differs according to the season when it is produced. When it is gained in the beginning of spring it will have a golden to amber colour and it will be hard when it is cooled down. However, when it is gained in the hot season or fall it will have a darker colour and be much softer.  Pine trees take in a lot of water from the soil and as is discovered by practicing forest ecology the soil of a pine forest will be very dry and the earth will be hard. Its roots are hard and spread far out beneath the surface in search of water. If pine trees are planted near a small brook they may well suck it empty. In Chinese, pine trees are called song (松) and are a symbol for longevity, which in Chinese is song he xia ling (松鹤遐龄), i.e. a word that begins with the same character (song), whilst the second character (he) means ‘crane’, and the remaining ‘long-lasting’ and ‘age’, respectively. Therefore pine trees regularly appear in Chinese art, often in combination with cranes. In Christian tradition, the Christmas tree is always an evergreen, that symbolizes the promise of eternal life, whilst the practice of cutting the tree down and putting it back up again emulates Jesus' death and resurrection. The oldest tree alive is also a conifer, i.e. a species of bristlecone pine, with the botanical name Pinus longaeva. It is more than 4,800 years old and among the longest-lived life forms on Earth, and was hence nicknamed Methuselah Tree, after the biblical patriarch whom died at the age of 969 and holds the record as the longest living man in biblical history. In 1972, the Methuselah Tree bore a single cone containing 96 viable seeds, which were collected and planted in a nursery, where they yielded 100% germination, each seed producing healthy seedlings. After almost 5,000 years, the genetic material contained within the seeds was perfectly preserved, and when scientists compared the Methuselah Tree cell tissue with that of much younger bristlecone pines, they found no signs of deterioration, despite a 4,000 year age difference, apparently lacking a built-in senility within the tree. Without any decline associated with old age, the Methuselah Tree could literally go on living forever, making it a perfect symbol of longevity. In Prachuap Khirikhan, there is a pine forest called Pah Son Ban Meuang Rae (fig.). WATCH VIDEO. 回

Tonsure Ceremony

See Phittih Kohnjuk. 回

ton taan (ต้นตาล)

General Thai for certain species palm tree, but also used specifically for the Sugar Palm, as a short form of its full designation ton taan tanoht. 回

ton taan tanoht (ต้นตาลโตนด)

Full Thai name for the Sugar Palm. 回

ton tarut jien (ต้นตรุษจีน)

Thai. ‘Chinese new year tree’. Name for the bougainville. Also pronounced ton trut jien. In Thai also feuang fah. 回

ton tong teung (ต้นตองตึง)

Thai. Another name for ton phluang. 回

ton trut jien (ต้นตรุษจีน)

See ton tarut jien. 回

ton yahng (ต้นยาง)

Thai for rubber tree. 回

toob (ธูป)

Thai for joss stick or incense stick. 回

toobbaat (ธูปบาตร)

Thai for incense burner. See also kratahng toob. 回

toob thian phae (ธูปเทียนแพ)

Thai. ‘Platform of incense and candles’. Name for an offering that consists of a bundle of candles and thick rods of incense. READ ON. 回

toonklaw tawaai (ทูนเกล้าฯ ถวาย)

Thai. Rajasap for ‘to present’ and ‘to dedicate’ when the person addressed is a king. Also nomklaw tawaai. See also tawaai. 回

topi (टोपी)

Hindi-Sanskrit-Nepali. Generic term for any ‘cap’ or ‘hat’. In Nepal, the term usually refers to the Dhaka topi or Nepali topi (fig.), a type of brimless hat which is part of the Nepalese national dress (fig.), but it may also be used for the taqiyah, i.e. the brimless, short, and rounded cap worn by Muslim boys (fig.) and men, which in Thai is called kapioh (fig.). 回

topiary

Art concerned with or formed by clipping shrubs, trees, etc. into ornamental shapes, often figures of animals. The word derives from the Latin-Greek word topiarius, literally ‘creator of places’ (topia - τοπία), the appellation for an ornamental landscape gardener. The fact that the Romans used a Greek word to define this art, clearly indicates that its origin was in the Hellenistic world. In Thailand this art form is practiced on a large scale, in parks, on road verge shrubberies, in private and public gardens, e.g. the topiary elephants at the Bang Pa-in Summer Palace, the topiary deer at Phra Phutta Monthon, etc. In addition to this, the country also has countless explicit topiary gardens, e.g. Ban Khae Topiary Centre in Chaiyaphum (amphur Phu Kiauw), Minakon Topiary Garden (map - fig.) in Nong Kai (amphur Sri Chiang Mai), etc. - to name just a few. In Thai the art is called silpakahntat phummai pen roop tahngtahng or, in short, tat mai. See also bonsai. WATCH VIDEO. 回

Torapa (ทรพา)

The reincarnation of Nonthakahn, whom Shiva condemned to be reborn as an albino buffalo (fig.), which was later killed by his own son Torapi. In literature, his name is sometimes transliterated Tharpha. 回

Torapi (ทรพี)

A black buffalo, son of Torapa and Nila, who was raised in a cave by the gods. By the time he attained adulthood, he was immensely bold and strong, and thus challenged his father Torapa to a fight and slew him. Intoxicated with his own strength, he went on to challenge the gods, until he came to the god Idsuan. The powerful god ordered the buffalo to fight Phali instead, but cursed the buffalo and condemned him to die at the hand of the monkey king (fig.). In his following incarnation, Torapi returned as the giant Mangkonkan (fig.). In literature, his name is sometimes transliterated Tharphi. 回

torch ginger

See etlingera elatior. 回

Torenia asiatica

One botanical name for the Wishbone Flower, another one being Torenia travancorica. 回

torih (鳥居)

Japanese. Literally ‘bird's dwelling’. Term for a gate used to mark the entrance to a sacred space, a Shinto concept akin to the Akha spirit gate and reminiscent of the Chinese paifang. READ ON. 回

tortoise

In Chinese mythology the tortoise is the emblem of the North and the symbol of longevity and wisdom, as it was rewarded with a life span of ten thousand years for helping the first Chinese emperor to tame the Yellow River. It is also the symbol of heaven and earth, its shell representing the vaulted heaven or vault of the universe and the plastron, the underside, the flat disc of the earth. A common symbol for longevity is the tortoise-snake, a tortoise in union with a snake, usually depicted entwined with the tortoise (fig.), which perhaps has its roots in the story of the Churning of the Ocean of Milk, that describes how the amrita or elixir of immortality is obtained and also features a snake and a tortoise (fig.). Vietnamese-Chinese temples often display pairs of cranes, each standing on a tortoise (fig.). In Vietnamese culture, a tortoise with a crane symbolize enduring power and longevity, and as such, they are often placed at shrines of important historical rulers (fig.) and heroes (fig.). See also tao and Kurma. 回

tortoise-snake

Depiction in Chinese mythology of a tortoise entwined by a snake. In Chinese it is known as guishe and is a universal symbol for longevity. It stems from an ancient belief that there were no male tortoises and the female tortoise hence had to mate with a snake. In the classic story Xiyouji, Journey to the West, Xuanwu was a king of the North who had two generals serving under him, a Tortoise General and a Snake General. The tortoise-snake later became the symbol of Zhenwu, the protector god of the North and also named Xuanwu. Besides this, the tortoise-snake is one of the four symbols of the Chinese constellations, likewise known as Xuanwu which sometimes translates as ‘Black Tortoise’. See also tao mangkon. 回

totsabarami (ทศบารมี)

Thai-Pali. ‘Ten virtues’ or ‘ten merits’. Term for the ten virtues that the Buddha embodied before attaining Enlightenment, i.e. thaan (ทาน - to do charity, to donate, to give alms); sihn (ศีล -  to keep religious precepts); nekkhamma (เนกขัมมะ - to be ordained); panya (ปัญญา - to have intellect, wisdom, wit); wiriya (วิริยะ - to have diligence, to be persistent); khanti (ขันติ -  to be patient); satja (สัจจะ - to be truthfull); atithaan (อธิฐาน - to pray, to make offerings); mettah (เมตตา - to have kindness, compassion, mercy); and ubekkha (อุเบกขา - to be impartial). Also transcribed thotsabaramih. See also dhammaracha and barami. 回

Totsachat (ทศชาติ)

Thai-Pali name for the stories about the last ten chaht or lives of the Buddha before his final birth as prince Siddhartha, and part of the Jatakas. These ten live stories are: Phra Temia or Prince Temiya (fig.); Maha Chanok or Prince Mahajanaka (fig.); Sawansahm or Prince Suwannasahm (fig.); Nemiraj or Nemiraja; Mahosot Chadok; Bhuridatta Chadok (fig.); Chantakumahn or Candakumara (fig.); Nahrot Chadok or Narada Jataka; Vithura Chadok, i.e. Withura Bandit or Vidhura Pandita (fig.); and the Wessandon or Wetsandorn Jataka (fig.). See also POSTAGE STAMPS (1), (2), (3) and (4). 回

Totsakan (ทศกัณฐ์, ทศกรรฐ์)

Thai-Sanskrit-Pali name meaning ‘ten necks’. An epithet for the demon-king of Langka (fig.), who had three layers with a total of ten faces, known in Thai as phak (พักตร์). He is the son of Thao Lastian (ลัสเตียน) with Nang Ratchada (รัชฎา), and hence a half-brother of Kubera, who is a son of Thao Lastian with another consort, known in Sanskrit as Idavida or Ilavida. He is best known for his abduction of Sida, the wife-to-be of Phra Ram (fig.) in the Thai epic Ramakien. He removed his heart and gave it to the hermit Khobutra for safe keeping. Finally, he was killed by Phra Ram. He originally has a green complexion (fig.) and multiple arms (fig.), and is sometimes depicted with up to twenty arms. However, in khon he is either depicted with a green khon mask (fig.) or with a golden khon mask (fig.). When depicted with a golden complexion, he is also referred to as Totsakan Nah Thong (fig.). In the final battle, Totsakan disguises himself as Indra (fig.), but is found out, defeated, and ultimately executed by Rama (fig.). In iconography, this episode is depicted by merging the features of Indra’s face with Totsakan's two fangs and a crown with multiple faces. In his previous incarnation he was called Nonthok. Also known as Totsapan and Raphanasoon and in the Ramayana known as Ravana (fig.). In architecture, such as in Wat Phra Kaew (fig.), Totsakan is often portrayed together with Sahatsadecha (fig.), an ally and a yak with a white complexion (fig.). In 2001, he was depicted on a Thai postage stamp, as part of a set of four stamps with yak that guard temple entrances (fig.), and again in 2014 as part of a set of eight stamps on giants' khon masks (fig.). Also transcribed Thotsagan and sometimes referred to by the name Raap (ราพณ์), which simply means ‘[the] Giant’. See also LIST OF RAMAKIEN CHARACTERS & NAMES, TRAVEL PICTURES (1), (2) and (3), and MORE ON THIS. 回

Totsakan Nah Thong (ทศกัณฐ์หน้าทอง)

Thai. Name of a golden khon mask used to depict the multi-headed demon king Totsakan. The mask has a chadah-like crown in three level and decorated with several golden yak-faces, i.e. besides the main yak-face of the mask (fig.). On the back-side (fig.) of the base level of the chadah are three smaller faces, whilst there are another four faces on the middle of the chadah's peak, which are positioned back-to-back, as if one for every direction of the compass. In addition, there is a human-like face at the top, which only faces forward and represents the face of Phra Phrom. Whereas the ground colour of the mask is gold, the faces are finished with plenty of decorative lines in green, which is the actual complexion of Totsakan (fig.). Totsakan Nah Thong was the favourite mask of Kukrit Pramoht (fig.), a a passionate collector of khon masks and the founder of the Khon Thammasat Troupe (fig.). See also LIST OF RAMAKIEN CHARACTERS & NAMES, and MORE ON THIS. 回

Totsakiriton (ทศคีรีธร)

Thai. Name of a giant or yak character in the Ramakien (fig.). He has a red complexion and a small elephant trunk-like nose, and is depicted with a chadah-like crown, that has a rather straight and thick peak with three crenate notches at the base and a tip with an obliquely forward sloping surface, and which is described as a bamboo shoot. He is the younger twin brother of Totsakiriwan (fig.), a yak with the exact same features and crown, but with a green complexion. They are the sons of Totsakan (fig.) with his consort Nang Chang Phang (ช้างพัง), but were given up for adoption to Thao Atsakammalah, the ruler of Meuang Duram (ดุรัม), in order to keep them safe whilst Totsakan was at war with Phra Ram (fig.). However, one day they found out about their real father and his battle, and voluntarily enlisted in his army. He is one of the 12 giants, set up in 6 pairs, that guard the entrances in the enclosure of the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (fig.), i.e. Wat Phra Kaew in Bangkok, where he is erected in pair with his twin-brother. See also LIST OF RAMAKIEN CHARACTERS & NAMES, and MORE ON THIS. 回

Totsakiriwan (ทศคีรีวัน)

Thai. Name of a giant or yak character in the Ramakien (fig.). He has a bluish-green complexion and a small elephant trunk-like nose, and is depicted with a chadah-like crown, that has a rather straight and thick peak with three crenate notches at the base and a tip with an obliquely forward sloping surface, and which is described as a bamboo shoot. He is the older twin brother of Totsakiriton (fig.), a yak with the exact same features and crown, but with a red complexion. They are the sons of Totsakan (fig.) with his consort Nang Chang Phang (ช้างพัง), but were given up for adoption to Thao Atsakammalah, the ruler of Meuang Duram (ดุรัม), in order to keep them safe whilst Totsakan was at war with Phra Ram (fig.). However, one day they found out about their real father and his battle, and voluntarily enlisted in his army. He is one of the 12 giants, set up in 6 pairs, that guard the entrances in the enclosure of the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (fig.), i.e. Wat Phra Kaew in Bangkok, where he is erected in pair with his twin-brother. He is sometimes referred to as Totsakirijan, Thotsakhirijan or Thotsakhirichan (ทศคีรีจันท์). See also LIST OF RAMAKIEN CHARACTERS & NAMES, and MORE ON THIS. 回

Totsaphan (ทศพันตร์)

Another Thai name for Totsakan. Also transliterated Thotsaphan, Thotsapan and Totsaphan. See also LIST OF RAMAKIEN CHARACTERS & NAMES, and MORE ON THIS. 回

Totsaphin (ทศพิน)

Thai. Name of a giant or yak character in the Ramakien (fig.). He was the son of Totsakan (fig.) and Nang Montho. After the death of Totsakan, Phiphek (fig.), the younger brother of Totsakan, took over the rule of Lanka and married Nang Montho. At that time, Montho was already pregnant with Totsaphin. When Totsaphin was born, Phipek mistakenly believed him to be his own child. As Totsaphin grew up, a mentor named Woranihsoon revealed the truth to him and encouraged him to rebel, leading to another battle in Lanka. Phra Phrot (fig.) eventually suppressed the rebellion and ordered the execution of Totsaphin along with his mentor. Totsaphin is also known by the name Phainasuriyawong and in the Ramayana his Sanskrit name is Atikaya, which means ‘Gigantic’. One suggested translation for the name Phainasuriyawong is that it might mean ‘the lineage of the sun's destruction’ or ‘the lineage of the sun's end’. This interpretation could hint that Atikaya's gigantic body size may block out the light of the sun. As the son of Totsakan, he is likewise depicted with a green complexion. See also LIST OF RAMAKIEN CHARACTERS & NAMES, and MORE ON THIS. 回

totsaphit rajatham (ทศพิธราชธรรม)

Thai-Sanskrit. The royal dhamma or ten royal virtues for kings, that is: generosity, observance of the religious commandments, willingness to make sacrifices, honesty, gentleness, hard working, a cool temper, ability to comfort, aptitude to endure and correct ethical conduct. 回

Totsarot (ทศรถ)

Sanskrit-Thai name meaning ‘ten wheeled vehicles’. Mythological King of Ayutthaya and father of Rama, the main character in the Ramayana and Ramakien, the Thai version. He fathered Rama with queen Kao Suriya, Lakshmana and Satrud with queen Samut Thevi and Phra Phrot with queen Kaiyakesi. In the Ramayana, the Indian and original version of the epic, Rama's father is called Dasharatha but he is also known as Suddhodana. See also LIST OF RAMAKIEN CHARACTERS & NAMES, and MORE ON THIS. 回

touch-me-not

See maiyarahb. 回

Tourism Authority of Thailand

Governmental umbrella organization responsible for all matters concerning tourism, including the Tourist Police (fig.), which is a branch of the Royal Thai Police, guide training and licensing, tour company registration, signalisation of tourist sites, tourist information and promotion, etc. It has a main office on Rachadamnoen Road in Bangkok and smaller branches in most provinces as well as in some countries overseas. Its logo consist of the prow of the Golden Swan Royal Barge Reua Phra Thihnang Suphanahong (fig.), the of Wat Arun (fig.), and an aircraft flying over leaving a contrail. In Thai, it is known as ‘Kaan Thong Thiaw haeng Prathet Thai’ and in short as TAT. In 2010, the organization celebrated its 50th anniversary under the motto Touring Thailand, Helping to Develop the Country, which was commemorated with a set of four Thai postage stamps (fig.). WATCH VIDEO. 回

traditional massage

Refined technique that combines several characteristics of massage, chiropractic and acupressure to balance the function of the four body elements, i.e. din (earth), nahm (water), fai (fire) and lom (air). Traditional massage is so popular that it is recognized as an official science, along with medicinal herbs, acupuncture and spiritual meditation. Since the Ayutthaya Period until the beginning of this century there was an official massage division under the auspices of the Thai Ministry of Public Health, now housed at Wat Poh in Bangkok. In former times, massage in this temple was taught on the basis of didactic images (fig.), especially from reusi, i.e. Thai hermits (fig.), in various poses that represent exercises to promote physical health (fig.), akin to those at Wat Bang Peng Tai (fig.). In traditional Thai massage no oil is used, but sometimes a hot herbal compress is applied to warm and soothe the receiver's body. This method is known as prakob and the compress, i.e. a steamed linen ball with a grip and medicinal herbs inside, is called look prakob samunphrai (fig.). In Thai nuat paen boraan. See also POSTAGE STAMPS. 回

trah lohkhen tamruat (ตราโล่เขนตำรวจ)

Thai. ‘Police Shield Badge’. Name of the official seal of the Royal Thai Police. READ ON. 回

trah phaen din (ตราแผ่นดิน)

Thai. Name for the Royal Arms of Siam until 1911. READ ON. 回

traijiewon (ไตรจีวร)

Thai. ‘Three Robes’. The saffron to brown coloured robes of Buddhist monks, consisting of three (trai) pieces: the antarawasok or sabong (a skirtlike lower garment), the utarasong or jiewon (the outer robe) and the sangkhaathi or pah thaab, a covering robe against the cold which is worn folded over the shoulder when not used. In the temple, during work or periods of rest, monks often wear a shoulder piece called the angsa, instead of the usual jiewon. The colour of the robes may vary from yellow-orange to reddish brown, depending on personal preference. In both Buddhism and Hinduism, the colour saffron −or alternatively ochre− symbolizes renunciation. The origin of the dark red to yellow-ochre colour possibly goes back to the domestic makah, a tropical tree from the family Papilonaceae, known by the name ormosia whose bright red seeds, were formerly used as the base to dye monks robes. Later also turmeric was used. The colour orange also symbolizes light, and thus Enlightenment, as it is the colour of the tip of a flame. This association with fire also protects monks living in the forest and wearing orange robes, as the colour tends to scare off wild animals who also associate it with fire and thus danger. The Buddha gave his first disciples the assignment to find their own robe, rather than buying one. He pointed to pieces of cloth hanging from tree branches in the forest, torn off from passer-by's clothes. These could easily be used to make a robe by stitching them together and then dying it. This is one reason why a needle is one of the items Buddhist monks are allowed to posses and why some robes look as if they have been made up of several pieces of cloth sewn together with a thick seam, to symbolize this tradition. Another option was to use the cloth of a dead person, after the body was cremated. The Buddha himself once took the shroud of a dead girl and made it into a monastic robe, thus symbolizing the transience of life. It is still common during funeral rites, just before the body is cremated, to pass monk's robes over the corpse to refer to this scene. When studying (fig.) or working (fig.) the monks generally wear just the sabong and angsa, but when they go outside the temple complex they usually cover completely, and during their begging round they walk barefoot (fig.). See also kahsahwapad and pah kahsahwapad. 回

Trailohk (ไตรโลก)

Thai for Trilok. Often transcribed Trailok and sometimes Trailokya, from the Sanskrit Trelokya. 回

Train Market

See Talaat Nat Rot Fai. 回

Train Night Market

See Talaat Nat Rot Fai. 回

Traipidok (ไตรปิฎก)

Thai name for Tripitaka. Also Traipitok. 回

Traipitok (ไตรปิฎก)

Thai name for Tripitaka. Also Traipidok. 回

Trairat (ไตรรัตน์)

Thai. ‘Three Gems’ or ‘Three Jewels’. The three objects of veneration for Buddhists, i.e. the Buddha, his teachings or the Dhamma, and the order of monks or the Sangha. In Buddhist temples represented as the three prongs of a trisula or as three wishing jewels, commonly referred to as chintamani (fig.) or flaming pearls. Asaanha Bucha is regarded as the first day when the Trairat was attained. Also referred to as the Triple Gem, Three Treasures, and Three Refuges, and in Thai also known as Triratana, a term derived from the Sanskrit word Triratna. See also Traisarana and Rattanatrai. 回

trairong (ไตรรงค์)

Thai. ‘Tricolour’. See also thong trai rong and thong chaht. 回

Traisarana (ไตรสรณ)

Thai. The ‘Three Refuges’ of Buddhists, i.e. the Trairat. Also Saranatrai. 回

Tra Kieu (Trà Kiệu)

Art style from Champa dating from the second half of the 9th century AD until the end of the 10th century, when its capital was Indrapura, in the North of the kingdom. 回

trakrut (ตระกรุด)

See takrut. 回

Trang (ตรัง)

Name of a province (map) and its capital city in the south of Thailand, 828 kms from Bangkok. READ ON. 回

Trang An (Tràng An)

Vietnamese. Name of an eco-tourism area in Ninh Binh, which since 2014 is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site (fig.) under the name Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex and that also includes Tam Coc (fig.) and Bich Dong (fig.), as well as Chua Bai Dinh (fig.) and Hoa Lu. Trang An has a visitor's centre located on a small island in the Sao Khe River, from where small rowboats depart to visit the area, going north towards the Truong Yen (Trường Yên) area. Visitors arriving via Ninh Binh city will pass through the Two Elephants Welcome Gate of Trang An (map - fig.), named after the two statues of elephants that stand at this paifang-style gateway (fig.). See MAP. 回

Tran Nguyen Han (Trần Nguyên Hãn, 陳元扞)

Vietnamese-Chinese. Name of a Dai Viet military leader who was instrumental in his support in the Lam Son uprising against Ming Chinese rule. READ ON. 回

Transverse Ladybird Beetle

A species of ladybird beetle in the family Coccinellidae and with the scientific name Coccinella transversalis. READ ON. 回

Trat (ตราด)

Name of a province (map) and its capital city in East Thailand, 315 kms southeast of Bangkok. READ ON. 回

trat (ตรัส)

Rajasap for ‘to say’ or ‘to remark’. Pronunciation with a short vowel, against Trat province, which is pronounced with a long vowel. 回

tratsaru (ตรัสรู้)

Thai term used to express the ‘attainment of Enlightenment’ or the ‘Enlightened state’ of the Buddha. 回

Traveller's Palm

See kluay pad. 回

trawed (ตระเว็ด)

Thai. Another word for jawed. 回

Treasure Vase

Another name for the Kalasa or sacred vase, which is one of the Ashtamangala (fig.) and holds the amrita. It hence symbolizes longevity, abundance and prosperity. It is sometimes referred to as Vase of Plenty, as it yields inexhaustible treasures. As such, it is a symbol of certain wealth deities, such as the Tibetan wealth gods Jambhala (fig.), Vaisravana or Kubera, and Vasudhara, often appearing as an attribute beneath their feet. See also puranakata. 回

Tree Jasmine

1. Another name for the Indian Cork Tree, a tree known in Thai as kasalong and pihb, and with the botanical designation Millingtonia hortensis (fig.). 回

2. A name used for a tree known in Thai as kasalong kham and pihb thong, and with the botanical name Radermachera ignea (fig.). 回

Tree Nymph

Name of a species of butterfly with the scientific designation Idea lynceus. READ ON. 回

Tree Sparrow

Name of the most ubiquitous bird in Thai human inhabited zones, and with the scientific name Passer montanus. Small, with a length of no more than 14.5 centimeters, adults have a rich chestnut crown and nape, with white or pale grey cheeks that have a black patch, often triangular in shape (fig.). This white or pale grey colour also runs to the nape at the lower back of the head, thus forming a ring. That's why it is named ringmus in Dutch, which translates as ‘ring sparrow’. Underneath its lead-blue to almost black bill, extending from its chin to its throat, is a dark grey to almost black patch. Two distinct, though narrow white bars, cross the otherwise brown and chestnut wings. It has tiny dark eyes and its legs are pale brown. Both sexes are virtually alike, as are juveniles, though in the young, the bib, throat and ear-covert patches are at first less distinct, while the bill has a pale base (fig.). In Thai, it is confusingly called nok krajok baan (นกกระจอกบ้าน), which translates as ‘house sparrow’, whereas the English House Sparrow (Passer domesticus - fig.) is called nok krajok yai (นกกระจอกใหญ่), meaning ‘large sparrow’. 回

trelokya (त्रेलोक्य)

Sanskrit. ‘Three worlds’. See triloka. 回

Treta (त्रेता)

Sanskrit. Second of the four yugas. 回

tribhanga (त्रिभङ्ग)

Sanskrit. ‘Three bends’. A stance portrayed in dance, sculpture and painting in which the body is bowed with one hip thrust out forming an S-curve. 回

trident

See trisula. 回

Tridevi (त्रिदेवी, ตรีเทวี)

Sanskrit-Thai. The feminine form of the Trimurti, i.e. the male triad of Vishnu, Brahma and Shiva. The term may refer to either the three consorts of these male deities, i.e. Lakshmi, Sarasvati and Parvati, respectively, or to a single trinity goddess that combines these three shakti of the female triad in one form. In iconography, the latter is usually depicted as a female deity with three heads. 回

trigram

Symbol indicating the eight points of the compass used by geomancers. READ ON. 回

trih (ตรี)

Thai name for a trident or trisula. Also trihsoon. 回

Trihsian (ตรีเศียร)

Thai. ‘Three heads’. Name of a demon character in the Ramakien, who is depicted with a white complexion and a distinctive golden chadah-style crown, with three spikes aligned next to each other, i.e. a large central spike flanked by two smaller spikes. He is the sixth son of Thao Lastian (ลัสเตียน) with Nang Ratchada (รัชฎา), and hence a younger brother of Totsakan (fig.). 回

trihsoon (ตรีศูล)

Thai name for a trident or trisula. In combination with a chakra it is the escutcheon of the Chakri dynasty (fig.). Also trih. 回

trihyampawaai (ตรียัมปวาย)

Thai. Brahman rites associated with the swing ceremony or lohchingchah. 回

trikanchana (ตริกาลชญ)

Thai-Pali. ‘One who knows the three times’. An epithet for hermits, who are known in Thai as reusi. 回

Trikaya (त्रिकाय)

Sanskrit. ‘Three bodies’. Name of a doctrine in Mahayana Buddhism that says that a buddha has three bodies. READ ON. 回

trilok

Pali for triphum. 回

Triloka (त्रिलोक)

Sanskrit. ‘Three Worlds’. Term referring to the three realms in Buddhist cosmology, i.e. heaven, earth and hell, as portrayed on murals and in the symbolism of the stupa. However, the Three Worlds, may also refer to the three loka, i.e. worlds, regions or spheres, which represents a classification of the universe in three spheres of existence that comprise the whole universe, and are individually referred to as Okasaloka, the inanimate ‘World of Location’, ‘World of Space’ or ‘Sphere of Existence’; Sattaloka, the inanimate ‘Corporeal World’ or ‘World of Beings’; and Sankharaloka, the ‘World of the Conditioned’ or ‘World of Formations’. The 108 distinguishing marks seen in the Buddhapada (fig.) or on the the footsoles of many reclining Buddha images (fig.) are sometimes said to represent the Three Worlds, and are intended to indicate that the Buddha is greater than all the Three Worlds. Also trilok, sometimes transliterated trelokya, in Thai called Trailohk, and in Pali also referred to as triphum. See also Chom Trai Lohk. 回

Trilokavijaya (त्रिलोकविजय)

Sanskrit-Pali. ‘Conqueror of the three worlds’. The name of a god with a terrifying appearance from Tantrism, portrayed with four faces, eight hands and sometimes wearing a garland of small Buddha images. It is also a major bodhisattva in Mahayana Buddhism. 回

Trimurti (त्रिमूर्ति - ตรีมูรติ)

1. Sanskrit-Thai. ‘Three aspects’ or ‘having three forms’. Term in Vedic times originally used for Agni, Indra (or Vayu) and Surya. Later used for the Hindu divine triad Vishnu, Brahma and Shiva (fig.), who are also symbolically represented in some linga (fig.). Sometimes depicted as one deity with five faces, called Phra Trimurti in Thai, and by some believed to be a promoter of love and a go-between for people looking for a spouse, and that visiting the shrine on a  Thursday evening wearing red and bringing offerings of red roses will  advance their luck in finding a loving partner. The feminine form of the Trimurti is known as Tridevi and may refer to either the three consorts of the male deities of the triad, i.e. Lakshmi, Sarasvati and Parvati, respectively, or as one trinity goddess that combines these three shakti of the female triad in one form, who is usually depicted as a female deity with three heads (fig.). 回

2. Hindi. ‘Three statues’. Name of a memorial statue in New Delhi, the capital of India, commemorating those killed from the cavalry and armored regiments of the Indian Army during World War I in battles in Sinai, Palestine and Syria. The monument, also known as Trinity Memorial and Teen Murti (तीन मूर्ति) Memorial, has three bronze statues representing soldiers from the three Indian States Hyderabad, Mysore and Jodhpur. See MAP. 回

Trinaet (ตรีเนตร)

1. Thai-Pali. ‘The three eyed one’. An epithet for Indra, referring to his third eye. 回

2. Thai-Pali. ‘Three eyes’ or ‘third eye’. Term used for gods, thevadas or buddhas with an urna. 回

Tripakkan (ตรีปักกัน)

Thai. ‘Three Embroidered Together’. Name of a demon character in the Ramakien, who is the son of Thao Kuveranurat (กุเวรนุราช) and Lady Kesini (เกศินี) and a royal prince of the city of Kalavut (กาลวุธ). One day, Tripakkan went hunting in the forest. Along the way, he encountered Phra Ram (fig.), Phra Lak (fig.), and Hanuman (fig.). Tripakkan aimed to capture Rama and Phra Lak to present them to Lord Kuveranurat. To achieve this, he deployed an army of asuras, i.e. yakshas. In the ensuing conflict, Hanuman volunteered to confront and defeat Tripakkan. However, during their skirmish, Tripakkan insulted Rama. Phra Lak overheard this affront and took it upon himself to confront Tripakkan directly. Phra Lak engaged Tripakkan in a fierce battle, culminating in Phra Lak shooting an arrow that destroyed Tripakkan's weapon, which ultimately enabled him to defeat and kill Tripakkan. In iconography, Tripakkan is depicted with a dark green complexion and a distinctive golden chadah-style crown, with a cockerel tail in the form of a backward-bent flame known as kranok. 回

Tripetch Thamrong (ตรีเพ็ชรุตม์ธำรง)

Thai. The third son (fig.) of King Chulalongkorn with his consort Queen Saowapha Phongsri and the King's 39th child in total. The prince was born on 8 February 1881, at Phra Rachawang in Bangkok, but with poor health throughout his childhood, he died at the untimely age of six, on 22 November 1887. His name is sometimes transliterated Tribejrutama Dhamrong, as well as Triphetch, Tripech, Tripej or Tripet Thamrong. He is portrayed on one of a rare set of unmarked postage stamps of the Royal Family issued in circa 1893 (fig.). 回

triphum

Pali. ‘Three Worlds’. See Triloka. 回

Tripitaka (त्रिपिटक)

1. Sanskrit. ‘Three baskets’. Name for the Theravada Buddhist manuscripts containing the teachings of the Buddha, divided into three parts (pitaka or ‘baskets’) and written in Pali, traditionally on palm leaves. The first section of the Tripitaka is the Vinaya or Vinay, the second the Sut or Sutra (fig.), and the third part the Aphitam. The largest book in the world, which actually consists of 729 separate marble tablets or steles (fig.), that are located in equally as many freestanding stupas around the Kuthodaw or ‘Royal Merit’ Pagoda (map - fig.) in Mandalay, Myanmar, have the complete text of the Tripitaka inscribed on them in Burmese script, originally in gold but now faded. In Pali, known as Tipitaka and in Thai as Traipitok. See also Buddhist precepts. 回

2. Equivalent for the Chinese name Sanzang (fig.), which was a traditional honorific name for any Buddhist monk during the Tang Dynasty. It is repeatedly used to describe Xuanzang, the monk who went on a pilgrimage to India in order to obtain a copy of the sutras, as recorded in the Xiyouji, the chronicle of the ‘Journey to the West’. 回

Triple Gem

See Rattanatrai. 回

tri-pundra (त्रिपुण्ड्र)

Sanskrit. ‘Three sectarian marks’. Name a pundra (a kind of tilaka), that consists of three horizontal lines applied on the forehead or chest (fig.) by Saivites, the followers of Shiva, as a symbol of their denomination. The lines are usually drawn with white ashes and sometimes accompanied by a red dot in the centre (fig.). See also urdhva-pundra. 回

Triratana (ไตรรัตนะ)

Thai. ‘Three Gems’ or ‘Three Jewels’. Term derived from the Sanskrit word Triratna. See Trairat. 回

Triratna (त्रिरत्न)

Sanskrit for Trairat. 回

trisula (त्रिशूल)

Sanskrit. ‘Trident’. While it is the symbol for the Trairat in Buddhist temples, in Hinduism, it is the weapon and symbol of the gods Shiva and Indra, and in Thailand also that of Phra Narai (fig.). In China, it is the attribute and weapon of Ma Mian, i.e. ‘Horse-Face’ (fig.), a guardian of , i.e. the Underworld in Chinese-Taoist beliefs. As the weapon of Shiva, the three prongs represent his functions as creator, preserver and destroyer. Generally, the three spikes also represent the three fundamental principals of the universe, i.e. purity, energy and inertia. Portrayed in combination with a chakra the trident is also the escutcheon of the Chakri dynasty. In Thai called trih or trihsoon. See also noppasoon (fig.). 回

tritsadie mai (ทฤษฎีใหม่)

Thai. ‘New Theory’. Concept introduced in 1992 by King Bhumipon Adunyadet to improve agriculture for small landowners (10 to 15 rai) and with the aim to become self-supporting. By dividing the land in four parts according to the proportions 30-30-30-10 a maximum yield of the farm land is intended. According to this idea ten percent of the land is used for housing perhaps with a small live stock and poultry, the other parts of each 30% are used to cultivate rice for own use with a likely surplus that can be brought onto the market, a water reservoir with a depth of four meters used for water supply and with a possibility to breed fish, and the last piece of land utilized to grow other crops such as vegetables, fruit and flowers. See also POSTAGE STAMPS. 回

tro (ទ្រ​ខ្មែរ)

Khmer name for a traditional bowed string instrument from Cambodia, closely related to the Thai so (fig.), even in name, as the Thai word so is written with the Thai letters tho thahaan (ท) and roh reua (ร), which combined are pronounced as a s-sound, but separately are pronounced as t and r. Also transcribed tror, as in Khmer it actually has the letter r as a final. 回

Trooping the Colour

A western designation for the annual Military Parade of the Royal Guards at the Royal Plaza in Bangkok on December 4th. In English usually referred to as ‘Trooping the Colour’ (which in Thai is Phittih Sabaan Tong) but by the Thais rather called Phittih Suansanam Thahaan Rachawanlop. 回

Tropical Leatherleaf

A species of slug. See taak. 回

Tropical Sundew

Name for a small, compact species of carnivorous plant, with the botanical name Drosera burmannii (fig.). The plant has stalked tentacles that cover its leaf surface, which is green with reddish-purple towards the edge. READ ON. 回

True Percula Clownfish

Common name for a species of anemone fish, with the scientific designation Amphiprion percula. This attractive fish has a variable bright orange to black-orange body, with 3 white bands that are finely lined with black, at its head, trunk and tail, whilst the fins are also edged with black. This species of anemone fish occurs both in the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand and the bright orange morph (fig.) is very similar to the False Clown Anemone Fish (fig.). It is a popular saltwater aquarium fish. It is also commonly known as Orange Clownfish and in Thai it is called pla cartoon perkoolah (ปลาการ์ตูนเพอร์คูล่า). 回

trung (t'rung)

Vietamnese. Name of a traditional xylophone made from bamboo and used by the highland minorities of Vietnam. In addition, the name is sometimes used as an adjective with the ka-loong put (fig.), referring to the latter as trung ka-loong put, due to its xylophone-like appearance of bamboo pipes arranged in increasing length. 回

Trung Ac (Trừng Ác)

Vietnamese. ‘Punishing Evil’. Name of the Vietnamese-Taoist Judge of the Hells. READ ON. 回

Trut (ตรุษ)

Thai. ‘New year’. In Thailand new year is celebrated on several moments. There is the Chinese New Year or Trut Jien (a week of celebrations starting around end January, in February or beginning of March), the Thai New Year or Trut Thai (middle of April) and the Western New Year or Trut Farang. Besides this there are several other dates among the different minority groups, such as the hill tribes, each with their own celebrations on different times. The term Trut is assumed to be derived from the Sanskrit word truti (त्रुटि, ตรุฏิ) i.e. ‘to cut off’ or ‘to break off’, meaning to cut off from the old year to enter the new year. Sometimes also pronounced Tarut. 回

Trut Farang (ตรุษฝรั่ง)

Thai. New year according to the present-day Gregorian or Western (Farang) calendar, i.e. on January first. 回

Trut Jihn (ตรุษจีน)

Thai name for the Chinese New Year, which is also known as  Spring Festival and takes place starting somewhere around the end of January, in February or early March and lasting for about a week. Because it is celebrated according to the lunar calendar the date differs each year again. The Chinese population of Thailand starts this festival by cleaning their houses followed by an exuberant party outside. Firecrackers and fireworks are lit and dancers dressed up as lions (fig.) and dragons (fig.) perform colourful spectacles in the crowded streets (fig.), a tradition that has spread well beyond the borders of China (fig.), and of which has a different form exists in Myanmar, using a variety of fake animals, such as horses (fig.), elephants (fig.) and ‒especially in Lower Burma, due to its association with the local legend of the female buffalo nat Nankarine - fig.)‒ buffaloes (fig.), that dance from house to house to collect donations, while other folk lines the street to collect gifts from cars traffic passing by. Acrobats regularly display their skills on top of a high pole, often dressed in a lion (fig.) or dragon costume (fig.). Since red is the colour for good fortune and longevity the streets, temples and houses are decorated with red lanterns and ribbons (fig.), whilst merrymakers dress up in red and the young will buy Thai gold to give to senior family members (fig.). Besides this they will give red envelopes or hong bao to each other and many flock to the temples to offer food and burn incense sticks to their gods (fig.). During the festivities Bangkok's Chinatown is turned into one great marketplace attracting a crowd of visitors and temporary street side shrines are set up (fig.). Each year has as theme an animal from the Chinese zodiac. Chinese New Year last several days, from the 1st day of 1st lunar month to the 15th day of 1st lunar month, and ends with the Lantern Festival. Also spelled Trut Jien, and in Chinese called Xin Nian, Guo Nian and Chun Jie. See also foo and Chinese Calendar and Chronology. WATCH VIDEO. 回

Trut Thai (ตรุษไทย)

A Thai name for the Thai New Year, also known as Songkraan. 回

Tsai Shen (财神)

See Cai Shen. 回

Tsai Shen Yeh (财神爷)

Chinese. ‘Grandfather wealth god’. A designation for Zhao Gong Ming (fig.), the most influential and popular Chinese wealth god. He often has a dark face and a black beard, and rides a ferocious tiger that swallows all evil. As such, he is known as the belligerent Tsai Shen Ye, who befits worshippers in terms of debt collecting or debt clearing, by making them afraid to cheat. He also has a benevolent appearance, holding gold riches and a ruyi (fig.), and which is known as bountiful Tsai Shen Ye (fig.). The latter manifestation is believed to provide good fortune, money, wealth and prosperity to his worshippers. He may also be In Thai-Chinese temples he is referred to by the Tae Chew names Chai Sing Ihya (fig.) or Chai Sing Ihya Boo (fig.), and in Thailand known as Phra Thonbodih, Thepachao Cai Shen Ye (fig.), or Thao Wetsuwan. He is also associated with Kubera. 回

Tsao Kuo-chiu (曹国舅)

Chinese. Name of one of the Eight Immortals (fig.), who was connected with the imperial family of one of the Song Emperors. He had a younger brother named Tsao Ching-chih (曹景植), who was a bully and even killed a person, but no one dared to prosecute him because of his imperial connections. Tsao Kuo-chiu was so saddened and ashamed of his brother that he left home and sought solitude in a mountain cave. He wore rustic clothes and fasted for days at a time. One day he met the immortals Chung-li Chuan (fig.) and Lu Tong-pin (fig.), who taught him the Taoist secrets. Not much later, he joined the rank of the immortals. He is usually depicted with his attribute, a pair of castanet-like jade tablets, that have the power to purify the environment. His mount is a one-horned Bi Xie (fig.). Also spelled Cao Guojiu. 回

Tsongkhapa (ཙོང་ཁ་པ།)

Tibetan. Name of a Tibetan religious leader, who lived from 1357 to 1419 AD and who was the founder of the Gelug school, also known as the Yellow Hat Sect (fig.) of Lamaism, i.e. Tibetan Buddhism. He is sometimes described as an emanation of Atisha, a Buddhist teacher from the Pala Empire. In Chinese, he is known as Zongkaba. 回

tsukemono (漬物)

Japanese. ‘Pickled things’. General term for preserved vegetables, such as pickled ginger, which is specifically known as gari. Japanese preserved vegetables are usually pickled in salt or brine, or with rice bran called nuka, after which. It is said that tsukemono cleanses the palate, provides refreshment, and counters other flavours, while offering colour, texture and fragrance to a meal. Also called konomono (香の物), i.e. ‘fragrant things’, or nukazuke (糠漬け) if preserved in nuka rice bran. The term tsukemono is often used to refer to just pickled cabbage (fig.). 回

tsunami (津波)

Japanese. Literally ‘harbour wave’, a term is commonly used to indicate a ‘seismic sea wave’, yet is often unjustly referred to as a ‘tidal wave’. A tsunami is an exceptionally large and fast speeding ocean wave caused by an underwater earthquake or occasionally by a submarine landslide. On 26 December 2004 Thailand's west coast on the Andaman Sea was struck by a tsunami triggered by a magnitude 9.0 earthquake off the coast of Sumatra, killing around eight thousand people and injuring many more, whilst causing major damage to many of the southern provinces’ beach resorts. The hardest hit in Thailand was the province of Phang Nga with the most victims, especially in the beach resort town of Khao Lak, but also the Phi Phi Islands off the coast of Krabi province, as well as Phuket island were extremely hard hit. Among the fatal victims was Khun Poom, the only son of princess Ubon Rattana Rachaganya. Worldwide this specific tsunami killed an estimated 280,000 people, mainly in the South Asian region and left more than 5 million people homeless. Outside Thailand Indonesia, Sri Lanka and India were hit hardest, but also in Malaysia, Burma and even as far away as Somalia there were deadly victims. Since then the government has worked hard to improve local warnings. Besides the lay out and completion of several marked tsunami escape routes (fig.), it also erected 62 siren towers along beaches in six provinces, each capable of alerting people as far away as two kilometers inland. Those alerts are issued by the National Disaster Warning Centre, the first command post set up in the region after the 2004 tsunami. In Thai called kleun yak, literally ‘giant wave’. See also POSTAGE STAMPS. 回

tua fak yao (ถั่วฝักยาว)

Thai for the  ‘Chinese long bean’, a subtropical to tropical climbing vine of which the -up to 75 centimeter- long immature pods, that grow hanging in pairs, are used as a vegetable. It is widely grown in the warmer parts of Southern China and Southeastern Asia, including in Thailand (fig.). Its scientific name is Vigna unguiculata subspecies sesquipedalis and in English it is also known as ‘long-podded cowpea’, ‘asparagus bean’, ‘snake bean’ and ‘yardlong bean’. It is the main ingredient in a dish called tua fak yao phad phrik kaeng moo, i.e. ‘spicy kaeng long beans with pork’ (fig.). 回

tua fak yao phad phrik kaeng moo (ถั่วฝักยาวผัดพริกแกงหมู)

Thai. ‘Spicy curry long beans with pork’. Name of a dish that consists of chopped Chinese long beans (tua fak yao), stir fried with a thick, spicy curry, known as kaeng. It is typically eaten with rice. 回

tua khiaw (ถั่วเขียว)

Thai. ‘Green bean’. Name for the mung bean. 回

Tua Lao Hia (ตั่วเหล่าเฮี๊ยะ)

Thai-Tae Chew name for Xuanwu. 回

tua ngun tua thong (ตัวเงินตัวทอง)

Thai. ‘Silver body-golden body’. Popular name for a monitor lizard of the species varanus salvator. 回

tua talok (ตัวตลก)

Thai. Collective ame for a group of comic characters in the lesser Thai shadow play known as nang thalung. They are important characters that tend to intrigue the audience and in general are depicted with dark skin (i.e. in the nang cutting), a potbelly, and wearing only a sarong, a pahkaomah, and a kind of shawl or necklace. The upper body is always naked. Many have a big nose and some have curly hair, whilst others are bald or semi-bald. Some characters have one hand with one elongated finger and which is shaped as a human penis complete with testicles (fig.). In general, the term tua talok can be translated as ‘joker’, ‘funny guy’, ‘comedian’, etc. There are in general no fewer than 10 tua talok characters in a cast and the most popular ones include Theng (fig.), Noo Noui (หนูนุ้ย - fig.), Yod Thong (ยอดทอง), Sih Kaew (สีแก้ว), Sa Moh (สะหม้อ), Khwan Meuang (ขวัญเมือง), Tho (โถ), and Phoo Yai Phoon (ผู้ใหญ่พูน). They all speak in the southern Thai dialect, known as Phasa Pak Tai. Collectively, these characters also known as roop kaak and were reportedly invented in Songkhla Province as a change to the classical characters that up to then were depicted with a slim and tall figure. 回

Tuberose

Common name for a perennial flowering plant with the botanical name Polianthes tuberosa, that in Vietnam is the floral offering of choice in Buddhist temples. With white being the colour of mourning in many Southeast and East Asian countries, often besides black, the white flowers of the Tuberose, as well as the fact that it blooms at night, make that this plant in some places is associated with funeral rites. In Vietnam, it is known as Hue and in Thai as Son Glin, which literally means ‘Concealed Fragrance’, because it releases its fragrance at night. Extracts of this fragrant flowering plant are used to make perfume. 回

Tu Di Gong (土地公)

Chinese. ‘Lord of the Soil and the Ground’. Name of a Taoist deity, who is known for watching over ones land. In Tae Chew he is referred to as Di Zhuia (fig.) and in Vietnam he is known as Tho Cong and typically one of two deities placed in small Vietnamese home altars, the other one being Than Tai, the Vietnamese name for Chinese wealth deities, who are generally referred to as Cai Shen (fig.). These house shrines always should face the entrance door, and its deities offered fruit, food and drinks, the latter usually in the form of tea traditionally offered in either 5 or alternatively 3 small cups (fig.). Tu Di Gong is the Chinese equivalent of the Thai chao thih, the animist guardian spirit of the land, and he is also known by the names Tu Di Shen (土地神), i.e. ‘God of the Soil and the Ground’, and some shortened fors of those names, e.g. Tu Di (土地), Tu Gong (土公), and Tu Shen (社神), as well as by variations thereof, such as Tu Di Jun (土帝君), i.e. ‘Ruler God of the Soil’; She Shen (社神), ‘God of the Social Body’; She Gong (社公), which translates as ‘Lord of the Social Body’; and Da Bo Gong (大伯公) or Bo Gong (伯公), meaning ‘Great Elder Lord’ and ‘Elder Lord’, respectively. See also TRAVEL PICTURE. 回

Tu Duc (Tự Đức)

Vietnamese. Name of the fourth Emperor of the Nguyen Dynasty. READ ON. 回

tuh phra thamma (ตู้พระธรรม)

Thai term for a scripture cabinet. Also too phra tham. 回

tukkae (ตุ๊กแก)

Thai. A large, nocturnal gecko with a grey-blue, loose and baggy skin dotted with faint red-white spots, and large eyes with a vertical slit pupil (fig.). Its scientific name is Gekko gecko and it belongs to the family of Gekkonidae, that also includes the Hemidactylus frenatus, the commonly seen smaller household lizard which in Thai is known by the name jingjok. Bigger ones grow well over 30 centimeters and cockroaches figure large in their urban eating pattern. Its native habitat is rainforest trees and cliffs, but they also easily adapt to rural human habitations and commonly roam walls or wander between ceilings and roofs, in search of insect prey. Many people find them scary and repulsive, but generally leave them alone as long as they stay outdoors, since they help to keep the populations of larger insects down. This fear is perhaps related to the fact that if a tukkae bites it often won't let go for up to several hours at a time. The best way to encourage the tukkae to release its hold without causing the animal harm, is to submerge it in water. They are rather aggressive animals and often fight each other. An important feature of the tukkae is its ability to cast off its tail and regenerate a new one. The tail has several sections on it where it can break off which is sometimes done in defense. The part of the tail that has been cast off continues to move violently for several minutes, until it slows down and finally stops, giving the tukkae time to escape. It will take about three weeks to fully regenerate a new tail. Its Thai name is an onomatopoeia, imitative of its natural, distinctive call which starts with a loud, rising sound followed by a repetition of the sound tukkae. It is believed by many that if the sound tukkae is repeated up to seven times it will bring good luck to anyone hearing it. Although mostly solitary, tokkae can sometimes be encountered living in small family groups (fig.). Also transcribed tokey and tokay. See also WILDLIFE PICTURES. 回

tukkatah (ตุ๊กตา)

Thai for ‘doll’ (fig.), ‘puppet’ or ‘cuddle toy’ (fig.). The term has a wide usage, from nicknames of people to sculptured works of art. Perhaps odd to the average western person, cuddle toys (fig.) and cartoons are in Asia also liked and popular with many adolescents and even with some adults. See also look thep and WATCH VIDEO. 回

tukkatah chao wang (ตุ๊กตาชาววัง)

Thai. Literally ‘palace folk dolls’, but generally referred to as ‘courtesan dolls’, as the term chao wang also means ‘the women of the palace’ or ‘courtesans’. It is the name for miniature puppets with traditional cloths and customary hair styles, moulded from clay and made to represent the way of life of the Thai people, especially from the past. This tradition has been practiced by the Thais for generations, from as early on as in the Sukhothai period, up to the Rattanakosin period, when they were introduced anew by and Khun Tao Gae Kleeb (คุณเถ้าแก่กลีบ) a courtier at the royal palace during the reign of King Rama IV. The style became more refined and instead of children's toys they developed into pieces of art used for decoration. In this period they became known as courtesan dolls. Later production went into decline until the art of making courtesan dolls was revived by Queen Sirikit to create a livelihood for up-country people or as an enterprise in addition to farming which is often seasonal. Courtesan dolls illustrate local customs and everyday actions, from weddings and traditional Thai games, to fruit vendors in reua jaew paddle boats, orchestras, music and dance, etc. Each doll is moulded manually from high quality clay dug from paddy fields and dried naturally, out of the sun, to avoid cracking. Then it is it is fired in an ang lo oven at low temperature until it has become red. Once cooled the dolls are painted using oil colours with special attention given to the women's cloths, as for courtesans those would differ in colour for shawls and tops. Modern courtesan dolls are a popular make from Angthong province and supported by OTOP. 回

tukkatah mohk man (ตุ๊กตาโมกมัน)

Thai for ‘ivory wood doll’, a kind of puppet carved from wood, which is gained from a tree with the botanical designation Wrightia arborea. A royal collection of this kind of dolls (fig.) is on display at the Phra Tihnang Ananta-samahkom Coronation Hall (fig.). 回

tukkatah ram thai (ตุ๊กตาเรำไทย)

Thai. ‘Thai dancing dolls’. Name for small dolls, usually made from resin, and typically dressed in traditional clothes, and wearing a chadah-like crown (fig.). They are used to be placed at religious shrines and spirit houses as an offer or veneration, or as a more permanent form of kaebon (fig.), i.e. paid musical and dance performances at temples and important religious shrines. See also lakhon yok. 回

tukkatah taeng suan (ตุ๊กตาแต่งสวน)

Thai name for decorative garden statues, statuettes and figurines, both small and large. They are often cartoon-like and typically depict Thai kids in traditional attire or animals, though many other forms and models exist. They are found in both private and public parks and gardens, as well as eye catchers in front of restaurants, bars, shopping malls and companies throughout Thailand. They can be made of any material, though often they are of terracotta (fig.), concrete, or PVC. More recently also often robot-like steel or rubber figures made with pieces from old engines, such as parts of decommissioned machines, vehicles, and old tires, have become increasingly popular (fig.). WATCH VIDEO (1) and (2). 回

tuktuk (ตุ๊กตุ๊ก)

Thai. A motorized three-wheeler, of which exist several types, generally with a certain model more widely used in a certain area. The ones used in Bangkok, for instance, typically have a steering wheel like that of a motorbike and a gear stick between the legs (fig.), whereas in rural areas a model called rot saamloh skailaeb, i.e. skylab tutuk (fig.), may be used, which consists of a motorbike, covered with a roof or not, and with an extended car-like part for passengers to be seated. For the most part, tuktuks are used as a form of urban transport, akin to taxi's, called rot thaeksih in Thai. The name tuktuk name is derives from the sound of its engine. The first tuktuks were made in Japan and imported into Thailand in BE 2503, i.e. 1960 AD. It was initially banned from driving in the capital, but the it quickly became popular among tourists and soon after was allowed also in Bangkok. Nowadays, tuktuks in Thailand are made locally. Due to their popularity, tuktuks are also produced for export, and as toys in all kinds of materials to be sold as souvenirs from Thailand (fig.). Some people even have exported real ones to their home country or driven one half across the globe. Tuktuks have no meter, thus a fare needs to be negotiated with the driver beforehand and the rate will vary depending on traffic and distance. Though a local tourist attraction, tuktuk drivers in tourist cities, as well as in Bangkok, are known to often overcharge on foreign customers (fig.), or take them on a shopping tour not asked for, cashing in on kickbacks at every place they stop. Some drivers also maneuver their vehicle as madmen, squeezing through jammed cars or going down curves on only two wheels. It also needs to be pointed out that tuktuks in Bangkok are not ideal for tourists due to smog and other concerns, such as the low roof which makes it impossible to enjoy any view without continuously having to bend down, or when a tuktuk is stopped for minutes in traffic, next to the exhaust of a large city bus, the passengers inside can hardly breath. The open design of the tuktuk is also a concern during the rainy season, when passengers either get soaked or the sides of the tuktuk are covered with plastic, blocking the view even more. So, think twice before getting into a tuktuk and find out how much a taximeter would cost you for the same distance, in order to have an indication of what a reasonable fare should be. In Thai also called saamloh. 回

tulsi

Another name for holy basil, known in Thai as kaphrao. 回

tum (ตุ้ม)

Thai. A folkloristic fish trap made from woven bamboo strips. It has a cone-like shape resembling a bottle, with a narrowed neck and a bulbous middle. It is about 35-50 centimeters high and at the bottom sits a hole to let the fish in. In the hole sits a funnel-shaped spiked fence so that the fish cannot reverse and swim back out. At the mouth there is a similar but removable spiked fence, comparable to the cover of a takong fish basket (a kind of creel). There are also other models of fish traps and one particular type, with a wider mouth at the top and a shape that rather resembles that of a vase, is known as ih-joo. Despite these subtle distinctions, both names are often used interchangeably, while the term tum is also used in a less specific way for either type. See also sang. 回

tumpal

Indonesian. ‘Cloth head’. Name for a triangular design at the far end of a hand-woven piece of cloth, often seen on silk or batik clothing. The design often appears at the ends of sarong, habitually with two rows of tumpals facing each other, creating a lozenge of a contrasting colour in the middle. According to some, tumpals represent mountains or hills, although others claim that the typical rows of elongated triangles suggest bamboo shoots and symbolize life force. The term has a Malay-Indonesian origin. 回

tung (ตุง)

Northern Thai word for a long ceremonial banner made of cloth, usually divided into vertical steps resembling a ladder and considered to be a link between heaven and earth. Thus they are a means for the fallen to climb back out of hell and up to heaven. They are a special feature from Lan Na used both decoratively and during northern Thai festivals and ceremonies. See also TRAVEL PICTURES. 回

tung kradahng (ตุงกระด้าง)

Name of a kind of tung consisting of a long board made of an enduring material such as wood, plaster, metal, etc. It is often painted gold or silver and is usually decorated with designs in bas-relief. It is found especially in northern Thailand, used either to accompany certain monuments (fig.) or as a monument in its own right. See also THEMATIC STREET LIGHT. 回

tung yai (ตุงใย)

Name of a kind of tung that consists of small square patches made of loosely knitted cloth and strung together to form a banner. Sometimes other shapes, such as stars or octagons are used, and regularly they are used to make a mobile, which is referred to as tung yai maengmoom, i.e. ‘spider tung yai’. See also TRAVEL PICTURES and THEMATIC STREET LIGHT. 回

Turkey Tail

Common name given to a species of widespread mushroom, with the botanical designations Trametes versicolor, Coriolus versicolor and Polyporus versicolor, and known in Thai similarly know as hed hang kai nguang (เห็ดหางไก่งวง), i.e. ‘turkey tail mushrooms’, due its obvious resemblance to a turkey's tail. See also TRAVEL PICTURES (1) and (2). 回

turmeric

Name of a perennial plant with the botanical name Curcuma longa, belonging to the genus Curcuma in the ginger family Zingiberaceae. It has an orange underground rhizome, a ginger-like stem bearing both roots and shoots, that is used both as a spice and a herb (fig.). It is often made into a powder, used as a food additive and an ingredient in most curry powders. In Ayurvedic medicine it is utilized for its therapeutic values, e.g. as an antiseptic and antibacterial agent, or as a treatment against itching skin irritations. In Thai called khamin. 回

turtle

The second avatar of Vishnu who supported the churning stick during the churning of the Ocean of Milk, thus preventing it from going in the soft soil. It thus became a symbol of stability. It is also the mount of the goddess Jamuna, and in Vietnam of Khai Tam La Han (fig.), i.e. the Arahat Jivaka (fig.). See also tao. 回

Tushita (तुषित)

Sanskrit for Tusita. 回

Tusita

Pali. ‘Satisfied’. A term that refers to the heaven above Mount Meru where bodhisattvas await their last existence on earth, prior to the anchern jut. It is one of the highest heavens in the Buddhist cosmology and the heaven where the bodhisattva who later became the Buddha was born after he gathered enough merit from earlier lives. Thus it is the place where he resided before he was born as prince Siddhartha, as well as the heaven where the future Maitreya buddha resides. In Hinduism it is the fourth heaven. Also Dusit and in Sanskrit Tushita. 回

tuyin (တုရင်)

Burmese architectural term for the vertical ornamental embellishments at corners and niches of a pyatthat. 回

Tuyintaung Zedi (တုရင်တောင်စေတီ)

Burmese. ‘Tuyin Hill Pagoda’. Name of a Buddhist temple in the Bagan region. READ ON. 回

Twelve Nidanas

Term for the Twelve Links of Conditioned Existence as used in all schools of Buddhism, an application to the rebirth process and of Pratityasamutpada, in which each link is conditioned by the preceding one, whilst itself conditions the succeeding one. These twelve links are spread over ones previous, current and future lives and consist of previous ignorance and volitional formations; current consciousness, mind and body, the six sense bases (i.e. the five physical senses and the mind), contact, feeling, craving, clinging and becoming; future birth, old age and death. The Sanskrit word nidana (निदान) literally means ‘primary cause’. 回

Twenty gods of Heaven

Generic name for a group of twenty Chinese deities worshipped in Taoism. Most members of this pantheon are important deities in their own right and are in most cases also worshipped individually. The pantheon of twenty consists of both male and female deities, as well as benevolent and malevolent gods. The names of the 20 deities, all with the prefix Nanwu Hufa (南無護法) and the suffix Zuntian (尊天), are: 1. Dadeshi (大帝釋); 2. Yanmo Luowang (閻摩羅王); 3. Sanzhi Dajiang (散脂大将); 4. Guizi Shengmu (鬼子聖母); 5. Weituo (韋馱); 6. Xing Gong Yue Fu (星宫月府); 7. Si Bi Budong (四壁不動); 8. Da Biancai (大辯才); 9. Ri Gong Taiyang (日宫太陽); 10. Po Lie Longwang (婆羯龍王); 11. Putishu Wang (菩提樹王); 12. Yuegong Taiyin (月宫太陰); 13. Da Molizhi (大摩利支); 14. Jingang Miji (金刚密跡); 15. Jianlao De Shen (堅牢地神); 16. Heli Dinan (訶利帝南); 17. Da Gongde (大功德); 18. Jin Naluo Wang (緊那羅王); 19. Da Fan Wang (大梵王); 20. Moxi Shouluo (摩醯首羅). They are also known as the gods of the Twenty Heavens. 回

Twenty-eight Lunar Mansions

Name for the 28 constellations that are situated along the moon's path of rotation around the earth, and which are significant as divisions of the heavens and of time. The division of the celestial sphere into 28 constellations were conceived more than 3,000 years ago and were used to mark the movement of the planet. The Chinese character for these constellations is taken to means resting places or mansions of the sun and moon in their revolutions, and in Chinese mythology these 28 constellations or mansions became the abodes of the gods, which are a vital part of the Taoist pantheon referred to as the 28 Celestial Deities of the Star Mandala. The 28 Lunar Mansions are grouped into the Four Symbols, i.e. four mythological creatures, each associated with a compass direction and a seasonal division, namely the Azure Dragon of the East for Spring, the Black Tortoise of the North for Winter, the White Tiger of the West for Fall, and the Vermilion Bird of the South for Summer. Each of the Four Symbols contains seven mansions. The 28 Lunar Mansions are used for divination and typically depicted ‒usually in combination with trigram symbols (fig.)‒ on circular cosmographic divination boards (fig.). 回

Two-striped Jumping Spider

Common name for a species of Jumping Spider (fig.) with the binomial name Telamonia dimidiata. Males have a dark orangey chestnut body, with three white, straight, longitudinal stripes on their abdomen, two on the flanks and the third on top, i.e. in the upper centre, in between and symmetrical to the stripes on the flanks. In the cephalothorax, i.e. the anterior part of its body, males have a white patch in the front centre and two stripes, one on either side of it, that curve towards one another at the back ends, yet without touching. Their legs are overall greyish brown, with the four front legs much darker than the hind legs, while all have some diffuse whitish markings that make the legs look banded. They have mixed grey whitish pedipalps, i.e. the appendages above the mouthparts. Females are slightly larger than males and have some different features. Females are overall near semi-translucent, pale orangey green, including all the legs, with above three whitish longitudinal stripes on the abdomen, that merge at the front towards the cephalothorax, which in females only has a large whitish spot with orange fringes near the front centre. The body colour of the abdomen, in between the whitish longitudinal stripes is of a deeper orange than the legs and the rest of the body, while the white stripes themselves also have tiny streaks of orange on them, though those are hard to see from a distance. The Two-striped Jumping Spider somewhat resembles the Striped Jumper (fig.), and is distributed in parts of Southeast Asia, India and China. 回

tympanum

See gable board. 回