Cornell Southeast Asia Program Outreach

THAILAND EXPLORER BOX: EDUCATION

NAME & CODE PICTURE DESCRIPTION

Bangkok Informer – December/January 2007

A Thai publication targeted towards tourists including information on tours, hotels, food and recreation. One page warns tourists of the Penal Code of Thailand against Sacrilege, in which an individual can be imprisoned for up to six years for committing an act against a religious object or place.

Wat Arun Brochure

Brochure outlining Wat Arun, a principal class Royal temple built in the days of Thailand's ancient capital of Ayuthaya.

Guide to the Grand Palace

Brochure (Both German and English) outlining the Grand Palace complex and the components within. It served as the official residence of the Kings of Thailand from the 18th Century onwards. The current King, however, resides in the Chitralada Palace due to the death of his brother in the Grand Palace..

A Brief Guide to The National Museum Bangkok

Brochure outlining the historical background of the museum, its exhibition galleries as well as other general information.

'Junior Mag'

Examples of Thai children's culture. A children's magazine with activities, fashion, cartoons etc.

at Thai Washington, DC 2008 Calendar

Twelve month calendar outlining Thai and Buddhist holidays. The calendar features photography of traditional Thai and Buddhist activities.

Thai Comicbook

Thai Comicbook

Thai Drinking Cups

Traditionally, individuals in Thailand would scoop water from a large pot with a cup and drink it. This particular, modernized version features a very western handle in the style of a mug.

Silver Thai Belt

A woman's belt, commonly worn in Northern Thailand apparel. Typically, this piece would be worn with a Pha sin or Sarong, such as the one in this box.

Checkered Cloth

A male's cloth which would be used as a towel for bathing or around the waist once washed and softened. Features elephant labeling. Checkered patterning tends to be male oriented.

Traditional Sarong

Every day, common sarong. Essentially a woman's skirt, it is to be wrapped around the waist and tucked. Features traditional Thai, female pattern.

Thailand Illustrated

Short publication featuring sections on His Majesty the King, Energy, Thai Landscape, Mat-Making and more.

Classic Tricycle 'TukTuk'

A motorized version of the traditional and iconic rickshaw, a small three-wheeled cart operated by a single individual. There are several regional variations of the vehicle.

Historical Thon Buri

Describes the major landmarks and tourist routes of Thon Buri, the West Side of Bangkok. The former capital of Thailand,

Calendar

Silk, Thai Cloth

A woman's Thai, silk cloth which would be used to manufacture a blouse or skirt.

Thai Postcards

Thai postcards featuring market scenes, landscapes, cityscapes, wildlife, artifacts and more.

Foldout Booklet of Thai Festivals and Traditions

Fold out booklet describing Thai festivals and traditions made to resemble ancient bamboo texts.

Bangkok Post 'perspective' Issue – January 2007

English language newspaper in Thailand with articles on the environment, education and politics.

A Father’s Day edition of the publication “Saeng Dhamma” Father’s Day in Thailand is celebrated on the King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s Birthday, December 5th. There are events all over the country on this day. People wear yellow because the King was born on a Monday. Fathers and Grandfathers are given red canna flowers. Mother’s Day takes place on Queen Sirikit’s birthday on August 12th. Children will bring jasmine flowers to their mothers, grandmothers, and other women who take care of them.

Thai Coins

This is a collection of 2 baht and 10 baht coins from a variety of years and special occasions. Most have a profile of the current King Bhumibol Adulyadej. The bottom right hand coin is the prince, and the bottom left corner is the princess. In the top row, the profile behind the current King belongs to King Rama V, also known as King Chulalongkorn. He became King in 1868, prevented the colonization of Bangkok by reaching out to the French and British, and abolished slavery in Thailand. Thai numbers, Roman numbers, and the words for numbers are below.

Photo of Thai King with Elvis

This photo was taken at Paramount Studios during the filming of “GI Blues”. The queen of Thailand is sitting next to Elvis, and there is an actress all the way to the right. The King of Thailand is 32 years old in this photo and Elvis is 25. The King of Thailand loves music. He composes jazz music and plays the saxophone. Duke Ellington may also have been there the day this photo was taken.

Puzzle of King Bhumibol

Thai puzzle featuring a photo of King Bhumibol sitting on his throne. The King is revered in Thailand and is often featured on everyday items such as this.

Censorship Stickers

These stickers are connected to a blog (http://facthai.wordpress.com/ ) with news items ranging from Prime Minister Thaksin’s wrong doings to Obama’s activities and changes in Buddhism. It is mostly opinion instead of fact-based.

'Soop Sip' Flier

A flier advertising an event in 2007. The event, called 'Soop Sip', featured a Siamese professor leading the petition to reinstate Siam as the country's name. Siam, they argue, better reflects the country's ethnic diversity. Thailand was intended to be exclusive from the start, referring to a distinct people from the Tai of China. Key issues include nationalism, ethnicity, environment,

Political Flyer with Thai Ethnicities

“Siam” is the name used for Thailand This publication lists most (if not all) of the different ethnicity found in Thailand. Even though Thailand appears to be pretty homogenous, there are many hill tribes, foreigners from China, Laos, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Middle East and Africa, Vietnam, Burma/Myanmar, Cambodia, Australia and Western nations who have been integrated into Thai society. The website on this flyer is no longer active, but you can search for other petitions using the words “Siam” or “Thailand” to see some opinions about politics in Thailand.

Bandanna for the “Yellow Shirts” protestors representing the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD). The protestors who occupied the Bangkok Airport in 2007. This shows recent political unrest in Thailand.

Bang Pa-In Palace

Bang Pa-In Summer Palace was built as a residence by King Phra Srisanpetch V in the 17th century. This publication outlines its history and other significant events from the Ayutthaya Era to until the current Chakri Dynasty. It boasts a large array of vintage photography taken around the palace including original artifacts and architecture.

Ayutthaya

Ayutthaya was the capital of Thailand for 417 years. This booklet provides short descriptions of the major temples and historical sites.

The Grand Palace

Brochure (Both German and English) outlining the Grand Palace complex and the components within. It served as the official residence of the Kings of Thailand from the 18th Century onwards. The current King, however, resides in the Chitralada Palace due to the death of his brother in the Grand Palace.

Political Bumper Sticker

Bumper sticker in support of the constitution. Reads “Knocking Down the Constitution is Knocking Down Democracy”

Thai Currency and Stamps

Rama IX (Fronts) [Current King] Rama VIII (Back of 20 Baht) Rama V & VII[?] (Back of 100 Baht) The 20 Baht features the Rama VIII Bridge which was, of course, named for Rama VIII.

Mounted Stamp Collection

Thai stamp collection featuring stamps from the 1980s and 1990s. Stamp themes range from animals to landmarks and everything in between. The stamp images offer a lot of insight into Thai culture.

Board Game

A Thai board game of “Political Monopoly” - the game is similar to traditional monopoly and features Thai political caricatures as game pieces.

Thai Flag

The Thai flag shows five Include a link about the history of the Thai flag and the elephant and beliefs box. Original flag had an elephant.

Political Map of Southeast Asia

Political map showing the divisions of Southeast Asia. The map features international, state and provincial divisions. The map further defines areas claimed by India and China as well as indicating areas that are undefined and/or disputed.

Ayutthaya – Postcard Booklet

A foldout booklet of postcards featuring prominent Thai landmarks in Ayutthaya, the former royal capital of Siam.

Postcards

A collection of loose postcards featuring Bang Pa-In Palace. This palace in particular shows Western and Chinese influences on royal architecture.

The Royal Barge – Postcard Booklet

A foldout booklet of postcards featuring the Royal Barge fleet taking part in the ever important Royal Ceremony procession.

Book “To Honor Her Royal Highness Princess Galyani Vadhana Krom Luang Naradhiwas Rajanagarindra on the Occasion of the Seventh Cycle Birthday Anniversary May 6, B.E. 2550 (2007)

A translation from a Thai book, this booklet was published so that the general public would be fully aware of her royal activities and the many contributions she has offered. The Thai people hold her in very high esteem and this book illustrates the extent to which they adore her.

Catalog of Thai books on academic topics. A glimpse of Thai Academia

Thai Calendar

Traditional twelve month calendar indicating Buddhist and Thai holidays as well featuring Thai paintings. Many of the paintings feature images of the King, the Thai flag and the Buddhist flag. One image features a Muslim girl whose eyes reflect the number nine (symbol of the King's reign).

Scan. A flier about the student uprising of October 14th, 1973. “13 Students were arrested for distributing leaflets calling for a constitution.” They were charged with “treason and attempting to

overthrow the government.” Protests began and “on 10/14/73 the riot police and students clashed. 100 students were killed. Several government buildings were burned” (From “Thailand Economy and Politics” by Phongpaichit & Baker 1995, p. 302)

Bang Pa-In Palace Brochure PHOTOGAPH BROCHURE Brochure in both Thai and English outlining the major points of the Bang Pa-In Palace. The palace has a history dating back to the 17th century.

Thai Alphabet Stickers

Stickers variable in colors, patterns, sizes including Thai and English alphabet, numbers, symbols and signs.

Thai School Girl's Light Blue High School Uniform.

All Thai students wear school uniforms and the uniforms are very basic and similar across the country. Girls generally wear white middy blouse, dark blue skirt and dark blue bows.

Girl's Scout Uniform for Thai Student

Girl's school outfit. This is a girl-scout outfit, hence the boy-cut shirt. They would wear the yellow bandana tied around the neck, featured below.

It is compulsory for children between the ages of six and fifteen to attend school in Thailand.

? Look for in Buddhism box.

Boy's Scouting Uniform for Young Thai Student

Scouting is a required part of the Thai school curriculum. Students come to school once a week or month dressed in their scout uniform for a day of scouting based instruction and games. The boyscout uniform is generally more elaborate than the simple school uniform.

Common Thai School uniform Shirt

This school uniform shirt features the school emblem embroidered on the shirt. In Thailand, it is common for the student's name to also be embroidered onto the shirt.

Lavender and Blue Elementary Schoolgirl's uniform

A young schoolgirl's uniform featuring a blouse, skirt and bow. This uniform is great for students to try on in the classroom.

Thai Highschool Boy's Uniform

Folding book of the Hindu epic story “The Ramayana”

This book is written in English with Thai illustrations of this ancient Indian story. Even though Thailand is a predominantly Buddhist country, many holidays and traditions that have been incorporated into Buddhism and Thai culture have Indian roots. Thai classical dance and shadow puppetry both frequently depict scenes drawn from this epic.

Ramayana Comic Book

Colorful comic book with more South-Asian style cartoons. Written in Thai language.

Elephant key chain

Elephants are an important religious, political and cultural symbol in Thailand. They are seen represented in many every day items and especially tourist products.

Elephant Purse featuring Hill-Tribe styled embroidery.

This style bag is popular among tourists and Thai people.

Visor

This festive fisor has an image of an elephant.

Elephant Figurine

Black and Gold enameled elephant figurine. These figures are often placed as offerings next to spirit shrines.

Check VeryThai for elephant information

Elephant Figurine

Black and Pink enameled elephant figurine.

Wooden Elephant Figurine

Wooden Elephant Figurine with white tusks.

White elephant scarf

Good for background for a display

Handmade Paper Notebook

A handmade paper notebook with elephant imagery. This notebook in particular was wrapped as a gift for wedding guests.

Red elephant coin purse

Typical modern coin purses with machine-made elephant embroidery.

The scarf of a boyscout uniform with an elephant

Scarf worn around the neck as part of a boyscout uniform. Participation in the boyscouts is cumpolsury in public schools in Thailand.

Postcards of elephants

Postcards featuring elephants around Thailand. Elephants are not used for physical labor much in daily life any more in Thailand. Elephant trainers do travel from town to town, so it is not that unusual to see elephants.

Elephant postage stamp

2 baht (about 5 US cents) stamps. The stamps feature the ever popular elephant and reflect the country's affinity towards the animal.

Postcard of temple guardians

Giant Guardians standing at the gates of Wat Phra Keo (pronounced wah(t) prah(t)

kgaeow) This

famous temple in Bangkok is located on the grounds of the royal palace and houses the

Emerald Buddha.

Hindu Elephant God Ganesha Figurine

Ganesha is one of the most widely worshiped deities in the Hindu religion. Ganesha is also known as the “Remover of Obstacles” or “Lord of Beginnings and Lord of Obstacles.” Ganesha is also the deva of intellect and wisdom. Figurine is about 1 inch tall.

Spirit House (san phra phum)

Spirit Worship, or Animism, was a religion by which the entire world lived at one time, and when Buddhism came to Southeast Asia, it developed side by side with the ancient spirit religion. The Spirit House can be seen at a prominent spot outside every business establishment in the country. Thai Spirit House is built at the yard of every home. The purpose of the Spirit House is to provide an appealing shelter for the spirits, or celestial beings, who would otherwise reside in the heavens. There are countless gods and other celestial beings in Thai folklore. The primary spirits the Thai's are concerned with, however, are called the Phra Bhum Jowthee, or Guardian Spirits of the Land. There are

nine of these guardians and each offers a different type of protection.

Small Buddha Figurine

The main function of a Buddha statue is to communicate peace of mind and discipline, where one controls conflicting emotions and has a hold over the mind and negative feelings such as greed, jealousy, etc. In states where people are illiterate and unable to grasp the true meaning of his teachings, Buddha statues play a crucial role to convey such messages. Buddhists believe that respecting the statues by bowing to it and offering flowers, incense etc. is an expression of their aspirations to adapt the same spiritual and sacred thoughts as the Buddha himself.

Buddhas for Every Day of the Week

Each figurine represents a different Buddha image for each day of the week. Sunday (pang thawai net)- standing with arms crossed in front of the waist with the right hand covering the left hand. Buddha obtained enlightenment while sitting under a bothi tree. The image represents a time just after Buddha obtained enlightenment when, for gratitude, he stood and admired a bothi tree for one week without blinking an eye. Monday (pang ham yati)- standing with the right hand raised to shoulder height with the palm out and the fingers extended (the abhaya mudra). This image represents Buddha pacifying the relatives. When Buddha returned from heaven after three months, his relatives were arguing about the rights to water flowing through their land. Buddha persuaded them to compromise. Tuesday (pang sai yat)- lying on his right side, head resting on his arm, toes even. It represents when Buddha entered parinibbana at his death on a Tuesday. Wednesday(pang umbat)- standing and holding an alms bowl with both hands. It indicates the time Buddha returned to see his father. In the early morning, monks make their alms rounds to collect food. Buddha did the same and his father was upset that Buddha was "begging" for food. Thursday (pang samti)- sitting in a full lotus position with soles upward and visible, the hands resting in the lap, right above left with all fingers extended, palms upward. In this position, some believe the body is receptive to energy entering through the top of the head and through the open palms. Friday (pang ram pueng)- standing with both arms crossed over the chest with the right hand covering the left. This position indicates contemplation and consideration, and represents Buddha contemplating the subtle nature of dhamma and ponders on how to reveal this to mankind. Saturday (pang nak prok)- sitting in a full lotus position in meditation on the coiled body of the naga Muchalinda that uses its head as a cover against rain. This pose represents a time during the sixth week after Siddhartha's Enlightenment, when the naga king protected the meditating Buddha against heavy rainfall by making a shelter with his multi-headed hood and lifted him above the flood waters by coiling its body under him.

Plaque of the Emerald Buddha Statue

The Emerald Buddha is the palladium of the Kingdom of Thailand. A palladium is a figure thought to provide protection. The sculpture of the sitting Buddha is made of green jasper (not emerald) and clothed in gold. *History of the Emerald Buddha

Lid of a monk's alms bowl

The lid of an alms bowl (for offerings). Can also be used as a plate.

A monk's alms bowl and stand (inside)

The alms bowl, along with the shaven head and robes, is one of the main visual signs of a monk. Alms giving is a common practice in Buddhism, usually done at the break of dawn when Buddhist monks begin their alms rounds. Laypeople, who wish to offer support for the monks, prepare food and water for the monks, which are placed in the alms bowl. During the act of alms giving, the donor should have a pure mind and pure intention to donate so that the action of alms giving becomes an act of merit-making. Female alms donors are prohibited from making any physical contact with the monk when she offers the food. After acceptance of the food, the monk recites a short prayer as a form of blessing.

*Story about Buddha and the Middle Way

Buddhist Flag

This flag features the 'Wheel of Dharma,' or the 'Wheel of Law.' The 12 spokes on the dharma wheel represents the Twelve Laws of Dependent Origination, which states that one condition rises out of another, which arises out of prior conditions. These twelve laws attempt to explain the causes of suffering and rebirth. The twelve links of the chain are (1) Ignorance, (2) Volitional formations , (3) consciousness, (4) mind-and-form, (5) sense-bases, (6) contact, (7) feeling, (8) craving, (9) clinging, (10) becoming, (11) birth, (12) old-age-and-death.

Lotus Flowers

The lotus flower is an important symbol in Buddhism, often used as an offering. A lotus flower refers to the complete purification of body, speech and mind, and the blossoming of wholesome deeds in liberation. The lotus refers to many aspects of the path, as it grows from the mud (samsara), up through muddy water, it appears clean on the surface (purification), and finally produces a beautiful flower (enlightenment). The white blossom represents purity, the stem stands for the practice of Buddhist teachings which raise the mind above the (mud of) worldly existence, and gives rise to purity of mind.

Monk’s fan for chanting ceremony. Fan handle also included.

A fan used by a Monk during the Precepts and Refuges ceremony. The monk will hold the fan before the face to de-emphasize the identity of the monk. This is so that precepts are given on a more symbolic, rather than personal level. The fan can also be used as a 'divide' when a monk speaks with a woman. More ornate fans are generally given to older monks. A legend in Thailand concerns a disciple of the Lord Buddha, Phra Sangkachai, who was so good-looking that many female members of the congregation fell in love with him. Realizing the effect that he had, Sangkajai prayed to be made unattractive. His wish was fulfilled: in certain monasteries, you will see the seated statue of a fat monk with coarse features.

Set of Monk Garments

This set includes an under robe, upper robe, shoulder cloth, bathing cloth, and belt cloth. Because monks are not supposed to buy anything, this set is usually given as a gift to a temple or individual monk when a lay person is making merit. The Buddha taught the first monks and nuns to make their robes of "pure" cloth, which meant cloth that no one wanted. Types of pure cloth included cloth that had been chewed by rats or oxen, scorched by fire, soiled by childbirth or menstrual blood, or used as a shroud to wrap the dead before cremation. Monks would scavenge cloth from rubbish heaps and cremation grounds. Any part of the cloth that was unusable was trimmed away, and the cloth was washed. It was dyed by being boiled with vegetable matter -- tubers, bark, flowers, leaves -- and spices such as turmeric or saffron, which gave the cloth a yellow-orange color. This is the origin of the term "saffron robe." Theravada monks of southeast Asia today still wear spice-color robes, in shades of curry, cumin and paprika as well as blazing saffron orange.

Poster of Buddha Sitting on a Lotus

The illustration depicts Buddha sitting under a Banyan tree atop a Lotus flower in the Dhyana mudra position. The Dhyana mudra is the mudra of meditation, of concentration on the Good law, and of the attainment of spiritual perfection. It indicates the perfect balance of thought, rest of the senses, and tranquility.The depiction holds heavy Indian influences. Buddha is believed to have achieved enlightenment in India while meditating under a special banyan tree known as the Bodhi Tree.

Poster of Buddha Teaching

The illustration depicts Buddha in the Dharmachakra mudra position. Dharmachakra in Sanskrit means “Wheel of Dharma.” This mudra symbolizes one of the most important moments in the life of Buddha, the occasion when he preached to his five companions the first sermon after his Enlightenment in the Deer Park at Benares. This event is often referred to as the setting into motion of the Wheel of the teaching of the Dharma.

Incense for Buddhist worship

This package of incense has an illustration of the goddess of compassion “Jao Meh Kuan Yin”. Three sticks are burned simultaneously for Buddha, the Dharma (Buddha’s teachings), and the Sanghka (Buddha’s followers). When only one stick is burned, it is often said that one is worshiping ghosts. The burning of incense takes place both in the home and in the temple, and serves as an offering to the Buddha or various deities. It is also an important ritual act that is believed to clear the air of evil spirits.

Buddhism in Thailand Anniversary of the 25th Century Book (oversized) 21” x 15”

Big and heavy, but resourceful. This book contains large black and white photographs of important Buddist temples and artifacts in Thailand. A brief history of Buddhism is included. Descriptions accompanying the drawings and photographs are written in English, French, Thai and Pali (a language similar to Sanskrit).

Small Depiction of Buddha

A depiction of Buddha mounted inside a miniature, embellished, altar-like object. Depictions of Buddha are often worn or displayed as a means of good karma and protection. Objects meant to offer protection or good karma are referred to as amulets and vary greatly in size, content and worth.

Poster of Kwan Yin Bodhisattva

A depiction of Kwan Yin (also know as Quan Shi Yin or Kuan Yin) Bodhisattva, a Chinese Mahayana Buddhist figure. She is the goddess of compassion and mercy. The dragon, an ancient symbol for high spirituality, wisdom, strength, and divine powers of transformation, is a common motif found in combination with the goddess. Bodhisattva literally means "enlightened being,” a soul who, through compassion and altruism, has earned the right to leave this world of suffering and enter nirvana, but has chosen instead to stay on Earth to instruct others until all beings are enlightened. *Origin of Kwan Yin

Audio Disc of Pali Chants

An audio disc containing several tracks of Buddhist chants in the Pali language often played

during meditation.

Thai Buddhism Publications

Thai Floating Market Doll