Tradition

Traditions, Festivals & Living Heritage

Sak yant: the history of a sacred Thai tattoo, between protective magic and ancestral art

On backs and shoulders, grids of ancient characters, tigers and deities appear. Outside Thailand, sak yant often passes for an exotic fashion. It is…

Understand 13 min read

Traditions, Festivals & Living Heritage

Wai, kreng jai and the smile: understanding Thailand's non-verbal codes

A greeting with palms pressed together, a hesitation to ask, a smile that does not always express joy: in Thailand, much communication happens…

Discover 11 min read

Arts, Aesthetics & Creation

From the Ramayana to the Ramakien: how the Indian epic became Siamese

On the walls of Wat Phra Kaew, as on the stages of the *khon*, Phra Ram has been doing battle with Thotsakan for more than two centuries. Their story…

Understand 11 min read