08:39 | 0
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แสดงบทความที่มีป้ายกำกับ POPULAR แสดงบทความทั้งหมด
แสดงบทความที่มีป้ายกำกับ POPULAR แสดงบทความทั้งหมด
Memories of King Chulalongkorn
This is a different kind of history book. Another exquisite piece of work by tour guide-turned-historian Krairoek Nana, King Chulalongkorn's Centenary Memorial wows its readers with a rare collection of photographs of the monarch sourced from newspapers, journals and magazines printed in Europe over the past two centuries. The author spent more than three decades assembling the material before deciding to compile it in book form.
A sketch of a garden party at Windsor Castle in 1907 appears on the cover of King Chulalongkorn's Centenary Memorial. The illustration, according to author Krairoek Nana, is important as it shows the honour given to the Siamese king by the western power. The book, published to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the beloved King's passing in 2010, will be officially launched today.The book, however, had a humble beginning.
A graduate in tourism and management from a British university, Krairoek joined MD Tours in 1978, and became a pioneer of out-bound tours to Europe, where his task was to take Thai tourists and show them around the Continent. A tour typically lasted 24 days, and on such trips boredom was never far away. He would regale patrons with stories and anecdotes, but better still he started digging into old archives and travelogues for new information he thought will be of interest to them.
Author Krairoek Nana.One source of interest was King Chulalongkorn's historic visits to Europe in 1897 and 1907. The common Thai, he knew, would be excited to learn what the monarch had done almost a century ago in the very cities they were now visiting.
``When on tour I would sneak out to at lunch to check out local archives, leaving my clients to eat their meals on their own. Joining them again, I would have great stories to tell or gorgeous photos to show. This way the trips became more fun,'' said the author, who has also penned other books on Thai history. Over the years his collection grew, as did his fondness for history.
The book's title in Thai, Roi Parb Roi Paendin, may be misleading. Some people may think it's a book with 100 photos, but the author said that the ``roi'' in the title connects the events that happened during a significant period of King Chulalongkorn's reign, starting with the young monarch's ascension to the throne under the shadow of the powerful Bunnag family in 1868; the rift between Wang Luang, the royal or main palace, and Wang Na, the front palace, under Krom Phra Ratchawang Bovorn Vichaicharn who is referred in the Western press as the second King of Siam; King Chulalongkorn's successful defence of Siam's sovereignty in the face of threat posed by colonial powers; and finally the last years of his life.
The book features how the King and his Kingdom were seen _ and interpreted _ by the press in Britain, France, Germany and Italy. Several photos and illustrations _ some from the illustrators' imagination _ depict historic events including the confrontation with the French in 1893 which in Thailand is known as Ror Sor 112.
It also sheds light on King Chulalongkorn's contemporaries, including Czar Nicholas II of Russia who played a significant role and became an amicable friend of Siam.
Krairoek said the czar, when he was crown prince, made an unscheduled visit to Siam during his Southeast Asia tour. King Chulalongkorn sent his half-brother, Prince Damrong, to meet the Russian crown prince in Singapore and persuade him to include Siam on his itinerary.
Later on, Krairoek said, it was the Russian czar who helped Siam out of trouble with France at a time the latter was trying to expand its influence in the region.
clockwise from left: - King Chulalongkorn posed with Czar Nicholas II, then crown prince, at the Bang Pa-in Palace in Ayutthaya.
- A historic photo of King Chulalongkorn and Czar Nicholas II. Historians believe the photo, which was published across Europe, is significant as it demonstrated the recognition the powerful Russian czar gave to his Royal friend.
- King Chulalongkorn gave a speech at the Mansion House in London.
- The western press paid close attention to Siam. This photo shows King Chulalongkorn, with the queen, open the railway in Bangkok.
``Unfortunately, few are aware of this part of history,'' he said. The Siam-Russian friendship drew the attention of the Western press, as seen from photos and cartoons appearing in the print media.
Krairoek said King Chulalongkorn himself attached great importance to the role of the press. ``On his orders a court official was appointed whose responsibility was to acquire every news report about Siam,'' he said, adding the King must have read all the items that appear in this book.
More importantly, the author noted, it's apparent the King was deft at manipulating Western reporters. His decision to choose Italy as the first leg of his European tour was simply brilliant: Italy was a middle-level power that could not afford to ignore his visit, and it received wide press coverage. He subsequently toured Britain, France and Germany, proceeding with great confidence.
``The Western press saw him as a charismatic King, with good manners and perfect command of English. He gave a beautiful speech at a banquet at the Mansion House in London.''
Krairoek said the trip was a great success during which he won acceptance just not from the press but also Western leaders, amply illustrated in one photo _ a garden party at Windsor Palace during his second visit in 1907 _ that firmly secured his and Siam's place among the nations of the world. The author chose this photo as the cover of his book.
clockwise from far left: - Le Petit Journal published an illustration depicting the royal funeral procession of King Chulalongkorn.
- An illustration shows King Chulalongkorn at the trooping the colour ceremony at Saint-Quentin.
- A cartoon demonstrated China’s attempt to resist world powers in their bid to cut the colonial cake.
- The French warship Jean-Baptiste- Say was sunk while two warships sailed through the Phra Chulachomklao Fort in Pak Nam during the French-Siamese confrontation in 1893.
- A sarcastic cartoon featuring French President Felix Faure and King Chulalongkorn in the wake of the royal visit mimicked the friendly kiss between the French president and Czar Nicholas II in Russia a week before the king arrived in France.
``The photo shows King Edward VII honouring our king, asking him to take the lead as they prepare to walk to a party, with our king holding the arm of Queen Alexandra.''
As a fourth-generation descendant of the Nana clan, Krairoek said there also was a sentimental factor to the book.
His great grandfather, a migrant from India, was a member of the Indian community that formed the reception when King Chulalongkorn returned from his first visit to Europe. And Krairoek has in his possession the original text of the speech delivered on the occasion. He said he had no the idea what to do with the document until the book project came up.
``The migrant community showed its gratitude to the King, who in return, thanked it for the warm welcome,'' he said.
Krairoek is hoping the book will help engender, particularly among the younger generation, more interest in our roots, and he would glad if it can inspire others to study this important chapter in our history in greater detail.
09:14 | 0
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6 Wonders of the Asian winter
Looks great in snow and no pen to describe the sequence for Huangshan (China), and the unique sloping roof to avoid snow in the village of Shirakawa-go the whole world must chisel.
Harbin, China
For nearly 30 years, international ice festival in Harbin has attracted tourists to the city of Heilongjiang and more. The highlight of the festival is meeting in the Garden ice in Shaolin Park, with about 1500 works during the massive ice, the more fanciful by multicolored lights in the night. Each year a new theme and ice are abundant and diverse, ranging from architecture to world-famous monsters of myth.
International ice festival in Harbin this year's opening day 5-1 and lasted a month.
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Shirakawa-go and Gokayama, Japan
If you are amazed to see photos taken during the night the village of Shirakawa-go because it's so beautiful, you are not alone. The village of Shirakawa-go and Gokayama in Toyama, Japan famous for the beautiful winter scene.
The hut was built in the gassho-zukuri style with pitched roof to avoid being too thick and heavy snow cover this type of tent is unique in the land of cherry blossoms. Shirakawa-go and Gokayama named in the list of world cultural heritage by UNESCO.
Ogimachi is the largest village in the region, nearly 10 gassho-zukuri farm has been converted into minshuku, ie the private guest houses. Owners of motels Shimizu speak English fluently, so this place is one of the most popular destination with foreign tourists.
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Otaru, Japan
The port city of Otaru in Hokkaido attracts tourists with the architectural style of the early 20th century canals and famous for its Victorian style lamp slightly.
During the winter festival Otaru Yuki-Akari-no-Michi, also known as Assembly Line light snow, the beautiful city of Otaru. Locals drop candles on the canal and contribute about 15,000 snow candle lanterns for lighting along the small streets of the city. 2011 Winter Festival takes place from 4-2 to 13-2.
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Dal Lake, Kashmir
In summer, Dal lake attracts tourists with sightseeing tour by boat shikara, boat houses along the Victorian elegance of Mughal gardens along the river bank. In the winter, fans of winter sports down here and surrounding areas to find the perfect venue.
Winter, the temperature of the Dal Lake could fall to negative 11 degrees Celsius and often freeze completely.
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Huangshan, China
Beauty is not pen any description of Huang Shan has led the Chinese fascination for centuries. Many people believe that the range Huangshan, Anhui province as the cradle of Chinese art, the inspiration of many poets.
Winter is considered the best season to visit Huangshan, when frost covered cypress, and dense snow on the mountain from the sea can enjoy flying cloud halfway up the sky. This mountain range is named in the list of cultural and natural heritage of the world.
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Lhasa, Tibet
Winter Tibetan notoriously harsh, but some travelers prefer to place this very cold season. Because when there are not too many tourists, hotel prices are cheaper, are watching the scene of pilgrims to Lhasa.
Visitors to Tibet on the occasion of Losar, Tibetan New Year's News, will be New Year with local people. In Lhasa, Tibetan dance held outside the Potala Palace and the flag colorful banner at the temples, the peaks in the 15 day festival. This year, Losar festival falls on 5-3-2011.
Visitors if too afraid of the cold notorious Tibetan should avoid the area west and north of this area because of the harsh winter than there.
05:31 | 0
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Korean Girls Generation
On March 25th, YG Entertainment announced that 2NE1 had signed a contract with sportswear brand “adidas Originals” for a new collaborative project. Shortly thereafter, 2NE1’s first photo shoot with the sportswear brand was revealed.
Now, “adidas Originals” has released a new set of photos featuring the lovely ladies of 2NE1. Check out the hot photos for the summer below!
Source: adidas Originals
04:18 | 0
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Cute Asian girls
Asian girls show
There are so many things to search for “Ja – Nutthaveeranutch Thongwmee”, so we can’t help talking with her. This time we in-depth talk about her love. After leaving out for a year, her love perspectives are changing everyday. I try to make good things but it’s too difficult because at the time I do it I hope for its good result but I must try to consider love as happiness.
04:10 | 0
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