An overview of traditional Thai beliefs associated with pregnancy, including diet and behavior during pregnancy, labor and birth, and postpartum care.
THAI Online Library
Customs & Traditions
Wat Ram Poeng Meditation Center
A complete description of the meditation monastery at Wat Ram Poeng, Chiang Mai, which offers meditation retreats for Thai people and foreigners. The article includes contact details, overview of programs, prayers, and other information.
Thipanet Amulet Market in Chiang Mai
An article about the little-known amulet market in Chiang Mai.
The wai – a Thai cultural greeting
General information about the wai, a traditional Thai greeting made with the hands in prayer position. Which wai should you use.. and to whom?
Revitalizing and Restoring of Lanna Traditional Medicine and Medicinal Herbs
An outline for the inventory-making process related to Lanna traditional health practices. Includes discussion of various traditional Lanna medical practices and health care procedures, as well as influences from Buddhism, Hinduism, and Chinese medicine.
What is ‘tam boon’? And why do Thais do it?
A Thai language tutorial discussing the the accumulation of good 'karma', known in Thai as 'tam boon'. Article includes Thai vocabulary (in Thai script) relevant to tam boon.
Midnight Food Offerings to the Monks
At certain temples, there are 'midnight alms' during a full moon which takes place on a Wednesday. This article talks about where to go in Chiang Mai for such "Wednesday Full Moon Offerings."
Lying with the Fire
Personal observations of the 'yu-fai' ceremony in two Isan villages. Descriptions and photos of 'lying with the fire,' which is usually performed as a type of herbal sauna for women who have just given birth.
Heritage of Northern Thai Textiles
Five types of textiles found in Chiang Mai and Northern Thailand.
Festivals & Traditions of Chiang Mai, Thailand
A brief overview of festivals in Chiang Mai, including dates and descriptions of festivities.