Osaka, August 20, 2025 – The World Expo 2025, unfolding on Osaka’s futuristic Yumeshima Island, is redefining global tourism by blending sustainability with vibrant cultural exchange, drawing millions to its innovative pavilions from April 13 to October 13, 2025. Under the theme “Designing Future Society for Our Lives,” this six-month spectacle is not just an exhibition but a global movement toward eco-conscious travel and cross-cultural collaboration, with India and Thailand emerging as key players in this transformative narrative.

A Hub for Sustainable Tourism Innovation

With an estimated 28 million visitors, Expo 2025 is a showcase of sustainable tourism practices that resonate deeply with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The event’s “People’s Living Lab” concept invites nations to co-create solutions for global challenges, with pavilions like Switzerland’s, boasting the smallest ecological footprint, and Japan’s “Between Lives” pavilion, featuring a biogas plant converting food waste into electricity, setting new benchmarks for green tourism infrastructure. The Grand Ring, a massive wooden structure built with traditional Japanese Nuki joints and Fukushima-sourced timber, symbolizes resilience and sustainability, offering shaded pathways for visitors while minimizing environmental impact.

India’s pavilion, themed around “Harmony in Diversity,” highlights sustainable tourism through immersive displays of eco-friendly rural retreats and smart city initiatives like those in Gujarat’s GIFT City. Thailand’s pavilion, a vibrant tapestry of cultural heritage and modern innovation, showcases its “Sufficiency Economy Philosophy,” promoting sustainable travel experiences like community-based tourism in Chiang Mai. Both nations are leveraging the Expo to attract eco-conscious travelers, with Thailand reporting a 15% surge in inquiries for sustainable tours since the event’s opening, while India’s tourism board projects a 10% increase in outbound travel to Japan by October 2025.

Indo-Thai Cultural Synergy in the Spotlight

The Expo is a melting pot of cultural exchange, with India and Thailand stealing the show through dynamic performances and collaborative initiatives. India’s pavilion hosts daily Kathak and Bharatanatyam performances, blending classical dance with augmented reality to narrate stories of cultural heritage, captivating audiences from over 160 participating countries. Thailand counters with its “Sawasdee Showcase,” featuring Muay Thai demonstrations and traditional Lanna music, drawing crowds eager to experience its rich cultural tapestry.

A highlight of Indo-Thai synergy is the upcoming “Esports World Cup x Expo 2025” event in late August 2025, where Indian and Thai esports teams will compete in a hybrid virtual-physical arena, blending gaming with cultural exhibitions. This unique fusion, supported by the Expo’s digital platform, is expected to attract younger travelers, with India’s gaming community and Thailand’s rising esports scene driving cross-border engagement. “This event is a game-changer, merging technology with our shared cultural values,” says Arjun Mehra, an Indian esports organizer collaborating with Thai counterparts.

Boosting Global Travel with a Regional Twist

The Expo’s strategic location in Osaka’s Kansai region, with easy access to Kyoto, Nara, and Kobe, amplifies its appeal as a tourism hub. The newly extended Osaka Metro Chuo Line to Yumeshima Station encourages low-carbon travel, aligning with global sustainability goals. For Indian and Thai travelers, this presents an opportunity to explore Japan’s cultural heartland while engaging with the Expo’s offerings. Travel agencies in Mumbai and Bangkok report a 20% spike in bookings for Kansai-bound packages, with curated tours combining Expo visits with cultural excursions to nearby heritage sites.

The event also fosters tourism partnerships. Indian and Thai tourism boards are negotiating a joint campaign to promote “twin-destination” packages, encouraging visitors to experience both nations’ cultural and sustainable attractions post-Expo. “Osaka 2025 is a launchpad for Indo-Thai tourism collaboration, showcasing how our nations can lead in sustainable travel,” says Priya Sharma, a spokesperson for India’s Ministry of Tourism.

Challenges and Opportunities

Despite its success, the Expo faces challenges, such as the temporary suspension of water features at the Water Plaza due to initial bacterial concerns, now resolved with rigorous testing. These hurdles underscore the commitment to safety and sustainability, reinforcing the event’s credibility. For India and Thailand, the challenge lies in sustaining post-Expo tourism momentum, with both nations planning virtual pavilions to maintain global engagement beyond October 2025.

A Vision for the Future

As World Expo 2025 approaches its final months, its impact on global tourism and Indo-Thai cultural ties is undeniable. By championing sustainable practices and fostering cross-cultural connections, the event is not just a spectacle but a blueprint for the future of travel. For Indian and Thai travelers, it’s an invitation to explore a world where innovation meets tradition, setting the stage for a new era of responsible and enriching global journeys.

Art & Culture

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Kochi, August 19, 2025 – The sixth edition of the Kochi-Muziris Biennale (KMB), set to unfold from December 12, 2025, to March 31, 2026, promises to redefine the global art stage by centering Indian contemporary artists in a dynamic, living ecosystem of creativity. Titled For the Time Being, this edition, curated by multidisciplinary artist Nikhil Chopra and Goa-based collective HH Art Spaces, will transform Kochi’s historic venues into a vibrant tapestry of performances, installations, and dialogues that bridge local histories with universal themes.

A New Vision for Indian Art

Under Chopra’s curatorial vision, the Biennale moves beyond traditional exhibition formats, embracing art as a fluid, participatory process. “We’re not just displaying art; we’re creating moments of connection where artists and audiences co-create meaning,” Chopra shared in an exclusive interview. This approach highlights Indian artists who explore themes of identity, memory, and resilience, positioning them alongside global peers in a dialogue that resonates with Kerala’s multicultural legacy. The Biennale’s emphasis on “friendship economies” fosters collaborative art-making, challenging the Western model of singular authorship.

Key Indian artists to watch include emerging talents like Priya Ravish Mehra, whose textile-based installations weave narratives of labor and loss, and Arjun Sawhney, whose interactive sound sculptures reimagine Kochi’s maritime past. Established names like Jitish Kallat, a former Biennale curator, will present new works that delve into ecological crises, while collectives like the Mumbai-based ArtLab Collective will stage site-specific performances in Fort Kochi’s spice warehouses, blending traditional Indian aesthetics with avant-garde experimentation.

Reimagining Kochi’s Cultural Landscape

The Biennale will activate historic venues like Aspinwall House, Pepper House, and Mattancherry’s heritage structures, with over 60 artists from India and abroad. A highlight is the Acts of Becoming, a series of durational performances curated by HH Art Spaces, where artists like Chennai-based dancer Preethi Athreya will explore bodily memory through movement, engaging audiences in real-time creation. “Kochi’s layered history as a port city allows us to weave global and local threads into something entirely new,” says Madhavi Gore, co-founder of HH Art Spaces.

The event also introduces innovative programs like the Students’ Biennale, spotlighting young Indian artists from state-funded art colleges, and the Art By Children initiative, which invites school students to co-create murals inspired by Kerala’s folklore. These efforts underscore KMB’s commitment to democratizing art, making it accessible to local communities while amplifying Indian voices globally.

Global Stage, Local Roots

The Kochi-Muziris Biennale stands out for its artist-led ethos, a rarity in the global biennale circuit. By drawing on Kochi’s history as a trading hub and the mythical port of Muziris, it offers a counter-narrative to Western-centric art discourses. “Indian artists are not just participating; they’re shaping the conversation,” says Bose Krishnamachari, KMB president. The Biennale’s inclusive approach, with ticket prices starting at ₹100 and free entry for Kerala residents on select days, ensures broad accessibility.

International collaborations, such as the Durjoy Bangladesh Foundation/Kochi-Muziris Biennale Award, will further elevate South Asian artists, offering one Indian participant a chance to exhibit at London’s Hayward Gallery. This global-local synergy positions KMB 2025-26 as a pivotal moment for Indian contemporary art to claim its space on the world stage.

Looking Ahead

As preparations intensify, the Biennale promises a sensory journey through exhibitions, workshops, film screenings, and talks. The full artist list, expected in October 2025, will reveal more names, but early announcements suggest a bold mix of veterans and newcomers. With Kerala’s government securing Aspinwall House as a permanent heritage venue, the Biennale’s future looks robust, ready to weave Indian art into the global cultural fabric like never before.

Art & Culture

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Bangkok, August 2, 2025 — Thailand’s art scene is experiencing an unprecedented wave of innovation and international attention, marked by groundbreaking developments that are redefining its cultural landscape.

Dib Bangkok: A New Era for Contemporary Art

Set to open its doors in December 2025, Dib Bangkok is poised to become Thailand’s first museum dedicated to international contemporary art. Housed in a reimagined 1980s warehouse in the heart of the capital, the 71,000-square-foot space will feature over 1,000 works by more than 200 artists, showcasing a vibrant mix of Thai and global talents. The museum’s inaugural exhibition, Invisible Presence, will highlight works by Thai artists like Montien Boonma alongside international figures such as Lee Bul and Anselm Kiefer. Designed by WHY Architecture, Dib Bangkok aims to be a cultural bridge, connecting Southeast Asia with the global art community through its innovative spaces, including a cone-shaped gallery called The Chapel and an outdoor sculpture garden.

Thai Artists Shine at Hong Kong Auction

In a landmark moment for Thai art, a recent auction in Hong Kong saw works by Thai artists fetch over 27 million baht, signaling growing global demand for the nation’s creative output. The auction featured pieces by emerging and established artists, including intricate installations by Kawita Vatanajyankur and thought-provoking works by Rirkrit Tiravanija. This event underscores Thailand’s rising prominence in the international art market, with collectors recognizing the unique blend of cultural heritage and modern expression in Thai contemporary art.

Takashi Murakami’s Vibrant Showcase at Thailand Toy Expo 2025

The Thailand Toy Expo 2025, held earlier this year in Bangkok, captivated audiences with a special exhibition of works by Japanese pop art icon Takashi Murakami. His colorful, whimsical creations, including limited-edition figurines and large-scale installations, drew massive crowds, blending pop culture with fine art. The event highlighted Thailand’s growing role as a hub for innovative art forms, with Murakami’s collaboration with local artists sparking new conversations about the intersection of art and collectible culture.

Bangkok Design Week 2025: Malls as Creative Hubs

Bangkok Design Week 2025 transformed the city’s shopping malls into dynamic creative spaces, showcasing installations, pop-up galleries, and interactive exhibits. This innovative approach reimagined commercial spaces as platforms for artistic expression, featuring works by local designers and artists who explored themes of sustainability and urban identity. The event attracted thousands, cementing Bangkok’s reputation as a city where art and everyday life converge in unexpected ways.

MOCA Bangkok Explores Technology and Art

The Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) in Bangkok hosted a groundbreaking exhibition titled Digital Dialogues, which delved into the fusion of technology and art. Featuring interactive installations, augmented reality experiences, and AI-generated artworks by Thai and regional artists, the exhibition pushed boundaries and invited visitors to rethink the role of technology in creative expression. Highlights included a virtual reality piece by artist Chulayarnnon Siriphol, which explored digital identity in a post-human world.

A Bright Future for Thai Art

These developments signal a dynamic moment for Thai art, with Bangkok emerging as a global hub for creativity. From the ambitious vision of Dib Bangkok to the international success of Thai artists and innovative events like Bangkok Design Week and Thailand Toy Expo, Thailand is carving out a bold space in the global art scene. As 2025 progresses, the world will be watching as Thai artists continue to push boundaries and redefine contemporary art.

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Over three enchanting summer evenings, the festival will transform the Hermitage Garden into a dynamic showcase of Thailand’s soft power. Visitors can expect:
 Khon Masked Theatre: A UNESCO-recognized art form, blending intricate storytelling with elaborate costumes.
 Folk and Regional Performances: Dance and music ensembles representing Thailand’s diverse regions.
 Muay Thai Demonstrations: Featuring legendary fighter Buakaw Por Pramuk as the guest of honor.
 Fashion Shows: Fusing traditional Thai silk with contemporary Russian designs.
 Culinary Delights: Pop-up stalls offering tom yam, pad Thai, Thai desserts, and exotic tropical fruits.
 Interactive Workshops: Masterclasses in Thai massage, cooking, and traditional handicrafts.
The event is free and open to all ages, ensuring broad accessibility for Moscow’s residents and visitors.
Thailand’s Creative Diplomacy
The Thai Festival is a cornerstone of Thailand’s ―Creative Pulse‖ initiative, a global campaign to promote the nation’s creative economy and soft power. In 2025, Thailand will host similar festivals in 45 cities across 32 countries, with Moscow joining flagship locations like Washington D.C., Beijing, New Delhi, Hanoi, Riyadh, and Paris. This strategic effort not only entertains but also fosters positive perceptions of Thailand, boosting tourism, trade, and cultural exchange with Russia.
A Decade of Cultural Connections
Since 2014, the Thai Festival in Moscow has drawn tens of thousands of attendees annually, strengthening people-to-people ties and showcasing Thai heritage. The 2022 edition marked the 125th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Russia and Thailand, highlighting a
historic bond that began in the 19th century. The 2025 festival continues to build bridges between Thai and Russian creative communities, fostering mutual appreciation and collaboration.
Soft Power in Action
The festival underscores Thailand’s commitment to cultural diplomacy by:
 Showcasing creative industries like food, fashion, art, wellness, and martial arts to project a modern, dynamic national identity.
 Creating emotional connections through immersive live experiences.
 Encouraging tourism and commercial partnerships between Thailand and Russia.
 Positioning Thailand as a diverse, culturally rich destination.
India–Thailand–Russia: A Cultural Synergy

The Thai Festival also opens doors for deeper cultural collaboration with India, which enjoys a strong cultural presence in Russia through Bollywood, classical dance, yoga, and Ayurveda. Potential synergies include:
 Joint Cultural Events: Indian and Thai embassies in Moscow could co-host hybrid festivals, blending performances like Kathak or Odissi with           Thai Khon theatre.
 Tourism Opportunities: Promoting Russian travel to both Thailand and India, leveraging shared cultural heritage circuits.
 Shared Themes: Highlighting South and Southeast Asian traditions, from spiritual practices to regional crafts. IndoThaiNews Coverage Plans
To capture the festival’s vibrancy, IndoThaiNews will provide comprehensive coverage:
 Feature Story: Exclusive interviews with Thai Ambassador Sasivat Wongsinsawat and Moscow cultural officials at the opening ceremony.
 Lifestyle Spotlight: Stories on Russian attendees engaging with Muay Thai, Thai silk crafts, and Khon masks.
 Art & Culture Analysis: A comparative look at Thai and Indian traditional theatre and textiles.
 Travel Focus: Curated travel packages linking Diwali celebrations in Thailand with the Thai Festival in Moscow. The Thai Festival in Moscow is more than an event—it’s a vibrant expression of Thailand’s cultural richness and a bridge for global cultural exchange. Join us at the Hermitage Garden from August 1–3, 2025, to experience the essence of ―Thainess‖ in the heart of Russia.

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Thailand, often called the “Land of Smiles,” continues to captivate travelers with its rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and dynamic blend of ancient traditions and modern vibrancy. In 2025, Thailand’s cultural scene is thriving, with fresh developments in its cuisine, Buddhist practices, temple restorations, and bustling night markets that reflect the nation’s enduring spirit and evolving identity. Here’s a look at the latest in Thai culture, cuisine, temples, and markets, offering a unique perspective on this Southeast Asian gem.

Thai Culture: A Living Legacy

Thai culture is a dynamic fusion of ancient customs and contemporary influences, shaped by centuries of Buddhist philosophy, royal traditions, and regional diversity. In recent months, Thailand has seen a surge in cultural preservation initiatives. Local communities, supported by government programs, are revitalizing traditional crafts like silk weaving in Isaan and wood carving in Chiang Mai. In July 2025, the Thailand Cultural Ministry launched a nationwide campaign to teach young Thais the art of traditional mask-making for Khon dance dramas, ensuring this intricate craft remains alive. These efforts highlight Thailand’s commitment to honoring its roots while embracing global influences, as seen in Bangkok’s street art festivals, where local artists blend traditional motifs with modern graffiti.

Festivals remain a cornerstone of Thai culture, and 2025 has brought new twists to beloved celebrations. The annual Rocket Festival in Yasothon, held in May, saw record attendance this year, with villagers launching elaborately decorated bamboo rockets to pray for rain, accompanied by modern drone light shows that added a futuristic flair. Meanwhile, cultural exchange programs have grown, with Thai dance troupes performing at international festivals in Europe and Asia, showcasing the graceful movements of Lakhon and the dramatic storytelling of Ramakien.

Thai Cuisine: A Global Culinary Star

Thai cuisine, renowned for its bold flavors and balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy, continues to evolve while staying true to its roots. In 2025, Thailand’s culinary scene is buzzing with innovation. Bangkok’s Michelin-starred restaurants, like Sorn and Le Du, are experimenting with hyper-local ingredients, such as rare herbs from the northern highlands and seafood from the Andaman Sea, to create dishes that celebrate Thailand’s biodiversity. Street food remains a cultural staple, with Chiang Mai’s Chang Phueak Market introducing a new “zero-waste” initiative in June 2025, where vendors repurpose food scraps into compost for local farms.

A notable trend this year is the rise of plant-based Thai cuisine, driven by both health-conscious locals and international demand. In Phuket, vegan versions of classics like green curry and som tam (papaya salad) are gaining popularity, with restaurants like Ban Rim Nam using jackfruit and bamboo shoots as meat substitutes. Additionally, Thailand’s culinary schools are expanding their reach, offering virtual cooking classes to global audiences, teaching how to perfect dishes like tom yum and mango sticky rice from home.

Buddhist Temples: Sacred Spaces in Modern Times

Buddhism, practiced by over 93% of Thais, remains the heartbeat of the nation’s spiritual and cultural life. In 2025, Thailand’s temples, or wats, continue to serve as community hubs, places of worship, and architectural marvels. Recent restoration projects have brought renewed attention to historic sites. Wat Arun, the iconic Temple of Dawn in Bangkok, completed a major renovation in April 2025, unveiling vibrant ceramic mosaics that shimmer along the Chao Phraya River. Similarly, Wat Phra That Lampang Luang in the north underwent structural reinforcements to preserve its 13th-century Lanna architecture, drawing pilgrims and tourists alike.

Temples are also adapting to modern needs. In Chiang Rai, Wat Rong Khun (the White Temple) introduced an interactive digital tour in July 2025, allowing visitors to explore its surreal art and Buddhist symbolism through augmented reality. Meanwhile, meditation retreats are flourishing, with temples like Wat Suan Dok in Chiang Mai offering eco-friendly retreats that combine mindfulness with sustainable living practices, appealing to a new generation of spiritual seekers.

Night Markets: The Pulse of Thai Social Life

Thailand’s night markets are vibrant showcases of culture, food, and community, and they continue to evolve in exciting ways. In 2025, Bangkok’s Train Night Market Ratchada has expanded with a dedicated artisan zone, where vendors sell handmade jewelry, ceramics, and textiles alongside classic street foods like grilled squid and mango sticky rice. The market’s new solar-powered lighting, introduced in March 2025, reflects Thailand’s push toward sustainable tourism.

In southern Thailand, Krabi’s Walking Street Night Market has gained fame for its live music performances, featuring local bands blending traditional Thai instruments like the khene with modern genres like indie rock. These markets are more than just shopping destinations; they’re cultural melting pots where locals and tourists mingle, sharing stories over steaming bowls of khao soi or refreshing coconut drinks. Smaller markets, like Udon Thani’s UD Town, have also embraced technology, with vendors now accepting digital payments and offering QR-code menus to cater to international visitors.

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July 25, 2025

India’s textile art scene is experiencing a vibrant resurgence, transforming from a niche craft into a celebrated mainstream art form. This revival is driven by innovative artists, cultural initiatives, and a growing appreciation for the storytelling power of fabrics, marking a significant shift in India’s contemporary art landscape.

Across the country, textile art is breaking free from its traditional confines, finding its way into galleries, urban homes, and even public spaces. Artists like Anjali Menon from Kerala are redefining the medium by blending ancient techniques such as Kasuti embroidery with modern abstract designs. Her recent solo exhibition in Bengaluru, “Threads of Time,” showcased large-scale tapestries that explore themes of migration and identity, drawing crowds from diverse backgrounds. “Textiles carry memories and histories that resonate universally,” Menon says. “It’s no longer just about utility—it’s about expression.”

In Mumbai, the “Loom & Canvas” collective has emerged as a hub for young textile artists experimenting with unconventional materials like recycled sarees and natural dyes. Their pop-up exhibitions in Colaba have attracted art enthusiasts and interior designers alike, signaling a shift toward textiles as high art. “We’re seeing people commission textile pieces for their homes, not just as decor but as statement pieces,” notes Priya Sharma, a curator at the collective.

Cultural festivals are also amplifying this trend. The annual “Textile Tales” festival in Jaipur, launched in 2024, has become a platform for artisans and contemporary artists to collaborate. This year’s edition featured interactive installations, such as a handwoven map of Rajasthan’s weaving traditions by artist duo Sameer and Nisha Patel, which invited visitors to contribute threads to the artwork. “The tactile nature of textiles makes art accessible,” says Nisha. “People don’t just see it—they feel it.”

The resurgence is also fueled by a renewed focus on sustainability. Artists from Delhi are using upcycled fabrics to create sculptures that comment on environmental degradation. Her work, displayed at the 2025 Kala Ghoda Arts Festival, incorporates discarded cotton and jute to highlight India’s textile waste crisis. “Textiles are a medium where art meets activism,” Rao explains. “They tell stories of both heritage and urgency.”

Galleries are taking note. The newly opened WeaveWorks Gallery in Chennai exclusively showcases textile-based art, featuring artists who blend traditional techniques like Chanderi weaving with contemporary narratives. Gallery director Arjun Menon reports a surge in demand: “Collectors are drawn to the authenticity and labor-intensive process of textile art. It’s a bridge between India’s past and its modern creative pulse.”

Social media has played a pivotal role in mainstreaming textile art. Platforms like Instagram have allowed artists to showcase their work globally, with hashtags like #IndianTextileArt gaining millions of views. Independent designers are also collaborating with artisans to create limited-edition textile artworks, making the medium more accessible to younger audiences.

This mainstream embrace is not without challenges. Many artists highlight the need for better support for artisans, who are often the backbone of these creations but lack fair compensation. Initiatives like the Artisan Empowerment Project, launched in 2025 by a coalition of NGOs, aim to address this by providing training and direct market access to rural weavers.

As textile art continues to weave its way into India’s cultural mainstream, it’s clear that this is more than a trend—it’s a movement. By honoring tradition while embracing innovation, India’s textile artists are crafting a new chapter in the nation’s artistic legacy, one thread at a time.

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The craft, pioneered by Palani Pandaram over 150 years ago, uses oleander flowers and chamba fibre, a local grass, to create garlands that resemble woven mats. Artisan M.T. Vanitha Sree, a fifth-generation practitioner, leads the charge in preserving this tradition. Despite her B.Tech and MBA degrees, Vanitha remains dedicated to crafting these garlands daily for the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram, a tradition spanning 146 years. “The Maanikka Maalai is not just a garland; it’s an art form requiring patience and precision,” she says, emphasizing the geometric alignment of flowers in rows of five, seven, or up to 20 for special occasions.

The garland’s fame reached global attention in 2019 when Vanitha showcased it to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping at Mamallapuram. Now, with the GI tag, the craft is gaining further recognition, boosting local artisans’ livelihoods and attracting interest from across India and beyond. Vanitha also teaches the technique to local women and has traveled to Rajasthan and Kolkata to share her expertise, ensuring the craft’s survival. “This art deserves to be taught in colleges, like sculpture or painting,” she advocates.

Thovalai, a hub for floriculture, supplies flowers to Kerala and Tamil Nadu, with its market bustling from 4 a.m. The Maanikka Maalai, often adorned with red and white oleander and nochi leaves, remains a symbol of cultural heritage, connecting artisans to their ancestral roots while captivating modern audiences with its timeless beauty.

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Buddhism, which originated in India, is a major religion in Thailand, and both countries share a deep reverence for Lord Buddha and his teachings. The traditional dances, music, and festivals in both countries are also similar, which showcases a strong Indo Thai cultural bond 

Emerald Buddha pic courtesy: Basile Morin, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Wat Phra Kaew

Wat Phra Kaew, or the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, Thailand’s most revered Buddhist temple, is located in the heart of Bangkok.

The temple boasts a magnificent Emerald Buddha statue, considered the people’s protector. The holy temple is encircled by a complexly decorative and exquisite mural painting recreating the story of Ramayana for its visitors.

Wat Phra Kaew pic courtesy: Francesca, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Its outer wall conveys the story of Phra Rama, the hero of Ramakien- another name for Ramayana in Thailand. The primary focus of Ramakien is on the Thai characters.

The tale of Ramakien in 178 panels has been kept alive by the continuous restorative works that happen every few decades or when the need arises.

Thai Mural Painting

Thai mural painting was born out of the efforts to convey the story of Buddha’s life; to convert his abstract thoughts into a visual image for people to understand.

Thai Mural Painting pic courtesy: Tris T7, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Traditionally, the Thai style of mural paintings can be seen only in Buddhist temples and houses of a few influential people. These paintings cover various subjects, from decorative and mythical to colourful ordinary life.

The Tale of Ramakien

The Indian Ramayana probably reached Thailand during the era of maritime trade. Indians brought Hinduism and its religious texts to Thailand, which still carries a cultural trace between the two countries.

Mural in Wat Phra Kaew pic courtesy: Hzh, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons

In 1767, the destruction of Ayutthaya led to the loss of the old version of Ramayana. But soon, efforts to restore Ramayana began and by the 18th century, Thailand recognised the Ramakien as its national epic.

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Conclusion

There are fundamental differences between the Ramayana and the Ramakien.

In his book Frank E. Reynolds conducted a comparative study of Hindu and Buddhist Ramayana; he declared that “the writing of the Ramakien was done in accordance with a traditional tale; it is not of abiding importance; rather, it has been written to be used on celebrative occasions. Those who hear it and see it performed should not be deluded. Rather, they should be mindful of impermanence.”

Emerald buddha temple pic courtesy: Iudexvivorum, CC0 via Wikimedia Commons

The story might differ a bit, but the mural on the Temple of the Emerald Buddha is one of the best artistic depictions of the epic. One that all the temple goers, religious, and creative people worldwide would love and appreciate.

If you are planning to travel to Thailand anytime soon, visit this holy temple and witness the story of Ramakien unfold before your eyes. Follow Indo Thai News and get the latest updates on India and Thailand lifestyle and culture news.

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