Thailand today

I was just in Bangkok last April 10 – 13 as media guest (one of only 2 from Cebu; the other was Honey Loop of Philippine Star) of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) for their Grand Songkran celebration. TAT invited their top 100 media and travel agent friends from all over the world to help them usher in the Thai New Year with the Water Festival called Songkran (April 13 – 15).

The Kingdom of Thailand, ruled by the longest reigning monarch Rama IX, known as His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, is a fecund land of sweet fruits, top-rated rice varieties (the Thai farmers learned from the Philippines in the 1960s through IRRI in Laguna – International Rice Research Institute), breath-taking flower species, deep forests up north and lovely beaches down south.

Thailand is called “The Land of Smiles” because of its gentle people, ever hospitable, soft-spoken and accommodating. Thailand has also been known as “The Land of the Free” since it has never been under foreign domination when neighboring countries had succumbed to subjugation by western powers. This was due to two visionary kings of the country’s Chakri Dynasty: Rama IV or King Mongkut (1851 – 1868) and his son Rama V or King Chulalongkorn (1869 – 1910), the grandfather of the present king. Both monarchs exercised extraordinary diplomacy with conquering western powers by allowing “selective modernization” to take place, but closely supervising imported interventions. King Chulalongkorn, like his grandson, went to England to learn foreign life and culture. Thus, both have instigated significant progress in their country. The London-educated, multi-talented King Bhumibol has ruled his subjects with prudence and wisdom, making him at par with the world’s best leaders. He has rightly earned his people’s utmost reverence and love.

After the disruptive revolts that occurred not too long ago placing Bangkok in a negative light, Thailand is now back on track in its tourism and development. The Thai entrepreneurial spirit is seen in the sidewalks and malls of Bangkok. Shopping is definitely the order of the day when in Bangkok – or in any key destination in Thailand, like Chiang Mai or Phuket. Cotton blouses are so dainty and cheap; pants and shorts are equally reasonably priced and fashionable. The exquisite handicrafts from the different tribes and outlaying provinces are honed and popularized under the OTOP program (One Town One Product). Of course, the world-renowned Thai silk is a must-buy!

What is distinctive in Thailand is its religion of Theravada Buddhism, which pervades the Thai way of life. Young men at 20 years old would go into the temple as monks, for five days to as long as three months. Wives regularly give food to wandering monks; glittering temples dot the landscape. Religious events mark the highs and lows of every year. Its religion makes Thailand a peaceful and somehow meditative land.

Every time I visit Thailand, I am not only refreshed physically – the hot sand massage called “Elements of Life” for one and a half hours at Rarinjinda Wellness Spa is fantastic! – but also spiritually. Spiritually uplifting is soaking in the stillness and majesty of the gold-encased temples, or savoring the colors and textures of the orchids, or smelling the incense at every corner wherever you go.

And then again, one can’t stop praising the nuances of Thai cuisine in its freshness and simplicity, its brilliant colors and complicity, its spicy kick and tangy astringency, its sweet perks and sour surprises. We had it all – and more! – as we were grandly hosted by TAT Philippines, through our escort Dave de Jesus, and pampered by TAT Director (for Singapore, Indonesia & Philippines) Porntip Makornpan. To both of you, my most sincere thanks and deep gratitude for a memorable Songkran experience.

Grab a ticket to Thailand today. There are special packages with hotel bookings from Cebu Pacific that is ex-Cebu, and Philippine Airlines with connecting flights through Manila.

Travel safely now! Enjoy summer and a happy Easter to all!