|
|
Frontier attraction Siam Cultural Park in Bang Phae district of Ratchaburi, about 80 kilometres west of Bangkok, is the latest addition to the province's tourist attractions. Occupying some 42 rai, it brings under one roof values and customs native to the four regions of Thailand that in more ways than one define the Thai way of life, our culture and traditions. Operating since 1997, the park - with a wealth of cultural, historical and religious attractions - only had its formal opening last year and features life-size wax and fibreglass statues of famous national and foreign personalities, Lord Buddha and his disciplines set amidst a beautifully landscaped garden and peaceful environment. "Ours is an unspoiled natural park where visitors can learn art and culture and find peace and tranquility," enthused Supaporn Siripornlert, its manager, whose family specialises in casting statues and sculpting. "We don't run this place like a business, we see it as a destination for educational tourism. Our target groups are youngsters or anyone who wants to understand Thai values and customs. "We only charge visitors a 50-baht entrance to cover the maintenance and salary of our staff." After a hearty meal at the park's restaurant, we proceeded to the Hall of Fame building that houses 10 wax figures of prominent personalities such as Dr Puey Ungphakorn, Ajarn Montree Tramoth, Ho Chi Minh and Mother Teresa - all presented in their customary work settings and in air-conditioned rooms. The workmanship was almost perfect and every figure had an eerie resemblance to the person it portrayed, the effect accentuated by the matching milieu in which they operated in their lifetime. A short distance from the Hall of Fame building were three giant statues of Buddha, each 3.5 metres tall and crafted from smoked brass representing the Chiang Saen, Sukhothai and Ayuthaya periods, regarded as the golden age of Thai history. To the casual eye they all appear the same, but if you observe them closely there is no mistaking they represent a smiling Buddha, symbolising the sign of the times. Next to it was a light and sound presentation depicting the story of Vessantara, the reincarnation of Buddha in his previous life, when he is confronted by a malicious Jujaka who begs him for possession of his children. According to Supaporn, she chose to show this particular episode because it teaches us to be self content and rid ourselves of all worldly attachments. Another section of the park was dedicated to prominent former monks from four regions of the country, their images cast in fibreglass and set in distinctive kuti or remote abodes connected by a ladder, all replicated from their original kuti. A number of visitors were seen prostrating before the images in a show of respect. Every kuti was connected by a PA system briefing visitors about its occupant and his life's work. And there was a hall featuring life-size wax statues of five monks regarded as exponents of the highest order of dhamma and Buddhism. From there we moved on to the lifestyle and houses section, the final part of our park tour. Supaporn explained that the distinctive architectural styles of the houses blend harmoniously with the social and cultural ambience of the region they represent. The houses had wax models as occupants, each telling the way of life of the people. I particularly enjoyed the house from the central region for its sheer style and architecture, influenced in part by religion and the people's belief in the supernatural. It was a simple wooden house with no partitions or bedrooms. No nails or metal were used in building it, even at the joints, which made it all the more unique. And with that ended my visit to Siam Cultural Park, a monument to everything Thai and our national identity. Later, I decided to look up the Pavothai Museum in Suan Phung district, an hour's drive from Bang Phae, that boasts a collection of ancient artifacts and old machinery going back three generations. The private museum sits on a 19 rai plot surrounded by Tanaosi mountains that separate Thailand and Burma. Set in a picturesque garden boasting some rare plants, next to it runs a stream that's fed by the Pha Chi River. Sunida Umasathien, daughter of the museum's owner, showed me around the place. "The decision to start a museum spawned from my family's fondness for Thai antiques, arts and traditions," she said. "And we are proud to be able to display a part of Thailand 's history in our museum. "All information on the items on display is taped and available to visitors. We also have accommodation for visiting tourists," she added. Other features around the museum include the Large Thai House built with teak, ebony, redwood and other timbers. The roof of its 400-square-metre hall is supported by 94 wooden pillars. It displays a range of implements used in everyday life and countless ancient relics. Its Traditional Thai House which was built from teak sourced from 10 old houses that were dismantled and reassembled here. The house profiles the lifestyle of local inhabitants. From the museum I proceeded to Suan Phung Orchid Nursery that nestles on a six rai plot of mountainous terrain. "I have loved orchids since a child and now I am living out my dream," said Surapol Praimanee as he gave us a tour of his farm that boasts some 100,000 plants. "I'm from Nonthaburi but I started the nursery here because the climate in Ratchaburi is more favourable for growing orchids." The vanda, cattleya and denrobium species were immediately recognisable. The yellow tiger striped orchids from the Philippines, he said, were his favourite. The last stop on this trip was Moo Ban Huey Pak - a community of Thai and Karen villagers whose specialty is making crispy banana chips. Everybody seemed busy as we arrived there, some peeling some cutting the nam wa banana into thin slices. But we noted them sitting in two separate groups. Srisook Jankaew, their leader, explained that the Karens worked separately from Thais because they didn't speak the same language and therefore didn't understand each other that well. It was causing friction so we decided to sit them separately." Anyway, the banana chips they produce is so good that it's earned OTOP rating. It also helps supplement their meagre income by another 100 to 200 baht daily, said Srisook. MORE INFO General Information Ratchaburi sits by the banks of the Mae Klong River and comprises the districts of Muang, Ban Kha, Ban Pong, Bang Phae, Chom Bung, Damnoen Saduak, Pak Tho, Photharam, Suan Phung and Wat Phleng. How to get there - By car a) From Bangkok take Highway 4 (Phahonyothin Road) to Ratchaburi via Bang Khae, Om Noi, Om Yai, Nakhon Chai Si, Nakhon Pathom and drive on to Ratchaburi. b) Or take Highway 338 to Nakhon Chai Si via Buddhamonthon, turn into Highway 4 and proceed to Ratchaburi. - By bus Both air-conditioned and non air-conditioned buses connect Bangkok's Southern Bus Terminal and Ratchaburi daily. It takes two hours one way. For more information, call the Transport Company at 024-351-199/200. - By train Trains depart regularly from Hua Lamphong and Bangkok Noi railway stations daily. Travel time is two hours. Call 1690 for more information. Accommodation in Suan Phung Buawatana Hillside Resort (tel: 085-700-057-5, 032-495-083); Scenery Resort (tel: 081-000-707-0); Pavothai Resort & Museum (tel: 086-171-8400, 032-221-189); Suan Phung Land (tel: 081-211-268/9). Tourist attractions Siam Cultural Park (tel: 032-381-401, 032-381-402); Suan Phung Orchid Farm (tel: 032-711-239, 087-915-069-9); Ratchanikorn Candles Gallery (tel: 032-262-010). Bangkok Post |