Features on Asian Art, Culture, History & Travel
Features
The Zealous Missionary
Story by Ron Emmons / CPA Media (24 October, 2022)
Reverend Daniel McGilvary, born on 16 May 1828 in North Carolina in the USA, grew into a fervent Presbyterian evangelist who believed he had been chosen by God to spread Christianity to the people of Siam.
Kayti’s Bali Dream Home
Story by Joe Cummings / CPA Media (2 May, 2023)
“When the plane door opened onto the tarmac, the heady tropical aroma promised everything the UK did not. The chance to be frolicsome and sun-drenched.”
Regal Rowing
Story by Joe Cummings / CPA Media (23 March, 2022)
A brief history of Thailand’s magnificent Royal Barges. From the 17th century delegation sent by King Louis XIV to the complete revival of the fleet in the 20th century under King Bhumibol Adulyadej.
Finding Inner Peace in Bangkok
Story by Joe Cummings / CPA Media (8 December, 2022)
Bangkok’s mass weapons of distraction make it all too easy to fill one’s life without sparing even a moment for self-reflection. That’s a pity, because beyond the grit and glitz lies one of the city’s greatest charms – the opportunity to slow down, turn inward, and find some stillness at the heart of chaos through meditation.
Buddhas with Attitude
Story by Ron Emmons / CPA Media (15 October, 2021)
Buddhas with attitude? Surely that’s a contradiction in terms. Though we often hear of politicians with attitude, singers with attitude or athletes with attitude, the notion of a Buddha (or Buddhist) with attitude just doesn’t fit.
Loy Krathong In Laos
Reasserting a Tai Cultural Heritage
Every November at full moon people gather by stretches of open water throughout Thailand to celebrate Loy Krathong. Small but elaborate lotus-shaped creations bearing traditional offerings of flowers, incense, candles and a coin are floated in countless numbers on streams, rivers, lakes, ponds, and even the open sea to reverence and pay homage to Mae Khongkha, the goddess of rivers and waters. Each tiny float also carries with it the dreams and aspirations of the sender.
Languid Lamphun
Exploring Northern Thailand’s Oldest City
The quiet, provincial town of Lamphun just 26 kilometres south of Chiang Mai, is generally promoted as an enjoyable side trip from the northern capital. A combination of tranquil, lotus-filled moats, some of the most distinguished religious buildings in Thailand, and the story of Queen Chamadevi, combine to attract Thai and overseas visitors alike.
A Fruit For All Seasons
Story by Ron Emmons / CPA Media (11 March, 2022)
From durians to jackfruits, from mangoes to mangosteens, from lychees to longans, the bounty of Thailand’s orchards seems to know no limits. So let’s take a look at a few of the tastiest seasonal fruits.