BUDDHA BAR

Stories of the Streets

Bangkok, 2013 - 2021


Through their involvement in spiritual, social and educational life, Buddhist monks in Thailand play an important role in society, helping to maintain the continuity of the country's traditions and cultural heritage.

The main religion is Buddhism 

95%

Number of people living in Bangkok

10 mln

Number of tourist 

39 mln

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1. **Bhikkhu Order**: Monks in Thailand live according to the Vinaya, the ethical and disciplinary code of Theravada Buddhism. Monks commit to 227 rules, which cover both the minutiae of daily life and the major spiritual values.

2. **Daily Routine**: A monk's day begins early in the morning, usually at dawn, with meditation and prayers together. Then, monks go on a round, called "pindapat," to collect alms in the form of food from the local community.

3. **Education**: Monks in Thailand often engage in education, both for other monks and for laypeople, teaching the principles of Buddhism, meditation, and ethics.

4. **Social Role**: Monks play an important social role, participating in ceremonies such as weddings, funerals, and the blessing of new homes. They are also often spiritual advisors to members of the community.

5. **Temporary Monastic Stay**: It is common practice in Thailand for young men to temporarily join a monastic order for a short period of time (from a few days to a few months). This is seen as a rite of passage and part of their spiritual education.

6. **Buddhist Orders**: There are many different monasteries and orders in Thailand, each with its own unique traditions and practices. Some of the most famous are Wat Phra Dhammakaya, Wat Pho, and Wat Arun.

7. **Pilgrimages and Festivals**: Monks often participate in pilgrimages and numerous festivals and holidays, such as Loi Krathong and Songkran, which have strong cultural and religious significance.

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Buddhism is a religion and philosophy of life that originates from the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama, known as the Buddha, who lived in the 6th-5th century BCE in ancient India. The central elements of Buddhism are the Four Noble Truths, which deal with suffering, its causes, and the way to overcome it, and the Eightfold Path, which indicates practices that lead to the achievement of nirvana, or the state of ultimate liberation from suffering. Buddhism also places great emphasis on meditation, compassion, and ethical conduct as ways to develop spiritually and improve the quality of life.

Bangkok, the current capital of Thailand, has a rich history dating back to the 18th century. The city was founded in 1782 by King Rama I of the Chakri Dynasty as the country's new capital, replacing the earlier capital, Thonburi. The name "Bangkok" probably comes from the local name "Bang Makok", meaning the place of plum olives or river olives that grew in the area. However, the official Thai name of the city is much more elaborate: Krung Thep Maha Nakhon (meaning "City of Angels, Great City"), but the full version of the name, used in ceremonies, is one of the longest place names in the world and includes many epithets describing the city as a paradise, city of gods and seat of kings.

Bangkok quickly developed into a major commercial and political center, attracting the attention of both locals and colonial empires. Today, Bangkok is one of Asia's most important metropolises, known for its vibrant culture, cuisine, and nightlife.

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Thai massage, also known as "nuad thai," has roots dating back more than 2,500 years and is closely linked to Ayurvedic medicine and yoga. The tradition of Thai massage was likely introduced to Thailand by Indian Buddhist monks and has developed over the centuries, incorporating influences from neighboring Asian cultures. Today, Thai massage is revered worldwide for its stretching, compression, and body manipulation techniques that promote relaxation and improved energy balance.

In Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, the employment office operates similarly to other employment offices, although its functions and structure may differ from those of other countries. In Thailand, institutions dealing with employment, unemployment support, and labor market development are usually organized under the auspices of the Ministry of Labor. In Bangkok, you can find regional offices of the ministry that offer a variety of services related to the labor market, such as career counseling, job training offers, employment information, and job search assistance.

Bangkok City Centre is usually referred to as the central part of Bangkok, the capital of Thailand. Bangkok is a dynamic city, known for its diverse culture, historical sites, modern architecture and vibrant nightlife. The city centre is home to numerous tourist attractions such as the Royal Palace, Wat Pho, Wat Arun and modern shopping malls such as Siam Paragon and CentralWorld. 

Bangkok, 2020


Employment mediation


Transport in central Bangkok is well-developed with the BTS (Skytrain) and MRT (subway) networks, making it easy to get around the city. Districts such as Sukhumvit, Silom and Rattanakosin offer a variety of experiences, from luxury hotels to traditional Thai restaurants and street food stalls.

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Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, has a tropical monsoon climate. There are three main seasons: hot (March to June), rainy (July to October) and cool (November to February). Average annual temperatures range between 25°C and 35°C, and the city experiences heavy rainfall during the rainy season.

Bangkok’s street food scene is incredibly diverse and reflects the richness of Thai cuisine, with everything from spicy tom yum soups to sweet coconut-based desserts. Often in busy markets and streets, street vendors serve fresh, cheap meals that attract both locals and tourists looking for authentic flavours. Bangkok’s street food is not only filling, it is also an integral part of the local culture and experience of the city.

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However, the city has a well-developed public transport system, including a modern metro (MRT), a skytrain (BTS), and numerous buses and riverboats, making it easy to get around. Tuk-tuks and motorbikes are also popular, offering flexible, if sometimes more expensive, options for shorter distances.

Bangkok's city traffic is notorious for being congested and congested, especially during rush hour, which can significantly increase travel times.

In Bangkok, craft shops and artisans are an integral part of the local culture, offering unique crafts and traditional goods in vibrant districts like Chatuchak Market and Banglamphu. These places offer a wide range of products, from delicate silks to handmade jewellery and ceramics, reflecting the rich heritage of Thai art. Many of these artisans use traditional techniques that have been passed down through generations, attracting both locals and tourists looking for authentic souvenirs.

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Bangkok is a dynamic city where skyscrapers and luxury condos dominate the skyline, reflecting rapid urban development. Many of these buildings offer residents modern amenities such as swimming pools, gyms and 24-hour security, making them attractive places to live for both locals and foreigners. With their location close to business and cultural centers, condos in Bangkok attract investors looking for the convenience of living in the heart of a bustling metropolis.

Tourism in Thailand is a major economic sector, attracting millions of visitors annually thanks to its picturesque beaches, rich culture and vibrant cities like Bangkok. The country offers a wide range of attractions, from the ancient temples of Ayutthaya to the jungles and waterfalls of Chiang Mai.

Thailand is also known for its unique cuisine, hospitality and affordable prices, making it a popular destination for tourists from all over the world.