Do you know where is the northernmost part of Thailand?
Welcome to Wat Rong Khun. Its nickname is the White Temple.
Here's the main attraction in Chiangrai.
The place is first initiated by Ajarn Chalermchai Kositpipat, who is a famous Thai artist.
And, he has dedicated his entire life in creation of this temple to give teachings about Buddhism to the people.
And the first part before entering the white temple is called 'The Cycle of Birth'.
You'll see a lot of hands raising to the air.
That means humans like us have a lot of needs and wants.
So, the way to stop this and to be happy is to be satisfied with what you have.
Restroom.
The Emerald Buddha is one of the most well-known buddha images in this region.
It is a belief that it was originally from Sri Lanka.
And, it used to be in Cambodia, in Angkor Wat, and Ayutthaya.
But the first place that it was documented is here, Wat Phra Kaew - Chiangrai.
They said that once the lightening hit the Chedi in this temple, the Emerald Buddha was found.
Since then, it has been moving around Southeast Asia.
From Chiangrai to Lampang to Chiangmai.
Then, to Luang Prabang and Vientiane in Laos.
And now, the Emerald Buddha is in Bangkok, at Wat Phra Kaew in the Grand Palace.
Welcome to Baandum or Black House.
This place was created by Ajarn Thawan Duchanee, a famous Thai National Artist.
This place is a collection of about 40 buildings.
It's an art studio. It's a museum. And, it's also a private house of the family of Ajarn Thawan Duchanee.
Ajarn Thawan was educated in both Thailand in the Netherlands, in Amsterdam.
And after he came back, he created a lot of great pieces of Arts which were quite controversial at the time.
But now, when he has already passed away, the masterpieces are widely accepted.
And all are here to be seen by later generations.
Mae Fah Luang Art & Cultural Park was founded in honor of Her Royal Highness The Princess Mother.
In Thailand, we usually call the Princess Mother "Somdet Ya", who is the mother of our two kings,
King Rama VIII and King Rama IX.
This place has one of the largest collections of Lanna and Tai Arts.
And, it is managed by Mae Fah Luang Foundation under Royal Patronage.
And here I am at the Hall of Inspiration.
This is where we're going to learn about how Mahidol Family was inspired to serve the country,
including 3 generations, starting from Queen Savang Vaddhana,
the Parents generation - Prince Mahidol and the Princess Mother or Somdet Ya,
and King Bhumibol, King Ananda Mahidol, and Princess Galyani Vadhana.
"We shall reign with righteousness for the benefit and happiness of the Siamese people."
This is what our King has said during the coronation ceremony back in 1950.
The family was inspired to serve Thailand with over 4,000 Royal Projects in the past several decades.
Seeing this also inspires us to give back and serve our country.
Doi Tung Royal Villa was constructed in 1988
because our Princess Mother would like to build a house similar to hers in Switzerland.
And, she was here until 1995, the year that she passed away.
Since then, this place was a good memory for all the people.
And it's open for visitors.
I have a very warm welcome today in Chiangrai by my junior friend of the ASEAN Ship program.
Her name is 'Ern'.
Hi. Sawadee Ka!
Sawasdee krub!
How are you today?
I'm doing great.
You're working here the moment?
Well, not here at the Hall of Opium, but here in Chiangrai, doing researches. Yes.
How's Chiangrai?
Oh you know, it's a really nice town. I mean I'm really glad that you are here.
because, you know, it is kind of summarises the Thainess pretty well.
because it's beautiful and the people are really nice.
I mean there's a bunch of places that you can visit.
And also, it's a the town of Her Royal Highness the Princess Mother. Somedet Ya.
Thank you so much for taking me here today.
Of course.
I've always wanted to be here. I've heard about this place for so long.
because it's related to the royal projects of the Princess Mother.
Yes. She initiated this place to reduce the demands of the drugs in the country.
And also educate people worldwide about the drugs and addiction to drugs,
and what harms they can do to people.
So, they try to get of opium.
Yes. In the country. And also...
initiate other things for people to do.
Yes. She also initiated...because it used to be the area where people did a lot of mobile plantation,
So, she also came up with a project where people would do more sustainable occupations and professions
When did opium come to Thailand...come to Siam?
So, due to globalization, of course, it came to Siam during the Ayutthaya period.
Wow!
So, it's been here pretty long. Yeah.
And, it's always been illegal.
I mean it has some medicinal benefits, but some people abused it.
So, it happens around the world as well, not just in Siam.
So yeah. Until today.
In the city centre of Chiangrai, you can see this architecture, the Golden Clock Tower of Chiangrai,
which is one of the symbols of the province.
This place was created by Ajarn Chalermchai Kositpipat, a Thai famous artist,
who is the man who created 'Wat Rong Khun' or the White Temple.
So, you can see the similar architecture style here.
Ajarn Chalermchai created this place in honor of His Majesty The King (King Bhumibol).
And, it is also very beautiful both day time and night time.
During night time, they light up the clock tower.
And every hour, from 7-8-9 PM, they have light and sound show.
Hope you enjoyed the trip. Stay tuned for the next episodes.
Please subscribe!