Thai Culture Ling Ching Lak, the Game for Children and Adults

Ling Ching Lak, the Game for Children and Adults

One of the oldest folk games in Thailand, Ling Ching Lak, literally meaning 'Monkey Fighting for the Poles', is also called Ling Ching Sao, or Ling Chap Sao, in accordance with each locality. Evidence shows that Ling Ching Lak began during the Ayutthaya Period, when this game was referred to as Ling Ching Sao. The game was popular among both children and adults, male and female.




Today, adult rarely play this game. Although the game is still played by children, its popularity has declined significantly.



The number of players is more than four but should not be over 10. The game is usually played on large space. There are posts which are as tall as a person and the distance from one post to another is equal. But the number of the posts must be one less than the number of contestants. Trees may be used to substitute for the posts.



How to play Ling Ching Lak

One of the players is selected to act as monkey and stand in the middle of the area. Other players station at each post, but they must run from post to post to change their station when the monkey gives a signal. The monkey must try to seize one of the posts, otherwise he or she will still remain monkey. The one who cannot take any post must perform as monkey instead.



Anyone touches the post first will get it. All contestants must not push one another or resort to violence while playing. A violator against this rule will have to take the role of monkey. The decision will be made among the players themselves. The one who takes the role of monkey more frequently than others will be regarded as a loser.

Thai Culture Thai Puppet-Show - Contemporary Means Performing Art

Thai Puppet-Show - Contemporary Means Performing Art

The puppet-show is a form of entertainment in which miniatures and dolls, made to move by pulling wires and strings, are used as actors instead of people. Puppetry is a creative art of mankind.




It is assumed that the first puppet-show was played in the reign of King Narai the Great in the Ayutthaya Period. It may have been earlier – no one knows for sure. Puppetry was a favorite form of entertainment in those days, especially shows staged by members of the Royal Household or the Household of the Crown Prince, organized to celebrate royal ceremonies. The popularity of puppet shows declined following the dissolution of the Department of Entertainment in the reign of King Rama VII.



In the Ratanakosin Period, Mom Rajawongse Taw Payakasena, personal page of Prince Damrong Rajanuparb, the King's younger brother, formed the first puppet-show troupe in Bangkok during the reign of King Rama V. In Uttaradit Province, he had seen a marionette fashioned as a Chinese Hainan model and had it changed to become Thai-looking. Afterward, more puppet-show troupes came onto the scene.



During the next reign of King Rama VI, Grae Saptawij, a puppet-maker from Ayutthaya, created a new model of a puppet, which was smaller and equipped with a more convenient mechanism for pulling the strings. It was called the 'Small Puppet-Show' and was very popular for some time.

The Thai puppet-show was similar to Thai drama played by female actors, or the mask dance. The puppets moved in rhythm to the music in Thai classical dance, their movements dictated by the puppeteers.



This kind of creative art is rarely seen today. There is merely the marionette, or small puppet, on show occasionally. If you have the chance to see a puppet-show while visiting Thailand, I can advice it, it will not disappoint you.

Thai Culture Thailand What is There in a Name

Thailand What is There in a Name

Apple is a fantastic nickname because it constitutes such a beautiful riddle of Thainess. Te word apple is Thai-English is pronounced 'Ab-pun', because Thais tend to pronounce 'p' as 'b' and a 'I' that falls at the end of a word as 'n'. But the nickname is further complicated by the locals' penchant for shortening words. In this case, the beginning of Apple is chopped off, so girls called Apple are addressed as Pun, which is spelled 'Ple'. Understand?




If you do, then take into account that the average Thai would present himself to you with two names: the polysyllabic formal one that twists the tongue of the untrained, and a punchy moniker whose meaning is often whimsical if not downright mind-boggling. Among the favorites are animal names: Pu (crab), Plaa (fish), Goong (shrimp), Nok (bird), Gai (chicken), Ped (duck), Jeab (chick), Maew (cat), Noo (mouse), Mee (bear) and Chang (elephant). A woman who's called Gong, please note, generally has nothing about her that resembles a shrimp, and likewise a man called Mee isn't always as cuddly as a bear. Equally juicy is a teeming orchard of fruit names: Som (orange), So-o (Pomelo), Tang (melon), Ple (as mentioned before, short for Apple) and Cherry but not, so far, strawberry. Females enjoy pretty names like Fah (sky), Fon (rain), Dao (star), or names that start with Su, which means beautiful or excellent in Thai. Males are tagged with something more about robust like Noom (young man), Yod (the best), or Chai (victory).



Then there's the category of names that are untranslatable. Instead, Att, Eet, It, Uht and even Oodt, are easily pronounced and just as easily remembered. We're thinking the same holds true for someone named Khun Ningnong.



Old fashioned nicknames in circulation include colors such as Dang (red) and Kiew (green), and dimensions such as Lek (small), Yai (big), Nid (tiny) and Noi (little), whereas the three most popular English names these days are, seriously A, B, and C, while P and S seem to be catching up more recently. In Thailand, not only your buddies call you by your cute little second name, but everybody from your dad, your teacher, your students, your boss, your debtor to your dentist does as well.



And, in case you are wondering, there is a method to all of this madness. The naming tradition in Thailand goes back to a time when the thinking was a child with a beautiful, correct or official name was at risk from unhappy demons. Providing a nickname that wouldn't attract attention became common practice. So remember an all-important question in Thailand Khun Cheu Arai, or what's your name?

Thai Culture The Wai Khru Ceremony

The Wai Khru Ceremony

Wai Khru is a traditional ceremony performed each year at educational institutes in Thailand for students to show gratitude and respect to their teachers for providing them with an education.




Presenting teachers with a floral offering, usually arranged on a footed tray, is an important part of the ceremony. The flower of the eggplant, Bermuda grass signifies patience and popped rice exemplifies orderliness and discipline. To decorate the tray, clay is sculpted into a pagoda-shape into which are pressed eggplants, jasmine and other flowers.



There are two trays, one for flowers and the other for candles and incense sticks. A female student usually holds the flower tray, while a male student holds the tray containing candles and incense sticks.



Apart from decorating footed trays for the Wai Khru Ceremony, students in each school also submit them as entries in competitions since each tray decoration reflects the creative ideas of its maker.

Thai Culture The Thai Loincloth

The Thai Loincloth

Many males in rural Thailand use the multipurpose loincloth, in Thai called Pha Khao Ma. It can be wrapped around the head as protection from the sun or around the body to ward of the cold. Loincloths can be used as belts, bathing sarongs, as a garment placed across the shoulders when one leaves home, or as an ordinary dress to wear at home.




More importantly, this multi-functional garment is not the domain of males only; it is also used occasionally by females. For instance, again in rural Thailand, Pha Khao Ma is used to substitute for a brassiere. It is sometimes wrapped around a baby like a blanket and it can also substitute for a baby's cot or be used as a hammock to lull the baby to sleep or stop crying.



Pha Khao Ma is a Thai cloth seen in many households and in country areas it may be woven by housewives from cotton or silk. Rectangular-shaped and measuring around 80 centimeters wide and 2 meters long, Pha Khao Ma in the old days were usually dyed a single color. Later, two-color garments appeared some with square patterns either black and white and green. Loincloths available today are found as a single design for the whole piece or with special designs on the hemline.

Thai Culture Thai Perfumed Powder and Scented Water

Thai Perfumed Powder and Scented Water

In the past, Thai people usually applied perfumed powder, mixed with scented water, to their faces and bodies. The good smell of perfumed powder helped them feel fresh and comfortable.




Another property of perfumed powder is its effectiveness in reducing skin irritations, as almost all of the ingredients comprise indigenous Thai herbs.. Moreover, Thai people have also used perfumed powder to make auspicious markings on valuable or important items to bring good luck.



Preparing each batch of perfumed powder involves a complex process that starts by placing talcum powder in a container holding gum benjamin, kaffir lime, brown and white sugar and sandalwood oil. This kind of talc is called “perfumed powder”.



To obtain a sweeter smell, scented water, or flowered water, is added to the talcum powder. The liquid is then spread onto banana leaves to be turned into small portions, which are then dried indoors. Later, pieces of talc are kept in a covered jar, so that the aromatic smell will remain for a long time. When people want to use the powder, they just take a piece and mix it with scented water.

Thai Culture Making a Food Offering to Monks

Making a Food Offering to Monks

As most Thai people are Buddhists, their lifestyle is inextricably linked to the Wat (temple), which symbolizes the Buddhist religion and monks. All Thais are generally familiar with Tak Bat, the practice of making a food offering to monks that has been passed down from generation to generation among Buddhist Thais.




Tak Bat involves the preparation of food, sweets and fresh flowers to offer to monks early in the morning when they collect alms from the people. In olden days, Thai folk made food offerings to monks every day. But the pressures of daily life has meant people nowadays opt to make food offerings on certain occasions such as birthday anniversaries, New Year's Day and other auspicious occasions.



The practice of Tak Bat is believed to be a means for accumulating merit for the next life; so many people prepare food they like as an offering to monks.



To make a food offering to a monk, food, sweets and flowers must be prepared as a first stage. Those who offer alms should take off their shoes. The first step is to place rice in the monk's alms bowl, followed by other dishes and desserts. After the monk closes the alms bowl, flowers are placed on the lid. Then the alms giver pays respect to the monk who, in return, offer a blessing. Later, they pour water onto a container as a sign of dedicating merit to deceased ancestors and enemies from former lives.

Thai Culture Ma Kan Kluai, the Traditional Thai Hobby-Horse

Ma Kan Kluai, the Traditional Thai Hobby-Horse

Similar to a hobby-horse (or stick horse) Ma Kan Kluai is a tradition toy that Thai children have played with since ancient times. Easy to make, it is a favorite among young boys and girls. Boys, in particular, have lots of fun with this toy, which is in the form of a horse's head mounted on a large banana stem allowing children to pretend they are riding a real horse.




Children of the same village often stage Ma Kan Kluai races, “galloping” as fast as they can, while cheering each other on. Some get the idea to arrange armies of horses, as if they were on the battlefield defending their country. They make weapons from whatever is at hand in their vicinity; for example swords from bamboo and shields from banana leaves. These items come from the imagination of children and can be seen in all corners of the country.



The major item of material to make a Ma Kan Kluai is a large banana leaf, especially the stem. Size depends on the size of the child. Leaves are trimmed off at one end to be fashioned into a horse's tail. The head is made of the other end of the stem with the outer edges turned in the horse's ears.



To complete Ma Kan Kluai a small bamboo stick is placed between the horse's lower chin and neck and then a banana string tied from the horse's head to the tail to use as a shoulder strap for carrying purposes. Another long banana stem, without leaves, is used as a whip. When children play this game they ride the Ma Kan Kluai whipping it and neighing like a horse.

Thai Culture The Thai Rice Bucket and Tio

The Thai Rice Bucket and Tio

Tio is a piece of bamboo made smooth and shaped into a flat bar and used for counting the number of buckets of rice bought by a trader. It is about 38 centimeters long with a small tapering end and is placed on rice containers. The top is rounded and painted in red, white, yellow, or green to distinguish groups of workers.




In olden days, when owners of rice mills or traders bought paddy from farmers at their barns, they would scoop up rice by the measure and place Tio into the buckets in order to recognize them when they were counted. In this regards, when one hundred Tio were placed, the rice loading was made one hundred times.



One color might be used to represent one farmer group and his workers. A single loading comprised five buckets of rice (100 buckets were equivalent to 1,500 kilograms). When each group finished loading, the number of Tio would be counted, and workers in that group would receive the same wage based on the number of Tio involved.

Thai Culture Alms Giving in Thailand

Alms Giving in Thailand

Saffron-robed monks on their early morning alms round are enduring figures in the Thai landscape, both urban and rural. The monkhood is central to Buddhism, and monks are central to the practice of the faith in Thailand. In addition to religious rites and ceremonies, many aspects of Thai life involve the presence of monks, none more important nor so visible as giving alms.




Every day between 5:30 and 7am, monks parade with their alms bowls, walking singly or in a file, to receive offerings of food from the lay public.



Typically a devotee approaches a monk, who removes the lid of his alms bowl into which the devotee places a serving of cooked rice or other food and then makes obeisance by bowing and raising the hands together in a wai.



For this part, the monk makes no gesture of recognition or thanks. The purpose of the alms is, in fact, not so much about giving as of receiving the opportunity to make merit. Buddhist philosophy holds that an individual is responsible for his or her own destiny, and that destiny can be changed for the better by the accumulation of religious merit.



Giving alms is, of course, not the only way to make merit, although it does play an essential role in the daily lives of the Thai people.

Thai Culture A Bowl of Chian Mak

A Bowl of Chian Mak

Chian Mak is a container to accommodate a small betel nut casket, tobacco slab casket, lime pot and betel leaf case. Thai men and women in former times had a habit of chewing Mak, betel nut and leaves smeared with lime. They chewed Mak like chewing gum. It was a social value at that time when a pretty woman was required to chew Mak which blackened her teeth and reddened her lips.




Chian Mak was therefore a necessity in almost all households as family members chewed Mak in their free time. It was also used as an item to welcome visitors who were offered Mak for consumption. Chian Mak could be made of wood, brass, silver or nielloware. It is circular or hexagonal in shape and intricate designs are sometimes added to beautify the Chian Mak.



Today, the culture of chewing Mak has gradually disappeared, although some elderly persons still place betel nuts and leaves in the Chian Mak, to be offered to Buddhist monks at various merit-making events such as ordinations and wedding ceremonies.

Thai Culture The White Thai Elephant

The White Thai Elephant

A white elephant, according to ancient royal Thai traditions, is a noble beast of special importance exemplifying a King's honor and glory. Known in Thai as Chang Samkhan, a white elephant is a gift for a king, and to acquire one during his reign, will result in prosperity and happiness in the kingdom. For Thai people, this magnificent animal possesses special features making it different from other elephants.




Any province discovering a white elephant must report the find to the Ministry of Interior to notify the Bureau of the Royal household. Afterwards, the Bureau conducts a physical examination to determine whether the elephant bears the complete characteristics of a special noble beast.



According to pachyderm observers, in the ancient style, determining whether an elephant possesses special features requires a physical check of the animal's body.



This means hair, eyes, toenails, genitals, and the roof of the mouth and skin. These boy parts must confirm to those defined as "special characteristics."



After establishing that an animal portrays these special features, the Bureau informs His Majesty the King of their findings. Following His Majesty's consent, a ceremony takes place to bestow honor on the elephant and elevate it to the position of royal white elephant, honored as a prince after the appointment ceremony ends.



This ancient, royal tradition is most important and a way to show gratitude to elephants that have proved of great value to Thailand, in times of war and peace.



Centuries ago, Thai kings rode elephants as vehicles of war. A stone inscription from the Sukhothai Period tells how King Ramkhamhaeng the Great (1279 - 1300 AD) decorated "Ruchakri" his favorite elephant, with accessories. Similarly decorated, was an elephant used by the king to lead his subject for merit making at different temples.



Kings of the Ayutthaya Period acquired no fewer than nineteen white elephants. Sven of these magnificent beasts were found during the reign of King Mahachakkaphat (1548 - 1569 AD), a king whose glorious pursuits were recognized internationally. The Supreme Patriarch of the day, and noblemen, presented the king with the title "King of the White Elephant."



During the Rattanakosin Period, King Rama I was said to possess ten white elephants, while King Rama II possessed six. Three ranked as "major" white elephants, earning the king the title of "King of the White Elephant." From that time, until the reign of King Vajiravudh (Rama VI), the national flag of Thailand bears a white elephant on a red background.



Succeeding kings each possessed white elephants: King Rama V had nineteen, while King Rama VI and VII each had one.



His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX) possesses ten white white elephants with another non-disclosed amount of white elephants, not yet appointed royal elephants. The first white elephant appointed during His Majesty's reign is "Phra Sawet Adulyadej Phahon"

Elephants are of immense importance in Thailand. They are smart land mammals and hard-working beasts, providing transportation for mankind. At time of war, elephants played an indispensable role in the war machine of Thailand and other Asian countries.

Thai Culture Thai Houses on the River Bank

Thai Houses on the River Bank

For centuries, the lives of Thai people have been inextricably related to rivers and canals. They make use of them for consumption, agriculture, and other activities. So a waterway is regarded as a lifeline, bringing people of different languages, races, cultures, and faiths to become as one in a community.




Thais usually build their homes along waterways and used boats as major means of transportation, which reflected their way of life in harmony with nature.



Since Thai communities were situated on alluvial flat areas, Thai houses were raised on pillars to protect the main structure from flooding and to facilitate ventilation. The open area under the raised main structure is also used for storing farming tools and fishing instruments.



The Thai lifestyle and consumption habits have changed in accordance with the modern world. Even so, vegetable plots for sweet basil, ginger, galingale, fragrant screwpine, and other herbs are still found along canal banks. Early in the morning everyday, orchard growers travel along canals to sell their fruits and vegetables at local markets.

Thai Culture Ngop - Traditional Thai Head Wear

Ngop - Traditional Thai Head Wear

Traditionally, Thailand is an agrarian country, so the majority of Thai people are engaged in agriculture. As they rainy conditions, while farming, they need to wear a hat for protection against extreme weather.




This protection comes in the form of an "ngop", the Thai name for headwear made from palm leaves in the central region of Thailand. This hat shields them from the sun and rain while traveling or at work.



It is fashioned into a dome-shape, rather like an inverted basket, using bamboo strips plaited into the structure. The outer surface of an ngop is usually covered with palm leaves.



Similar head wear, used in other regions of the country with the same practical uses as the ngop, are structured differently and known by different names. The bamboo hats in the northern region are called kup, while southern residents refer to their hats as pieo.

Thai Culture Muay Thai Boxing, the Art of Self-Defence

Muay Thai Boxing, the Art of Self-Defence

Muay Thai or Thai kick-boxing is a popular and exciting sport. It has a long history. Historical records indicate that boxing matches were held in temple fairs and at various festive occasions. Muay Thai was also used as a testing lesson to select capable persons to serve in major posts at junior level in government service.




The word 'Muay' comes from the Sansakrit language meaning 'tying'. A boxer's attire comprises four 'ties', namely lustral cord around the biceps, the canvas ring and magic to win or 'tie' the hearts of people.



The Thai kick-boxing is an art of self-defense, using all parts of the body as weapon. The strength of boxing comes from physical fitness, boosted morale and wisdom. A boxer needs to have these three things to make his movement graceful, rapid and strong.



His fighting ability is also essential to enable him to make right decisions and reverse difficult situations.



The tough fighting on the canvas ring is regarded as a sport of dignity. A kick-boxing match normally has five rounds lasting three minutes each. The interval between each round lasts two minutes. Before the fight, boxers need to perform a ritual, a form of prayer to sacred things and homage to instructors and trainers. Music will accompany the ritual.



Nai Khanomtom was one of the Thai boxers who made a name for Thailand. He was one of the Thai prisoners taken to Burma by the Burmese army during the Ayutthaya Period. Nai Khanomtom flabbergasted the Burmese king at a command match by flooring ten Burmese boxing champions in a row.



Today, Muay Thai has been preserved and promoted as an international sport. Those who are interested in Thai kick-boxing can watch it at Bangkok's two main boxing stadiums, Ratchadamnoen and Lumphini, where regular contests are held.

Thai Culture Champi the Flower of Culture

Champi the Flower of Culture

Champi, or white chempaka, is an indigenous, scented flower belonging to the Magnoliaceae family. Popularly grown as a decorative plant in Thailand, this ivory-white flower is shaped like an inverted cone and produces an aromatic scent at evening time that becomes stronger at night and gradually dissipates by morning. A Champi flower blooms for only one day and then its petals wither and die.




In olden days, Thai ladies would tie a Champi flower in their hair and wear it touching one cheek. Grandmothers used Champi to make a bouquet for a squirrel garland as an offering to monks or Buddha images.



And Champi is also used as an ingredient in traditional Thai medicine to nurture the heart, blood and brain and help ease certain ailments such as lever, headaches and diarrhea.



According to ancient beliefs, Champi is an auspicious plant for people born on Thursdays and Saturdays. For instance, it is believed that if you grow this at home you will enjoy a prosperous life with progress in your employment. And those who dream of receiving Champi flowers can expect good luck in their professional lives.

Thai Culture The Thai Royal Barges, History Well-Preserved

The Thai Royal Barges, History Well-Preserved

The history of the Royal Barges, used today on ceremonial occasions, began during the reign of King Rama I, Somdej Phra Buddha Yodfa Chulaloke, after the original barges, from Sri Ayutthaya days, were completely destroyed by the Burmese during wartime.




For many years there were no Royal Barges because King Tak Sin, who ruled between the Ayutthaya and Rattanakosin periods, built only a navy.



Royal Barges built during the reign of Kind Rama I included, among others, the Sri Subanahongsa, the Ekachai Hernhow and the Ekachai Laothong. King Rama II graciously commanded the building of two more barges, while King Rama III required twenty-four more to be built.



Seven more barges were constructed under the royal command of King Rama IV, or King Mongkut. One of these barges was the Royal Anantanagaraj. King Rama VI, or King Chulachomklao, directed construction of the Royal Barge Anekjatibhujonga and last, but not least, the final two barges are the Royal Subanahongsa, rebuilt by command of Kind Rama VI, and the Royal Naraisongsuban, built recently for His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej.



All ceremonial Royal Barges lay at anchor at the royal harbor on the Bangkok Noi Canal. Traditionally, the Roayl Barges support royal ceremonies, such as the Royal Katin Ceremony. During this ceremony, His Majesty the King commands the Royal Barges Procession to row along the Chao Phraya River to a temple on the riverbank where His Majesty offers clothes to the monks.

Thai Culture Khanom Khrok - Traditional Thai Sweets

Khanom Khrok - Traditional Thai Sweets

Thai sweets have existed in local cuisine since ancient times, and the art of cooking them has been passed on from generation to generation. So they are considered part of the country's cultural heritage.




Thai sweets consist mainly of such ingredients as flour, sugar, and coconut milk, with the addition of flavors, scents, and colors to make them even more appealing.



The shapes and sizes of Thai sweets are diverse, depending on the type. Cooking utensils for making them are also important, as they set the typical form of each sweet. These utensils are known among Thais as Phim Khanom, literally meaning 'molds for sweet'.



This molds can be made of wood, brass, or like modern once from plastic. The use of molds will made sweets more attractive-looking. For instance, there are two types of pans for Khanom Khrok (Thai coconut pudding made from rice flour). One is made of baked clay, and the other is made of aluminum, both with holes covered with tiny individual lids.

Traditionally, Khanom Khrok is regarded as a breakfast treat for people of all ages, starting from babies aged six months and over. Originally, it came without any toppings, but today, such toppings as Sangkhaya (Thai custard), shrimp with coconut, pumpkin, and others are popular additions. Khanom Khrok is now sold from the morning till late at night, and it has become a nation wide daily dish for Thai people.

Thai Culture Silpa Suebsarn, Siam Cultural Park

Silpa Suebsarn, Siam Cultural Park

The Siam Cultural Park over 18.8 acres of land in Bang Phae district of Ratchaburi province is set in the pleasant ambiance of the beautiful park, designed to complement nature. The plants, the flowing brook and artificial cascade provide a wonderful retreat. It is also a research center for people who have a passion for Thai art and culture as well as the study of the traditional livelihood of the Thai people.




On display inside Siam Cultural Park are fiberglass wax figures of such prominent figures as Khru Montri Tramot, Sueb Nakasatian, M.L. Pin Malakul, Mother Theresa and Vietnam's Uncle Ho, among others.



The space around Siam Cultural Park is clearly earmarked for specific activities.



The zone of the Three-era Buddha Statues, for example, features exquisite replicas of Buddha images from three different periods, namely Sukhothai, chiang Saen and U-thong. Kuti Sangkha, the monks 'living quarter, comprises traditional Thai building and wax figures of highly revered monks from different regions including Luang Poo Mun, Somdej Phra Buddhacharn Tho, Luang Poo Wan and Khru Baa Sri Vichai.



Traditional houses from Thailand's four regions reflect the ways of life and cultures of each region based on specific religious and culture orientations. Chuchok and Kanha - Charlie (the two royal children), an episoe from 'Phra Vejsundorn' is a light and sound presentation in the simulated Chadok Cave; the show is designed to give the audience moral lessons and teachings on the merit of adequacy. Then, there is a large square dedicated to Phra Bodhisat Awalokitaysuan based on the art of sculpturing from China's Song Dynasty.

Thai Culture Thai Thai Chess

Thai Chess

Makruk, or Thai chess, is one of the most popular indoor games among Thai people. It is played on a board between two people or two sides, who have to think strategically to defeat their rival. The player with the better strategy will win the game, unless, of course, a player intentionally holds back to let the other side win for the sake of friendship.




In the old days, people would not play Makruk at home; they believed that the word "ruk" (meaning "to check") might lead to disputes among family members, as they would not compromise with one another. So this game was normally found in various public places, such as temples and clubs. Today, it is no longer restricted to public places. Even so, the local temple has become the place where good Makruk players are produced. Makruk is still played widely as a pastime or at temple fairs on various occasions, such as ordination and funeral ceremonies. It is sometimes played all day and all night, until the break of the day.



A translation of a historical book from English into Thai by Prince Damrong Rajanubhab, a son of King Mongkut (Rama IV) states that Makruk had its origin in India thousands of years ago. The Ramayana epic has it that Rama led an army to lay siege to the city of Langka, ruled by the demon-king Ravana (Thotsakan). Montho, Ravana's wife, was concerned that her husband was so engaged in the struggle to protect the city that he had no time for ecreation. Realizing that her husband would not easily turn away from thoughts of battle, she invented a chessboard representing a battlefield and armies maneuvering. The Indians called it "chaturong", with four military corps used as chessmen. They included the elephant (khon), the horse (ma), the navy (rua), and the infantry (rap or bia). Raja, or king (khun), is the most important piece on the chessboard.



In the year 200 B.E. (around 350 B.C.), an Indian king recognized as great monarch was successful in making war against all neighboring countries. He became unhappy when he realized there was no more countries he could do battle with. The king consulted a nobleman named Sassa on how to be happy. Sassa modified the chaturong game, so that could be played by only two persons, representing the armies of the rival countries. The king enjoyed playing this game very much and his country became peaceful and prosperous.



The pastime of playing chess was later introduced in other countries, which have made many modifications. So, although the game varies from country to country, every version shares the same root in Indian history and legend.