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Archived News
September - December 2009
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Grade 9s Leadership and Teamwork Assembly
Dateline: 22 November 2009
On Friday 6th of November, we Grade 9s hosted the Whole School Assembly. The topic of our assembly was leadership and teamwork. We chose it as our topic because we recently had the opportunity to experience the leadership camp offered to all grade 9 students.
This two day and one night camp offered us the chance to do many activities together to improve our teamwork and leadership skills and to have fun. We learned a lot from it and have used the skills we've learned to enhance our learning ever since.
In the assembly we talked about how we've used leadership and teamwork in our classes. We have shown great teamwork skills in Art, Drama, Music and English, to name just a few.
We also presented the values that help teamwork such as open-mindedness, honesty and trust. Then we had a little skit which showed an example of bad teamwork, followed by some quotes about leaders and leadership.
Here are some of the quotes we selected:
Tanapat (Ice) Treyanurak 9J
This two day and one night camp offered us the chance to do many activities together to improve our teamwork and leadership skills and to have fun. We learned a lot from it and have used the skills we've learned to enhance our learning ever since.
In the assembly we talked about how we've used leadership and teamwork in our classes. We have shown great teamwork skills in Art, Drama, Music and English, to name just a few.
We also presented the values that help teamwork such as open-mindedness, honesty and trust. Then we had a little skit which showed an example of bad teamwork, followed by some quotes about leaders and leadership.
Here are some of the quotes we selected:
To be able to lead others, a man must be willing to go forward alone
- Harry Truman
- Henry Ford
- Alexandre Ledru-Rollin
Although these are leadership quotes, they are appropriate for everyone and can be used in all areas of life. We thought you might like to consider them too.
- Rosabeth Moss Kantor
Tanapat (Ice) Treyanurak 9J
Grade 12 Resilience Program Success - Students Tell It Like It Was
Dateline: 13 November 2009
They may have come back exhausted but Grade 12 girls, and then the boys, have given two thumbs up for this learning for a life time.
Fourteen sessions over three days focussed on learning strategies and practising skills in physical, emotional, social and financial resilience.
Guest presenters and PTIS staff supported this pre-tertiary preparation camp where students were encouraged to know who they are, what they want and how to strengthen and protect themselves, through resilience strategies, to realise their dreams.
Here’s what our students had to say:
Thank you to all presenters: David Adams, Marie Baird, Richard Bell, Linda Buck, Vivien Dapp, Fiona Dawson, Jon Hartmann, Sarah Kate Hawkins, Kris MacMahon, Riki McDermott, Relle Maxwell, Grace Nutter, Craig Rodgers, Claire Russo, Rocky Rounthwaite, Trish Rounthwaite, Leslie Temple-Nguyen, Richard Thomas
Thank you also to all our student participants, their parents and staff supporters. Special thanks to Linda Buck for her enthusiasm and encouragement in her support of this project. Thank you also to Fiona Dawson and Jon Hartmann from our Student Support Team sourcing some excellent presenters and resources.
Craig Rodgers
Senior School Principal
They may have come back exhausted but Grade 12 girls, and then the boys, have given two thumbs up for this learning for a life time.
Fourteen sessions over three days focussed on learning strategies and practising skills in physical, emotional, social and financial resilience.
Guest presenters and PTIS staff supported this pre-tertiary preparation camp where students were encouraged to know who they are, what they want and how to strengthen and protect themselves, through resilience strategies, to realise their dreams.
Here’s what our students had to say:
Thank you
Thank you to all presenters: David Adams, Marie Baird, Richard Bell, Linda Buck, Vivien Dapp, Fiona Dawson, Jon Hartmann, Sarah Kate Hawkins, Kris MacMahon, Riki McDermott, Relle Maxwell, Grace Nutter, Craig Rodgers, Claire Russo, Rocky Rounthwaite, Trish Rounthwaite, Leslie Temple-Nguyen, Richard Thomas
Thank you also to all our student participants, their parents and staff supporters. Special thanks to Linda Buck for her enthusiasm and encouragement in her support of this project. Thank you also to Fiona Dawson and Jon Hartmann from our Student Support Team sourcing some excellent presenters and resources.
Craig Rodgers
Senior School Principal
PTIS in Bhutan
Dateline: 30 October 2009
The Land of the Thunder Dragon, the small, isolated nation of Bhutan is tucked away in the foothills of the Himalaya Mountains. It is a land of pristine environments and a rich culture protected by strict tourism laws which support sustainable living and traditional values against a greedy outside world.
During the October break, Director of Boarding, Linda Buck, and Senior School Principal, Craig Rodgers, had the privilege and pleasure of making presentations to Bhutanese dignitaries as well as many prospective and existing Bhutanese parents.
Linda, Craig and other PTIS staff had an audience with Her Royal Highness, Princess Ashi Pema Dechen, to discuss our school and boarding programs with a view to her granddaughter studying at PTIS next year.
From these presentations, we have secured five new enrolments for next year to join the 14 Bhutanese currently at PTIS.
Others are considering PTIS as their preferred school and boarding option largely due to our demonstrated caring boarding environment, recognised curriculum, exciting co-curricular program and successful entry into tertiary study courses.
We would like to thank all existing parents for their kind support during our travel and presentations in Bhutan.
The Land of the Thunder Dragon, the small, isolated nation of Bhutan is tucked away in the foothills of the Himalaya Mountains. It is a land of pristine environments and a rich culture protected by strict tourism laws which support sustainable living and traditional values against a greedy outside world.
During the October break, Director of Boarding, Linda Buck, and Senior School Principal, Craig Rodgers, had the privilege and pleasure of making presentations to Bhutanese dignitaries as well as many prospective and existing Bhutanese parents.
Linda, Craig and other PTIS staff had an audience with Her Royal Highness, Princess Ashi Pema Dechen, to discuss our school and boarding programs with a view to her granddaughter studying at PTIS next year.
From these presentations, we have secured five new enrolments for next year to join the 14 Bhutanese currently at PTIS.
Others are considering PTIS as their preferred school and boarding option largely due to our demonstrated caring boarding environment, recognised curriculum, exciting co-curricular program and successful entry into tertiary study courses.
We would like to thank all existing parents for their kind support during our travel and presentations in Bhutan.
"Becoming a Compass School" Workshop
Dateline: 10-11 October 2009
Teachers and educators from around the region headed to PTIS over the weekend to find out more about the AtKisson Tool Kit to accelerate sustainability and the newest AtKisson initiative, Compass Schools.
Facilitated by AtKisson Associates, Robert Steele and Lister Hannah and Toolkit trainers Lynda Rolph and Joel Bacha, teachers were introduced to Compass as a teaching tool to use with students and a framework to develop whole school involvement in becoming a more sustainable school community.
After an introduction to sustainability, consideration of Education for Sustainable Development and UNESCO’s Decade of Education for Sustainability, participants worked through scenarios using compass, the pyramid and amoeba, tools designed to promote and increase understanding of how to bring about change which can lead to sustainability. A presentation was made which highlighted ways in which Compass has been gradually introduced to the PTIS Community, since an initial workshop, two years ago.
Four P.T.I.S teachers and a member of the parents committee joined the Compass Schools training. They left motivated to help PTIS adopt Compass and determined to move our community further along on its journey to be a more sustainable Compass School .
Want to learn more? Join the next workshop:
Becoming a Compass School Feb 6 - 7 2010. details to be announced soon
Facilitated by AtKisson Associates, Robert Steele and Lister Hannah and Toolkit trainers Lynda Rolph and Joel Bacha, teachers were introduced to Compass as a teaching tool to use with students and a framework to develop whole school involvement in becoming a more sustainable school community.
After an introduction to sustainability, consideration of Education for Sustainable Development and UNESCO’s Decade of Education for Sustainability, participants worked through scenarios using compass, the pyramid and amoeba, tools designed to promote and increase understanding of how to bring about change which can lead to sustainability. A presentation was made which highlighted ways in which Compass has been gradually introduced to the PTIS Community, since an initial workshop, two years ago.
Four P.T.I.S teachers and a member of the parents committee joined the Compass Schools training. They left motivated to help PTIS adopt Compass and determined to move our community further along on its journey to be a more sustainable Compass School .
Want to learn more? Join the next workshop:
Becoming a Compass School Feb 6 - 7 2010. details to be announced soon
Croston House Comes to PTIS
Dateline: 16 September 2009
Last Thursday’s Senior School assembly welcomed Mr Glenn Croston.
Glenn came to PTIS to introduce his children’s home, Croston House, which was set up in 2005 in Lamphun with the aim of providing a brighter future for children who come from less privileged backgrounds.
These children may come from families that have been seriously affected by drugs, illness or a simple inability to take sufficient care of the child.
The house is run by Glen and his wife Rosjana, who have three children of their own. Their tireless efforts are responsible for the continued growth of the center, which to this day has provided a brighter future to many local children since it was opened.
There are currently twenty children in care at the foundation, all of whom are there to complete their education to maximise their possibilities of a better quality of life once they leave.
Whether it was Glenn’s uplifting and touching presentation or a general desire to help in any way possible, the response from PTIS staff and students was impressive.
On a Saturday in early September, hordes of runners and walkers wound their way along the path through the farm and up past the rice fields just outside the PTIS campus. Their destination was the starting line of a fund-raising fun run, where all competitors huddled for space hoping to get off to a good start.
Once Sebastian’s whistle blew and the competitors spread out, it was clear that there was a huge variety of people running the race. I found myself by the side of the track taking photos of children from Croston House, boarding students, PTIS Interns, PTIS Staff, children being pushed in buggies by their parents, and even children carrying younger children.
As the pack spread out across the route it was good to pass everyone on the way and see the many smiles on the faces of those competing, whether running or walking.
The race came to an end inside the PTIS campus where water, ice cream and fruit punch was available, or for those who required it, a nice soft football pitch to lie exhausted on! It was a great day for all who took part, and hopefully it was also a day which bought with it the added bonus of lots of funds raised for Croston House.
Glenn’s ultimate aim is to raise enough money to build a permanent home for the children on land that is owned by the foundation. PTIS School would like to wish Glenn the best of luck with this goal, and hope that the fun run went some way in helping to achieve it.
Glenn came to PTIS to introduce his children’s home, Croston House, which was set up in 2005 in Lamphun with the aim of providing a brighter future for children who come from less privileged backgrounds.
These children may come from families that have been seriously affected by drugs, illness or a simple inability to take sufficient care of the child.
The house is run by Glen and his wife Rosjana, who have three children of their own. Their tireless efforts are responsible for the continued growth of the center, which to this day has provided a brighter future to many local children since it was opened.
There are currently twenty children in care at the foundation, all of whom are there to complete their education to maximise their possibilities of a better quality of life once they leave.
Whether it was Glenn’s uplifting and touching presentation or a general desire to help in any way possible, the response from PTIS staff and students was impressive.
On a Saturday in early September, hordes of runners and walkers wound their way along the path through the farm and up past the rice fields just outside the PTIS campus. Their destination was the starting line of a fund-raising fun run, where all competitors huddled for space hoping to get off to a good start.
Once Sebastian’s whistle blew and the competitors spread out, it was clear that there was a huge variety of people running the race. I found myself by the side of the track taking photos of children from Croston House, boarding students, PTIS Interns, PTIS Staff, children being pushed in buggies by their parents, and even children carrying younger children.
As the pack spread out across the route it was good to pass everyone on the way and see the many smiles on the faces of those competing, whether running or walking.
The race came to an end inside the PTIS campus where water, ice cream and fruit punch was available, or for those who required it, a nice soft football pitch to lie exhausted on! It was a great day for all who took part, and hopefully it was also a day which bought with it the added bonus of lots of funds raised for Croston House.
Glenn’s ultimate aim is to raise enough money to build a permanent home for the children on land that is owned by the foundation. PTIS School would like to wish Glenn the best of luck with this goal, and hope that the fun run went some way in helping to achieve it.
Archived News
January - August 2009
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PTIS’s reach grows ever further
Dateline: 26 August 2009
The new school year at the PTIS Tinsulandonda International School has finally arrived and as students and staff adjust back into the routine of PTIS life, we can look back on what is always a very exciting- yet equally busy-stage of the academic year.
One aspect of PTIS life that can often be taken for granted is the diversity of new students who travel from the further reaches of the globe to take advantage of the School’s offerings.
Not only does the arrival of these students reflect a growing awareness of the PTIS’s popularity throughout the world, but the new students also offer the PTIS community an opportunity to learn from the different backgrounds that play a big part in forming the unique culture of the School. This also reflects a growing interest in Chiang Mai as an increasing number of expatriates move into the area. Such influences show great promise economically and socially for the PTIS International School and also for Chiang Mai, as it continues to cement its reputation as one of Thailand’s major cities.
Denmark, Bhutan, India, Switzerland, Bangladesh, Nepal and Zimbabwe are just a few examples of the forty-eight different nationalities that are represented by PTIS’s ever growing student body.
One new arrival, Annaliisa, has begun life at PTIS this year, having travelled to the School from Helsinki in Finland. Annaliisa initially intended to go to a school in South East Asia through the ‘Rotary’ exchange program, but stumbled across PTIS when searching the Internet for boarding schools in the area.
"When I came to PTIS," she said, "it was because I wanted to change my life, to start working and organising my like again. I’ve been here for one week now and I love it! I used to think my old school was great but PTIS is even better. I came here with the idea of spending one year at PTIS. Now I am considering changing my subject selections so that I can stay and graduate from the school."
Since being at PTIS, the new boarders seem to be settling into PTIS life well. Zach from the USA, TZ of Bhutan and Annaliisa all commented on how friendly the staff are, with TZ speaking enthusiastically about the teachers pleasure in working with the students. "The House Parents are really caring and they want you to feel well. And you do! All the students are open minded. If you need help with something, they help you. In only one week I’ve found really great friends!" Annaliisa added.
When one walks around the boarding clusters and joins the students in their free time, it is great to see so many cultures working so well together in one place. As the word of mouth spreads further about PTIS and what it can offer international students, one can’t help but feel a sense of excitement about the rich benefits such students can bring to the school, and Chiang Mai as a city.
For more information about boarding at PTIS, please contact Chris Hall at
The new school year at the PTIS Tinsulandonda International School has finally arrived and as students and staff adjust back into the routine of PTIS life, we can look back on what is always a very exciting- yet equally busy-stage of the academic year.
One aspect of PTIS life that can often be taken for granted is the diversity of new students who travel from the further reaches of the globe to take advantage of the School’s offerings.
Not only does the arrival of these students reflect a growing awareness of the PTIS’s popularity throughout the world, but the new students also offer the PTIS community an opportunity to learn from the different backgrounds that play a big part in forming the unique culture of the School. This also reflects a growing interest in Chiang Mai as an increasing number of expatriates move into the area. Such influences show great promise economically and socially for the PTIS International School and also for Chiang Mai, as it continues to cement its reputation as one of Thailand’s major cities.
Denmark, Bhutan, India, Switzerland, Bangladesh, Nepal and Zimbabwe are just a few examples of the forty-eight different nationalities that are represented by PTIS’s ever growing student body.
One new arrival, Annaliisa, has begun life at PTIS this year, having travelled to the School from Helsinki in Finland. Annaliisa initially intended to go to a school in South East Asia through the ‘Rotary’ exchange program, but stumbled across PTIS when searching the Internet for boarding schools in the area.
"When I came to PTIS," she said, "it was because I wanted to change my life, to start working and organising my like again. I’ve been here for one week now and I love it! I used to think my old school was great but PTIS is even better. I came here with the idea of spending one year at PTIS. Now I am considering changing my subject selections so that I can stay and graduate from the school."
Since being at PTIS, the new boarders seem to be settling into PTIS life well. Zach from the USA, TZ of Bhutan and Annaliisa all commented on how friendly the staff are, with TZ speaking enthusiastically about the teachers pleasure in working with the students. "The House Parents are really caring and they want you to feel well. And you do! All the students are open minded. If you need help with something, they help you. In only one week I’ve found really great friends!" Annaliisa added.
When one walks around the boarding clusters and joins the students in their free time, it is great to see so many cultures working so well together in one place. As the word of mouth spreads further about PTIS and what it can offer international students, one can’t help but feel a sense of excitement about the rich benefits such students can bring to the school, and Chiang Mai as a city.
For more information about boarding at PTIS, please contact Chris Hall at
Grade 5's Clean Up PTIS
Dateline: 15 June 2009
On Tuesday 9th of June (Period 1and 2) the Grade5s did a 'CLEAN UP PTIS' activity. We split into 2 groups and cleaned up 2 different places.
We were cleaning up by the river bank and the PTIS farm. We were doing this because we wanted PTIS to have a clean environment.
Thanks to K. Ju for trying to get our materials and the gardeners for making us the bamboo tongs. We filled up 4 garbage bags just at the farm. There were plastics, metal cans, tiles and lots more.
Unfortunately, we didn't have enough time to pick up all the garbage, but we still tried our best. We worked hard and co-operated a lot. After the activity, we all felt proud of ourselves even though we were tired. We did a good thing for the environment.
We were cleaning up by the river bank and the PTIS farm. We were doing this because we wanted PTIS to have a clean environment.
Thanks to K. Ju for trying to get our materials and the gardeners for making us the bamboo tongs. We filled up 4 garbage bags just at the farm. There were plastics, metal cans, tiles and lots more.
Unfortunately, we didn't have enough time to pick up all the garbage, but we still tried our best. We worked hard and co-operated a lot. After the activity, we all felt proud of ourselves even though we were tired. We did a good thing for the environment.
Junior School Field TripsK3 Field Trip to the Ambulance and Fire Station (28th May 09)
As part of K3’s current Unit of Inquiry, People in our community play an important role in our lives and help in many different ways we went on a field trip to Huay Sai Temple and then Mae Rim Sub-district ambulance and fire station, on Thursday 28th May 2009.
This field trip aimed to help students answer many of their burning questions about the people that help us, and inspire an appreciation of these individuals.
As a class we were given special opportunities to see some of our local helpers in their working environments.
We saw where emergency calls are sent to and what happens after emergency departments receive the alert.
K3 found it really exciting to see the fireman dressed up in his protective clothes and spray water. They thought it was even more exciting to see Ajarn Kat and Khun Gate put out a gas fire with a special extinguisher!
We came back to PTIS with a positive experience of the local Mae Rim community and compared the idea of ‘community’ and ‘community helpers’ with the people around us at the PTIS International School.
- Raynah
- Fast
- Natasha C
- Molly
K2 Field Trip to Baan King Kaew Orphanage (16th May 09)
Leaving to take stools to the Baan King Kaew Orphanage. The K2 students felt that they had a lot of things. For the ‘Visual Arts’ Unit of Inquiry, K2 students decided painted wooden stools for the children at the orphanage. They also raised money from working at home to purchase small tables to make a set.
K2 students share morning tea with the children at the Orphanage. Our school caterers made yummy sausage buns for snack.
The children at the orphanage took us to the temple across the road. It was special to share this time together. A time of serenity. We joined together and offered our respects in the temple.
A final photo together. We were told we made the children very happy by bringing the tables and stools, and sharing time together. It was a wonderful time, demonstrating the Learner Profile attribute of ‘Caring’ and taking action to help others.
Earth Day 2009
Dateline: 25 May 2009
At PTIS environmental stewardship and ecological awareness are issues inextricably tied to the "green and global" identity of the institution and to our collective consciousness through their integration in the IB curriculum and C.A.S. initiatives. However, April 22nd, was a special day for environmental education at PTIS, for the school joined organizations all over the world in an international celebration of Earth Day.
In the Junior School students collected plastic bags to be reused at the Chum Shop on campus, planted seedlings, and gave educational presentations to their classmates. The entire Junior School also made the choice to switch off classroom and office air-conditioners in an effort to measure the amount of energy consumed by the Junior School facilities.
In the Senior School, students engaged in group problem solving involving an educational tool called the Compass Model, viewed and discussed a film about environmental degradation, and participated in a new local initiative to care for stray temple dogs.
"On Earth Day we went to a museum and learned about recycling and air pollution," said grade 10 student, Noe. "We learned that they are doing community outreach to teach students in the local schools about problems associated with burning in Chiang Mai. It was really cool to see how they are making a difference," she continued.
Students also had the opportunity to make artwork that represented their concerns about the pollution, public health and species diversity. Junior School students made posters that called upon their peers to take responsibility for small actions that, in sum, could make a positive difference. Senior School students made recycled art and used natural products for soap, tie-dyed t-shirt and saa paper making.
Nat, a grade 9 boarding students proudly noted that he and his peers, "…made a spaceship out of recycled aluminum cans. We learned about waste food and other wasted materials". In keeping with the objective to promote critical thinking and action about the environment, he suggested, "I am glad that we give all of our leftover cafeteria food to the pigs in the [organic] farm, but I think that we should make more of an effort to separate our trash in boarding. Too often people just dump paper and plastic together in same garbage can".
Such positive critical assessments were encouraged and various on-going student led initiatives, co-curricular activities and classroom activities will ensure that our community remains environmentally responsible and aware throughout the year. In 2010, we plan to reassess our energy expenditures and consider even more ways to recycle, reuse and reduce.
At PTIS environmental stewardship and ecological awareness are issues inextricably tied to the "green and global" identity of the institution and to our collective consciousness through their integration in the IB curriculum and C.A.S. initiatives. However, April 22nd, was a special day for environmental education at PTIS, for the school joined organizations all over the world in an international celebration of Earth Day.
In the Junior School students collected plastic bags to be reused at the Chum Shop on campus, planted seedlings, and gave educational presentations to their classmates. The entire Junior School also made the choice to switch off classroom and office air-conditioners in an effort to measure the amount of energy consumed by the Junior School facilities.
In the Senior School, students engaged in group problem solving involving an educational tool called the Compass Model, viewed and discussed a film about environmental degradation, and participated in a new local initiative to care for stray temple dogs.
"On Earth Day we went to a museum and learned about recycling and air pollution," said grade 10 student, Noe. "We learned that they are doing community outreach to teach students in the local schools about problems associated with burning in Chiang Mai. It was really cool to see how they are making a difference," she continued.
Students also had the opportunity to make artwork that represented their concerns about the pollution, public health and species diversity. Junior School students made posters that called upon their peers to take responsibility for small actions that, in sum, could make a positive difference. Senior School students made recycled art and used natural products for soap, tie-dyed t-shirt and saa paper making.
Nat, a grade 9 boarding students proudly noted that he and his peers, "…made a spaceship out of recycled aluminum cans. We learned about waste food and other wasted materials". In keeping with the objective to promote critical thinking and action about the environment, he suggested, "I am glad that we give all of our leftover cafeteria food to the pigs in the [organic] farm, but I think that we should make more of an effort to separate our trash in boarding. Too often people just dump paper and plastic together in same garbage can".
Such positive critical assessments were encouraged and various on-going student led initiatives, co-curricular activities and classroom activities will ensure that our community remains environmentally responsible and aware throughout the year. In 2010, we plan to reassess our energy expenditures and consider even more ways to recycle, reuse and reduce.
Rising stars shine in PTIS Idol
Dateline: 18 May 2009
Since it began eight years ago, the musical talent search television show, American Idol, has exploded onto the international stage, charming the network audiences of viewers young and old in over 100 countries. The program, which seeks to identify the most promising music artists in the U.S. through a nation-wide search has led to the discovery of Grammy Award winning singers Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood and Jennifer Hudson.
Now, in an effort to mobilize their pupils and promote the arts, music teachers from PTIS and Chiang Mai’s other international schools have organized a spoof on American Idol with the first Chiang Mai Idol Competition. The event will be held in Chiang Mai on 16 May from 4 PM - 7 PM.
Competition for the coveted positions as school representative in three categories - primary, middle and high school-aged students - has been fierce. At PTIS, where we recently held a preliminary PTIS Idol competition, dozens of students tried out. Many stunning duets and rock and roll groups vied for spots in a parallel Battle of the Bands competition, also being held at Chiang Mai Idol.
Many students have been swept up by the thrill of competition. Lara, a finalist at PTIS who will be competing at the high school level in Chiang Mai Idol gushed, "I can’t wait! I have been practicing every day. All of my friends are going to be there". PTIS students have been preparing with voice coaching after school, practicing with the backing of a live professional band, and by devising their costumes.
Chiang Mai Idol judges, chosen by the organizing committee, are professional musicians from around Chiang Mai, not linked directly to any of the international schools.
While the competition can overwhelm some, the aim of the new program to identify talent and to nurture it in a final performance, should not be lost, believes PTIS music teacher, Quinten Smit. "The caliber of students representing PTIS shows the level of talent here at PTIS," he said. "I want them to go out there and do their best; if they come back with prizes and a trophy then that will be a bonus".
Chiang Mai Idol judges will not entertain personas like that of American Idol's notoriously hyper-critical Simon Cowell. However, with PTIS’s young musicians tuning up for a challenge, a local star just might emerge.
Since it began eight years ago, the musical talent search television show, American Idol, has exploded onto the international stage, charming the network audiences of viewers young and old in over 100 countries. The program, which seeks to identify the most promising music artists in the U.S. through a nation-wide search has led to the discovery of Grammy Award winning singers Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood and Jennifer Hudson.
Now, in an effort to mobilize their pupils and promote the arts, music teachers from PTIS and Chiang Mai’s other international schools have organized a spoof on American Idol with the first Chiang Mai Idol Competition. The event will be held in Chiang Mai on 16 May from 4 PM - 7 PM.
Competition for the coveted positions as school representative in three categories - primary, middle and high school-aged students - has been fierce. At PTIS, where we recently held a preliminary PTIS Idol competition, dozens of students tried out. Many stunning duets and rock and roll groups vied for spots in a parallel Battle of the Bands competition, also being held at Chiang Mai Idol.
Many students have been swept up by the thrill of competition. Lara, a finalist at PTIS who will be competing at the high school level in Chiang Mai Idol gushed, "I can’t wait! I have been practicing every day. All of my friends are going to be there". PTIS students have been preparing with voice coaching after school, practicing with the backing of a live professional band, and by devising their costumes.
Chiang Mai Idol judges, chosen by the organizing committee, are professional musicians from around Chiang Mai, not linked directly to any of the international schools.
While the competition can overwhelm some, the aim of the new program to identify talent and to nurture it in a final performance, should not be lost, believes PTIS music teacher, Quinten Smit. "The caliber of students representing PTIS shows the level of talent here at PTIS," he said. "I want them to go out there and do their best; if they come back with prizes and a trophy then that will be a bonus".
Chiang Mai Idol judges will not entertain personas like that of American Idol's notoriously hyper-critical Simon Cowell. However, with PTIS’s young musicians tuning up for a challenge, a local star just might emerge.
Boarding School - to a Different Tune
Dateline: 15 May 2009
For many people, "boarding school" conjures up images of rigid, ferocious old teachers in heavy black gowns and long canes keeping their beady eyes on the students marching in tune with stale rules and regulations. However, such caricatures do not always apply, as recently proven by our PTIS International School.
In a concert to raise funds for local schools, PTIS rolled out the red carpet and opened its doors to host a concert by Chiang Mai sensation, the rock band, Mile High. PTIS rallied the local community for a good cause and helped meet the social and entertainment needs of our pupils.
The band sang mostly in English while the multi-generational and multicultural crowd cheered them on. Students wildly applauded the event, saying that it was the hit of the year. "It’s ideal because we don’t have to go into town and navigate Chiang Mai with chaperones," remarked one student. "Instead, they brought the music to us".
Indeed, the concert struck a chord for PTIS students and echoes of the concert continued throughout the weekend as many, inspired, took up their guitars in PTIS’s courtyards. Ticket sales for the concert raised THB 22,000 - and this full amount was donated to Jester’s Care for Kids, part of Pattaya’s Fountain of Life Center.
For many people, "boarding school" conjures up images of rigid, ferocious old teachers in heavy black gowns and long canes keeping their beady eyes on the students marching in tune with stale rules and regulations. However, such caricatures do not always apply, as recently proven by our PTIS International School.
In a concert to raise funds for local schools, PTIS rolled out the red carpet and opened its doors to host a concert by Chiang Mai sensation, the rock band, Mile High. PTIS rallied the local community for a good cause and helped meet the social and entertainment needs of our pupils.
The event was attended by over two hundred people and featured cover songs ranging from classic rock to modern pop. Mile High put on a terrific show and encouraged guests to join them on stage and to dance in the crowd.
- Linda Buck, the Director of Boarding
The band sang mostly in English while the multi-generational and multicultural crowd cheered them on. Students wildly applauded the event, saying that it was the hit of the year. "It’s ideal because we don’t have to go into town and navigate Chiang Mai with chaperones," remarked one student. "Instead, they brought the music to us".
Indeed, the concert struck a chord for PTIS students and echoes of the concert continued throughout the weekend as many, inspired, took up their guitars in PTIS’s courtyards. Ticket sales for the concert raised THB 22,000 - and this full amount was donated to Jester’s Care for Kids, part of Pattaya’s Fountain of Life Center.
Connecting with our Community
Dateline: 4 May 2009
Linda Buck, Director of Boarding, and Craig Rodgers, Senior School Principal, met with the President of Payap University and his Administrative Team to present a Resilience Program proposal for senior students.
Payap University are keen to host the PTIS generated residential seminar which will focus on physical, emotional, financial and social resilience strategies in preparation for life at university after graduating from PTIS.
This initiative includes presentations from experts and leaders in the community, utilising facilities at Payap. Dates for this compulsory course will be advertised to students and parents at the start of the new school year.
Payap University are keen to host the PTIS generated residential seminar which will focus on physical, emotional, financial and social resilience strategies in preparation for life at university after graduating from PTIS.
This initiative includes presentations from experts and leaders in the community, utilising facilities at Payap. Dates for this compulsory course will be advertised to students and parents at the start of the new school year.
New Courses Opening August 2009-10
Dateline: 7 April 2009
Two new exciting courses will be offered to Grade 10 & 11 students enrolling for August 2009.
- French A - French for native speakers will be offered to students entering Grade 10 and 11. This French literature course for Grade 10 (MYP) and Grade 11 (DP) will be taught by a native French speaker.
For the course overview, please read the Grade 10 and Grade 11 English A courses. French A will follow the same forms of curriculum and assessment but not the same texts.
- Sports Science and Recreational Studies - Two new courses for Grade 11 to be taken together with English, Mathematics and one Science subject responding to the incredible interest in the sports, tourism and recreation industries and taking full advantage of our excellent on site sporting facilities and business connections with regional, national and international hotels and tourist industry.
"Love the Planet" Community Clean Up
Dateline: 14 February 2009
On February 14th, Valentine’s Day, members from the Ban Nom Plamon village and students from Ban Nom Plamon School joined together with staff and students from PTIS to celebrate the love we have for our community and our planet.
After a briefing at the village wat, we descended upon the affectionately named "Buffalo Road". The mission - to clean up the large amount of roadside rubbish from the village end to where the road meets the 107 Highway. It was a daunting task under the hot sun, but supported by a wonderful crew including vans carrying water and supplies, security, the PSA with food and drink, and many members of our community, the team marched on. The road leading to the village and schools looks natural and beautiful again after our work.
Forty-five extra large bags of rubbish were collected in a mammoth effort. The staff and students at Prem would like to extend a big thank you to our support staff, members of the Ban Nom Plamon community, the students of Ban Nom Plamon School, our own PTIS Senior School Student Council, Environment Group and PTIS Clean-up Committee. A special mention of appreciation to the PTIS student leaders of these groups, Gabriela, Sutthi and Seong Hun.
On February 14th, Valentine’s Day, members from the Ban Nom Plamon village and students from Ban Nom Plamon School joined together with staff and students from PTIS to celebrate the love we have for our community and our planet.
After a briefing at the village wat, we descended upon the affectionately named "Buffalo Road". The mission - to clean up the large amount of roadside rubbish from the village end to where the road meets the 107 Highway. It was a daunting task under the hot sun, but supported by a wonderful crew including vans carrying water and supplies, security, the PSA with food and drink, and many members of our community, the team marched on. The road leading to the village and schools looks natural and beautiful again after our work.
Forty-five extra large bags of rubbish were collected in a mammoth effort. The staff and students at Prem would like to extend a big thank you to our support staff, members of the Ban Nom Plamon community, the students of Ban Nom Plamon School, our own PTIS Senior School Student Council, Environment Group and PTIS Clean-up Committee. A special mention of appreciation to the PTIS student leaders of these groups, Gabriela, Sutthi and Seong Hun.
PTIS Graduate on his Environmental Work in Africa
Dateline: 29 January 2009
Duncan Dawson, PTIS Class of 2008, recently returned from several months studying wildlife ecology in South East Africa to serve as a guest speaker for the Senior School's biology classes.
Dawson volunteered with an organization that humanely relocates vulnerable wildlife to reserves and studies infectious disease by collecting blood samples from the animals in the process.
Travelling by truck, four-wheel-drive and helicopter, he crossed Acacia scrub and the Miombo Woodland and Grasslands in search of various animals including Plain's Zebra, Blue Wildebeest and Cape Buffalo.
Dawson engaged Grade 11 and 12 students in his talk using a myriad of photos and video. His inspirational delivery and was followed by a question and answer session that prompted inquiry in the field of conservation long after classes were dismissed.
Students were given a first-hand account of what practical ecological work entails and a glimpse of Dawson's plan to connect this experience to formal university training in Australia. His work serves as an example of what opportunities exist for PTIS graduates.
We thank Duncan for his visit and reminds all current PTIS students to see Career Counsellor, Jon Hartmann if you have interest in discussing educational volunteer opportunities like this one.
PTIS Graduate Regales Biology Classes on his Environmental Work in Africa
Duncan Dawson, PTIS Class of 2008, recently returned from several months studying wildlife ecology in South East Africa to serve as a guest speaker for the Senior School's biology classes.
Dawson volunteered with an organization that humanely relocates vulnerable wildlife to reserves and studies infectious disease by collecting blood samples from the animals in the process.
Travelling by truck, four-wheel-drive and helicopter, he crossed Acacia scrub and the Miombo Woodland and Grasslands in search of various animals including Plain's Zebra, Blue Wildebeest and Cape Buffalo.
Dawson engaged Grade 11 and 12 students in his talk using a myriad of photos and video. His inspirational delivery and was followed by a question and answer session that prompted inquiry in the field of conservation long after classes were dismissed.
Students were given a first-hand account of what practical ecological work entails and a glimpse of Dawson's plan to connect this experience to formal university training in Australia. His work serves as an example of what opportunities exist for PTIS graduates.
We thank Duncan for his visit and reminds all current PTIS students to see Career Counsellor, Jon Hartmann if you have interest in discussing educational volunteer opportunities like this one.
7s Rugby at PTIS
Dateline: 24th January
PTIS hosted the inaugural Seven-A-Side Chiang Mai Schools Rugby Tournament on Saturday the 24th of January. It was a brilliant day and six teams were entered from three different schools. PTIS and Chiang Mai International School entered "A" and a "B " teams and Prince Royals College entered their U-17 and U-15 teams.
The day started with a brief opening ceremony and then the rugby began. There were two pools of three teams, with the top two teams from each pool making the semi finals. The PTIS "A " team cruised past the CMIS "B" team winning 36 – 0. The CMIS "A " team showed that they had been fast learners this year beating the PRC U-15 team. However, the PRC U-17 team demonstrated that they would be a a force, having won both of their games.
There were two very interesting semifinals. The two PRC teams played each other and saved some energy with their U-17 team easily beating their younger school mates. In the other semi final, PTIS "A" played CMIS "A".
The absence of two key players due to injury was detrimental to the PTIS cause. CMIS "A" boys got off to a very fast start, scoring two quick tries early in the game. The 14 minutes long game, began with too much fast scoring for the PTIS boys to counter and they eventually lost 21 - 7. In the final, CMIS held the PRC U-17 team 5 - 0 at half time, however, in the second half the PRC boys fired up and ended the champions, winning 31 - 5.
Other Chiang Mai International Schools are investigating playing rugby so there may be another similar tournament next year with even more teams.
PTIS hosted the inaugural Seven-A-Side Chiang Mai Schools Rugby Tournament on Saturday the 24th of January. It was a brilliant day and six teams were entered from three different schools. PTIS and Chiang Mai International School entered "A" and a "B " teams and Prince Royals College entered their U-17 and U-15 teams.
The day started with a brief opening ceremony and then the rugby began. There were two pools of three teams, with the top two teams from each pool making the semi finals. The PTIS "A " team cruised past the CMIS "B" team winning 36 – 0. The CMIS "A " team showed that they had been fast learners this year beating the PRC U-15 team. However, the PRC U-17 team demonstrated that they would be a a force, having won both of their games.
There were two very interesting semifinals. The two PRC teams played each other and saved some energy with their U-17 team easily beating their younger school mates. In the other semi final, PTIS "A" played CMIS "A".
The absence of two key players due to injury was detrimental to the PTIS cause. CMIS "A" boys got off to a very fast start, scoring two quick tries early in the game. The 14 minutes long game, began with too much fast scoring for the PTIS boys to counter and they eventually lost 21 - 7. In the final, CMIS held the PRC U-17 team 5 - 0 at half time, however, in the second half the PRC boys fired up and ended the champions, winning 31 - 5.
Other Chiang Mai International Schools are investigating playing rugby so there may be another similar tournament next year with even more teams.
CMAC Tennis Championships at PTIS
Dateline: 19 January 2009
On Saturday, 17 January, PTIS hosted the CMAC Tennis Championships. This was a new event on the CMAC calendar in 2008 and this year PTIS trialed including younger age groups, which was very successful. The largest participating groups were in the Under Age 11 and Under Age 13 divisions. There were also Under Age 16 and Under Age 20 divisions. Over fifty students represented the seven CMAC schools.
Despite PTIS's decision to withhold entry into the Championship from any of its own Tennis Academy's Team Elite players, PTIS dominated the event. Panthers were named either as champions or as runners-up in every division.
Listed below are the Division Places Held by PTIS Students:
This CMAC event was a great success and future developments are already being planned. Next year this event may span over two days and include doubles games in addition to including age divisions ranging from eleven to twenty.
On Saturday, 17 January, PTIS hosted the CMAC Tennis Championships. This was a new event on the CMAC calendar in 2008 and this year PTIS trialed including younger age groups, which was very successful. The largest participating groups were in the Under Age 11 and Under Age 13 divisions. There were also Under Age 16 and Under Age 20 divisions. Over fifty students represented the seven CMAC schools.
Despite PTIS's decision to withhold entry into the Championship from any of its own Tennis Academy's Team Elite players, PTIS dominated the event. Panthers were named either as champions or as runners-up in every division.
Listed below are the Division Places Held by PTIS Students:
- U11 Boys Rico Runner Up
- U13 Girls Lucy Runner Up
- U13 Boys Rinato Runner Up
- U16 Boys Andie CMAC Champion
- U20 Girls Samata CMAC Champion
- U20 Boys Note Runner Up
This CMAC event was a great success and future developments are already being planned. Next year this event may span over two days and include doubles games in addition to including age divisions ranging from eleven to twenty.
Art Trip to Chiang Rai
On the recent Day Out a group of grade 11 and 12 art visited Chiang Rai as an extension of the IB art program.
While in Chiang Rai they visited Wat Rong Kun (the White Temple) built by Thai artist Chalermchai Kositpipat, and then dropped into Angkrit Gallery where contemporary Thai artist Angkrit Ajchariyasophon spoke to the students about the philosophy toward art which underpins his gallery and the artists it represents.
In the afternoon, the students visited Barn Dum, the home of another Chiang Rai based artist Tawan Duchanee. It was a great, albeit long day and reminded us all of how fortunate we are to live in such an artistically rich area.
A. Natalie
Head of Art
Alumni
Coming back to PTIS felt like coming back to my hometown. I was instantly welcomed back into the community and felt like I had never left. It truly is a beautiful corner of Chiang Mai.
My IB years at PTIS taught me countless things which I was able to apply at university in New Zealand. Studying here taught me good work ethics, time management skills as well as organization - three things which are vital for working effectively in university.
After being on campus for a few days, I immediately became aware of the amount of work that is constantly being done by so many individuals "behind the scenes", making the campus run the smoothly the way it does. From gardening to housekeeping to maintenance, something always seems to be in need of attention.
Working with the various teams on campus gave me a new perspective on things which we always took for granted as students. Attempting the various tasks which are continuously carried out by the staff was a humbling experience.
Simran Madan graduated from PTIS in 2007. He is now studying Natural Resources Engineering at University of canterbury, New Zealand.
Days Out - February
- Grade 11 Day Out
- A Day of Service Once again, the school has proven its commitment to service by sending students and teachers around Chiang Mai to do service work on February 12. The Senior School Day Out for Grade 11 is a testimony to our conviction that community service is an essential component of the PTIS learning.
- A Day at the Zoo
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A group of our students accompanied 37 children from Srisangwan School for the Disabled and Wat Saimoon to the Chiang Mai Zoo. It was an enjoyable day for all participants as they toured the zoo.
Most of our students see the children from Srisangwan and Wat Saimon on a regular basis as part of their Service on Saturday activities. It was therefore a good opportunity for more interaction and bonding for our school and our community partners. - A Day of Painting
- Most of our students came home with paints splashed on their clothes and smile on their faces. They had the chance to use their creative abilities in redecorating and repainting the rusting playground equipment at the Non Buak Hat Park. When I went to the park three days later, I saw several children enjoying their freshly painted slides and swings.
- Grade 11 Day Out
-
A Day of Building They were sweaty, dusty and achy but it did not seem to matter. What was important for them was the satisfaction of knowing that they had participated in the construction of two houses for poor-but-deserving future homeowners.
Ajarn Marie Baird, one of the teachers who joined the group, is a community service participant for over many years. She has observed that being involved in service work has a distinct educational value and it is also a unique experience of giving back to the community.
As our students worked side by side with the homeowners, we could see from their faces the gratitude they felt because of our presence and our willingness to help them realize their dream of having a decent place to call "home."
- Sebastien Gaillard - CAS Coordinator
Events - March/April
Best Attended Parent-Student-Teacher Interviews
The Senior School Parent-Student-Teacher interviews on 2 April were wonderfully supported. With their parents, students received praise for work well done and negotiated strategies for continued learning improvement.
Parents were very happy with the commitment of the teachers on the evening and thankful for timely communication in learning matters they can assist in addressing with their children. Teachers enjoyed the fact that they were busy, a further demonstration of the success of the event.
Mud, glorious, mud!
Current Senior School DT classes recently participated in or observed a mud building workshop at the PTIS farm
Grade 10Q spent 6 lessons learning about alternative building techniques that link to their current unit on bamboo and sustainability in general.
They have spent the last few weeks learning about bamboo as an alternative construction material and were invited by VSP to assist in their building project on the farm.
Justin, earthen builder and baker from You Sabai (a neighbor and partner of Pun Pun Organic Farm) and Kira and Sheena from VSP taught them various techniques from preparing mud (with their feet) in a pre soaked rice paddy, to mixing a sloppy batch of rice husks (from the farm), sand (from the golf academy) and muddy water to coat the structure.
Dry mud bricks were previously made by visiting school groups from Bangkok and PTIS Junior school students. Students from Kardinia International College, Australia helped to form the foundation and grade 10Q were responsible for making the dome support from sand; the three layers of the dome structure made from cob (mix of straw and mud), sandy cob and rice husks.
The school cafeteria arranged a special lunch for the hard working students which was VERY well received.
Whilst grade 10Q were working, other DT classes came to visit the project and observe what the students were doing. These included grade 6S , 8L, 9RM and 10M, who pitched in and leant a hand to help finish off the project.
A. Shan Hattwell - Design and Technology Teacher
Some Facts on Drugs
Groups met according to age level to create an atmosphere conducive to same grade interest to ask and have questions answered without fear or embarrassment.
Frank’s "no shock", "just giving the facts", approach was greatly appreciated. Frank’s experience living in Thailand, as a Drug Enforcement Agency officer in the USA, working with juvenile justice as well as raising children and grandchildren gave credibility and compassion to the issues discussed.
It was wonderful to see a number of parents in the final session and encouraging to read many supportive emails from parents who were not able to attend.
Notes on this presentation are attached to this edition of Prem Post.
Many parents in attendance commented on the value of presentations like this on teen issues. If there is a topic you are interested in, please let us know.
If you know excellent presenters on teen theres, we would also like to hear. Tell us what you want and how we can support learning for you and your family.
SS Music Night and Battle of the Bands!
Auditions for the Pop Idols and Battle of the Bands will be held on the 9th and 10th of March. All international schools in Chiang Mai will be participating. On March 20th our versions of the Idols judges will be sending lucky winners to take part in the competition.
Sign up on the Music Board outside Room 5 and make sure you are ready to perform, with your pieces are polished... Singers, bring a backing track to sing to, or a friend with a guitar or piano. Bands, perform the song you will be entering in the competition. If you don’t attend the audition, you don’t get the chance to get on stage.
Important Dates:
- March 9th- Audition day for soloists
- March 10th- Audition day for bands
- March 20th- PTIS Idols and Battle of the Bands
- May 1st- Finals at APIS (winners of our school competition have been invited.)
- May - Regional competition with all schools.
Student Achievements
Gold Merit Award for Amit
Congratulations to Amit Grinvald, our first recipient of the PTIS Gold Merit Award. Amit's 30 merits were awarded for a range of outstanding achievements in class and positive attitudes and relationships with others in the school community.
At the final assembly in term 3, we awarded more Bronze and Silver awards. We hope many more merits will be earned next term for outstanding demonstrations of living the IB Learner Profile.
Congratulations to Nadia (Grade 10)!
Congratulations go to Nadia for her 3rd place in the prestigious 5th Junior IMPAC Dublin Literary Awards.
This competition was open for students between the ages of 14 and 18. This year’s submissions came from throughout the north of Thailand and was held under the title ‘Once Upon a Time’.
Click here to read Nadia’s essay Happily Ever After
Congratulations to Fah!
Fah took the piano examination of grade 2 Trinity Guildhall-Rockschool (London) and she got the 2nd highest score of Thailand for the year 2008. She received the trinity’s award yesterday, her picture is attached.
Fah is very happy with this award since she took this examination for the first time.. you may ask her for more details.
Her achievement was displayed the name of PTIS student in the Trinity awards 2008’s bulletin...this could be the inspiration for the other students to attend the examination in the future.
Congratulations to Honey!
Honey’s essay about her Junior Ambassador (JA) experience was selected to published in the APCC Newsletter as a representative of the 20th APCC Junior Ambassadors.
The APCC was selected 1 JA: Honey (from 370 JAs), 1 host family, and 1 Peace Ambassador to present thier feelings about the event in the current newsletter.
I am so proud of her reflections of the APCC and her outstanding, thus, I wanted to share this feeling with you. I am also sent you the APCC newsletter in the attachment.
If you would like to have the whole detail of the newsletter, please let me know. I can make a copy and send it to you.
Archived News
December - July 2008
Click the headline to open and close the panels.
Shakespearean Actor's Visit Enhances English Education at PTIS
Dateline: 10 December 2008
Traveling from London to PTIS, professional Shakespearean actor, Daniel Foley, wooed audiences from grades 6 to 12 as he engaged students in acting exercises and quizzed them on their British literature last week.
Foley has been touring the world for the past twenty-five years bringing classical and modern drama to schools, parks, and theatres through his work for Performance Exchange. In this visit, his second to PTIS, he addressed the Senior School in large groups during the day, but also took time to work one on one with PTIS thespians in an after-school workshop.
Minji Yoon, a grade 11 native Korean speaker gushed, "We really loved it because reading Shakespeare is a little bit hard for us. But, we got to connect it with action when [Foley] came to PTIS. It made it more fun when we could participate in acting out the words. It's easier to understand now".
PTIS's student performers, who eagerly anticipate spotlighting their own theatrical abilities at the opening of Oz this week, likewise benefited from Foley's visit. Even as they perfect their performances in a play that is a contemporary spin on the classic, The Wizard of Oz, PTIS students say they find relevance in Foley's Shakespearean work.
Aria Inthavong, a grade 12 Higher Level English student who cites The 12th Night as his favorite Shakespearean play, said he felt inspired after taking part in the workshop Foley offered. Inthavong is starring in Oz as the Wizard, and found Foley's use of exaggerated movements and tone to project Shakespearean subjects a good model for his eccentric character.
Comparing Shakespearean theatre with L. Frank Baum's children's novel turned play may seem incongruous, but Inthavong found universal relevance in Foley's enthusiasm and success in captivating the imagination of his audience.
PTIS's Head of the English Department, Marie Baird, added "We are very grateful for visiting performers like [Foley] who bring their passion for theater to the community of PTIS. The opportunity to participate in performance, and to have Shakespeare brought to life, is an important part of students' experience. [Foley's] dramatizations remind us that Shakespeare is timeless, and his writing appeals to themes, both comic and tragic."
In addition to his visit to PTIS, Foley performed in Chiang Mai at the AUA Auditorium in early December and will now continue his tour on to Japan. There he will collaborate with Japanese and English actors in various Shakespearean and modern performances.
Foley has been involved in productions where English, Japanese, Gaelic, Cantonese, and even Ancient Greek have been employed by the actors. Foley, who is also author of 7 plays, will culminate his tour of Asia with his final destination – the Hong Kong City Theatre Festival, where he will perform in the world premiere of Prometheus 2050: an Environmental Tragedy.
You can learn more about Daniel Foley and his work at http://www.performance-exchange.com
Traveling from London to PTIS, professional Shakespearean actor, Daniel Foley, wooed audiences from grades 6 to 12 as he engaged students in acting exercises and quizzed them on their British literature last week.
Foley has been touring the world for the past twenty-five years bringing classical and modern drama to schools, parks, and theatres through his work for Performance Exchange. In this visit, his second to PTIS, he addressed the Senior School in large groups during the day, but also took time to work one on one with PTIS thespians in an after-school workshop.
Minji Yoon, a grade 11 native Korean speaker gushed, "We really loved it because reading Shakespeare is a little bit hard for us. But, we got to connect it with action when [Foley] came to PTIS. It made it more fun when we could participate in acting out the words. It's easier to understand now".
PTIS's student performers, who eagerly anticipate spotlighting their own theatrical abilities at the opening of Oz this week, likewise benefited from Foley's visit. Even as they perfect their performances in a play that is a contemporary spin on the classic, The Wizard of Oz, PTIS students say they find relevance in Foley's Shakespearean work.
Aria Inthavong, a grade 12 Higher Level English student who cites The 12th Night as his favorite Shakespearean play, said he felt inspired after taking part in the workshop Foley offered. Inthavong is starring in Oz as the Wizard, and found Foley's use of exaggerated movements and tone to project Shakespearean subjects a good model for his eccentric character.
Comparing Shakespearean theatre with L. Frank Baum's children's novel turned play may seem incongruous, but Inthavong found universal relevance in Foley's enthusiasm and success in captivating the imagination of his audience.
PTIS's Head of the English Department, Marie Baird, added "We are very grateful for visiting performers like [Foley] who bring their passion for theater to the community of PTIS. The opportunity to participate in performance, and to have Shakespeare brought to life, is an important part of students' experience. [Foley's] dramatizations remind us that Shakespeare is timeless, and his writing appeals to themes, both comic and tragic."
In addition to his visit to PTIS, Foley performed in Chiang Mai at the AUA Auditorium in early December and will now continue his tour on to Japan. There he will collaborate with Japanese and English actors in various Shakespearean and modern performances.
Foley has been involved in productions where English, Japanese, Gaelic, Cantonese, and even Ancient Greek have been employed by the actors. Foley, who is also author of 7 plays, will culminate his tour of Asia with his final destination – the Hong Kong City Theatre Festival, where he will perform in the world premiere of Prometheus 2050: an Environmental Tragedy.
You can learn more about Daniel Foley and his work at http://www.performance-exchange.com
PTIS Triathlon in for the Long Haul
Dateline: 4 December 2008
The PTIS International School hosted a new monthly triathlon race for the first time on Sunday, November 30th, 2008. The triathlon began at 9am and included a 200 m. swim in the Olympic sized pool, an 8 kilometer cycle on both paved and dirt roads, and a 1500 meter run. Relay and shorter options were available for younger children.
Future triathlons will be flexible to enable participants of all ages and ability levels to join the fun. The event concluded with a poolside barbecue breakfast for all entrants and their families.
For inquiries about entering the next triathlon, to be held on Sunday 18th January, 2009, contact or
The PTIS International School hosted a new monthly triathlon race for the first time on Sunday, November 30th, 2008. The triathlon began at 9am and included a 200 m. swim in the Olympic sized pool, an 8 kilometer cycle on both paved and dirt roads, and a 1500 meter run. Relay and shorter options were available for younger children.
Future triathlons will be flexible to enable participants of all ages and ability levels to join the fun. The event concluded with a poolside barbecue breakfast for all entrants and their families.
For inquiries about entering the next triathlon, to be held on Sunday 18th January, 2009, contact or
PTIS leaps into the future with new Mac Lab
Dateline: 19 November 2008
PTIS has recently made the exciting acquisition of twenty-six new twenty-inch iMacs for the library Mac Lab.
We have also gained five new iMacs for the Art and Design Technology Departments. Ten faculty endowed with MacBooks as part of the ongoing Technology Leaders Program are receiving training designed to maximize our community's benefit from technological innovation.
Students and faculty above take advantage of improved audio features
to practice French language skills in the new Mac Lab
PTIS has recently made the exciting acquisition of twenty-six new twenty-inch iMacs for the library Mac Lab.
We have also gained five new iMacs for the Art and Design Technology Departments. Ten faculty endowed with MacBooks as part of the ongoing Technology Leaders Program are receiving training designed to maximize our community's benefit from technological innovation.
Students and faculty above take advantage of improved audio features
to practice French language skills in the new Mac Lab
Senior School Music Night
Dateline: 18 November 2008
Students walked off stage last Thursday to the sound of applause coming from an excited audience of friends, family and teachers. Senior School Music Night was the event that brought together new performers and old favourites of the PTIS music community. An evening to please the eclectic music lover, performances ranged from peaceful piano, flute and violin to rockin’ rock bands.
It was exciting to see newcomers of the PTIS community make their mark with such notable performances. Students even lit up the stage with their own compositions! Daniel’s synthesizer composition will hopefully be the first of many to get people moving on dance floors the world over. The MZ Band of Grade 9 ladies showed the audience that rock groups aren’t just for boys, and Lucy showed us all that she can do more than just dance! It was a fantastic ending to an afternoon of good music-making.
Eunji and Yeong Jun took the well known "Way Back into Love" and (in true International School form) performed their own Korean version of it. Fah’s dramatic piano performance of "Secret" was stunning and Maddy of Grade 7 made an impressive foray into the PTIS music scene wowing us with her powerful voice.
It was great to see a nice age range on stage showcasing the talent of all of our students, and the audience comprised of teachers and parents was much appreciated. I would like to extend thanks to all performers who took part, A. Rhondda for helping backstage, A. Joey for producing the program as well as the AVG team who did a sterling job. Next year, there will be another one, let’s make it bigger and better!
Students walked off stage last Thursday to the sound of applause coming from an excited audience of friends, family and teachers. Senior School Music Night was the event that brought together new performers and old favourites of the PTIS music community. An evening to please the eclectic music lover, performances ranged from peaceful piano, flute and violin to rockin’ rock bands.
It was exciting to see newcomers of the PTIS community make their mark with such notable performances. Students even lit up the stage with their own compositions! Daniel’s synthesizer composition will hopefully be the first of many to get people moving on dance floors the world over. The MZ Band of Grade 9 ladies showed the audience that rock groups aren’t just for boys, and Lucy showed us all that she can do more than just dance! It was a fantastic ending to an afternoon of good music-making.
Eunji and Yeong Jun took the well known "Way Back into Love" and (in true International School form) performed their own Korean version of it. Fah’s dramatic piano performance of "Secret" was stunning and Maddy of Grade 7 made an impressive foray into the PTIS music scene wowing us with her powerful voice.
It was great to see a nice age range on stage showcasing the talent of all of our students, and the audience comprised of teachers and parents was much appreciated. I would like to extend thanks to all performers who took part, A. Rhondda for helping backstage, A. Joey for producing the program as well as the AVG team who did a sterling job. Next year, there will be another one, let’s make it bigger and better!
1st Annual International Day Photographic Competition
Dateline: 11 November 2008
Theme: My World
OPEN ADULT CATEGORY WINNERS
Theme: My World
OPEN ADULT CATEGORY WINNERS
- 1st place winner: Sufficiency life - Pitchaporn Prukratsameepong
- 2nd place winner: Forever Young - Phillip Humphries
- 3rd place winner: Bright Eyes - Daniel Brown
- 4th place winner: Three Friends - Hansa Tangmanpoowadol
- 1st place winner: The cradle of light - Mariana Pascha, age 16
- 2nd place winner: Pheetakhon Festival - Woraprach Lerkphichai, age 16
- 3rd place winner: Untitled - Alexander Kessler, age 18
- 1st place winner: Together time - Warin Usupharat, age 12
- 2nd place winner: Friendship - Jedsada Navanoparatsakul, age 11
International Day, a taste of the world for Chiang Mai community
Dateline: 11 November 2008
Saturday, November 8th PTIS International School marked its 6th annual public International Day celebration by showcasing the song, dance, food, and crafts of nearly forty different countries represented by the school community. This year's theme, "A Taste of the World," drew the best turn out yet recorded with around 1,000 people in attendance. PTIS's 90 acre campus was turned into a miniature globe, with guests toting passports to have stamped upon visiting national stalls manned by parents, faculty, and Chiang Mai's multicultural business owners.
Attendees had crash-course lessons in making Korean desserts, admired hand woven Nepalese carpets, learned Scottish dancing, fished for live prizes at an American carnival, tasted Zimbabwean barbecue and made crepes in "France". The event reached its climax when students from each of the countries they represent paraded in their traditional dress, carrying their national flags to assemble as a whole on stage.
International Day embodies PTIS's mission to promote global citizenship and appreciation and understanding of world heritage and culture. As one parent remarked, the annual event "characterizes the ethos of the school". Scholarship students from Bhutan and East Timor made special presentations about their own backgrounds and about what they learned since fusing their formal education with the vibrant cultural exchange inherent in life at PTIS. A testament to their expansive world perspective, many students used International Day as an opportunity to raise money for HIV/AIDS prevention and education in Southeast Asia through the sale of t-shirts, crafts, and food.
The event's cosmopolitan crowd was further bolstered this year by the fact that the school hosted a major photographic competition; the first of a series of intended annual photo contests, this year's theme was "My World". Artists submitted work that represented their own vision of the world, from their own backyard, to their geopolitical perspective. Applicants competed in three categories divided by age for prizes worth THB 68,000.
The competition drew submissions from Thailand, the UK, South Africa, Australia and Canada. Entries were judged by an award winning Japanese photographer and a lecturer in photography from the faculty of fine art at Chiang Mai University. Victory in the open adult category was awarded to Pitchaporn Prukratsameepong, who flew in from Bangkok to received great accolade for her work, "Sufficiency Life". All of the contest photos will be exhibited in Chiang Mai in the coming months.
PTIS's development and patronization of environmentally and globally aware free thinkers continues to serve as a model of international education. In the next few months the school will gear up to again host the country's second largest Model United Nations convention and an Adventure Race drawing secondary school students from across South East Asia.
Saturday, November 8th PTIS International School marked its 6th annual public International Day celebration by showcasing the song, dance, food, and crafts of nearly forty different countries represented by the school community. This year's theme, "A Taste of the World," drew the best turn out yet recorded with around 1,000 people in attendance. PTIS's 90 acre campus was turned into a miniature globe, with guests toting passports to have stamped upon visiting national stalls manned by parents, faculty, and Chiang Mai's multicultural business owners.
Attendees had crash-course lessons in making Korean desserts, admired hand woven Nepalese carpets, learned Scottish dancing, fished for live prizes at an American carnival, tasted Zimbabwean barbecue and made crepes in "France". The event reached its climax when students from each of the countries they represent paraded in their traditional dress, carrying their national flags to assemble as a whole on stage.
International Day embodies PTIS's mission to promote global citizenship and appreciation and understanding of world heritage and culture. As one parent remarked, the annual event "characterizes the ethos of the school". Scholarship students from Bhutan and East Timor made special presentations about their own backgrounds and about what they learned since fusing their formal education with the vibrant cultural exchange inherent in life at PTIS. A testament to their expansive world perspective, many students used International Day as an opportunity to raise money for HIV/AIDS prevention and education in Southeast Asia through the sale of t-shirts, crafts, and food.
The event's cosmopolitan crowd was further bolstered this year by the fact that the school hosted a major photographic competition; the first of a series of intended annual photo contests, this year's theme was "My World". Artists submitted work that represented their own vision of the world, from their own backyard, to their geopolitical perspective. Applicants competed in three categories divided by age for prizes worth THB 68,000.
The competition drew submissions from Thailand, the UK, South Africa, Australia and Canada. Entries were judged by an award winning Japanese photographer and a lecturer in photography from the faculty of fine art at Chiang Mai University. Victory in the open adult category was awarded to Pitchaporn Prukratsameepong, who flew in from Bangkok to received great accolade for her work, "Sufficiency Life". All of the contest photos will be exhibited in Chiang Mai in the coming months.
PTIS's development and patronization of environmentally and globally aware free thinkers continues to serve as a model of international education. In the next few months the school will gear up to again host the country's second largest Model United Nations convention and an Adventure Race drawing secondary school students from across South East Asia.
PTIS rallies to raise cancer research funds
Dateline: 10 November 2008
PTIS boarding students, faculty and staff earned for PTIS one of the highest levels of participation of any organization in November's Cancer Care Run.
The Chiang Mai event raised near 1 million baht for medical research in Thailand to be supported by the Queen Sirikit Breast Cancer Foundation.
PTIS boarding students, faculty and staff earned for PTIS one of the highest levels of participation of any organization in November's Cancer Care Run.
The Chiang Mai event raised near 1 million baht for medical research in Thailand to be supported by the Queen Sirikit Breast Cancer Foundation.
Pioneering pedagogy draws educators to observe PTIS
Dateline: 31 October 2008
This October the PTIS Junior School was honored with a visit by faculty from Chiang Mai's Prince Royals College High School (PRC). PRC, a local Thai public school, is one of the largest educational facilities in the country. It boasts approximately 6,000 students, 400 faculty and 120 years in establishment. This year, the school sought to take cues from the success of its neighbor, the Northern Thailands's only International Baccalaureate World school, the prestigious PTIS.
Mrs. Saifon Leerattana-Walee, a Head of School at PRC, explained, "We are developing several new programs at our school, including a language immersion module called the Focus English Program. We want to embrace the pioneering child centered learning method and Brain Based Learning practices used by PTIS. We chose PTIS as Chiang Mai's best example of this innovative teaching pedagogy."
PRC followed an earlier visit to PTIS by administrators only with a day of observation by over twenty of their top faculty. "We are the leaders of each subject area," explained Pichit Tawong, head of PRC's level 2 primary program. "But even teachers need to keep learning; we are here to learn from PTIS and to adjust our teaching accordingly," he continued.
"We have noticed lots of things we replicate in our own way," Sanga Promsri, Head of PRC's level 1 primary program, noted. Teacher-student interaction, ongoing professional development, internal and external peer review of faculty and student achievement, and even classroom set up, were named by PRC as areas that set PTIS apart. Indeed, the 2007 review from the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, a rigorous international education accreditation board, indicated PTIS's status as one of the finest boarding schools in Asia.
Principal of the PTIS Junior School, Maxine Driscoll, glowed with enthusiasm as she collaborated with PRC's faculty. Following a guided tour of PTIS, the school heads from each institution enjoyed lunch at the PTIS canteen, where it was announced that the Harris Institute at PRC will be opening its observatory - the only one in Thailand - this January. PRC has, in return for PTIS's hospitality, invited the international school to utilize its facilities with students. It appears that further collaboration is in store for northern Thailand's leading educational bodies.
This October the PTIS Junior School was honored with a visit by faculty from Chiang Mai's Prince Royals College High School (PRC). PRC, a local Thai public school, is one of the largest educational facilities in the country. It boasts approximately 6,000 students, 400 faculty and 120 years in establishment. This year, the school sought to take cues from the success of its neighbor, the Northern Thailands's only International Baccalaureate World school, the prestigious PTIS.
Mrs. Saifon Leerattana-Walee, a Head of School at PRC, explained, "We are developing several new programs at our school, including a language immersion module called the Focus English Program. We want to embrace the pioneering child centered learning method and Brain Based Learning practices used by PTIS. We chose PTIS as Chiang Mai's best example of this innovative teaching pedagogy."
PRC followed an earlier visit to PTIS by administrators only with a day of observation by over twenty of their top faculty. "We are the leaders of each subject area," explained Pichit Tawong, head of PRC's level 2 primary program. "But even teachers need to keep learning; we are here to learn from PTIS and to adjust our teaching accordingly," he continued.
"We have noticed lots of things we replicate in our own way," Sanga Promsri, Head of PRC's level 1 primary program, noted. Teacher-student interaction, ongoing professional development, internal and external peer review of faculty and student achievement, and even classroom set up, were named by PRC as areas that set PTIS apart. Indeed, the 2007 review from the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, a rigorous international education accreditation board, indicated PTIS's status as one of the finest boarding schools in Asia.
Principal of the PTIS Junior School, Maxine Driscoll, glowed with enthusiasm as she collaborated with PRC's faculty. Following a guided tour of PTIS, the school heads from each institution enjoyed lunch at the PTIS canteen, where it was announced that the Harris Institute at PRC will be opening its observatory - the only one in Thailand - this January. PRC has, in return for PTIS's hospitality, invited the international school to utilize its facilities with students. It appears that further collaboration is in store for northern Thailand's leading educational bodies.
Back to School for IB Asia-Pacific Director of Programmes
Dateline: 1 October 2008
Director of Programmes for the International Baccalaureate Asia-Pacific, Nigel Forbes-Harper, dedicated time to meet with Grade 11 and 12 students at PTIS International School in late September. He delivered a presentation on the power of the skills and concepts students, like those at PTIS, learn through subjects in the International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma programme (DP). Nigel described the respect that universities and colleges worldwide have for the IBDP. Many students are awarded scholarships and granted first year credits for IB diplomas and successful subject grades.
Nigel also shared with students his experience of working with universities internationally, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region, to promote greater understanding and acceptance of the IB. Work with admissions offices at prestigious universities has led to successful applications and even scholarships. Nigel further described several studies into university retention showing that IB graduates maintain the highest retention rates. Much of this is attributed IB students' success due to sound research practices, critical thinking and contributions to community events and service. Nigel acknowledged the tremendous success of PTIS students over the years, who have gained acceptance to quality universities in Thailand, the USA, UK, Europe, Asia, Australia and New Zealand.
Nigel's rise to his current senior position in the IB Asia-Pacific gave a powerful message to students and staff who remembered him as Head of the PTIS Senior School three years ago. Now based in Singapore, Nigel is, in a sense, is also a graduate of PTIS. His success is an example to all of where you can go with vision, clear goals, and determination. Nigel spoke fondly of his time working with students, teachers and parents at PTIS and was confident in the continued growth and success of the school and graduates. As an aside, Nigel commented on the attentiveness of his student audience and the sincerity and caliber of their questions.
Nigel's chief purpose in visiting PTIS was to head training of IB workshop leaders for professional development for K-12 teachers in the Asia-Pacific region. Due to PTIS's experience hosting global education conferences and the outstanding resources and facilities we offer, PTIS was again chosen as the venue for this multinational event.
Director of Programmes for the International Baccalaureate Asia-Pacific, Nigel Forbes-Harper, dedicated time to meet with Grade 11 and 12 students at PTIS International School in late September. He delivered a presentation on the power of the skills and concepts students, like those at PTIS, learn through subjects in the International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma programme (DP). Nigel described the respect that universities and colleges worldwide have for the IBDP. Many students are awarded scholarships and granted first year credits for IB diplomas and successful subject grades.
Nigel also shared with students his experience of working with universities internationally, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region, to promote greater understanding and acceptance of the IB. Work with admissions offices at prestigious universities has led to successful applications and even scholarships. Nigel further described several studies into university retention showing that IB graduates maintain the highest retention rates. Much of this is attributed IB students' success due to sound research practices, critical thinking and contributions to community events and service. Nigel acknowledged the tremendous success of PTIS students over the years, who have gained acceptance to quality universities in Thailand, the USA, UK, Europe, Asia, Australia and New Zealand.
Nigel's rise to his current senior position in the IB Asia-Pacific gave a powerful message to students and staff who remembered him as Head of the PTIS Senior School three years ago. Now based in Singapore, Nigel is, in a sense, is also a graduate of PTIS. His success is an example to all of where you can go with vision, clear goals, and determination. Nigel spoke fondly of his time working with students, teachers and parents at PTIS and was confident in the continued growth and success of the school and graduates. As an aside, Nigel commented on the attentiveness of his student audience and the sincerity and caliber of their questions.
Nigel's chief purpose in visiting PTIS was to head training of IB workshop leaders for professional development for K-12 teachers in the Asia-Pacific region. Due to PTIS's experience hosting global education conferences and the outstanding resources and facilities we offer, PTIS was again chosen as the venue for this multinational event.
Jungle Cooking Now Offered at PTIS
Dateline: 23 September 2008
As the rainy season slowly comes to an end the Visiting Schools Program plans to reap the benefits of the flourishing new crops. Our staff members have developed a new program that introduces students to an alternative cooking method. On The Prem Organic Farm students can now learn how to cook outdoors using natural resources from the surrounding forest.
The first trial program was held on Wednesday, 17th September, with four staff members leading four fellow staff. Upon arrival at the sala, large bases of bamboo trees had already been removed from the farm and were ready to be divided. The sticky rice had also been soaked overnight to absorb water.
Participating staff divided the large bamboo sections into 30 cm sections and filled them with either sticky rice or beaten eggs. These filled bamboo rods are planted upright into the burning wood so that the upper sections remain above the flame of a fire. Banana leaves were folded into boats which held a variety of mixed vegetables picked fresh that morning. As part of the main course tomatoes, garlic, mushrooms, onions, and chilies were roasted on bamboo skewers. Fish, pork, and tofu were held over the fire by bamboo sticks as well. Each item was slow cooked for about an hour over an open flame.
The verdict? "Aroi mak mak," says Izzy Bartley, who enjoyed the meal despite causing her tofu to be somewhat charcoaled. This half day program is now available to anyone interested, for more information and variations on this program contact Izzy Bartley, Outdoor Adventure Coordinator, at .
As the rainy season slowly comes to an end the Visiting Schools Program plans to reap the benefits of the flourishing new crops. Our staff members have developed a new program that introduces students to an alternative cooking method. On The Prem Organic Farm students can now learn how to cook outdoors using natural resources from the surrounding forest.
The first trial program was held on Wednesday, 17th September, with four staff members leading four fellow staff. Upon arrival at the sala, large bases of bamboo trees had already been removed from the farm and were ready to be divided. The sticky rice had also been soaked overnight to absorb water.
Participating staff divided the large bamboo sections into 30 cm sections and filled them with either sticky rice or beaten eggs. These filled bamboo rods are planted upright into the burning wood so that the upper sections remain above the flame of a fire. Banana leaves were folded into boats which held a variety of mixed vegetables picked fresh that morning. As part of the main course tomatoes, garlic, mushrooms, onions, and chilies were roasted on bamboo skewers. Fish, pork, and tofu were held over the fire by bamboo sticks as well. Each item was slow cooked for about an hour over an open flame.
The verdict? "Aroi mak mak," says Izzy Bartley, who enjoyed the meal despite causing her tofu to be somewhat charcoaled. This half day program is now available to anyone interested, for more information and variations on this program contact Izzy Bartley, Outdoor Adventure Coordinator, at .
DT Class Inquires and Creates at Cooking Academy
Dateline: 15 September 2008
Convinced by the aroma of their homemade pudding and by the tasty crunch of sweet and salty banana chips, PTIS's grade 7 Design Technology (DT) class recently discovered the many uses of the banana plant and practiced methods for cooking it at the Prem Center Organic Cooking Academy.
The Academy became the DT student’s lab as they put into practice the key steps they have learned as the foundation of creative action: investigation, planning, designing and creating. For the final step, evaluation, students rejoiced in the flavors that their cooking exposed and relished in bringing home extra treats.
Nittaya Papasak, Cooking Academy instructor, demonstrated to the class how the banana plant’s stalk, leaves, core, and fruit can be manipulated to create various tools, toys, and, of course, food. Callum Gent, a DT student who plans to recreate his new favorite banana desserts at home remarked that he "…was surprised to learn that we can use so many parts of the banana tree".
"The most difficult thing that I did was to create a banana leaf bowl," explained Ollie Boonyarit, another DT student. The class also considered the significance of the plant in terms of environmental sustainability, Thai culture and in the local economy. Isa Pengsagun, a learner who took on the responsibility of cutting and peeling the bananas for her cooking group, noted that "bananas are important food for lots of Thai families".
Inspiration from Shan Hattwell’s DT class has prompted the next phase in their work - the creation and design of a picture frame to commemorate their experience at the Prem Cooking Academy.
Convinced by the aroma of their homemade pudding and by the tasty crunch of sweet and salty banana chips, PTIS's grade 7 Design Technology (DT) class recently discovered the many uses of the banana plant and practiced methods for cooking it at the Prem Center Organic Cooking Academy.
The Academy became the DT student’s lab as they put into practice the key steps they have learned as the foundation of creative action: investigation, planning, designing and creating. For the final step, evaluation, students rejoiced in the flavors that their cooking exposed and relished in bringing home extra treats.
Nittaya Papasak, Cooking Academy instructor, demonstrated to the class how the banana plant’s stalk, leaves, core, and fruit can be manipulated to create various tools, toys, and, of course, food. Callum Gent, a DT student who plans to recreate his new favorite banana desserts at home remarked that he "…was surprised to learn that we can use so many parts of the banana tree".
"The most difficult thing that I did was to create a banana leaf bowl," explained Ollie Boonyarit, another DT student. The class also considered the significance of the plant in terms of environmental sustainability, Thai culture and in the local economy. Isa Pengsagun, a learner who took on the responsibility of cutting and peeling the bananas for her cooking group, noted that "bananas are important food for lots of Thai families".
Inspiration from Shan Hattwell’s DT class has prompted the next phase in their work - the creation and design of a picture frame to commemorate their experience at the Prem Cooking Academy.
PTIS U12 Olympic Day
Dateline: 12 September 2008
Hosted at PTIS Tinsulanonda International School
4th of September 2008
On Thursday September 4th, PTIS hosted a new initiative involving the students from the seven CMAC schools in a mock Olympics to celebrate internationalism and to encourage cooperation. One hundred and forty four students, equally representing the member schools, came together to make up twelve national Olympic teams comprised of ten to eleven years old contestants.
In line with Olympic tradition, the event commenced after an Opening Ceremony that involved dancing by several of PTIS’s grade 10 students, and an Olympic Oath taken on behalf of all athletes by Roman, a grade 6 student at PTIS. Students engaged in a Parade of Nations that rallied the athletes and filled the track with color, as a flag waved to represent each country. Then, in a surprise display of support and collaboration in line with the Olympic tone, PTIS’s grade 1 classes appeared with cards to bestow their encouragement upon the competitors and even provided them with healthy snacks, as this was their current study topic.
A team building exercise introduced the newly formed national teams to their fellow CMAC teammates. Then, from the PTIS Oval a torch relay in which one member from each school ran part of the track ensued. Students were divided to represent different countries with a faculty member leading them, and all were decked out in national regalia.
There were six rounds of activities and each ‘country’ completed against another country in six different sports similar to Olympic sports. There was group gymnastics, floor hockey, kayak racing, track & field, table tennis and kickball/cricket. PTIS Physical Education and Health teachers ran each event with help from senior "Sports Leaders" from the Grace International School.
Grade 11 students at PTIS performed at the Closing Ceremony and each student was given an Olympic gold medal. Competitors performed each event with sportsmanship and exhibited camaraderie in their collaboration with students at different CMAC schools. Not only did students work together, but parents and staff from each of the schools met one another and cheered for their child’s "country". Rather than having CMAC students engaged in a competition defined by athletic rigor as they are typically, this event embraced the spirit of internationalism that all CMAC members share.
Hosted at PTIS Tinsulanonda International School
4th of September 2008
On Thursday September 4th, PTIS hosted a new initiative involving the students from the seven CMAC schools in a mock Olympics to celebrate internationalism and to encourage cooperation. One hundred and forty four students, equally representing the member schools, came together to make up twelve national Olympic teams comprised of ten to eleven years old contestants.
In line with Olympic tradition, the event commenced after an Opening Ceremony that involved dancing by several of PTIS’s grade 10 students, and an Olympic Oath taken on behalf of all athletes by Roman, a grade 6 student at PTIS. Students engaged in a Parade of Nations that rallied the athletes and filled the track with color, as a flag waved to represent each country. Then, in a surprise display of support and collaboration in line with the Olympic tone, PTIS’s grade 1 classes appeared with cards to bestow their encouragement upon the competitors and even provided them with healthy snacks, as this was their current study topic.
A team building exercise introduced the newly formed national teams to their fellow CMAC teammates. Then, from the PTIS Oval a torch relay in which one member from each school ran part of the track ensued. Students were divided to represent different countries with a faculty member leading them, and all were decked out in national regalia.
There were six rounds of activities and each ‘country’ completed against another country in six different sports similar to Olympic sports. There was group gymnastics, floor hockey, kayak racing, track & field, table tennis and kickball/cricket. PTIS Physical Education and Health teachers ran each event with help from senior "Sports Leaders" from the Grace International School.
Grade 11 students at PTIS performed at the Closing Ceremony and each student was given an Olympic gold medal. Competitors performed each event with sportsmanship and exhibited camaraderie in their collaboration with students at different CMAC schools. Not only did students work together, but parents and staff from each of the schools met one another and cheered for their child’s "country". Rather than having CMAC students engaged in a competition defined by athletic rigor as they are typically, this event embraced the spirit of internationalism that all CMAC members share.
Senior School Back in Session
Dateline: 3 September 2008
On August 13th the Senior School reopened and commenced academic year 2008-2009. Students who achieved Honor Roll status last spring were recognized in an all-school assembly. Another community-wide assembly was held to honor Thailand's Queen Sirikit, whose birthday marks Mother's Day in Thailand.
The Senior School convened in many small meetings as well. Students embarked on new collaborative projects at the PTIS Library. Craig Rodgers, Senior School Principal, enjoyed lunch with new grade 6 students who enthusiastically recalled their summer adventures, their aspirations for learning this year, and their opinion on the best desserts at campus dining. When Craig inquired about the students' suggestions for the school, they enthusiastically shouted, "PE everyday"!
While the grade 6 students are acclimatising to the Senior School, the grade 9 students trained to take on new responsibilities at PTIS. Students met the challenges in their two-day overnight leadership course with great success. As Manawin exhibits here, team building and cooperation in planning and executing activities was essential.
On August 13th the Senior School reopened and commenced academic year 2008-2009. Students who achieved Honor Roll status last spring were recognized in an all-school assembly. Another community-wide assembly was held to honor Thailand's Queen Sirikit, whose birthday marks Mother's Day in Thailand.
The Senior School convened in many small meetings as well. Students embarked on new collaborative projects at the PTIS Library. Craig Rodgers, Senior School Principal, enjoyed lunch with new grade 6 students who enthusiastically recalled their summer adventures, their aspirations for learning this year, and their opinion on the best desserts at campus dining. When Craig inquired about the students' suggestions for the school, they enthusiastically shouted, "PE everyday"!
While the grade 6 students are acclimatising to the Senior School, the grade 9 students trained to take on new responsibilities at PTIS. Students met the challenges in their two-day overnight leadership course with great success. As Manawin exhibits here, team building and cooperation in planning and executing activities was essential.
Campus Covered in a Flurry of Campers
Dateline: 24 July 2008
After a solemn and sticky hot June month the campus is once again home to an array of faces from all over the world. The PTIS Camp hosted two camps during the month of July. Adventure Camp ran from 7th - 20th and included an exhilarating day zip wiring with Flight of the Gibbon, Treetop Adventure Co., Ltd. This was a great opportunity for the youngsters to get off campus and zip through the trees, terrified yet exhilarated to fly through the treetops like monkeys.
As adventure camp came to a close, we were quickly greeted by another batch of campers for the Holiday Intensive English Camp. We’re delighted to have thirty-seven students from four continents enjoy morning English classes with four teachers joining The PTIS team from The Diana Princess of Wales International Study Centre (DPWISC). This is a particularly exciting collaboration that we hope to continue in the future for the advancement of camp English programs.
When class time finishes, campers will enjoy a traditional summer swim in an attempt to beat the heat. Other camp afternoon activities include temple visits, golf, tennis, teambuilding, archery, cooking, and an overnight homestay.
The Holiday English Camp is the fourth camp run this year at PTIS. If you’ve missed out thus far, it’s not too late! ANT Camp will be held 11th-17th of October for ages 9 - 14 with similar adventure activities.
After a solemn and sticky hot June month the campus is once again home to an array of faces from all over the world. The PTIS Camp hosted two camps during the month of July. Adventure Camp ran from 7th - 20th and included an exhilarating day zip wiring with Flight of the Gibbon, Treetop Adventure Co., Ltd. This was a great opportunity for the youngsters to get off campus and zip through the trees, terrified yet exhilarated to fly through the treetops like monkeys.
As adventure camp came to a close, we were quickly greeted by another batch of campers for the Holiday Intensive English Camp. We’re delighted to have thirty-seven students from four continents enjoy morning English classes with four teachers joining The PTIS team from The Diana Princess of Wales International Study Centre (DPWISC). This is a particularly exciting collaboration that we hope to continue in the future for the advancement of camp English programs.
When class time finishes, campers will enjoy a traditional summer swim in an attempt to beat the heat. Other camp afternoon activities include temple visits, golf, tennis, teambuilding, archery, cooking, and an overnight homestay.
The Holiday English Camp is the fourth camp run this year at PTIS. If you’ve missed out thus far, it’s not too late! ANT Camp will be held 11th-17th of October for ages 9 - 14 with similar adventure activities.
Archived News
April - June 2008
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PTIS's Class of 2008 Graduates
Dateline: 2 June 2008
Follow Your Passion!
Isara is a Thai boy whose passion is computer games! Can you get a career in this area? Isara researched and found that you can do a Bachelor of Computer Gaming at many Universities but he needed a scholarship to go overseas. Enter BOND University Gold Coast Australia. Bond offered him a 25% scholarship to their exciting new Games Degree with the prospect of finishing in 2 years and working in the Industry by the age of 20! Isara from Thailand will be taking up this exciting new career in a field that is rapidly expanding and will begin studying in Australia in February 2009. In 2011 he will have a degree and be working.
The message is "You can be whatever you want to be in today's world". There are courses all over the world, scholarships available and suitable pathways that you can select. All you need is access to the information and the courage to "have a go". To give this information is the ever increasingly important role of the Career Counselor. However there is online support and College Fairs where much information can also be gleaned.
Ishaan from India has a real interest in anthropology and exploring human cultures. Where better to do a degree in this area than University College London ranked number 9 in the world by the Times University ranking system. He was accepted there and also at the London School of Economics. Quite a choice!
Rune from France is an excellent tennis player and wanted to study Business in a city where he could be challenged in his tennis career. He chose Melbourne, home of the Australian Open Tennis tournament and the sporting capital of Australia. He has been accepted to Melbourne University.
Bee from Cambodia is a girl who wants to be involved in Event Management by learning how to organize large scale festivals, conferences and concerts . She found a number of Universities that offer a degree in this specific field and is also going to Melbourne, a city which holds huge events every year, to study this area.. No doubt she will personally experience the Formula 1 Grand Prix, the Australian open Tennis, and the many Arts Festivals.
Olivier from France wants to be in the music business and has found (also in Melbourne), a Diploma course in Music Industry Business Skills that leads on to a degree at Monash University. He hopes to be managing bands successfully in a couple of years time.
Art (Thailand) is a classical guitarist. He has managed to become the student of world famous Timothy Kaine at Australian National University Canberra. He is one of two students accepted for performance classical guitar.
But what if you can not afford to study overseas? The answer is to find a scholarship or study locally in Thailand! The 10 students from the class of 2008 that won scholarships and accepted them sometimes had more than one scholarship offer.
Yangchen from Bhutan had 4 generous scholarship offers to study Business/Economics in North America. Andy and Jay from Korea got scholarships to UBC Vancouver Canada to study anthropology and architecture. Gabriel from the USA and Rupali and Sonali from the UK won scholarships to study liberal arts in San Fransisco and Oregon. Max (Germany) has a scholarship offer to study Law at Bond University Australia and Nadir (Australia) did not accept the scholarship offer from Syracuse but accepted Economics at Emory University instead.
Want to stay in Thailand? The two most famous Universities are Chulalongkorn and Thammasat and the Thai boys Mint and Steven are studying Architecture and Communications at Chula while Varut and Nuk are doing Engineering at Thammasat. Bas and Phanou (From Laos) are studying Business and Hospitality at Mahidol University while Pat has chosen Engineering at Chiang Mai University and Howard (from Taiwan) is studying Business at Payap here in Chiang Mai. Nat is studying Hospitality at Silpakorn University.
In a class of 45 there are many different personalities with different career pathways. Rafaela (Austria) has a passion for dance and performing arts and is pursuing these in her native Austria next year. Clemens and Fionn likewise are returning to their native country of Germany to study Engineering and Business. Kritya (Swiss) is going to Holland to study Leisure Management. Raglan (from Australia ) has chosen Edinburgh in Scotland with its first class reputation for his studies in medical science. Mor is going to her native Israel to study in the Service areas. Bo Hyun (Korea) will pursue Mathematics at Seoul University. Desiree (USA) has chosen University of San Diego for her Liberal Arts study while Lance (Thai/American) will go to Bentley USA to study Business.
The UK beckons many students with its first class reputation This year Anond from Thailand has chosen the interesting field of Archaeology and will study it at Exeter University. Heidi (UK) will focus on Development Studies at the University of East Anglia. Louis(UK) is studying Marine Biology at Newcastle University. Som has a choice of the UK at Bristol University or Melbourne Australia for her studies in psychology.
Many PTIS students have chosen the closeness and value for money of Australia to continue their studies
Duncan (Zimbabwe) will pursue Business at UQ Brisbane , Annabella (New Zealand) will do Business and languages at Melbourne University. Arvin ( India)and Ben(Australia) will do bio-medical science and science at La Trobe Melbourne. Kay (Korea) will major in Geography at Melbourne University while John(USA) is doing Business at Monash. Natisa (Indonesia) is showing her wonderful Fine Arts portfolio to the Victorian Academy of Art and other Melbourne Universities. Yoo Jin(Korea) has chosen Adelaide for medical science or dentistry while Matthew (New Zealand) will study Law at Monash University.
So the class of 2008 moves on from PTIS and into the world pursuing an incredible range of courses in Universities all over the world. To summarize in a class of 45 , all students found a placement where they can pursue their careers, 35 are going overseas, 10 have won scholarships,15 are going to Universities ranked in the top 50 in the world, 2 are going to Universities ranked in the top 10. 10 students are staying in Thailand. As Careers Counselor, I will watch their progress with interest .
Jon Hartmann Careers Counselor PTIS International School
Follow Your Passion!
Isara is a Thai boy whose passion is computer games! Can you get a career in this area? Isara researched and found that you can do a Bachelor of Computer Gaming at many Universities but he needed a scholarship to go overseas. Enter BOND University Gold Coast Australia. Bond offered him a 25% scholarship to their exciting new Games Degree with the prospect of finishing in 2 years and working in the Industry by the age of 20! Isara from Thailand will be taking up this exciting new career in a field that is rapidly expanding and will begin studying in Australia in February 2009. In 2011 he will have a degree and be working.
The message is "You can be whatever you want to be in today's world". There are courses all over the world, scholarships available and suitable pathways that you can select. All you need is access to the information and the courage to "have a go". To give this information is the ever increasingly important role of the Career Counselor. However there is online support and College Fairs where much information can also be gleaned.
Ishaan from India has a real interest in anthropology and exploring human cultures. Where better to do a degree in this area than University College London ranked number 9 in the world by the Times University ranking system. He was accepted there and also at the London School of Economics. Quite a choice!
Rune from France is an excellent tennis player and wanted to study Business in a city where he could be challenged in his tennis career. He chose Melbourne, home of the Australian Open Tennis tournament and the sporting capital of Australia. He has been accepted to Melbourne University.
Bee from Cambodia is a girl who wants to be involved in Event Management by learning how to organize large scale festivals, conferences and concerts . She found a number of Universities that offer a degree in this specific field and is also going to Melbourne, a city which holds huge events every year, to study this area.. No doubt she will personally experience the Formula 1 Grand Prix, the Australian open Tennis, and the many Arts Festivals.
Olivier from France wants to be in the music business and has found (also in Melbourne), a Diploma course in Music Industry Business Skills that leads on to a degree at Monash University. He hopes to be managing bands successfully in a couple of years time.
Art (Thailand) is a classical guitarist. He has managed to become the student of world famous Timothy Kaine at Australian National University Canberra. He is one of two students accepted for performance classical guitar.
But what if you can not afford to study overseas? The answer is to find a scholarship or study locally in Thailand! The 10 students from the class of 2008 that won scholarships and accepted them sometimes had more than one scholarship offer.
Yangchen from Bhutan had 4 generous scholarship offers to study Business/Economics in North America. Andy and Jay from Korea got scholarships to UBC Vancouver Canada to study anthropology and architecture. Gabriel from the USA and Rupali and Sonali from the UK won scholarships to study liberal arts in San Fransisco and Oregon. Max (Germany) has a scholarship offer to study Law at Bond University Australia and Nadir (Australia) did not accept the scholarship offer from Syracuse but accepted Economics at Emory University instead.
Want to stay in Thailand? The two most famous Universities are Chulalongkorn and Thammasat and the Thai boys Mint and Steven are studying Architecture and Communications at Chula while Varut and Nuk are doing Engineering at Thammasat. Bas and Phanou (From Laos) are studying Business and Hospitality at Mahidol University while Pat has chosen Engineering at Chiang Mai University and Howard (from Taiwan) is studying Business at Payap here in Chiang Mai. Nat is studying Hospitality at Silpakorn University.
In a class of 45 there are many different personalities with different career pathways. Rafaela (Austria) has a passion for dance and performing arts and is pursuing these in her native Austria next year. Clemens and Fionn likewise are returning to their native country of Germany to study Engineering and Business. Kritya (Swiss) is going to Holland to study Leisure Management. Raglan (from Australia ) has chosen Edinburgh in Scotland with its first class reputation for his studies in medical science. Mor is going to her native Israel to study in the Service areas. Bo Hyun (Korea) will pursue Mathematics at Seoul University. Desiree (USA) has chosen University of San Diego for her Liberal Arts study while Lance (Thai/American) will go to Bentley USA to study Business.
The UK beckons many students with its first class reputation This year Anond from Thailand has chosen the interesting field of Archaeology and will study it at Exeter University. Heidi (UK) will focus on Development Studies at the University of East Anglia. Louis(UK) is studying Marine Biology at Newcastle University. Som has a choice of the UK at Bristol University or Melbourne Australia for her studies in psychology.
Many PTIS students have chosen the closeness and value for money of Australia to continue their studies
Duncan (Zimbabwe) will pursue Business at UQ Brisbane , Annabella (New Zealand) will do Business and languages at Melbourne University. Arvin ( India)and Ben(Australia) will do bio-medical science and science at La Trobe Melbourne. Kay (Korea) will major in Geography at Melbourne University while John(USA) is doing Business at Monash. Natisa (Indonesia) is showing her wonderful Fine Arts portfolio to the Victorian Academy of Art and other Melbourne Universities. Yoo Jin(Korea) has chosen Adelaide for medical science or dentistry while Matthew (New Zealand) will study Law at Monash University.
So the class of 2008 moves on from PTIS and into the world pursuing an incredible range of courses in Universities all over the world. To summarize in a class of 45 , all students found a placement where they can pursue their careers, 35 are going overseas, 10 have won scholarships,15 are going to Universities ranked in the top 50 in the world, 2 are going to Universities ranked in the top 10. 10 students are staying in Thailand. As Careers Counselor, I will watch their progress with interest .
Jon Hartmann Careers Counselor PTIS International School
Graduation 2008
Dateline: 29 May 2008
Congratulations to our 45 grade 12 students who were awarded PTIS honours yesterday. The auditorium was filled with delighted parents, students and guests, complemented by the splendour of our largest graduating class on stage.
Raglan White introduced the afternoon and the student address delivered by Heidi and Nadir. A. Maurice gave his colourful teacher tribute before ‘You Are Loved’ beautifully sung by Jay, with Andy and Steve on piano and drums. This led into David Baird’s introduction to guest speaker Mom Tri.
The Head of School challenged students to live with vision, humility and balance. Mom Tri followed with his message for all to live global and green, acting to optimistically, consciously and effectively to secure the future of the planet and all its inhabitants.
Sonali, Rupali, Tia and Andy gave us their rendition of ‘Stand By Me’, preceding the formal awards and the recession of graduates to ‘We Are The Champions’ by PTIS Singers. Celebrations, photos and flowers continued outside with graduates, parents, students and staff sharing their joy of the moment, recognising the great achievements of all coming to the conclusion of their secondary education.
The same evening, graduates, teachers, families and friends gathered again for further celebration at the Shangri-La Hotel. This was a wonderful occasion with opportunities to share triumphs and reaffirm bonds with the school, friends, teachers and boarding staff that graduates and their families are soon to leave. We believe that this group will long remember their times at PTIS for their personal growth, friendships with each other and staff, as well as their great and varied accomplishments.
The Class of 2008 really wanted to graduate. They are ready to move on to the next exciting stage of their lives.
On behalf of the school, thank you to all graduates for your commitment over your years at PTIS, through your studies, leadership and participation in so many events.
Thank you also to all parents, who have offered strength and support to your sons and daughters.
Thank you as well to teachers and boarding staff made this learning and living environment a happy, safe, challenging and chapter in these students’ lives. Graduates, we invite you to share your new successes with us.
Craig Rodgers
Senior School Principal
Congratulations to our 45 grade 12 students who were awarded PTIS honours yesterday. The auditorium was filled with delighted parents, students and guests, complemented by the splendour of our largest graduating class on stage.
Raglan White introduced the afternoon and the student address delivered by Heidi and Nadir. A. Maurice gave his colourful teacher tribute before ‘You Are Loved’ beautifully sung by Jay, with Andy and Steve on piano and drums. This led into David Baird’s introduction to guest speaker Mom Tri.
The Head of School challenged students to live with vision, humility and balance. Mom Tri followed with his message for all to live global and green, acting to optimistically, consciously and effectively to secure the future of the planet and all its inhabitants.
Sonali, Rupali, Tia and Andy gave us their rendition of ‘Stand By Me’, preceding the formal awards and the recession of graduates to ‘We Are The Champions’ by PTIS Singers. Celebrations, photos and flowers continued outside with graduates, parents, students and staff sharing their joy of the moment, recognising the great achievements of all coming to the conclusion of their secondary education.
- Award Winners
-
- Sports Award - Tanabadin Wanuwisutchai (Bas)
- Arts Award - Kyung Phil Kim (Jay)
- Academic Award - Ishaan Rai
- Global Citizen Award - Lance See
The same evening, graduates, teachers, families and friends gathered again for further celebration at the Shangri-La Hotel. This was a wonderful occasion with opportunities to share triumphs and reaffirm bonds with the school, friends, teachers and boarding staff that graduates and their families are soon to leave. We believe that this group will long remember their times at PTIS for their personal growth, friendships with each other and staff, as well as their great and varied accomplishments.
The Class of 2008 really wanted to graduate. They are ready to move on to the next exciting stage of their lives.
On behalf of the school, thank you to all graduates for your commitment over your years at PTIS, through your studies, leadership and participation in so many events.
Thank you also to all parents, who have offered strength and support to your sons and daughters.
Thank you as well to teachers and boarding staff made this learning and living environment a happy, safe, challenging and chapter in these students’ lives. Graduates, we invite you to share your new successes with us.
Craig Rodgers
Senior School Principal
- Isara Khanjanasthiti [Gr.12 student]
CM Charity Calendar Project and Dream Weaving for Peace Foundation
Dateline: 8 April 2008
On the last day of the third term, several hundred students, parents and members of PTIS International School teaching staff assembled in the school's auditorium to witness the closingclosing celebrations of the Chinag Mai Charity Calendar Project with a donation of over 600,000 Thai Baht (19,000 USD) to the Dream Weaver for Peace Foundation.
Present were Khun Junnapong Saranak, Director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, Northern office Region One; Mr. David Baird, Chief Operating Officer, and Head of School; Khun Bunnam Wirutkaman, Director of the Dream Weaving for Peace Foundation, plus 20 children from the Foundation, together with the PTIS students whose paintings are featured in the calendar, and Ms. Ramlah Jafri, the calendar's creator.
The calendar project took over a year to carry out and involved the volunteer efforts of many children, parents and staff. Each page of the calendar was selected from students who painted specifically for the calendar project. The calendar celebrated the unique aspects of life in Chiang mai seen through the eyes of students from PTIS school
On the last day of the third term, several hundred students, parents and members of PTIS International School teaching staff assembled in the school's auditorium to witness the closingclosing celebrations of the Chinag Mai Charity Calendar Project with a donation of over 600,000 Thai Baht (19,000 USD) to the Dream Weaver for Peace Foundation.
Present were Khun Junnapong Saranak, Director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, Northern office Region One; Mr. David Baird, Chief Operating Officer, and Head of School; Khun Bunnam Wirutkaman, Director of the Dream Weaving for Peace Foundation, plus 20 children from the Foundation, together with the PTIS students whose paintings are featured in the calendar, and Ms. Ramlah Jafri, the calendar's creator.
The calendar project took over a year to carry out and involved the volunteer efforts of many children, parents and staff. Each page of the calendar was selected from students who painted specifically for the calendar project. The calendar celebrated the unique aspects of life in Chiang mai seen through the eyes of students from PTIS school
Archived News
Quiz Answers
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Prem Quarterly (Volume 2 Issue 2 Number 5) Quiz Answers
Dateline: 22 December, 2009
Your score ratings:
15 Correct Exceptional!
13-14 correct A Lanna Expert, very well done!
10-13 Correct Not too bad
Less than 10 Never mind, try another quiz in the next issue!
15 Correct Exceptional!
13-14 correct A Lanna Expert, very well done!
10-13 Correct Not too bad
Less than 10 Never mind, try another quiz in the next issue!
1. Although a synthetic form is now common, indigo is a natural dye still used by quality silk and textile studios. From what is it obtained?
a) A plant
b) The bark of a tropical tree
c) The seeds of flowering shrub
d) The scales of an insect
a) A plant, namely Indigofera tinctoria (true indigo) is used to produce the dye. For those interested, Patricia Cheesman, founder of Naenna Textiles, is a local expert, and the indigo dyeing process is carried out at her studio in Soi Chang Khian in Chiang Mai. (see Studio Naenna)
a) A plant
b) The bark of a tropical tree
c) The seeds of flowering shrub
d) The scales of an insect
a) A plant, namely Indigofera tinctoria (true indigo) is used to produce the dye. For those interested, Patricia Cheesman, founder of Naenna Textiles, is a local expert, and the indigo dyeing process is carried out at her studio in Soi Chang Khian in Chiang Mai. (see Studio Naenna)
2. A temple in Chiang Mai was once the home of the famous Emerald Buddha, now enshrined in Wat Phra Kaew in Bangkok’s Grand Palace. Which temple was it?
a) Wat Chedi Luang
b) Wat Phra Singh
c) Wat Chiang Mun
d) Wat U Mong
a) Wat Chedi Luang, which was damaged by an earthquake in 1545. The Emerald Buddha was subsequently moved to Luang Prabang in 1551, from there to Vientiane, and reached Bangkok in 1778.
a) Wat Chedi Luang
b) Wat Phra Singh
c) Wat Chiang Mun
d) Wat U Mong
a) Wat Chedi Luang, which was damaged by an earthquake in 1545. The Emerald Buddha was subsequently moved to Luang Prabang in 1551, from there to Vientiane, and reached Bangkok in 1778.
3. Where in Chiang Mai can you see a statue of Britain’s Queen Victoria?
a) The Gymkhana Club
b) The Christian Cemetery
c) The British Council grounds
d) Under a tree in the Citylife Magazine grounds, facing the Canal Road.
b) The Chiang Mai Foreign Cemetery was founded in 1898 when the land was donated by Royal Deed of Gift by King Chulalongkorn. For those interested, click here for a detailed history.
a) The Gymkhana Club
b) The Christian Cemetery
c) The British Council grounds
d) Under a tree in the Citylife Magazine grounds, facing the Canal Road.
b) The Chiang Mai Foreign Cemetery was founded in 1898 when the land was donated by Royal Deed of Gift by King Chulalongkorn. For those interested, click here for a detailed history.
4. The company called ‘Creative Kingdom’ is planning a huge project in 175 acres of ground near Chiang Mai. What is it going to be?
a) A aqua-theme park with lakes, slides, waterfalls and high-tech animated musical fountains
b) A horse racing course and athletics complex
c) A movie studio
d) A school for advanced studies in art, design, and computer graphics.
c) A mixed-use movie studio and residential development scheduled for completion in 2014. Plans include restaurants, entertainment and cultural venues.
a) A aqua-theme park with lakes, slides, waterfalls and high-tech animated musical fountains
b) A horse racing course and athletics complex
c) A movie studio
d) A school for advanced studies in art, design, and computer graphics.
c) A mixed-use movie studio and residential development scheduled for completion in 2014. Plans include restaurants, entertainment and cultural venues.
5. Which hotel in Chiang Mai is built on the site of a former foreign Consulate?
a) The Rachamankha
b) The Chedi
c) The Tamarind Village
d) The Ratilanna
b) The Chedi is constructed around what was once the British Consulate. The former consular building now houses the hotel’s restaurant.
a) The Rachamankha
b) The Chedi
c) The Tamarind Village
d) The Ratilanna
b) The Chedi is constructed around what was once the British Consulate. The former consular building now houses the hotel’s restaurant.
6. Something unusual is under the water of the Phayao Lake. What is it?
a) A mini-submarine abandoned by the US military during the 1998 Cobra Gold exercise
b) A submerged temple
c) A volcanic outflow
d) A 3-metre giant catfish, protected and fed by locals
b) An ancient temple called Wat Tilok Aram dating back to the end of the 15th century, was submerged during the construction of this artificial lake in 1939.
a) A mini-submarine abandoned by the US military during the 1998 Cobra Gold exercise
b) A submerged temple
c) A volcanic outflow
d) A 3-metre giant catfish, protected and fed by locals
b) An ancient temple called Wat Tilok Aram dating back to the end of the 15th century, was submerged during the construction of this artificial lake in 1939.
7. Doi Inthanon is one of Thailand’s best locations for bird-watching. How many species have been recorded there?
a) 200-250
b) 251-300
c) 301-350
d) More than 350
d) Reports indicate up to 400 different species
a) 200-250
b) 251-300
c) 301-350
d) More than 350
d) Reports indicate up to 400 different species
8. A famous institution in Chiang Mai took the family name of lady whose first name was ‘Cyrus’ What is it?
a) McKean Centre
b) Montford College
c) McCormick Hospital
d) Payap University
c) It was founded as a small 8-bed facility by American missionaries in 1888, at that time called the American Mission Hospital. New buildings at the present location were built with funds donated by a Mrs Cyrus McCormick, and the new hospital was officially named after her.
a) McKean Centre
b) Montford College
c) McCormick Hospital
d) Payap University
c) It was founded as a small 8-bed facility by American missionaries in 1888, at that time called the American Mission Hospital. New buildings at the present location were built with funds donated by a Mrs Cyrus McCormick, and the new hospital was officially named after her.
9. Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra was born on 26th July 1949 in San Kamphaeng, Chiang Mai. Which school did he attend?
a) Prince Royal's College
b) Grace International School
c) Dara Academy
d) Montfort College
d) Although raised in a Buddhist family, he was educated at Montford College, founded by the Roman Catholic Brothers of St Gabriel.
a) Prince Royal's College
b) Grace International School
c) Dara Academy
d) Montfort College
d) Although raised in a Buddhist family, he was educated at Montford College, founded by the Roman Catholic Brothers of St Gabriel.
10. If you were being taken to visit "Kad Luang" what would you expect to see?
a) A large market
b) A museum
c) A sacred Buddha image
d) A handicrafts village
a) Especially used to refer to the large market of Warorot in Chiang Mai.
a) A large market
b) A museum
c) A sacred Buddha image
d) A handicrafts village
a) Especially used to refer to the large market of Warorot in Chiang Mai.
10. What would you associate with the word 'Inthakin'?
a) A Buddhist amulet which protects against bodily injury
b) The centre of a city.
c) A rain-making festival, using bamboo rockets and firecrackers.
d) The orange cotton fabric from which Buddhist robes are made.
b) Refers to a wooden or stone ‘city pillar’ traditionally located at the geographical heart of the city. Different regions of Thailand use different names for these pillars, but in the old northern Thai language, the pillars were called ‘Inthakin’.
a) A Buddhist amulet which protects against bodily injury
b) The centre of a city.
c) A rain-making festival, using bamboo rockets and firecrackers.
d) The orange cotton fabric from which Buddhist robes are made.
b) Refers to a wooden or stone ‘city pillar’ traditionally located at the geographical heart of the city. Different regions of Thailand use different names for these pillars, but in the old northern Thai language, the pillars were called ‘Inthakin’.
11. A Panda cub was born on May 27th Chiang Mai Zoo, and the name was chosen from 22 million postcard-votes. What was it?
a)Theh Deebeh
b)Tai Jin
c)Lin Ping
d)Ying Ying
c) In Chinese, Lin Ping means "forest of ice". In Thai, the name refers to the Ping River the river which traverses Chiang Mai. It received 13.2 million votes.
a)Theh Deebeh
b)Tai Jin
c)Lin Ping
d)Ying Ying
c) In Chinese, Lin Ping means "forest of ice". In Thai, the name refers to the Ping River the river which traverses Chiang Mai. It received 13.2 million votes.
12. The new International Convention Centre for Chiang Mai will hopefully create much-needed revenue and project a higher global profile for the city. Where will it be located?
a)Adjoining the Ratchaphruek Royal Flora site.
b)Near the 700 year stadium, on the Canal Road
c)Integrated into the Chiang Mai Night Safari grounds.
d)Beyond Chiang Mai Zoo, left side, on the road leading up to Doi Suthep.
b) On a piece of land covering over 300 rai (about 120 acres) on the canal road near the stadium. Plans include office space for small and medium-sized enterprises and an area for semi-permanent exhibits. There will be a convention hall, meeting rooms, an 8,000-square-metre exhibition area. It is planned to make the centre's biggest convention room link with the exhibition area, creating a combined space for up to 12,000 people.
a)Adjoining the Ratchaphruek Royal Flora site.
b)Near the 700 year stadium, on the Canal Road
c)Integrated into the Chiang Mai Night Safari grounds.
d)Beyond Chiang Mai Zoo, left side, on the road leading up to Doi Suthep.
b) On a piece of land covering over 300 rai (about 120 acres) on the canal road near the stadium. Plans include office space for small and medium-sized enterprises and an area for semi-permanent exhibits. There will be a convention hall, meeting rooms, an 8,000-square-metre exhibition area. It is planned to make the centre's biggest convention room link with the exhibition area, creating a combined space for up to 12,000 people.
13.What would you associate with the term "Sop Ruak"?
a)A chilli and garlic prawn paste used in Northern Thai cuisine
b)The cremation ceremony of an important person
c)The "Golden Triangle" area in Chiang Rai province
d)A section of a chedi reserved for cremated remains or holy relics
c) Although the actual geographical ‘Golden Triangle’ refers to a large area reflecting the former opium trade and stretching into Myanmar, Laos and Thailand, tour companies conveniently pinpointed the small village of ‘Sop Ruak’ where the borders of the three countries meet at a scenic location on the Mekhong River.
a)A chilli and garlic prawn paste used in Northern Thai cuisine
b)The cremation ceremony of an important person
c)The "Golden Triangle" area in Chiang Rai province
d)A section of a chedi reserved for cremated remains or holy relics
c) Although the actual geographical ‘Golden Triangle’ refers to a large area reflecting the former opium trade and stretching into Myanmar, Laos and Thailand, tour companies conveniently pinpointed the small village of ‘Sop Ruak’ where the borders of the three countries meet at a scenic location on the Mekhong River.
14.What do you understand by the term "Niello"?
a)A type of rough cotton material mostly used for large items such as bed covers.
b)A triangular brightly coloured cushion or head rest.
c)A way of ornamenting metal objects.
d)A pestle and mortar made of a hard stone used to prepare food and crush spices
c) Black metallic alloys of sulfur with copper, silver or lead are used to fill an engraved design on the surface of another metal. Nielloware is one of Chiang Mai’s popular handicrafts.
a)A type of rough cotton material mostly used for large items such as bed covers.
b)A triangular brightly coloured cushion or head rest.
c)A way of ornamenting metal objects.
d)A pestle and mortar made of a hard stone used to prepare food and crush spices
c) Black metallic alloys of sulfur with copper, silver or lead are used to fill an engraved design on the surface of another metal. Nielloware is one of Chiang Mai’s popular handicrafts.
15. If you go shopping in Chiang Mai’s Wualai Road, what would you be mostly likely want to buy?
a) Flowers. Plants, garden supplies, tropical fish.
b) Silver items
c) Custom-made and ready-made wooden items, mostly household furniture.
d) Electrical supplies, especially lamps and lighting equipment.
b) The centre for silversmiths, and also a colourful Saturday night market
a) Flowers. Plants, garden supplies, tropical fish.
b) Silver items
c) Custom-made and ready-made wooden items, mostly household furniture.
d) Electrical supplies, especially lamps and lighting equipment.
b) The centre for silversmiths, and also a colourful Saturday night market
Prem Quarterly (Volume 1 Issue 4) Quiz Answers
Dateline: 15 September 2009
Your score ratings:
15 Correct Exceptional!
13-14 correct A Lanna Expert, very well done!
10-13 Correct Not too bad
Less than 10 Never mind, try another quiz in the next issue!
15 Correct Exceptional!
13-14 correct A Lanna Expert, very well done!
10-13 Correct Not too bad
Less than 10 Never mind, try another quiz in the next issue!
1.Most foreign residents in Chiang Mai are familiar with Chang Phuak. What does Chang Phuak mean?
a)The main entrance gate to a city
b)An entry gate reserved for skilled tradesmen
c)A white elephant
d)A war elephant
(c) Chang = elephant Phuak = white. A full history of Chang Phuak is given on CPA Media’s excellent web site. Chang Phuak also can refer to the galaxy called the Milky Way.
a)The main entrance gate to a city
b)An entry gate reserved for skilled tradesmen
c)A white elephant
d)A war elephant
(c) Chang = elephant Phuak = white. A full history of Chang Phuak is given on CPA Media’s excellent web site. Chang Phuak also can refer to the galaxy called the Milky Way.
2.The old town in Chiang Mai is home to a number of temples. How many are there within the city walls?
a)11
b)19
c)30
d)More than 30
(d) According to pundits, there are a total of 38 temples in the old city. Chiang Mai is said to have over 300.
a)11
b)19
c)30
d)More than 30
(d) According to pundits, there are a total of 38 temples in the old city. Chiang Mai is said to have over 300.
3."Saa" paper is used to make many decorative and useful items. Where does it come from?
a)Elephant manure
b)Mulberry
c)Banana
d)Hemp
(b) It is made from the bark of the Mulberry tree. When the bark is peeled off, it grows back again so the tree is not destroyed. Silkworms also feed on the leaves of the tree, and so two important Thai industries - Saa paper and silk - flourish thanks to this tree, whose uses were reportedly first discovered by the Karen hill tribe group. The berries are also highly nutritious. Yet another of Mother Nature’s wonders……
a)Elephant manure
b)Mulberry
c)Banana
d)Hemp
(b) It is made from the bark of the Mulberry tree. When the bark is peeled off, it grows back again so the tree is not destroyed. Silkworms also feed on the leaves of the tree, and so two important Thai industries - Saa paper and silk - flourish thanks to this tree, whose uses were reportedly first discovered by the Karen hill tribe group. The berries are also highly nutritious. Yet another of Mother Nature’s wonders……
4.If you followed the River Ping to its source, which country would you end up in?
a)Burma
b)Laos
c)China
d)Thailand
(d) The Ping River originates in Chiang Mai province, in the mountains of Chang Dao. After passing through Chiang Mai city it continues through the provinces of Lamphun, Tak, and Kamphaeng Phet joining the Nan River at Nakhon Sawan, where it forms the “River of Kings” the Chao Phaya, which flows through Bangkok.
a)Burma
b)Laos
c)China
d)Thailand
(d) The Ping River originates in Chiang Mai province, in the mountains of Chang Dao. After passing through Chiang Mai city it continues through the provinces of Lamphun, Tak, and Kamphaeng Phet joining the Nan River at Nakhon Sawan, where it forms the “River of Kings” the Chao Phaya, which flows through Bangkok.
5.Travel+Leisure Magazine in the US recently published the results of an impartial survey that allows its readers to vote for their favorite travel destinations around the world. Which position did Chiang Mai take in the ‘World’s Best Cities’ category?
a)Took 42nd place
b)Took 23rd place
c)Took 12th place
d)Took 5th place
(d) Since the awards began in 1995, readers of the magazine are polled both online and offline during February and March of each year, and are asked to judge according to specific criteria including: sights, culture and arts, restaurants and food, people, shopping and value. The top ten 2009 placings were as follows: (1) Udaipur, (2) Cape Town (3) Bangkok (4) Buenos Aires (5) Chiang Mai (6) Florence (7) Luang Prabang (8) New York (9) Rome and (10) San Francisco.
a)Took 42nd place
b)Took 23rd place
c)Took 12th place
d)Took 5th place
(d) Since the awards began in 1995, readers of the magazine are polled both online and offline during February and March of each year, and are asked to judge according to specific criteria including: sights, culture and arts, restaurants and food, people, shopping and value. The top ten 2009 placings were as follows: (1) Udaipur, (2) Cape Town (3) Bangkok (4) Buenos Aires (5) Chiang Mai (6) Florence (7) Luang Prabang (8) New York (9) Rome and (10) San Francisco.
6.What is the predominant feature of Chiang Mai City’s Municipality Emblem?
a)An elephant
b)Doi Suthep
c)A flower
d)A tree
(b) The city emblem shows the Chedi on top of Doi Suthep in its center, signifying the most important place of worship of Chiang Mai. Clouds below this are clouds referring to the moderate climate in the hills of northern Thailand. Below is a Naga, the mythological snake which is said to be the source of the Ping River. Above the heads of the naga are rice stalks, reflecting the fertility of the area. You can see it at http://www.cmcity.go.th/images/emblem.jpg
a)An elephant
b)Doi Suthep
c)A flower
d)A tree
(b) The city emblem shows the Chedi on top of Doi Suthep in its center, signifying the most important place of worship of Chiang Mai. Clouds below this are clouds referring to the moderate climate in the hills of northern Thailand. Below is a Naga, the mythological snake which is said to be the source of the Ping River. Above the heads of the naga are rice stalks, reflecting the fertility of the area. You can see it at http://www.cmcity.go.th/images/emblem.jpg
7.In Chiang Rai province, what would you associate with the word Kuomintang?
a)A type of small leaf Oolong tea grown at higher altitudes
b)Descendents of Chinese refugees.
c)A Chinese festival to remember ancestors
d)A government opium poppy substitution programme
(b) The descendents and a few remaining survivors and of the 93rd Division of Chiang Kai Chek’s Nationalist Army, the Kuomintang, who fled China after Mao Tse Tung’s victory. They number about 6000 and settled here after they helped the Thai government fight communist insurgents. In return for the Kuomintang’s military help, the ex-soldiers, their families and their descendents were given ID papers that permitted them to live in this beautiful area located on the alpine slopes of Doi Mae Salong. It has become a popular tourist attraction.
a)A type of small leaf Oolong tea grown at higher altitudes
b)Descendents of Chinese refugees.
c)A Chinese festival to remember ancestors
d)A government opium poppy substitution programme
(b) The descendents and a few remaining survivors and of the 93rd Division of Chiang Kai Chek’s Nationalist Army, the Kuomintang, who fled China after Mao Tse Tung’s victory. They number about 6000 and settled here after they helped the Thai government fight communist insurgents. In return for the Kuomintang’s military help, the ex-soldiers, their families and their descendents were given ID papers that permitted them to live in this beautiful area located on the alpine slopes of Doi Mae Salong. It has become a popular tourist attraction.
8.The Chiang Mai Gymkhana Club is the oldest club in Thailand. In which year was it formed?
a)1892
b)1898
c)1902
d)1909
(b) According to their web site: "The club was formed in 1898 by teak loggers and British expatriates who at that time defined the objectives of the club as being the encouragement of sport in Northern Siam. It is the oldest club in Thailand and one of the oldest clubs in Asia " Located on the old Chiang Mai-Lamphun road it has a 9-hole golf course, driving range, tennis and squash courts, library, snooker room, bars and restaurants.
a)1892
b)1898
c)1902
d)1909
(b) According to their web site: "The club was formed in 1898 by teak loggers and British expatriates who at that time defined the objectives of the club as being the encouragement of sport in Northern Siam. It is the oldest club in Thailand and one of the oldest clubs in Asia " Located on the old Chiang Mai-Lamphun road it has a 9-hole golf course, driving range, tennis and squash courts, library, snooker room, bars and restaurants.
9.If you were given a "Mo Hom " what would you do with it?
a)Use it to dispel odours in closed spaces.
b)Cash it in a bank
c)Use it as a spice in the kitchen
d)Wear it
(d) It is the familiar dark blue collarless cotton shirt worn by villagers in Northern Thailand. Phrae is a major production centre for Mo Hom.
a)Use it to dispel odours in closed spaces.
b)Cash it in a bank
c)Use it as a spice in the kitchen
d)Wear it
(d) It is the familiar dark blue collarless cotton shirt worn by villagers in Northern Thailand. Phrae is a major production centre for Mo Hom.
10.If you were invited to attend a Poy Luang what would you expect to experience?
a)A monk’s ordination
b)A village festival
c)The cremation of a very important member of the community
d)A longboat race on the Mekong River
(b) A northern Thai term for a "Grand Celebration" usually following alterations or improvements to a village temple. It lasts several days, which each village household participating with offerings to the temple and entertaining guests with food, beverages, dancing and much merry-making..
a)A monk’s ordination
b)A village festival
c)The cremation of a very important member of the community
d)A longboat race on the Mekong River
(b) A northern Thai term for a "Grand Celebration" usually following alterations or improvements to a village temple. It lasts several days, which each village household participating with offerings to the temple and entertaining guests with food, beverages, dancing and much merry-making..
11.Which ethnic group in Northern Thailand celebrates an annual Swing Ceremony?
a)Akha
b)Lisu
c)Hmong
d)Lahu
(a) The Swing Ceremony, held in mid-August and September, is the best known of all Akha celebrations. It is performed when the rice and corn have matured and are almost ready for harvest. In essence, this is a sacred thanksgiving ritual and an expression of respect and gratitude to ancestors. Feasting, singing and dancing continue for several days throughout the celebration.
a)Akha
b)Lisu
c)Hmong
d)Lahu
(a) The Swing Ceremony, held in mid-August and September, is the best known of all Akha celebrations. It is performed when the rice and corn have matured and are almost ready for harvest. In essence, this is a sacred thanksgiving ritual and an expression of respect and gratitude to ancestors. Feasting, singing and dancing continue for several days throughout the celebration.
12.Chiang Mai’s provincial flower comes from a tree. Which tree is it?
a)Golden Shower
b)Frangipani
c)Flame of the Forest
d)Bougainvillea
(c) Flame of the Forest is one of the most spectacularly beautiful trees in Thailand. With fiery red blossoms, it flowers profusely during the dry season.
a)Golden Shower
b)Frangipani
c)Flame of the Forest
d)Bougainvillea
(c) Flame of the Forest is one of the most spectacularly beautiful trees in Thailand. With fiery red blossoms, it flowers profusely during the dry season.
13.If you saw Buatong in the North of Thailand, what would it be?
a)Giant catfish from the Mekong River
b)Offerings of lotus flowers
c)A string of ceremonial flags at a festival or celebration
d)Wild flowers
(d) The "Dok Bua Tong" is also called the Mexican Sunflower and indigenous to Central America. It is most commonly associated with Mae Hong Son province, where it was originally planted by missionaries. It now grows wild over large areas of Mae Hong Son, flowering in the cool season, the bright yellow carpets of brilliant colour attracting tourists from all over the world.
a)Giant catfish from the Mekong River
b)Offerings of lotus flowers
c)A string of ceremonial flags at a festival or celebration
d)Wild flowers
(d) The "Dok Bua Tong" is also called the Mexican Sunflower and indigenous to Central America. It is most commonly associated with Mae Hong Son province, where it was originally planted by missionaries. It now grows wild over large areas of Mae Hong Son, flowering in the cool season, the bright yellow carpets of brilliant colour attracting tourists from all over the world.
14.The railway reached Chiang Mai in 1927. When was a fully paved road into the city completed?
a)1919
b)1946
c)1954
d)1972
(d) The last stretch of fully paved road into the city was not completed until 1972, three years after man landed on the moon!
a)1919
b)1946
c)1954
d)1972
(d) The last stretch of fully paved road into the city was not completed until 1972, three years after man landed on the moon!
15.What would you expect to see at a Poy Buat Louk Kaew?
a)An exhibition of jewellery and precious stones
b)Herbal medicines, soaps and cosmetics
c)The ordination of novice monks
d)A masked drama performed by children
(c) A ceremony to celebrate the ordination of novices in Lanna. Characterized by a colourful procession displaying offerings to the novices, it is considered that the pure thoughts of a child have more spiritual significance than the ordination of an adult monk. Offerings made to them are therefore perceived to carry a higher degree of merit.
a)An exhibition of jewellery and precious stones
b)Herbal medicines, soaps and cosmetics
c)The ordination of novice monks
d)A masked drama performed by children
(c) A ceremony to celebrate the ordination of novices in Lanna. Characterized by a colourful procession displaying offerings to the novices, it is considered that the pure thoughts of a child have more spiritual significance than the ordination of an adult monk. Offerings made to them are therefore perceived to carry a higher degree of merit.
Prem Quarterly (Vol 1 Issue 3) Quiz Answers
Dateline: 16 June 2009
a)A championship golf course
b)An ancient Kingdom
c)A type of giant catfish found in the Mekong River
d)A type of expensive fragrant tea grown on the high slopes of Chiang Rai province
(b) Hariphunchai was a Mon kingdom in the north of Thailand in the centuries before the Thais moved into the area. Its capital was at present-day Lamphun, which at that time was also called Hariphunchai. In 1292 the city was besieged and captured by the Thai kingdom of Lanna.
a)A type of horse-drawn carriage in Lampang
b)A triangular often brightly-coloured pillow or back rest
c)The bell tower of a Burmese-style temple
d)A river
(d) The Nan River originates in the Lanna province of the same name. It flows through the provinces of Uttaradit, Phitsanulok and Phichit, finally joining the Ping River at Nakhon Sawan where it becomes the Chao Phraya - the "River of Kings" reaching the sea through Bangkok.
a)Five baht
b)Ten baht
c)Twenty Baht
d)A hundred baht
(c) Although Lanna shares a lot of vocabulary with Standard Thai (but often pronounced or intoned differently) it also has its own distinctive words, and ‘sau’ meaning ‘twenty’ is very different to the standard Thai ‘yeesib’ equivalent for that number. The Northern Thai language (“Kham Muang”) is spoken by about six million people.
a)1020 acres
b)1340 acres
c)3003 acres
d)6000 acres
(c) There appears to be no agreement on definitive measurement, but it is estimated to be 1200 hectares or approx. 3000 acres
a)A British co-founder of the Gymkhana Club in 1898
b)A German engineer involved in the difficult construction of the Lampang-Chiang Mai railway line in the early 1900’s
c)A Scottish missionary who founded McCormick Hospital in 1889
d)An English merchant who visited Chiang Mai in 1587, and recorded his impressions
(d) Ralf Fitch was A "gentleman merchant" from London and one of the earliest English travellers and traders to visit the Middle East and Asia, including Chiang Mai (which he called "Jahahey") in 1586/87 His writings constitute the first English-language description of the city which includes this transcript:
"Jamahey is a very faire and great Towne, with fair houses of stone, well peopled, the streetes are very large, the men very well set and strong, with a cloth about them, bare headed and bare footed: for in all these Countreyes they weare no Shooes. The Women bee much fairer than those of Pegu. Heere in all these Countreyes they have no Wheat. They make some cakes of Rice. Hither to Jamahey come many marchants out of China, and bring great store of Muske, Gold, Silver, and many other things of China worke. Heere is great store of Victuals: They have such plenty, that they will not milk the Buffes, as they do in all other places"
a)Artificial rain-making techniques by small aircraft, “seeding” clouds above the city with dry ice and other substances to cause precipitation
b)An event featuring numerous hot air balloons, and an international festival
c)A stage production of song and dance by an Italian music company at the Kad Theatre
d)A powered hang gliding competition, with finalists required to land on a small ‘target’ at the 700-year stadium
(b) The event combined an International Heritage Festival and international weddings conducted aboard hot air balloons flying above the city. It was originally scheduled for Valentine’s Day 2008 at Ratchaphruek, but postponed following the death of HRH Princess Kalyani Vadhana, and took place 7-9th March 2008.
a)Stamps, and old telecommunications equipment
b)Vintage aircraft
c)History of narcotics, especially opium use and cultivation
d)Old stringed instruments
(b) An interesting vintage aircraft museum maintained by "Tango Squadron" Wing 41 at Chiang Mai Airport. Advance booking is required, and must be for a minimum of four persons.
a)A Meteorological Station
b)A Rehabilitation Centre
c)Pollution and Air Quality Control Centre
d)Control centre for the Mae Taeng Ngat Sombunchon reservoir
(b) It is the beautiful location of The McKean Institute, a former leprosarium which provides medical assistance to existing leprosy patients (now rare) and the physically disabled, as well as providing support to integrate patients back into society. It provides physical and occupational therapy, surgery, counseling, vocational training and socio-economic assistance. It was founded in 1908 by American missionary James W. McKean, and was the first leprosy center in Thailand.
a)The National Museum
b)The Railway Station
c)The Chedi Hotel
d)The U.S. Consulate
(d) The U.S. Consulate was once the royal residence of the last prince of Northern Thailand, Chao Kaew Nawarat, the building known at that time as the Chedi Ngarm, or ‘Beautiful Pagoda Palace’
a)An eco-tourism agreement between countries bordering the Mekong River
b)An agreement between several Asian countries to lend money to each other in case of financial need
c)A proposal to legalise prostitution, together with mandatory HIV testing for all workers
d)A plan to build floating rafts on the Ping River to act as a high quality Lanna tourist centre with shops, restaurants, cultural shops, etc.
(b) The Chiang Mai Initiative (CMI) is program of financial cooperation between the ASEAN nations plus China, Japan, and South Korea (often termed ASEAN+3) It was launched in Chiang Mai in May 2000 following the 1997 financial crisis to create ‘Bilateral Swap Arrangements’ in order to manage regional short-term liquidity problems, and designed to stabilize currencies in danger of being undermined on the world trading market.
a)1964
b)1967
c)1970
d)1971
(a) Chiang Mai University was founded in January 1964, in a royal charter granted by His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej. It is known amongst residents as CMU, or "Mor Chor" and has become one of the largest and most respected academic institutions in the country.
a)None at present
b)One
c)Two
d)Four
(c) Two, American Pacific International School (APIS) and PTIS International School. Outside of Bangkok, PTIS is currently the only school offering the full complement of International Baccalaureate (IB) programs, comprising the Primary Years (3-12 years) Programme (PYP); International Baccalaureate Middle Years (11 to 16 years) Programme (MYP); and International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme (for students aged 16 to 19)
a)1997
b)1993
c)1991
d)1988
(d) The very popular not-for-profit sporting event was inaugurated in 1988, and is held at the end of March through the first week in April at the Chiang Mai Gymkhana Club ground. The guiding philosophy is 'making friends through the sport of cricket', and ‘the social side of the tournament is treated with the same enthusiasm as the cricket’
a)A slow dance by young girls using lit candles, usually performed on a darkened stage
b)A Northern Thai version of Karaoke with amateur singing aided by a video screen and microphone
c)A floor table, or elevated tray, often made with rattan, lacquer or teakwood
d)A selection of spicy Northern Thai appetizers
(c) A floor table, best associated with the "Khantoke Dinner" popular with tourists, whereby guests sit on the floor around the table and share a selection of different dishes whilst entertained by traditional dances and ethnic cultural shows.
a)The Hill Tribe Museum
b)The Mae Sa Elephant Camp
c)The Chiang Mai Zoo
d)The Old Chiang Mai Cultural Centre
(c) Harold Mason Young began a collection of wild animals in his garden which grew so big he asked the Forestry Department for help. He was allocated land close to Chiang Mai University at the base of Doi Suthep, and the animals were relocated to what was to become a recognized zoo. After the missionary’s death, The Royal Zoological Society of Thailand took over the operation in 1977, and it has prospered ever since. It is best known for its Giant Pandas (which just gave birth to a baby panda) and the largest aquarium in Southeast Asia which occupies 13,895 square meters, and boasts the world’s largest acrylic walk-through tunnel, measuring 133 meters.
Your score ratings:
15 Correct = Exceptional!
13-14 correct = A Lanna Expert, very well done!
10-13 Correct = Not too bad
Less than 10 = Never mind, try another quiz in the next issue!
15 Correct = Exceptional!
13-14 correct = A Lanna Expert, very well done!
10-13 Correct = Not too bad
Less than 10 = Never mind, try another quiz in the next issue!
1) If you heard the word "Hariphunchai" what would you immediately think of?
a)A championship golf course
b)An ancient Kingdom
c)A type of giant catfish found in the Mekong River
d)A type of expensive fragrant tea grown on the high slopes of Chiang Rai province
(b) Hariphunchai was a Mon kingdom in the north of Thailand in the centuries before the Thais moved into the area. Its capital was at present-day Lamphun, which at that time was also called Hariphunchai. In 1292 the city was besieged and captured by the Thai kingdom of Lanna.
2) What would you associate with the word Nan?
a)A type of horse-drawn carriage in Lampang
b)A triangular often brightly-coloured pillow or back rest
c)The bell tower of a Burmese-style temple
d)A river
(d) The Nan River originates in the Lanna province of the same name. It flows through the provinces of Uttaradit, Phitsanulok and Phichit, finally joining the Ping River at Nakhon Sawan where it becomes the Chao Phraya - the "River of Kings" reaching the sea through Bangkok.
3) If a vendor quoted you a price of sau baht (sau pronounced like "cow") in Northern Thai dialect, how much would they be asking for?
a)Five baht
b)Ten baht
c)Twenty Baht
d)A hundred baht
(c) Although Lanna shares a lot of vocabulary with Standard Thai (but often pronounced or intoned differently) it also has its own distinctive words, and ‘sau’ meaning ‘twenty’ is very different to the standard Thai ‘yeesib’ equivalent for that number. The Northern Thai language (“Kham Muang”) is spoken by about six million people.
4) The Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden in Mae Rim is less than 30 kms from Chiang Mai city and has a wide collection of plant species, 12 exhibition greenhouses, garden and nature trails, educational and research activities, yet is little-visited by tourists. It occupies an area of:
a)1020 acres
b)1340 acres
c)3003 acres
d)6000 acres
(c) There appears to be no agreement on definitive measurement, but it is estimated to be 1200 hectares or approx. 3000 acres
5) Who was Ralf Fitch, and what is his historical connection with Chiang Mai? He was:
a)A British co-founder of the Gymkhana Club in 1898
b)A German engineer involved in the difficult construction of the Lampang-Chiang Mai railway line in the early 1900’s
c)A Scottish missionary who founded McCormick Hospital in 1889
d)An English merchant who visited Chiang Mai in 1587, and recorded his impressions
(d) Ralf Fitch was A "gentleman merchant" from London and one of the earliest English travellers and traders to visit the Middle East and Asia, including Chiang Mai (which he called "Jahahey") in 1586/87 His writings constitute the first English-language description of the city which includes this transcript:
"Jamahey is a very faire and great Towne, with fair houses of stone, well peopled, the streetes are very large, the men very well set and strong, with a cloth about them, bare headed and bare footed: for in all these Countreyes they weare no Shooes. The Women bee much fairer than those of Pegu. Heere in all these Countreyes they have no Wheat. They make some cakes of Rice. Hither to Jamahey come many marchants out of China, and bring great store of Muske, Gold, Silver, and many other things of China worke. Heere is great store of Victuals: They have such plenty, that they will not milk the Buffes, as they do in all other places"
6) In March 2008, Chiang Mai enjoyed something called Viva in the Air. What was it?
a)Artificial rain-making techniques by small aircraft, “seeding” clouds above the city with dry ice and other substances to cause precipitation
b)An event featuring numerous hot air balloons, and an international festival
c)A stage production of song and dance by an Italian music company at the Kad Theatre
d)A powered hang gliding competition, with finalists required to land on a small ‘target’ at the 700-year stadium
(b) The event combined an International Heritage Festival and international weddings conducted aboard hot air balloons flying above the city. It was originally scheduled for Valentine’s Day 2008 at Ratchaphruek, but postponed following the death of HRH Princess Kalyani Vadhana, and took place 7-9th March 2008.
7) What would you expect to find on display at the Tango Museum in Chiang Mai?
a)Stamps, and old telecommunications equipment
b)Vintage aircraft
c)History of narcotics, especially opium use and cultivation
d)Old stringed instruments
(b) An interesting vintage aircraft museum maintained by "Tango Squadron" Wing 41 at Chiang Mai Airport. Advance booking is required, and must be for a minimum of four persons.
8) Koh Klang is a small island in the Ping River. With what would you associate this island with?
a)A Meteorological Station
b)A Rehabilitation Centre
c)Pollution and Air Quality Control Centre
d)Control centre for the Mae Taeng Ngat Sombunchon reservoir
(b) It is the beautiful location of The McKean Institute, a former leprosarium which provides medical assistance to existing leprosy patients (now rare) and the physically disabled, as well as providing support to integrate patients back into society. It provides physical and occupational therapy, surgery, counseling, vocational training and socio-economic assistance. It was founded in 1908 by American missionary James W. McKean, and was the first leprosy center in Thailand.
9) A well-known site in Chiang Mai was formerly the location of a palace called Chedi Ngarm What is it today?
a)The National Museum
b)The Railway Station
c)The Chedi Hotel
d)The U.S. Consulate
(d) The U.S. Consulate was once the royal residence of the last prince of Northern Thailand, Chao Kaew Nawarat, the building known at that time as the Chedi Ngarm, or ‘Beautiful Pagoda Palace’
10) What do you understand by the Chiang Mai Initiative?
a)An eco-tourism agreement between countries bordering the Mekong River
b)An agreement between several Asian countries to lend money to each other in case of financial need
c)A proposal to legalise prostitution, together with mandatory HIV testing for all workers
d)A plan to build floating rafts on the Ping River to act as a high quality Lanna tourist centre with shops, restaurants, cultural shops, etc.
(b) The Chiang Mai Initiative (CMI) is program of financial cooperation between the ASEAN nations plus China, Japan, and South Korea (often termed ASEAN+3) It was launched in Chiang Mai in May 2000 following the 1997 financial crisis to create ‘Bilateral Swap Arrangements’ in order to manage regional short-term liquidity problems, and designed to stabilize currencies in danger of being undermined on the world trading market.
11) Chiang Mai University was the first provincial university in Thailand, and currently serves over 30,000 students. What year did it open?
a)1964
b)1967
c)1970
d)1971
(a) Chiang Mai University was founded in January 1964, in a royal charter granted by His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej. It is known amongst residents as CMU, or "Mor Chor" and has become one of the largest and most respected academic institutions in the country.
12) Chiang Mai is a growing centre of higher education, a university city less expensive than Bangkok and Phuket counterparts, and an ideal location for boarding students. How many international schools in Chiang Mai currently offer a boarding facility?
a)None at present
b)One
c)Two
d)Four
(c) Two, American Pacific International School (APIS) and PTIS International School. Outside of Bangkok, PTIS is currently the only school offering the full complement of International Baccalaureate (IB) programs, comprising the Primary Years (3-12 years) Programme (PYP); International Baccalaureate Middle Years (11 to 16 years) Programme (MYP); and International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme (for students aged 16 to 19)
13) The San Miguel Chiang Mai Cricket Sixes is an annual event organized by volunteers, held at the Gymkhana Club during the hottest time of the year, but extremely popular, with teams flying in from all over the world. What year was it inaugurated?
a)1997
b)1993
c)1991
d)1988
(d) The very popular not-for-profit sporting event was inaugurated in 1988, and is held at the end of March through the first week in April at the Chiang Mai Gymkhana Club ground. The guiding philosophy is 'making friends through the sport of cricket', and ‘the social side of the tournament is treated with the same enthusiasm as the cricket’
14) What is a Khantoke?
a)A slow dance by young girls using lit candles, usually performed on a darkened stage
b)A Northern Thai version of Karaoke with amateur singing aided by a video screen and microphone
c)A floor table, or elevated tray, often made with rattan, lacquer or teakwood
d)A selection of spicy Northern Thai appetizers
(c) A floor table, best associated with the "Khantoke Dinner" popular with tourists, whereby guests sit on the floor around the table and share a selection of different dishes whilst entertained by traditional dances and ethnic cultural shows.
15) In 1952, an American missionary, Harold Mason Young, started something small which has grown into an important tourist attraction in Chiang Mai. What is it today?
a)The Hill Tribe Museum
b)The Mae Sa Elephant Camp
c)The Chiang Mai Zoo
d)The Old Chiang Mai Cultural Centre
(c) Harold Mason Young began a collection of wild animals in his garden which grew so big he asked the Forestry Department for help. He was allocated land close to Chiang Mai University at the base of Doi Suthep, and the animals were relocated to what was to become a recognized zoo. After the missionary’s death, The Royal Zoological Society of Thailand took over the operation in 1977, and it has prospered ever since. It is best known for its Giant Pandas (which just gave birth to a baby panda) and the largest aquarium in Southeast Asia which occupies 13,895 square meters, and boasts the world’s largest acrylic walk-through tunnel, measuring 133 meters.
Prem Quarterly (Vol 1 Issue 2) Quiz Answers
Dateline: 30 March 2009
Answers to Quiz
How well do you know Chiang Mai and the North of Thailand?
Answers to Quiz
14-15 correct = A Lanna Expert, well done!
10-13 Correct = Not bad
Fewer than 10 = Never mind, try another quiz in the next issue!
10-13 Correct = Not bad
Fewer than 10 = Never mind, try another quiz in the next issue!
1. Chiang Mai is over 700 years old. In which year will it be 800 years old?
a) 2063
b) 2069
c) 2093
d) 2096
(d) Chiang Mai was founded in 1296 by King Mengrai. The city celebrated its 700 year anniversary in 1996. The “700 Year Stadium” on the canal road was built to commemorate the anniversary, and opened in time to host the South East Asian Games in December, 1995.
a) 2063
b) 2069
c) 2093
d) 2096
(d) Chiang Mai was founded in 1296 by King Mengrai. The city celebrated its 700 year anniversary in 1996. The “700 Year Stadium” on the canal road was built to commemorate the anniversary, and opened in time to host the South East Asian Games in December, 1995.
2. The northern location and altitude gives Chiang Mai a delightful climate between November and February. What is its height above sea level?
a) 310 metres
b) 578 metres
c) 921 metres
d) 1301 metres
(a) Chiang Mai is 310 metres (1020 feet) above sea level
a) 310 metres
b) 578 metres
c) 921 metres
d) 1301 metres
(a) Chiang Mai is 310 metres (1020 feet) above sea level
3. If you see "Khao Soy" what would you want to do?
a) Report it to the police immediately
b) Eat it
c) Drive down it in the correct direction
d) Wear it around your neck
(b) Khao Soy is a delicious soup-like dish made with deep-fried crispy egg noodles, spices, in a curry-based sauce with chicken beef or pork. Probably Burmese in origin, it’s a "must-try" for visitors to Chiang Mai, where it is very popular.
a) Report it to the police immediately
b) Eat it
c) Drive down it in the correct direction
d) Wear it around your neck
(b) Khao Soy is a delicious soup-like dish made with deep-fried crispy egg noodles, spices, in a curry-based sauce with chicken beef or pork. Probably Burmese in origin, it’s a "must-try" for visitors to Chiang Mai, where it is very popular.
4. Huay Kaew Road is a busy main road in Chiang Mai, home to many shops, hotels and businesses. What does ‘Huay Kaew’ mean in Thai?
a) A boundary between city and suburbs
b) A clear stream of water
c) Land or property belonging to a village headman
d) A fragrant forest, or wooded place
(b) from huay (ห้วย) = a stream ; creek & kaew (แก้ว) = glass or crystal
a) A boundary between city and suburbs
b) A clear stream of water
c) Land or property belonging to a village headman
d) A fragrant forest, or wooded place
(b) from huay (ห้วย) = a stream ; creek & kaew (แก้ว) = glass or crystal
5. A well-known hotel in Chiang Mai will celebrate its 40th birthday in 2009. Which one is it?
a) The Dusit Princess Hotel
b) The Suriwongse Hotel
c) The Amari Rincome Hotel
d) The Chiang Mai Hill Hotel
(c) The Amari Rincome Hotel opened in 1969, and hosted the 18th Annual Conference of the Pacific Area Travel Association (PATA) in the same year.
a) The Dusit Princess Hotel
b) The Suriwongse Hotel
c) The Amari Rincome Hotel
d) The Chiang Mai Hill Hotel
(c) The Amari Rincome Hotel opened in 1969, and hosted the 18th Annual Conference of the Pacific Area Travel Association (PATA) in the same year.
6. What do you understand by ‘Phrae’?
a) A boat racing festival on the Mekong river
b) A northern province
c) A zesty condiment made with soy sauce, lime juice, garlic & chilli
d) A section of a temple used for storing books and sacred documents
(b) Phrae is a northern Thai province, with one of the largest reserves of teak forests in the Kingdom. It is located on the banks of the Yom River, approximately 550 kilometres from Bangkok.
a) A boat racing festival on the Mekong river
b) A northern province
c) A zesty condiment made with soy sauce, lime juice, garlic & chilli
d) A section of a temple used for storing books and sacred documents
(b) Phrae is a northern Thai province, with one of the largest reserves of teak forests in the Kingdom. It is located on the banks of the Yom River, approximately 550 kilometres from Bangkok.
7. With what would you associate Yee Peng?
a) A variety of Oolong tea blended with jasmine
b) A diagonal weave pattern employed with rough cotton fabrics
c) A full moon festival
d) Mythical dragon creatures guarding temple entrances.
(c) Yee Peng is an annual festival held to celebrate the full moon in Chiang Mai, preceding Loy Krathong by one day in November, and named after the northern Thai term referring to the full moon of the 12th lunar month in the Buddhist calendar. It is best known for the launching of lanterns, and so often referred to as the ‘Lantern Festival’
a) A variety of Oolong tea blended with jasmine
b) A diagonal weave pattern employed with rough cotton fabrics
c) A full moon festival
d) Mythical dragon creatures guarding temple entrances.
(c) Yee Peng is an annual festival held to celebrate the full moon in Chiang Mai, preceding Loy Krathong by one day in November, and named after the northern Thai term referring to the full moon of the 12th lunar month in the Buddhist calendar. It is best known for the launching of lanterns, and so often referred to as the ‘Lantern Festival’
8. The Kad Theatre in Chiang Mai is of international standards, but still little-known to the outside world. How many people does it seat?
a) 767
b) 895
c) 1323
d) 1541
(d) It has 1541 seats divided into in three sections, upper circle, middle section and front stalls. The theatre is interconnected with the Kad Suan Kaew Shopping Centre and the Lotus Pang Suan Kaew Hotel
a) 767
b) 895
c) 1323
d) 1541
(d) It has 1541 seats divided into in three sections, upper circle, middle section and front stalls. The theatre is interconnected with the Kad Suan Kaew Shopping Centre and the Lotus Pang Suan Kaew Hotel
9. Sticky rice is a favourite in northern Thailand. What is added to make it sticky?
a) Sugar cane juice, before cooking
b) Coconut milk, after cooking
c) Condensed milk, after cooking
d) Nothing
(d) It is type of short-grained Asian rice (Oryza glutinosa) that is naturally sticky when cooked, and can be rolled easily into balls or shaped with the fingers. Best known as “Kao Nieow” it is often use in desserts, steamed with coconut milk and eaten with fresh mango or banana.
a) Sugar cane juice, before cooking
b) Coconut milk, after cooking
c) Condensed milk, after cooking
d) Nothing
(d) It is type of short-grained Asian rice (Oryza glutinosa) that is naturally sticky when cooked, and can be rolled easily into balls or shaped with the fingers. Best known as “Kao Nieow” it is often use in desserts, steamed with coconut milk and eaten with fresh mango or banana.
10. Phayao is one of the Lanna provinces. What is it best-known for?
a) The Opium Museum
b) The Golden Triangle
c) A large lake
d) The highest mountain in Thailand
(c) The artificial lake, covering an area of 2.3 km² with an average depth of 1.7 m. was created in 1939 to improve irrigation and submerged an ancient temple (Wat Tilok Aram) dating back to the 15th century. Debate continues as to possible restoration of the temple. Phayao town is located on the south-east corner of the lake.
a) The Opium Museum
b) The Golden Triangle
c) A large lake
d) The highest mountain in Thailand
(c) The artificial lake, covering an area of 2.3 km² with an average depth of 1.7 m. was created in 1939 to improve irrigation and submerged an ancient temple (Wat Tilok Aram) dating back to the 15th century. Debate continues as to possible restoration of the temple. Phayao town is located on the south-east corner of the lake.
11. Using the Thai unit of area measurement, PTIS International School in occupies 228 rais of land. How many acres does this represent?
a) 33.5
b) 66
c) 70
d) 90
(d) One rai is equal to 1,600 square metres (40 m × 40 m), or 0.3954 acres. A rai is sub-divided into 4 ngaan or 400 square waa.
a) 33.5
b) 66
c) 70
d) 90
(d) One rai is equal to 1,600 square metres (40 m × 40 m), or 0.3954 acres. A rai is sub-divided into 4 ngaan or 400 square waa.
12. Which fund-raising organization in Chiang Mai uses the slogan “Children helping Children”?
a) Viengping Children's Home
b) Chiang Mai Charity Calendar
c) Chiang Mai Friends Group
d) Foundation for the Education of Rural Children
(b) The Chiang Mai Charity Calendar, uses paintings as its main content. voluntarily submitted by school students Profit from calendar sales are donated to help poor children get an education.
a) Viengping Children's Home
b) Chiang Mai Charity Calendar
c) Chiang Mai Friends Group
d) Foundation for the Education of Rural Children
(b) The Chiang Mai Charity Calendar, uses paintings as its main content. voluntarily submitted by school students Profit from calendar sales are donated to help poor children get an education.
13. The oldest temple in Chiang Mai dates to the foundation of the city itself. Which one is it?
a) Wat Chedi Luang
b) Wat Phra Singh
c) Wat Phra Tat Doi Suthep
d) Wat Chiang Mun
(d) Wat Chiang Mun was built during the construction of the city in 1296 and said to be the residence of King Mengrai at that time.
a) Wat Chedi Luang
b) Wat Phra Singh
c) Wat Phra Tat Doi Suthep
d) Wat Chiang Mun
(d) Wat Chiang Mun was built during the construction of the city in 1296 and said to be the residence of King Mengrai at that time.
14. The "Songkran" festival is celebrated in Lanna with great enthusiasm, particularly in Chinag Mai. What does Songkran mean?
a) Blessings bestowed by lustral water
b) A reunion of family and close relatives
c) A movement or change
d) To make merit
(c) From the Sanskrit word sankrānti meaning "astrological passage" or the time when the sun changes direction from one constellation of the zodiac to another. Songkran is the traditional Thai New year, celebrated between 13-15 April.
a) Blessings bestowed by lustral water
b) A reunion of family and close relatives
c) A movement or change
d) To make merit
(c) From the Sanskrit word sankrānti meaning "astrological passage" or the time when the sun changes direction from one constellation of the zodiac to another. Songkran is the traditional Thai New year, celebrated between 13-15 April.
15.The “Galare” is a distinctive feature of Northern Thailand and the name is often given to restaurants and guest houses. What is it?
a) A silver bowl used by monks to receive offerings of food
b) A design feature
c) A small round table used to serve food to guests seated on the floor
d) A pestle and mortar used to prepare food and crush spices
(b) A galare is a distinctive ornamental feature on many northern Thai buildings formed by crossed roof rafters.
a) A silver bowl used by monks to receive offerings of food
b) A design feature
c) A small round table used to serve food to guests seated on the floor
d) A pestle and mortar used to prepare food and crush spices
(b) A galare is a distinctive ornamental feature on many northern Thai buildings formed by crossed roof rafters.
16. If somebody gave you a "Khom Loy" what would you want to do with it?
a) Blow into it to make a musical sound.
b) Launch it into the air
c) Float it on a stretch of water
d) Use it in the kitchen
(b) A "Khom Loy" is a "sky lantern" made from a flimsy bamboo frame covered with light mulberry (Sa) paper. A kerosene lamp fixed in the base is ignited causing the structure to float high in the air. Khom Loys are usually launched after dark, often hundreds at a time (see Yee Peng above) to celebrate festivals, or other commemorative occasions, making for a wonderful sight.
a) Blow into it to make a musical sound.
b) Launch it into the air
c) Float it on a stretch of water
d) Use it in the kitchen
(b) A "Khom Loy" is a "sky lantern" made from a flimsy bamboo frame covered with light mulberry (Sa) paper. A kerosene lamp fixed in the base is ignited causing the structure to float high in the air. Khom Loys are usually launched after dark, often hundreds at a time (see Yee Peng above) to celebrate festivals, or other commemorative occasions, making for a wonderful sight.
