August 2018

Having stayed twice now at this most most Unique and funky, not to forget Arty, hotel. I would be remiss in not sharing the interior for you to see. The last time I stayed in this Hotel , before this occasion was back in 2007 on my Honeymoon, those were the days of well paid employment and being able to treat yourself without feeling guilty.

On this very recent stay it was once again on the Anniversary of my Wedding, times have changed and I could not have even considered this if my significant other had not spotted it for a much lower than usual price in one of their promotions. Spoil again? Why not. Know perhaps that I may either never be able to afford this Hotel for some considerable time, or just may want to stay somewhere else, I decided to photograph everything that I loved about this wonderful work of Art!

‘Unique’ is possible the most overused word in hotel marketing. So much so in fact, one might be tempted to question translation proficiency within the ranks of the Bangkok hospitality industry. [email protected] ram is one property that shies away from such grandiose claims however, subtly allowing guests to appreciate the hotel’s distinction qualities without screaming it from the elegant rooftop terrace.

The hotel itself may have graced Rama I opposite the National Stadium for the past seven years, the Phornprapha family behind the property has owned the land for decades. In fact, the very land the boutique hotel stands on was once the head office of the family's successful motor business. is a homage to the family’s history, local artists were contracted to infuse the hotel with industrial elements that created the family’s fortune.

From the moment one enters through the front doors, it’s plain to see that the talented artists have developed the concept with panache, leaving you in no doubt that this is anything but an average hotel. Borrowing inspiration from fairytale, each door of the 25-storey property marries an elegant combination of dark, sultry red tones with earthly, vibrant woods and artistic façades. Indeed, artistic consideration has been delivered with enthusiasm at every turn. From exposed wooden beams within the welcoming, comfortable bedrooms to the elegant menus at flagship French restaurant La rue (which contain carefully considered poetry, hand-drawn illustrations and dish descriptions from Executive Chef Gilles Poitmin that inform and enlighten), the hotel’s purpose is as layered as the deep artistic ethos.

It’s this attention to detail that demonstrates the passion that went into creating Bangkok’s first art concept hotel, even before the word ‘boutique’ made it’s invasive appearance and became the buzz word for 21st century hospitality

The Candle Festival is held every July in towns and Cities across Thailand, to celebrate the start of Buddhist Lent.

This one is from the city where i live, Korat, here in this video slide show you will see images of the wax carved floats, form the night time parade held in the centre of the old city.

The night time lights and sky make for interesting and sometimes dramatic features on the faces and bodies of the wax figures.
This was quite a challenging shoot.
Canon 70D

I currently reside in Nakhon Ratchasima, or Korat, in Thailand and one of the wonderful spectacles /festivals you can see is The Candle Festival.

Traditionally Held in July it marks the end of three months of Buddhist Lent. Each float will come from it's own designated Wat/Temple, and is lovingly and with great respect , hand carved. Each year new additions/repairs are made and this is reflected in the differing shades of wax.

During the Korat Candle Festival, visitors are invited to take part and marvel at the many spectacular candles skilfully carved by Nakhon Ratchasima's local artisans. The carved candles tell the stories of the lives of the Lord Buddha, the activities in honour of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, as well as the cultural and historical attractions unique to Nakhon Rachasima.

The grand procession of exquisitely-carved candles will be held around the Korat on the 12 July while a smaller scale parade of all carved candles that have entered into the wax candle carving competition will be taking place at the Tao Suranaree Monument. The winner of the most beautifully carved candles will receive the Royal Trophy from Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn.

Throughout the three days, visitors will be mesmerised by the exquisite hand carved candles, spectacular light and sound multimedia presentations as well as rare cultural performances such as Khon Thai masked dance, merit-making caremonies, wax candle carving competition and a photo competition.

This year was poignantly added to with a Boar to represent the 11 football team members that were rescued from the caves in Udon Thani District. Along with miniatures of the boys and their rescuers.

The images in this daytime video were taken the day after the weekend , where the floats are "parked" outside the major shopping malls/Centres . Then people who may not have been able to go to the evening ceremonies, can view them and make merit(donation). The money then goes back to the designated Wats/Temples.