Showing posts with label Statue. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Statue. Show all posts

Tuesday 18 June 2019

Miracle of 'Wild Boars' rescue transforms Thai cave into tourist draw


Tourists snap selfies by a bronze statue of the diver who died trying to save the 'Wild Boars' football team from a flooded cave, while momentos from their rescue fly off the shelves -- scooped up by the 1.3 million people who have descended on a once serene mountainside in northern Thailand.

"It's amazing what happened here. I followed everything from Australia," tourist John McGowan told AFP after taking photos at the visitor centre around 100 metres from the Tham Luang cave entrance.

"I wanted to see it with my own eyes," the 60-year-old said, adding he was a little disappointed the cave is still off limits to visitors.

For a few dollars tourists can get framed photos at the site, pick up posters of the footballers and take home a souvenir t-shirt  -- some printed with the face of Saman Gunan the Thai diver who died in the bid to save the group.

There has been extraordinary global interest in the picturesque rural backwater of Mae Sai since 12 youngsters -- aged between 11 and 16 -- and their coach entered the Tham Luang cave on June 23, 2018.
.

They quickly became trapped by rising water levels and the daring, unprecedented mission to extract them through twisting flooded passageways captivated the world for 18 nail-biting days.

When they emerged -- after being heavily sedated and manoeuvered out by expert divers -- they did so into the centre of a global media frenzy.

The cave, which previously received around 5,000 visitors a year, has since been inundated by visitors both Thai and foreign.

"A miracle has happened here with these children," Singaporean tourist Cheong, giving one name, said but adding Tham Luang "must still have a spiritual side" despite the mass popularity.
.

                            Dating with thai girls
.
- Tragedy and luck -

Mae Sai district, where the cave is located, was considered off the beaten track for foreign visitors. 

But between October 2018 and April this year alone "1.3 million people visited," site manager Kawee Prasomphol told AFP.

The government now has big plans for the area around the storied cave, Kawee added, allocating a total of 50 million baht ($1.6 million) including a shopping complex, restaurants, hotels and several campsites outside the national park.

Vans disgorge streams of tourists who explore a visitor hub where the centrepiece is a mural entitled "The Heroes".

It depicts the young footballers, stars of the rescue, and junta chief Prayut Chan-O-Cha -- a reminder of the governmental fingerprints in aiding their cause.

At the heart of the mural is the beaming face of Saman Gunan, the Thai Navy SEAL diver who ran out off oxygen attempting to establish an air line to the children and their coach -- the only fatality across the near three-week rescue mission. 

Laying white flowers at the foot of his bronze statue, Thai nurse Sumalee, who travelled four hours to the site, described him as "the hero of the whole country" in a sobering reminder of the risks involved in the rescue amid the blizzard of marketing opportunities now attached to the cave story. 

Nearby lottery ticket vendors are capitalising on the perceived good fortune linked to the boys' survival and the folkloric appeal of a nearby shrine. The number of stalls has mushroomed from a few dozen to around 250. 

Kraingkrai Kamsuwan, 60, who moved his stall to the site weeks after the rescue, sells 4,000 tickets a month ($2.5) but reckons more will visitors will arrive once the cave reopens. 
He told AFP: "People want to gamble after wishing for luck from the shrine."

Source - TheJakartaPost

Saturday 5 September 2015

Worshipping the Erawan Shrine, #Bangkok

Brahmin chief priest Phra Maharajchakru Sriwisutthikun (right) presides over a ceremony to worship the sacred Brahmin statue at the Erawan Shrine.

 The Brahmin chief priest pours holy water onto the statue.

 A traditional dancer, or Nang Ram, takes part in the ceremony.

 The statue has been completely repaired for the ceremony.

 People pray at the shrine after the Brahmin chief priest performed the ceremony.

 Devotees burn incense in prayer at the shrine.

More Pictures on the: BangkokPost

*****
*****





.

Thursday 3 September 2015

#Bangkok, Erawan Shrine ready for the grand rite


After Fine Art Department has been restored the ruin Erawan Shine for nine days, the golden Brahma statue is ready for tomorrow grand rite ceremony.
The newly restored statue is covered by old sheet weighted 2.5 kilogrammes.

This afternoon many worshipers continue to offer prayers to the statue even after it is finished.

Damaged by the bomb on August 17, the likeness of the Hindu god Brahma suffered damage to the chin, necklace, right index finger and right shin, he said, and the roof overhead was also affected. Thao Maha Prom Foundation is covering the costs of the restoration, estimated at Bt70,000.

Hosted Culture Minister Veera Rojpojanarat, tomorrow grand rite will take place at 7am.

.

.

.