· by Frans Betgem · 18 Jun, 2016
Khua Kula, the first Ping River bridge Khua Kula (ขัวกุลา) was a teak wooden bridge on the current location of the Chansom Memorial footbridge. Dr. Marion A. Cheek, an American missionary doctor, designed and built this...
· by Frans Betgem · 2 Jun, 2016
Sri Nakorn Ping Cinema The Sri Nakorn Ping Cinema was located close to the corner of Rachawong and Chiang Moi roads. The cinema was opened just after the end of World War Two and...
· by Frans Betgem · 2 Jun, 2016
Tommie’s Tourist Agency was in the late 60’s and early 70’s a leading tour organiser in Chiengmai as Chiang Mai was spelt in those days. The company’s main office was in Bangkok. The “Chiengmai”...
· by Frans Betgem · 30 May, 2016
The first Chiang Mai Railway station was opened on January 22, 1922. It was destroyed during World War Two during an air raid by planes of the USAAF (United States Army Air Forces). Japanese...
· by Frans Betgem · 30 May, 2016
The Railway Terminus Hotel was the predecessor of the Railway Hotel. It looks like it was a charming, small hotel. Boonserm Satrabhaya took this picture in 1952 from a helicopter. We more or less...
· by Frans Betgem · 29 May, 2016
Many Chiang Mai residents are familiar with the Poy Luang Hotel. This hotel has been closed for probably about 20 years. It is a 16-storey structure located on the super highway with the characteristic...
· by Frans Betgem · 29 May, 2016
Wat Rampoeng Tapotaram (วัดร่ำเปิง ตโปทาราม) is located at the foot of Doi Suthep, the mountain that overlooks Chiang Mai. It is a well-known meditation centre. It offers a 10-day long silent Vipassana meditation retreat....
· by Frans Betgem · 28 Apr, 2016
Over the years Songkran (ประเณีสงกรานต์) changed to what it is now. In the 50’s and 60’s festivities were concentrated in the Thapae road/Ping River area. Revellers were standing in the river splashing water on...
· by Frans Betgem · 28 Apr, 2016
Who doesn’t like old pictures of Chiang Mai? Of the Songkran festival (in Thai: ประเพณีสงกรานต์) there are many pictures to be found online but what story do they tell? Most of the black and...
· by Frans Betgem · 29 Mar, 2016
Wat Ku Tao, the Shan Temple Wat Ku Tao aka Wat Weruwanaramwiharn is a Buddhist temple located in Tambon Sriphum in Chiang Mai, next to the municipal stadium. “Weruwan Wiharn” means temple in the...