EVENTS AT THE ROSE GARDEN: ACCESSIBILITY A pioneer and veteran in Thailand’s meetings and conventions industry, in 1978, The Rose Garden Country Resort was selected as the host venue for the World Orchid Conference, the first ever large-scale international conference to be held in Thailand. A complete resort with its own golf course right next door, The Rose Garden Aprime Resort offers a comprehensive range of facilities needed to guarantee event success -- in one convenient location. With tropical gardens and beautifully-landscaped botanical gardens providing an elegant natural backdrop, the resort is frequently the venue of choice for exotic theme parties and grand incentive events. ACCOMMODATION Unique Accommodation for VIPS. Ideal for Incentive Meetings. With the range of accommodation and meeting facilities available on site, The Rose Garden Aprime Resort is well-resourced and fully equipped to host events with complex meeting programmes and requiring various meeting room configurations. CONVENTION AND BANQUET FACILITIES CULTURAL PROGRAMME AND SOCIAL ACTIVITIES CULINARY EXCELLENCE AND PROFESSIONAL CATERING Set in the agricultural heartlands of Central Thailand, the surrounding area is famous for its delicious fresh produce, particularly fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs from the orchards, plantations and vegetable plots, mostly organically-farmed, offering the freshest ingredients and infinite resources for chefs at The Rose Garden to create the finest in Thai and international cuisine. The provincial fresh markets are also known for its extensive offering of traditional Thai home-made cuisine and desserts. Agrotourism, featuring day trips to orchards and plantations and the fresh markets, are also offered as part of The Rose Garden’s culturally-enriching “Thai Living” and “Thai Cooking Classes” programmes. ‘Show-time’ At The Rose Garden Team-Building Team-building in The Rose Garden's ‘Thai Kitchen’ In Thai culture, meal times are a highly social affair with family members and friends congregating – not just for the pleasure of sharing a meal, but to help with the elaborate preparation of fresh ingredients. The kitchen becomes the centre of activity with each person assigned a specific task – cutting, chopping, slicing, dicing, julienne, mincing, roasting, pounding and the carving of vegetables and fruit into ornate shapes; others provide the song and dance, and good company. This team-building exercise offers an ‘added plus’; participants acquire a unique set of skills that they will be able to readily use when entertaining. TIME-OUT The Rose Garden Aprime Resort places a vast variety of resources at the disposal of the meeting planner or event organiser, including the use of its lush tropical gardens and the Thai Village. This offers endless creative opportunities for staging the ultimate event. And as an added plus, for a change of landscape, rhythm and pace, Bangkok is less than an hour’s drive away
‘THAI NIGHT’ THEME PARTIES: SONGKRAN – THE TRADITIONAL THAI NEW YEAR CELEBRATION Known the world-over for its tradition of water-splashing, Songkran – the Thai New Year celebrations take place during April 13 - 15. It is a time for religious ceremonies and merit-making, as well as fun-filled festivities celebrated with family and friends. The Thai New Year is also a time for reunions with family ties and friendships renewed. Community spirit prevails with members of the local community enthusiastically taking part in Songkran festivities, sharing in the fun and spreading happiness and goodwill to all. The underlying significance of Songkran is the process of cleansing and purification. Water is symbolic of the cleaning process and signifies purity. It washes away all ills, misfortune and evil and signals a fresh start to the New Year with all that is good and pure. Songkran is also a time for thanksgiving – a time to reflect upon the acts of kindness and thoughtfulness, and acts of generosity and compassion that bring peace, happiness and well-being. Acts of kindness and generosity towards others are reflected in the preparation, exchange and sharing of food and desserts by members of the community and the sprinkling of water on each other. This is a gesture of hospitality shown as individuals attempt to "cool" each other off in the intense summer heat. Gratitude is expressed to individuals who have shown goodwill and are worthy of respect and recognition. This is reflected in ceremonial aspects such as the pouring of lustral water over the hands of elders and respected individuals. The evening's celebrations consists of various forms of folk performances and entertainment. The "Ram Wong" Thai folk dance presents an opportunity for everyone to join in the fun. LOI KRATHONG Loi Krathong is one of the Kingdom's oldest and best-preserved traditions. As the full moon of the twelfth lunar month (usually in mid-November) rises in the night sky, throughout the Thai kingdom, hundreds of thousands of ‘kratong’ or ornately-decorated traditional banana leaf floats in the shape of lotus blossoms, each carrying a flickering candle, are set adrift on rivers and waterways in a spell-binding ritual called "Loi Krathong" - the 'festival of lights". In traditional river-based communities dependent on water for crop cultivation and agriculture, water, the essence of life, shapes the local culture and way of life. Loi Krathong evolved as a ritual to pay homage to Mae Khongkha - Mother of Waters, for the gift of life. For couples, Loi Krathong is the time to make wishes for happiness together and success in love. Others believe that by setting the krathong adrift, one symbolically casts away one's grief, misery and ill-fortunes. As the full moon begins to rise at dusk, the krathong is decorated with fresh flowers. A candle and incense sticks are placed in the krathong. The float is then taken to a waterway where the candle and incense sticks are lit and the krathong set adrift. The floats are carried downstream by the gentle current, candlelight flickering in the wind. The evening's festive highlights include firework displays, folk entertainment, song and dance. SONGKRAN OR LOY KRATHONG ‘THAI NIGHT’ As the evening progresses, guests are invited to join in the festive procession and the evening’s cultural entertainment which culminates in an impressive fireworks display. The night comes to a close with villagers bidding farewell. RUEN KAEW THEME THE TEMPLE FAIR Throughout the Thai kingdom, including in Bangkok, temple fairs are still very much alive and well and remain an important element of Thai life. Festive celebrations in the form of temple fairs are lively and very colourful events designed to strengthen the bond between the temple and the community it serves by promoting community spirit. The fairs are typically organised in conjunction with key festivals and ceremonies to mark important dates on the Buddhist calendar, such as Songkran – the Thai New Year celebrations, and other auspicious occasions. In addition to merit-making activities, song and dance and festive fun are the order of the day. Temple fairs are also ‘the place to meet’; a venue where new friendships were struck and old ties were renewed. Temple fairs reflect the wisdom, foresight and ingenuity of ancient abbots who realised that in order to encourage more people, especially younger folk, to pay regular visits to the temple for merit-making, Buddhist sermons and religious instruction were best balanced with elements of fun and entertainment. The abbots also realised that religious instruction could be achieved with equal effectiveness when conveyed through folk art and entertainment, particularly mural paintings, stage plays and the theatrical arts depicting Buddhist teachings as well as Buddhist tales and folklore.
‘THAI LIVING’: Opportunities are provided for guests to personally experience Thai cooking that can be readily adapted to any modern kitchen. Then after a long day, enjoy traditional Thai massage, and explore the fascinating nearby local night bazaar at Nakhon Pathom. For a complete ‘Thai Living’ experience, opt for the package that includes accommodation in an ancient Classical Thai teak house that has been lovingly restored, but fitted with modern amenities for a comfortable stay as well as a luxuriously enchanting experience. The Thai Living tour programme was selected for the Thailand Tourism Awards – Award of Outstanding Performance for Best Tour Programme. HIGHLIGHTS Merit-making In the cool of the morning, enjoy a hearty buffet breakfast featuring local delicacies as well as an English Breakfast served on the pier by the pool. Then embark on an exciting day of discovery. Cruise along the scenic Ta Chine River to Wat Rai Khing temple and visit the famous natural fish sanctuary. Explore the 40-hectare resort with its immaculately, manicured lawns and beautifully-landscaped gardens by the river. Join The Rose Garden Botanical Walk, a relaxing guided stroll through the splendid gardens with our expert gardeners. Stop by the herb garden and vegetable plots by the Thai pavilion, built in the Ayutthaya-style, and learn about the many different types of herbs, spices, vegetables and plants that are grown organically. Later in the morning, enjoy a demonstration of Thai food preparation and try your hand at Thai cuisine during a cookery lesson. In the late afternoon, set off on a 30-minute drive to Nakhon Pathom, believed to be the oldest city of ancient Siam, and visit Phra Pathom Chedi - Thailand's tallest pagoda. End the day with a stroll through the night market where you’ll find hundreds of food stalls as well as fruits and flowers. THAI COOKING ADVENTURE: The programme is designed to offer small groups of not more than 20 people an opportunity to experience, first-hand, the art of Thai Cooking that can be readily adapted to any modern kitchen. After a hearty Rose Garden buffet breakfast, set off for Maha the coral reefs; or simply laze the day away on the beach or in the Jacuzzi in your private villa.
THE SECRET GARDEN SPA AT THE ROSE GARDEN Set in ‘faithfully Thai’ natural tropical surroundings, the Secret Garden Spa is truly a ‘Thai spa’ where the harmony of Thai-ness and professionally-administered spa services can be experienced and enjoyed. While The Secret Garden Spa embodies indigenous Thai Spa concepts, it maintains the highest internationally-recognised standards of service – a vital element of any professionally-operated spa. Our therapists are well trained and meticulous attention is devoted to the attainment of the highest possible standards in hygiene, sanitation and professional treatments. Services are graciously conducted in a graceful, traditional Thai manner, and yet professionally delivered under the close supervision of certified medical experts. Completely isolated from the pressures and stress of modern living, time in the absolute tranquillity of the natural tropical setting of the Secret Garden Spa is your time to relax, reflect, revitalize and rejoice in an exclusively secluded Thai ambience. The traditional Thai approach to health and well-being offers insight into many fascinating aspects of Thai culture. An authentic ‘Thai spa’ experience thus adds another exotic dimension to your holiday in Thailand. PROFESSIONAL FOOT CARE, RELAXING FOOT MASSAGE AND REFLEXOLOGY Our feet help us balance, and in an average lifetime, they carry us the equivalent of five times round the earth. The average person, engaging in non-strenuous activity, walks approximately 4 miles every day bringing to bear on the feet, a force equal to several hundred tons. When we run, the pressure placed on each foot can be three to four times our normal body weight. In return, we rarely give our feet the attention they deserve. Proper foot-care is essential to healthy, pain-free feet and should be as much a part of our daily routine as brushing our teeth. It’s never too late to start caring for your feet. It takes only approximately an hour to complete the entire professional footcare course complete with relaxing massage and reflexology. The basic treatment consists of four elements namely – soaking, scrubbing or exfoliation, a relaxing massage and reflexology – plus nail care and nail polish added on as extra pluses. CHEEVAJIT PROGRAMME This intensive course provides essential knowledge about the body, what it needs to function well and valuable advice on how to maintain a healthy outlook on life. THAI TRADITIONAL MASSAGE Some scholars speculate that in view of the kingdom’s long-established trading relationships with China which span several centuries of history, there might have also been Chinese influences on Thai culture. Such influences may have also shaped the evolution of Thai massage. Over time, the art was refined and shaped into its present form. Thai traditional massage exemplifies the ‘Four Divine States of Mind’ in Buddhist teaching: loving kindness, compassion, vicarious joy and equanimity. These are collectively known in Thai as the ‘Phromwihan See’. They embody the spirit in which Thai traditional massage as an ancient healing technique was traditionally administered. Thai traditional massage treatments generally fall into one of two categories: full body routines which can last from between 30 minutes to 2 hours and localised therapy. In Thai traditional massage, treatment is carried out with the individual receiving the treatment, fully clothed and lying flat on the floor. A number of gentle techniques using the thumbs, elbows and feet are applied to release tension and allow energy to flow freely. Thai traditional massage promotes physical flexibility and agility, and even calms the mind. Some refer to this form of massage as ‘passive yoga’. When delivered under medical supervision, Thai traditional massage is safe. Many believe that until you’ve experienced authentic Thai traditional massage, you haven’t really ‘discovered’ the real taste of Thailand. &nvariety, change and lasting memories – like the holiday itself. ‘ALL IN ONE’ GOLF PACKAGE
The 2-Nights Package includes:
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The U-Thong Inn is conveniently situated north of Bangkok in Ayutthaya, the former glorious capital of the Thai kingdom and the home of many beautiful temples and palaces, about 30 minutes-drive from Bangkok International Airport. The U-Thong Inn enjoys its proximity of the Ayutthaya-Historical-Park, A 
World Heritage Site, the Bang Pa In Palace and the Bangsai Royal Folk Arts and Crafts Center. The facilities at the U-Thong Inn combine to provide the perfect environment for meetings and conferences. Our inviting guest suites and rooms and comfortable meeting rooms were designed especially to inspire creative thinking, encourage learning and enhance productivity. The outstanding cuisine, prepared fresh daily, will tempt you with a variety of choices. 
Central and individual Control Air-conditioning
Wat Prasrisanpetch 
Chedi Sri Suriyothai
Wat Chaiwattanaram 
Wat Yai Chaimongkol 
Wat Pukaothong (the Golden Mountain Temple) 
Bang Pa-In Summer Palace 
The Thai Village and the Cultural Centre at The Rose Garden is set in 70 acres of lush tropical gardens, adjacent to the famous country resort by the Ta Chine River.
When the Thai Village Cultural Show made its debut in 1970, it was the first ever cultural presentation of its kind to be staged.
The show portrays captivating scenes of everyday life in rural Thailand and ‘Thai ways’ offering visitors and guests, a vivid introduction to Thai living, time-honoured customs and traditions, the ‘cycle of life’ in an agricultural community in Thailand, the Thai passion for good-natured festive fun or ‘sanuk’, and Thai ‘joie de vivre’ – the celebration of Life and good times, as expressed in the folk songs and dance of the four regions of Thailand.
Authentically Thai
The Thai Village and its Cultural Show comes alive with a cast of 150 gifted performers from the local community, many of whom who have lived with their families in the ‘Thai Village’ at The Rose Garden and/or have worked at the resort since its opening in 1969. With the local community still going about their daily chores and living their lives as they normally would in rural Thailand, the village provides a natural and perfect backdrop for the Thai Village Cultural Show. Visitors and guests are presented with a rare opportunity to witness and experience Thai ways in a natural setting.
The Preservation of Thai Cultural Heritage
Over the years, new family members have joined the impressive cast which now spans three generations of descendants of the original performers. Beyond its educational and entertainment value, the show itself is living proof of Thai cultural heritage being passed down from generation to generation, and preserved for future generations.
To date, the Thai Village and Cultural Show has welcomed over 14,000,000 visitors from around the world and is Thailand’s most successful and longest-running Thai cultural performance.
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Daybreak: | ||||||||
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An ancient lullaby | ||||||||
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Ordination procession | ||||||||
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The Nagee Saran Dance | ||||||||
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Harvest Dance | ||||||||
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Glong Sabatchai Victory Drums | ||||||||
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Ancient Art of Self-Defence | ||||||||
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Thai Wedding | ||||||||
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Traditional Dance of the 4 Regions of Thailand | ||||||||
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The landscape of Central Thailand is characterised by flat, gently-rolling plains with meandering rivers and streams. Lakes and ponds, fields of rice, vegetable plots, herb gardens, nurseries, plantations and fruit orchards dot the land. Irrigation channels and waterways, natural and man-made, criss-cross the landscape. RIVERS AND TRADITIONAL THAI LIFE In communities where crop cultivation and agriculture forms the basis of the local economy, the importance of the river is reflected in the local customs and way of life giving rise to traditions such as Loi krathong – the ‘festival of lights’, in which lotus-shaped banana-leaf floats are set adrift on rivers and waterways to pay homage to Mae Khongkha - Mother of Waters for providing water – the essence of life.
Rivers and waterways have been the central feature of Thai life through the centuries. Besides being a source of nourishment sustaining the livelihood of villages along its banks, rivers and waterways were once the key mode of transportation.
Villagers have settled in the low-lying fertile alluvial flood plains of rivers since pre-historic times. Water from the river was used in a myriad of ways – for cooking, cleaning, washing, bathing and cultivation; homes were thus located along river banks or near rivers and streams. In such flood-prone areas, it made perfect sense to build houses on stilts. In the hot summers, the steps on the river-landing leading to the front entrance of the house facing the river also served as a good ‘launch pad’ from which children would dive into the river – a perfect way to cool off. Traditional Thai houses built in the classical Thai architectural-style are rectangular in shape and are raised off the ground on sturdy round posts. Both the pillars and walls incline slightly towards the top adding to its graceful suggestion of height. This elegance is further accentuated by the steep tiled roofs. These houses are made entirely of teak from the panelled walls to the doors, windows and gable-end. In the dry season, the open area beneath the house served several purposes. It was a storage area for farming utensils, carts and harvested crops. It also provides a sheltered area for the family buffalo, domesticated animals and pets. TEXTILE-WEAVING Following the harvest season, villagers engage in a range of folk crafts in their free time. Textile-weaving is reserved exclusively for the women folk as has been the tradition for generations. The area beneath the house is cleared to make room for the family loom. Pieces of silk are woven as gifts for respected elders, and cotton for everyday use by family members, and ceremonial cloths for religious and sacred rituals. EXPERIENCE ‘THAI LIVING’ AT THE ROSE GARDEN There are seven Thai Teak Houses of different sizes and character at The Rose Garden. These classic Thai houses are around 100-years old and have been built in the traditional Thai architectural-style. Each house has been lovingly restored to absolute luxury. The bedrooms and bathrooms are equipped with the modern facilities which have been tastefully incorporated into the original antique design of the houses. The curved legs of the beds and tables, bedspreads and curtains in pure cotton, featuring traditional motifs in the Khomaphatra design, complete the elegant look. Rooms within the Thai Houses have their own private bathrooms with a shower unit. Bedrooms are air-conditioned while ceiling fans in the living areas keep the air circulating. Each of the Thai houses overlooks the lake and offers a splendid view.
Each year, the cultivation cycle begins with the ploughing of the fields in May when the first rains of the season fall. Traditionally the task was undertaken by the Thai buffalo – the farmer’s ‘best friend’ and traditional Thai tractor. With the exception of communities that are in remotely inaccessible or mountainous areas, today, much of the country’s agricultural sector employs modern technology.
This is also a time when the villagers perform rain-making rituals and dances to appease the ‘Naga’, or Water Spirit, and to pay homage to the Brahmanic rain gods to ensure abundant rainfall for the next planting season and a plentiful harvest. This is in essence a fertility ritual.
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| The Nagee Saran Dance, a rain-making dance to appease the Water Spirit and Rain Gods |
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LEGENDS OF THE NAGA
The ‘nak’, the Thai rendition of the Hindu ‘naga’, or serpent king, is associated with water. According to popular folk belief, Naga dwell in three realms: in bodies of still and flowing water such as in the world's rivers, lakes, and seas, in the skies where it creates the rain which nourishes crops and the subterranean world where it guards minerals and gems. The Naga is the guardian of corals, shells and pearls and carries one in its head.
Accounts involving the Naga are found in both Hindu and Buddhist mythology, and also prominently featured in Khmer art.
MERIT-MAKING Merit-making offerings consist of rice, items of food, dessert and/or fruit, drinking water, three joss sticks, candles and a lotus blossom. RITES OF PASSAGE
A typical day in the life of a Thai begins with merit-making. Families rise an hour before day-break to prepare sacred offerings to be presented to saffron-robed Buddhist monks. It is believed that because merit-making is an act of giving that demonstrates generosity towards others, blessings are earned.
ORDINATION AND MONKHOOD
An ancient tradition of the Thai kingdoms, past and present, it is customary for men to enter into monk-hood for a short period of time during the individual’s life to learn Dhamma and to honour his parents. It is a joyful time as relatives and friends accompany the novice in an ordination procession.
Thais love to share a meal and meal times are a communal affair with family members and friends gathering – not just to share the meal, but also to help with the preparation. The kitchen becomes the centre of activity with each person being assigned a specific task – cutting, chopping, slicing, dicing, paring, pounding; others provide the song and dance, and good company. Steamed rice forms the basis of the staple diet of the Central Plains; it is served with a selection of main dishes consisting largely of simple, quick-and-easy to prepare dishes. For example, steamed fragrant rice served with stir fried vegetables – ‘Pak Boong Fai Daeng’; fish served with the all time favourite chilli dip – ‘Nam Prik’, the invigorating spicy salad or ‘Yam’; the versatile ‘Pad Kaprow’ or a variety of other dishes. Simply by varying a selection of basic ingredients, one ends up with an infinite choice of Thai dishes. Cooked rice noodles in all of its variations are a convenient and popular alternative. ROYAL THAI CUISINE In times past, this highly refined version of Thai cuisine was prepared in the "Inner Palace" and served within the walls of the Grand Palace. In sharp contrast, the extraordinary qualities of the ‘Royal Cuisine’, traditionally served in royal and aristocratic households, is its subtle and delicate blend of flavours and painstaking artistic presentation. Vegetables, fruits and other garnishes served with "Palace Cuisine" are intricately carved into ornate designs.
VEGETABLE AND FRUIT CARVING
Inn-Chan: Superb Thai dining with a scenic view of the river
Ruen Pae: Open-air floating restaurant overlooking the river serving a Thai buffet lunch
Rim Nam: All day dining cafe featuring international favourites and local specialties
‘Sanuk’ means having a fun time and enjoying life; it is a quality inherent in the traditional Thai way of life. This celebration of life is reflected in the festive celebrations, revelry, song and dance, folk games and entertainment, the enjoyment of good food and good times in the company of family and friends. The Bu-nga Dance from Southern Thailand The graceful Fingernail Dance from Northern Thailand The magnificent Vichanee Dance from Central Thailand featuring colourful costumes and performed with exquisitely-crafted fans – a ancient court dance performed for royalty in times past. The boisterous Bamboo Dance from I-San, the northeastern region of Thailand, signifies festivities and camaraderie; it requires tremendous skill, concentration and perfect timing, to perform. Sword-fighting and pole-fighting originated as elements of ancient warfare. Nonetheless, in times of peace, warriors continued to train and sharpen their skills in the martial arts by pursuing the art of self-defence as a form of folk sports. Thai boxing or ‘Muay Thai’, a popular folk sport, helped to build rhythm, strength and stamina. While these forms of martial arts are no longer of military significance, the traditional art of self-defence is being perpetuated in the form of popular folk sports. Thai boxing enjoys the elevated status of being a national sport. Thai Boxing (Muay Thai) The Thai Village Cultural Show offers an appetiser; for a real taste of this amazing sport, regular fights are held at the Ratchadamnoen and Lumphini stadiums in Bangkok, every week.
The Thai Village Cultural Show presents a selection of dances from the four main regions of Thailand namely:
THE ANCIENT ART OF SELF-DEFENCE AND FOLK SPORTS 
THAI BOXING/‘MUAY THAI’
SWORD-FIGHTING
‘KRABEE KRABONG’ POLE-FIGHTING
Thai boxing is accompanied by music to offer encouragement to the boxers. Before the first round kicks-off, the boxers perform a rite called the ‘Wai Kru’ ceremony to pay homage to their mentors; a sacred band called the ‘mongkol’ is placed on the boxer’s head. It is believed to offer protection during the fight. Everything goes in Thai boxing – fists, elbows, knees, shins and feet fly with great precision and force.
The Thai Village Cultural Show highlights fascinating aspects of a traditional wedding ceremony in Central Thailand. The day begins at day-break with merit-making. The couple jointly present offerings to monks and receives their blessings. Later in the morning, the groom calls on the bride’s parents at their residence to ask for their daughter's hand. During this ceremonial visit to the bride's parents, the groom is accompanied by an entourage of relatives and close friends in a colourful ‘kaan maak’ procession. Upon arrival, the groom presents ceremonial offerings in a bowl or tray -- hand-woven silk for elderly members of the family; white linen to honour the ancestors; gold chains and a symbolic sum of money representing a dowry; a wish for prosperity in the form of fresh betel nuts and arecas placed in a bowl or tray, hence the name of the ceremony – ‘khan mak’ which literally means a tray of betel nuts. Other symbolic ceremonial items presented to the bride and her parents include a shoot of sugarcane and a banana tree to signify a long life, leaves from auspicious plants to bestow good fortune and prosperity, bags of sesame seeds, rice and beans signify fertility and prosperity, and pork – the promise of a wealthy wife. The ‘khan maak’ procession is accompanied by the exhilarating beat of long drum troupe and adds to the visual spectacle of the ceremony. In small village communities, the entire village joins in. A blessing ceremony takes place at the bride’s residence. A maw phawn local elder well-versed in the ways of the all-important Thai spirit world, will symbolically link the couple together with a length of sacred cord made from white cotton that connects the two auspicious bands placed on the head of the bride and groom respectively. Respected elders and distinguished guests file past to pour scented lustral water over the hands of the bride and groom as they offer the couple, their blessings. The formalities concluded, the grand wedding banquet and merry-making begins and often continues late into the night. Following the evening’s festivities, song and dance, the formal ceremony resumes as the newly- wedded couple retires for the night. The bridal suite is prepared and blessed. In the final ‘send-off’, the newly weds are escorted to their bridal suite by an elderly and happily married couple and the couple’s parents.
The Thai elephant – the noble steed of Siamese kings and a national symbol – has been an integral part of Thai culture for centuries. The elephant is regarded as the symbol of prosperity and power, and grace, befitting that of a monarch. In ancient times, elephants were used as mounts in times of war. The more elephants a king possessed, the more powerful he was perceived to be. Revered by ancient kings, the majestic Thai elephant held a respected place in Thai history and is prominently featured in Thai legend, literature, Buddhist folklore, art and architecture. The Thai elephant belongs to the mainland subspecies of the Asian elephant, Elephas maximus. What distinguishes the Thai elephant from its African counterparts is its remarkable ability to learn. The Thai elephant is a graceful creature of great intelligence, known for its unwavering loyalty. It is capable of forging friendships and life long bonds with its mahout – the individual who cares for it. In daily life, mahout and elephant depend on each other and the elephant is treated as part of the 'family'. From the beginning of Thai history, elephants have nobly and faithfully served both kings and commoners in war and in commerce and were principally engaged as a mode of transportation. However with the march of progress and changing times, an increasing number of elephants and their mahouts are employed in tourism as an alternative source of employment. The Rose Garden is home to a family of nine talented elephants representing three generations that have been born and raised in the ‘Thai Village’. ‘Petch’ (which means diamond in Thai) is the name of the new baby elephant, the latest addition to The Rose Garden family, born on March 27, 2002.
Daybreak: An ancient lullaby Ordination procession The Nagee Saran Dance Harvest Dance Glong Sabatchai Victory Drums Ancient Art of Self-Defence Thai Wedding The Bu-nga Dance from Southern Thailand The graceful Fingernail Dance from Northern Thailand The magnificent Vichanee Dance from Central Thailand featuring colourful costumes and performed with exquisitely-crafted fans – a ancient court dance performed for royalty in times past.
Morning rituals in the household
Thai boxing
Sword-fighting
Krabee-Krabong Pole-fighting
Traditional Dance of the 4 Regions of Thailand
The boisterous Bamboo Dance from I-San, the northeastern region of Thailand, signifies festivities and camaraderie; it requires tremendous skill, concentration and perfect timing, to perform.
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