It is no coincidence that the international airport in Bangkok is named Suvarnabhumi. The name is an auspicious one from the Sanskrit meaning ‘Land of Gold’ and it’s a description that still seems apt for modern-day Thailand where gold permeates so many facets of Thai culture. From golden Buddha images to the ubiquitous Thai gold shop, if there is one colour that I will always associate with Thailand, it is gold.
Buddha and the sleeping cat
Gold leaves on an artificial tree in a temple garden to make merit
Gold leaf is placed on Buddha images as part of a ‘wai phra’ offering
Gleaming gold at Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, Chiang Mai
The lucky cat is good for business
The gold coloured toilet building at Wat Rong Khun (White Temple) in Chiang Rai
Wat Arun (Temple of the Dawn) Bangkok
The golden dome at the top of the State Tower (Lebua Hotel), Bangkok
Liquid gold – Leo beer with ice
