HEADLINES [click on headline to view story]:

Time flies – timepiece family business successful for more than 50 years

Chiang Mai to show respect to its ancient Intakhin Pole

Time flies – timepiece family business successful for more than 50 years

Story by Marion Vogt
Pictures by Michael Vogt

A couple of weeks ago, the latest "Time Street" branch opened its doors to the public (Chiangmai Mail Vol. II No. 18 May 3). Taking advantage of the brand new facilities of the Central Airport Plaza extension, the outlet is located on the second floor, and represents world renowned timepieces such as Oris, Charriol, Ulyssee Nardin and Carl F. Bucherer, just to name a few.

Two thorns among a number of roses –Purij Mahadumrongkul (back row), and Hagen Dirksen, Hon Consul of Germany to Chiang Mai (front row), thoroughly enjoyed themselves being surrounded by so much beauty.

The owners, Mr. Purij and Mrs. Dolly Mahadumrongkul, believe in a super team-philosophy with "hands-on" attitude. "In times like these, it is essential to be very customer oriented, and to realize local needs through professional experience in timepiece merchandising. Sales as such are not all, more important is the personalized service, and the individual care for every detail," Mrs. Dolly explained her philosophy to Chiangmai Mail.

The attention of the audience was of course only drawn to the watches the models were wearing, or was it?

Miss Thailands on parade on the Time Street’s catwalk.

Indeed, the grand opening ceremony was a very detailed and out-of-the-ordinary experience for all invited guests and passers-by. When, for example, do you normally have the chance to meet Miss Thailand face to face? Actually, there was a chance to meet not only one, but six current and recent Miss Thailands, very charming, very down-to-earth, and very relaxed and easy going. It was a nice, and unexpected, treat, especially for the male members of the audience, witnessing so much beauty and charm, presenting a variety of dazzling dresses and high-end wristwatches. It was a rather unique opportunity, very professionally presented, and as refreshing as Dolly’s own ideas and sparkling creativity. Walking down Time Street will be as interesting as it will be fun, and you might come across a special treat or two.

Chiang Mai to show respect to its ancient Intakhin Pole

Autsadaporn Kamthai

At the heart of Chiang Mai City stands the Intakhin pole, an icon that has weathered many centuries. It has had a great and interesting history and many consider it to be a site of miracles.

Phra Chao Mung Rai, the first king of the Lanna Kingdom, built the pole in 1296. Initially the Intakhin pole was placed at Wat Sadue Muang or Wat Intakhin, which is now the Ti Lokaraja Convention Hall nearby the Three Kings Monument. During Phra Chao Kawila’s reign, the pole was moved from Wat Sadue Luang to its position at Wat Chedi Luang and was restored in 1799.

Chalermsak Suranunt, Tourism Authority of Thailand Northern Region 1 office director, informed Chiangmai Mail that Wat Chedi Luang Wora Viharn, in cooperation with Chiang Mai Municipality, will hold an Intakhin Pole Worship ceremony May 27-June 2 this year.

The Intakhin pole worship ceremony has been performed by generation after generation and is regarded as an important event in Chiang Mai. During the ceremony, people will put flowers, incense, candles, and "som poi" holy and scented water on a tray to make worship at Wat Chedi Luang.

This year, on May 27, the procession of the Fon San Ha Buddha image, which is positioned at Wat Chang Tam, will start at Wat Chedi Luang at 3.30 p.m. The parade will pass the Three Kings Monument, Rajavithi Road, a newly cut Chang Moi Road, Thapae Road, Rachadamnoen Road and finish at Wat Chedi Luang again.

On the same day, at 5 p.m. Chiang Mai Governor Pisit Khetphasook will preside over the Intakhin pole worship. Following the ceremony, people will bathe a Buddha image with fragrant water and gild a Buddha image with gold leaf.

Chiangmai Mail Publishing Co. Ltd.
209/5 Moo 6, T.Faham,
A.Muang, Chiang Mai 50000
Tel. 053 852 557, 081-302 0126 Fax. 053 260 738
e-mail: cnxmail@chiangmai-mail.com
www.chiangmai-mail.com
Administration: md@chiangmai-mail.com
Advertising: advertising@chiangmai-mail.com
sales@chiangmai-mail.com
Subscription: subscription@chiangmai-mail.com

Copyright © 2004 Chiangmai Mail. All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.