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Phil.UK.Net > Phil.UK.Net Site Map > Hat Yai Visitor's Guide > Hat Yai Site Map > Images of Hat Yai Page 1
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Thai Cultural Behaviour Tip In the Thai value system time isn't very important. Thais don't value their own time or that of other people's. This aspect of the country can be extremely frustrating for foreigners. When Thais make appointments expect them to be late, or not to show up at all. Do your best not to become angry when this happens because this is just the way Thais are. |
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Images of Hat Yai | ||||||||||
| Abandoned Cinema | ||||||||||
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There is a strange fascination with places that were once busy and have been abandoned but left almost intact. Disused underground stations in London fascinate people as do hospitals, factories, abattoirs and shopping malls around the world that suddenly fall into disuse. Most of these places are hidden away but finding them can be like stepping into a time capsule. There are many people around, known as urban explorers I believe, who actively seek out such buildings.
Hat Yai Plaza, just behind the Clock Tower (Map 1), is always busy. Being the centre of the local rag trade, many clothes are made and sold there. In addition to locally produced clothing there are many shoe and leather shops as well as vendors selling toiletries, groceries, DVDs and all kinds of knick-knacks. However, as you wander around you may notice that the clothes stalls are located around a quadrant and that there is nothing in the centre of the building. Well, that is not exactly correct. A large cinema exists there. It is an old-fashioned kind of cinema from an era when only one film was shown at a time. Consequently there are more seats than in the average modern multiplex cinema. Hat Yai's three current cinemas exist in shopping centres that are fairly recent so I guess this was the town's original cinema before they were built. With everything covered in a thick layer of dust it doesn't look as if it has been used for many years. What is strange is the way it has been left. It's as if after the credits ran on the final movie they just turned off the lights and closed the doors. Maybe another purpose has been planned for this unused space in the future but for the time being it just sits there with only the ghosts of Thai ice-cream vendors watching over the empty seats. The entrance to the cinema is locked most of the time but if you are lucky you might find it open. Alternatively, if it is closed and you want to look, a smile, a few kind words and a few Baht might help to open the door. October 2007 update: The old abandoned cinema (sadly) is no more. It has been refitted and is now a brand-spanking new conference venue with plush carpets and new seats. I happened to be passing by and saw the workmen adding the final touches. It looks quite impressive and I'm sure many people will benefit from the new facility but sadly, another piece of Hat Yai history has disappeared. | |||||||||
| Baby Pigs | ||||||||||
| Spit-roast baby pigs ready for the table. | |||||||||
| Chestnuts | ||||||||||
| Hot chestnuts for sale at Gim Yong market. There are different kinds and these are another Chinese favourite. They are cooked differently and taste a little different to the ones I am accustomed to buying in London during the winter months but they are quite tasty. | |||||||||
| Chulalongkorn Memorial Day | ||||||||||
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King Chulalongkorn, otherwise known as Rama V (1853-1910) is still regarded as a very special king in Thailand. You will see his photos everywhere in Thailand and there is a special shrine dedicated to him inside Hat Yai Municipal Park.
October 23rd is Chulalongkorn Memorial Day and it is celebrated throughout Thailand. Many Thais visit the shrine on this day to present wreaths and flowers in memory of The Great Beloved King. | |||||||||
| Clock Tower | ||||||||||
| The area around the clock tower on Phetkasem Road is a starting point for many journeys out of Hat Yai, especially to Songkhla. It is currently being redeveloped (April 2009) and all that will remain when the building work is finished is the clock tower itself. | |||||||||
| Drinks at the Floating Market | ||||||||||
| Two Muslim men enjoying drinks at the Klong Hair floating market. | |||||||||
| Durian Vendor at the Fresh Market | ||||||||||
| A Muslim woman selling durian at the local fresh market. | |||||||||
| Dusk | ||||||||||
| Against a dark background the setting sun illuminates part of Hat Yai. | |||||||||
| Flowers | ||||||||||
| Who said Hat Yai wasn't beautiful? (Well, I did actually.) An effort has been made to make certain areas of the town attractive. Flowers have been planted next to this klong which is in an area near to where local people go jogging and do aerobics in the evening. It's a blaze of colour and quite pleasant to look at. | |||||||||
| Free Gym | ||||||||||
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On Supasarnrangsarn Road, near the junction with Saeng Sri road (Map 2), is a large public exercise area. Aerobics take place every morning and evening, there are basketball hoops, a children's play area, and free exercise machines.
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| Fruity Hat | ||||||||||
| Thailand's answer to Carmen Miranda, maybe? No, just one of Hat Yai's colourful characters. She's a friendly lady who receives a lot of comments about her headwear and enjoys the attention. If you wander around outside Suntisuk market there's a good chance you will spot her. She runs a small stall selling fruit juice (hence the hat) and is easily identified. | |||||||||
| Garbage | ||||||||||
| One ugly area of Hat Yai, of which unfortunately, there are many. Areas of waste ground are totally neglected and become public dumping grounds and temporary accommodation for stray dogs. | |||||||||
| Hat Yai Lantern Festival 2005 | ||||||||||
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Lion and snake lanterns glowing in the darkness.
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