Visitors to Thailand naturally have a problem with the language which has its own unique script based on Sanskrit. Fortunately a lot of signs are now written in Roman symbols. The signs in the photo shows the way to Chiang Mai's biggest hospital. So, if you are tourist in need of urgent medical attention because you fell on a Russels Viper when you were knocked off your bicycle by an elephant, you should have no problem getting to Maharach (first sign). Or is it Maharaj (second sign)? Actually, its pronounced Mah-hah-rrat, but this doesn't matter because the locals do not call it that. (If you ask a taxi driver to take you to Maharach or Maharaj he will not have a clue what you are talking about) They call it Rahmpreeabahn Suandoc, which is much easier, isn't it. Rahmpreeabahn Suandoc means “flower garden hospital” which is nice, but the hospital does not actually have a flower garden and never had one. It is called flower garden hospital because it is opposite Wat Suandoc, which means Flower Garden Temple. Of course, the temple does not actually have much of a flower garden…
3 Comments
francois
1/5/2016 06:55:35 am
You don't make it easier by calling "Rahmpreeabahn" when what I hear is "long phaya ban". The Royal Institute recomanded to use Roman letters AND promounciation. But who cares?! A normal u is spelt oo, i is spelt ee. It's seems Americanisms have taken over for too long,
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Mya Marlar
3/6/2016 05:05:47 am
It seems like you sit in my heart !!
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Gylenthal Georges
3/22/2016 07:51:30 am
Actually, for a Thai it makes no difference if it's written Maharat, Maharach or Maharaj.
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September 2016
AuthorAcharn Myloo Mimee-Mydie is a native of the North and is an expert on Lanna culture Categories |