Thai-ing the Knot

Bin Chinnery, one of my American expat co-workers, married his lovely Thai ladyfriend Friday in a traditional Thai style wedding. The bride and groom, in ceremonial garb, kneel at a sort of golden altar. Guests line up and one by one come up to the happy couple, where they are given a sea shell filled with water. While the bride and groom each hod their hands in a sort of praying posture, the guests pour water over their hands as a sort of blessing.




Notice their is string-like thing wrapped around their heads, connecting them. I believe this is some kind of floral deal. Thai who read this can give you the real meaning of this. I assume it has something to do with the eternal bond that now exists between them... or is a Thai way of saying, "Dude, you are roped for life."



The wedding was held at the Jim Thompson house, one of the major tourist attractions of Thailand. Thompson was an American who came to Thailand and revitalized the silk industry. In 1967, while vacationing in Malaysia, he went for a walk and was never seen again. Jim Thompson silk stores are all over and most people visiting Thailand make it a point to visit his house.