Dr. Melody Rod-ari is Contributing Editor for Southeast Asian art. She earned her M.A. from Boston University and her Ph.D. from the University of California, Los Angeles. Her research examines modern and contemporary Thai Buddhist visual culture. She was Assistant Curator of Asian art at the Norton Simon Museum and Editor for the American Council for Southern Asian Art. She is currently an Associate Professor at Loyola Marymount University.
Wat Phra Kaew stands as an important monument that reflects the best of Thai craftsmanship and artistry since the late 18th century.
The Grand Palace in Bangkok is a royal complex filled with impressive architecture, painted murals, and arguably the most important Buddhist icon in Thailand, the Emerald Buddha.
While the mystery of the smiling face-towers continue to perplex scholars and visitors, it is agreed that the Bayon Temple was intended to represent Mt. Meru on Earth.