Life in UK

Well, my four week stay(just under actually) in the UK goes on. The weather has returned to normality, damp and slightly miserable though better brains than me are claiming this has been the hottest September on record and surpasses even the present record set in the late forties. Well, well.

Missing the family but I can't say I'm missing Thailand an awful lot. The heat is nice, but not the sweat and mosquitoes. Normally the daughter would be with me but being school term she can't so she's had to stay in Thailand.

There's now a message board on the site so feel free to mooch on over and have a rant or make a comment.

Adious!

Life in UK

Blogging in your sleep

Sorry about the last blog. I was virtually asleep when I did that and it's full of silly mistakes. Just couldn't keep my eyes open, more awake now.

Well, nothing to report. All seems quiet on the Thai front. Family are still ok and have not been 'taken out' by the military.

Having stepped out of Thailand and now looking at it from a far. I can see just how silly the whole thing looks. The Thais really haven't done themselves any favours by leaping back several decades with this coup, especially with virtually all in the country supporting it. This just isn't democracy!

It seems that neighbouring countries are a bit pissed with Thailand letting the side down and shouting to the world that nothing has changed in SE Asia. Nice one guys. If they can just get their shiot together ASAP and get back on track they'll be appluaded rather than berated.

Blairites everywhere are talking about how wonderful 'Tone' is/was. I think Clinton has made some arse-kissing speech about how Blair is a top man. Prescott looks set to go now. Odd that. I wonder what he had on Blair that kept him in position no matter what stupid shit he pulled. The press have speculated on that one for some time. Either way I just hope they F off ASAP and let someone else take over.

Blogging in your sleep

Thailand-UK

After a long and tiring trip I'm now back in the UK, where I'm going be for a few weeks or so. Longhaul flights are tiring at the best of times. But worse with a day in a train at the end. Arrived at Manchester at 7am.

Caught the train to Worecster, via Stoke and then Wolverhampton. Instead of changing at Stoke I slept and woke up in Watford. Then waited for a train to get me to Birmingham New Street, followed by a walk to Moor Street and a train to Worcester. Then it's in a taxi till about five miles out of worcester to pick up a car that's been left for me. So, comfortable in a nice Beama I have to drive nearly thrity miles into the wilds of Herefordshire, where I'll be for most of the next month.

Several people have drawn a comparison between Thailand and the UK. Once popular leader who falls from popularity and becomes very unpopular. Despite this public loathing he still clutches on to power dogedly. Tony, are you listening?

Not as warm as it was back in the summer but weather is good so far.

Too tired to write now, I keep falling asleep.

Later then

Thailand-UK

Shakey Normality

Well it seems, on the surface, that all back to normal. There are still soldiers on the streets looking like they want to be somewhere else but other than it is business as usual.

That said, the media is heavily controlled at the moment; no negative comments, no complaints, limited mention of Taksin etc etc. Protests and demnstrations have been made illegal and the constitution has been cancelled. All in the name of democracy we are assured.

It's odd but seeing soldiers on the streets with heavy artillary and tanks is less threatening than the Thai police. Whenever I see Thai police I feel nervous but not the same for the army. These guys do convey a feeling of honour. Maybe this is not so, just the way I feel.

There are talks of a group organising an illegal protest this evening, starting at Paragon at 6pm. Should be interesting to see if gets chance to get going and what the official response will be.

Sadly I will be missing the fun as I have to get a flight out this evening. I'm going to miss all the goings on. On a serious note my wife and daughter will be here alone so I hope there is no violence. This is a worry and I think I will be back to get them if anything breaks out. I feel bad about it but no choice at the moment.


Shakey Normality

Democracy RIP?

Well, it is the morning after the famous Thai coup and what's it like in Bangkok? Is it democracy RIP? To be honest there's no change at all. We're virtually back to normal, apart from be ruled by a military government of course.

It's hard to know where to stand on this. Taksin had clearly got his hands in the till in various ways and forms and was getting rich (richer) through his position. That said, he was also democratically elected on more than one occasion by the majority of the population. This legitimizes his status.

Is it OK for the army to step in whenever the people of Bangkok dislike a leader? Is that democracy? Not in the normal sense and understanding of the word but this is Thailand. 'This is Thailand' is something you hear a lot of. It's a kind of accepted excuse for all rights and wrongs within the kingdom. Whatever happens you get 'this is Thailand'.

If the army do as they have promised and manage to peacefully restore democracy to the people in a short length of time then it would have been a good thing, though still blatantly un-democratic. If they remain in power, prolong the present restrictions they have inflicted on the state and line their own pockets whilst in this new self appointed position then Thailand will have taken a gigantic step backwards.

A definate case of T I T - this is Thailand (also the immortal words of the famous 'night owl').

Democracy RIP?

A Very Thai Coup

The news is out now, Thailand is under marshal law. The military took over the government last night while the PM was away in New York getting ready to give a speech to the UN.

There was a media blackout. The only source of info was from the net and the trusty, but flowery, BBC. The army took government house and took over all radio and TV stations, even the ones it doesn’t already own, and eventually stopped satellite transmission.

This morning the phone was going from 5am. Offices were closed and a public holiday declared. The daughter's school called and said they were closed, a cop-out if you ask me. I’d got her ready for school and then find they’ve called it off. There’s one unhappy parent who will be asking for a refund for today’s fees.

The wife’s office was closed and then open. We took her in and then headed off, cameras at the ready to witness a coup firsthand. Fighting through road blocks and military checks we made it to walking distance from parliament.


This was early this morning and the whole area was barricaded by railings guarded by soldiers and tanks. Thai and foreign reporters were gathered by the railing watching from a distance. Deciding that we wanted a better view of things and taking the risk that no one could hurt a three year old we marched on through the barricade. I heard a few Thais on phones saying that a foreigner and a kid had walked through and they followed.

We led a small group of these guys a distance of more than a kilometre through a deserted street, past parliament, troops and tanks. We stopped they stopped, we moved sides of the street and so did they. It was like we were leading our own little movement, quite amusing.

Most of the soldiers were fine and just wanted to talk to my daughter. She managed to charm them with a wai (traditional Thai greeting) and we got some pics of her by the tanks and some soldiers. If these guys are anything to go by there won’t be much blood spilt during this revolution. Most of the tanks were decked out in flowers.

The wife’s firm ordered all staff to leave early and the general office gossip was about taking money out of the bank and stocking up on rice. This all seems like scaremongering to be honest. The army have now stated that they will appoint (somewhat un-democratically) a new PM in the next two weeks and begin writing a new constitution, as they’ve just scrapped the existing one.

T.I.T (This is Thailand)

A Very Thai Coup

Military Coup in Bangkok!!

Well, it's happened again. Or so it seems. The military are out on the streets of Bangkok again in what appears to be a military coup, with part of the army having seized control of Bangkok. They have called themselves the Council of Political Reform.

However, things are not as they seem. No one is sure at the moment who is staging the coup. The army is divided and the PM is away in New York. The latest is that the army have ordered all personnel to return to base. Presumably the ones remaining are our boys.

Thai TV was closed down and replaced with pictures and footage of the royal family, with occasional statements of what is taking place.

The general feeling is that everything will be fine. What happens when the PM returns should be interesting. He is leaving NY early in order to come back and sort things out.

Official propaganda says that it will be peaceful but the country has been divided for many months now over feelings for and against the PM. Interesting times ahead.

Military Coup in Bangkok!!

Picture Problem

I promised pics of sun-kissed beaches but instead blank sheet and my ramblings. Don't blame me, blame blogger.com. I've spent ages trying to upload pics but it just won't accept, don't know why.

Always difficult getting back into the swing of things after a long weekend. It wasn't an official long weekend, just for the daughter's school I think. Nice all the same.

The Landy is looking like it's going to need a new engine shortly. Between age and natural wear and mechanic sabotage I think it's on it's last legs. Needed a mechanic to fix some starting probs we've been having. I mention thinking about changing the engine then leave him alone. Next thing I know one problem has been fixed but a new one has been created. It starts fine but has bugger all power and a hole in the exhaust by the sounds of it. Odd that this wasn't the case prior to my grease monkey friend getting his sticky paws on it. If I do change the engine I'll be sure to go to someone else for the work.

There seems to be trouble building in Thailand at the moment. There's a great deal of unrest over the new visa regs with many residents saying they're going to up sticks and shift over the border. To be honest I doubt if any will. They will take royally with a smile and accept whatever is thrown their way. This is usually the case. Talk of a big shake up, people grumble and moan then very little happens.

It will have an effect on tourists regardless though. There have been a few problems at the new airport which is not inspiring a great deal of confidence and now the bombs inHat Yai, a normally peaceful town. Tourists have been pouring out of that area like rats out of a sinking ship and it seems there have been some cancellations too. If you're planning a holiday here think carefully before booking.

Picture Problem

Extortion in Paradise

Just returned from a weekend soaking up the sun on Samet (also written Samed) Island. It's a small island off the coast of Thailand's eastern seaboard in Rayong, out towards Cambodia in teh Gulf of Thailand.

I first visited the island nearly 15 years ago when it was nothing more than a collection of scruffy bamboo huts with occasional electricity and prestine beaches looking out to clear waters. The inevetible rise of tourism in Thailand and Samet's close proximity have meant that the idyllic paradise of a decade and a half ago has now become a tourist mecca. Big business has moved in and those two other evils of beach tourism: jet-skis and motorbike hire.

Samet is a national park but it is now filthy when once it was beautiful. The last time a went, earlier in the year, it cost 200baht for foreigners to enter the island, with Thais paying 20 baht. This has now changed, foreigners have to pay a hefty 400baht for the privilege of spending money on the island. As someone who lives in this country and contributes quite a lot of money to the local economy on a daily basis I feel that it is nothing short of theft to then charge vastly more than a Thai for what amounts to nothing.

The staff running the restuarants and accommodation are complacent, knowing that they will get guests whatever. We stayed at the pricey (by local standards) SilverSand Resort where three of our group got food poisoning. Whilst eating we had to endure the regular sound of puppies squeeling as a result of being kicked or stamped on my the staff - followed by laughter from their colleagues and some Thai guests. At one point a waiter grabbed two puppies and bashed their faces together to encourage them to fight one another. Several Thai families found this ever so entertaining - peace loving Thai buddhists for you I guess.

Despite the nice accommodation I really would avoid this place at all costs until it changes it's attitude.

The rest of the resort seemed ok. The beach was good, if a little crowded with the biggest bunch of Americans I've seen in one place for a long time. The water was it's usual excellent blend of blue/green, the only negative being that it was slightly murky from a storm.

I will post some pics later but blogger doesn't seem to be playing ball at the moment.

Extortion in Paradise

The Beach

Yes, the beach is calling. All going well by mid-morning tomorrow (Sat) we three should be reclining on an island somewhere in the gulf of jolly 'ole Thailand listening to the waves breaking on the beach. After a particularly stressfull week it will be much welcome relief.

It's also the daughter's first 'break' with a school friend. Yes, we are going with another family. We know them quite well but have never spent that much time together. We might all end up getting pissed and arguing like crap until it's time to go home. Sorry daughter. No, should be fine.

Looks like I'm getting time out for good behaviour. I'm returning to green and pleasant (and presumably wet) England. In my absence the garden is sure to become a jungle once again and I'll have to start my toils over as soon as I get back. Daughter wanted to come but having paid the extortionate school fees already I declared she's not to miss a second of her education. There were tears.

Here's a view of Bangkok. Taxis. This is just a sample but they have taxis of all colours. Makes sitting on a grid locked road slightly less suicidal when you are staring at a pink taxi. Just sympathise with the poor sod driving that.

Pics from a sin-kissed beach on the way. Assuming that the torrential rain they've forecast doesn't get in the way.

The Beach

Elephants in the North

Haven't had chance to post for a few days, been quite busy. As planned I went to the north at the weekend to meet Time's Asian Hero of 2005, Sangduen Chailert (Lek), in her Elephant Nature Park. A wonderful place to visit if you want to see elephants being elephants rather than being degraded in stupid shows. Lek is a true inspiration, a wonderful lady with a passion for what she believes in. There will be an article on the site shortly.

Goit to revamp the site and make some serious changes. Any comments and suggestions are welcome and feel free to offer articles or info for inclusion.

Later.

Elephants in the North

Web Boards

Been browsing through various web boards associated with Thailand recently. Can't help thinking that the majority of contributors are less than happy with life in Thailand. I won't go into details here but there are a lot of valid points being made and many a disgruntled foreigner. It seems that the reality of life for a foreigner in Thailand is a world away from picture promoted by the tourist trade and companies encouraging retired westerners to move here.

Off to the north this weekend in search of more info regarding Thailand's national symbol - the elephant. Dwindling in numbers and treated abominably by the locals I'm hoping to find out: why? what is being done? and what an earth that disgusting practice of phaa jaan is all about. I will of course be reporting my findings here.

Web Boards

Airlines

Aiming for Chiang Mai at the weekend. Tried to get a flight. First I got a good quote with Air Asia, which vanished before I got chance to book it.

So next in line was 1 2 Go (from Orient Airways). Booked online, gave credit card details and then half an hour later got a mail saying that I should book another flight as that one was full. Checked on their website again and found that the flight was still there, but they weren't going to sell it. Managed a few heated emails back and forth and they refused to answer my questions, just kept telling me to book another flight. Be warned. I won't be trying this airline again.

Bangkok Airways' website wouldn't work, or at least the booking page so that was not an option. So, after even more frustration I managed to, reluctantly, book a ticket with Thai Airways. The online booking procedure wouldn't work at first but after some groaning and moaning I managed to get my flight. Hoping to get a train back but I need to be their early.

Airlines

Health Issues

Came back from summer in Europe two and a half weeks ago. Straight back into my daily gym routine with no problem. More energy than before, could run further and faster than before I left. It felt great and I felt really good.

However, that has all changed. Since middle of last week, about a week and a half after returning I suddenly lost the ability to run. Can hardly manage a fast walk on the treadmill now. Weights are no problem but the running is out. Legs feel heavy and my breathing won't allow it. I don't smoke and hardly drink. My diet has probably changed slightly, maybe less carbs than in the UK but other than that the same - still vegetarian.

The only other thing I could think of is the air. The gym I use is basic to say the least and is open to th elements and has no air or fan. Maybe the rancid air in Bangkok is just too much for my lungs. Maybe the time in the UK had cleaned my lungs out and now their suffering again. I don't know. Or maybe the mozzie coils I burn at home are polluting my lungs? Any suggestions?

Hopefully researching a new article on the poor old Thai elephant this weekend. More later.

Website at www.gretra.com is really starting to take shape now. Comments and feedback welcome, and positively begged for.

Health Issues

Tuk to the Road

Congratulations to Ants and Jo the two intrepid pink tukkers! They've made their Bangkok to Brighton journey in Ting Tong the pink tuk-tuk. I had the great pleasure of meeting the two in Pak Chong, Thailand, in May, and going for a spin in their pink three-wheeler. The article about them is still on the Gretra site [ www.gretra.com ].

They haven't reached their target of £50k so you might want to drop in a donation [ www.tuktotheroad.co.uk ]. Though, Jo did say she would be driving the length of Britain in Ting Tong and naked if they didn't reach their goal. Bring it on girls.

The website has been doing some more evolving over at www.gretra.com. I haven't yet finalised the format and probably won't for a long time. Stay with it, it might be good. Hope to have some interesting articles and pics soon. Advice/suggestions all welcome.

I might start doing a survey (relaxed and informal) of the dozens of websites that have sprouted over the years concerning Thailand. It seems that the English teaching fraternity here have modernised and many have diversified into web design and management and writing books about bar girls, pole dancers, street hookers etc. Shed loads of them on the local shelves and most along the same subject line.

Rekindling my love affair with Tiger beer, one of the many good things to come out of Asia. Malaysian oddly enough but a cracking drink. Would touch Singha with a long stick.

Tuk to the Road

I'm Hot!

Your live weather report from Thailand: HOT! Sky is blue again. Air is humid and sticky and it's hot. Lovely downpour last night which cooled things for a while but now we're back to cooking temps.

Saw an ad at one of the sky train stations. With the reputation that Thailand has I wonder why they would use such an ad. It seems to concur with the world's perception of Thai women. Still, it brings a smile to faces of commuters. She certainly is hot!


A young Canadian girl representing the wonderful PETA staged a quiet protest yesterday outside the Silom branch of KFC. The idea was to bring public awareness to the plight of millions of chickens that are cruelly treated and tortured by that organisation. Unfortunately she is in the wrong country for that kind of thing. The locals seemed to think it was a bit of a laugh and most assumed it was a promotional gag by KFC. Basically Thais don't give a fuck about the treatment of animals and couldn't care how much they are tortured prior to making it to their plates.

Parent/teacher conference for daughter this morning. The school wanted to know if there is a mother in daughter's life. She only talks about 'daddy' at school and shows no signs of having a mum. I guess this is the effects of having a mum that wants to work and have a career. There will be tears about this for sure.

Thailand has continued it's proping up of the military regime in Burma by buying lots of gem stones from them to help them accumulate currency reserves. That's nice, I'm sure the average Joe on the street in Rangoon will be made up.

The daily pounding at the gym calls. More later.

I'm Hot!

A New Day

Sun is shining, the sky is blue and suddenly the Thailand is a great place to be. Shallow, I know.

Made some changes at the site [http://www.gretra.com]. I'd love some feedback on (preferably contructive) on the articles on there.

The garden is still evolving. More plants and more changes. Eventually we'll hit the target and just let it grow.

Here are some pics of, well, just some pics.

Early morning traffic from the front of the Landy.

Garden centre, Thai style.

Some products for sale, and at a fraction of the price back home.

A New Day

Urine Therapy

OK, so this is pretty gross for most people. I found myself at the party earlier today chatting to a woman from the American continent (not the US or Canada), I won't elborate anymore for fear of this getting back or recognized. This woman is a pyschologist. This woman drinks piss.

So I've never met this woman before and within minutes she's telling me of the merits of drinking your own piss. She swears by it and, pointing to her two young boys running around near my daughter, says that they both drank hers until they were old enough to, well, er, I guess whizz in their own mouths. No, it's not quite like that. They collect a few drops whilst relieving themselves and then drop it in the mouth.

I actually felt that I was dreaming. I couldn't believe that she was telling me this. Is this the action of a normal, sane mother? I've heard of this before but thought it was the preserve of Indian politicians, super models and people into taboo sexual practices like Shirley Manson of pop group Garbage. Some research on the internet has thrown up the following:

http://www.shirleys-wellness-cafe.com/urine.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drinking_urine

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Urolagnia

It's a strange world.

Urine Therapy

The Party Season has Begun

By this I mean, of course, the kid's parties. School term has started and the regular run of birthday parties is in swing. Today's was ok.

Usually they are every parents nightmare with kids racing around the place demanding attention and mums comparing botox and surgery and the bill for their latest slimming treatment. By comparison today's was a gem. There was beer, and lots of it. There was a band to entertain, adult food and drink for the adults (kids stuff for the kids too), plentry of beer, celeb guests and a former Miss Universe for the dads to gawp at. A good time was had by all and even the kids enjoyed it.

The Party Season has Begun

Orange is the Colour

So, here it is. The new colour for the wall. It's slightly more 'orange' than terracotta but we learning to live with it. It stands out and certainly makes our house stand out when you approach it. Haven't heard the comments from the neighbours yet but there are sure to be some comments.

The prickly nasty tree that I got rid of has been replaced with the pink flowering bougainvillea. Bit of a clash with the orange.

This new burst of colour in the garden has changed the whole appearance but there's still a lot to do.

Ideally it would be nice to have some water in the garden. Big problem with water in this part of the world is mozzies. They love a bit of stagnant water. Yeah, we know, fish are the answer. Non of us want fish or the responsibility of keeping fish (and I'm a veggie hippy who thinks fish are best in the river or sea). So, no water for the moment.

There's a new article on the website [http://www.gretra.com] and I've posted a pic from a beach here for some caption suggestions. Go check it out.

Orange is the Colour