Cultural

When I was a young man back in the mid nineteen sixties I first heard the siren call of Women’s Liberation.

Although Christianity spread throughout Europe and many parts of the Americas, the rest of the world has had its own beliefs from the earliest times. These beliefs had nothing to do with Christianity. Yet Christian missionaries believe they have a god-given right to go out and try to convert these ‘heathens’ to their beliefs.

I’ve just come back from another trip up to my wife’s village Trakarn Puedpon, a small village about 50 kilometers north east of Ubon. Here are some of the things I experienced.

Coming to Thailand the first time is a bit like entering an Oriental Twilight Zone. Nothing is quite what it seems. Nothing works the way we expect it.

Living as I do out in the ‘burbs of Bangkok, I experience Thailand as very few Westerners are privileged to. Having a Thai family is also a wonderful, and sometimes surprising experience.

I have been coming to Thailand since 1963, so I had a pretty good idea about the country, customs and people. When I was living in Australia and New Zealand, I kept dreaming about palm trees and hot tropical weather, cute Asian girls, and that fabulous Asian food. Despite this, I never thought I would end up living here.

The first time I came to Thailand way back in 1963 I met a lot of Thais, mostly male Boy Scouts. I also met a few females. I was attending an international Boy Scout Jamboree and we stayed in tents in Lumpini Park.

I've asked two different women, Poo and Poe, to marry me! They both said "Yes" and I am going to marry both of them. They both live in the same apartment building but on different floors so mechanically it is doable. It's just a matter of timing and scheduling.

Have you tried to assimilate into Thai society? I tried but failed. I'm a farung. Always will be.

“So...did they get you to trade...your heroes for ghosts?” – Pink Floyd Patriotism, heroes, derring-do, marching bands. It all sounds so glamorous, doesn’t it? But the reality is something else. No one sets out to be a hero.

War is a terrible thing, so they say. It affects people in different ways. But in the end, it comes down to one simple fact. Either you live, or you die.

My father told me tales of his second world war experiences. No matter where they sent the troops, they always went by train or boat

This is a chancre, the medical officer said, pointing to a gruesome picture on a flip chart at the front of the room. If you go unprotected with the girls in town, this is what you risk catching

Someone wrote to me recently asking what to expect bringing up kids in Thailand. So, here are my impressions....

Why Thai Women Cut Their Hair Short. Have you ever wondered why some Thai women cut off all those beautiful tresses?