Cultural

Your ‘Songs for the Dead’ was a great rendition of village life, Cent. I had had a similar experience in Ban Uppernowheresville (my wife's village) 135km to the east of Nong Khai. This was a while back, about 2 years ago, but parts of it stick with me.

My 'pai-yat' wife picked up the habit of dumpster-diving after she learned it from a neighboring Thai lady, 15 years her senior, who did this too - obviously validating the practice. The origin of far too many small stuffed animals, smurfs, and plastic numbs, (sp?) is the apartment trash dumpster in the parking lot, but what the hey, they're free.

Sunset and gunfire during Songkran in Surat Thani.

Due to an auspicious occasion my wife had promised the spirits of our land a new house. Of course she had not told me that, but a few days later she said “I promised to build new spirit houses, is that ok?” She knows I am not a real fan of spending money on things that are in my opinion useless. But we live here together so I thought, “Why not?” What harm could be done?

Hello my name is Jariya, my home country is Thailand...

Prasat Khao Phra Vihan is a splendid Khmer ruin just across the border in Cambodia. Perched on a 600-metre hill, the complex was built by a succession of Khmer kings from the 10th to12th centuries and predates its larger brother Angkor Wat. Constructed in Papuan and early Angkor styles, Khao Phra Vihan originally served as a Hindu temple. Even though the temple lies in Cambodia, the only road to reach it is in Thailand. ... Read more and see the pics.

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.