Apr 18 2009
Thailand
My first memories of Thailand are from a road-trip that my family took to Pattaya when I was just single-digits in terms of age. It was organised by the Automobile Association and I remember being stuck in the car for long periods of time, which wasn’t so fun for a six-year-old. But I also remember it being a beautiful country, with fantastic vistas, warm people, hot food and an amazing combination of a chilled-out vibe and an underlying vibrancy that is unique in the world.
In the years since, I’ve of course returned to the “Land of smiles” many times, for work, holidays with the guys to tailor suits at Pinky’s in Bangkok, for fencing competitions and the SEA Games, and it’s always been a favourite travel destination of mine. I’ve been for a vacation with my father, and numerous times with my mother and even one memorable trip with my two cousins from Canada. Tom yum, MBK plaza, noisy markets, pristine beaches, even the wonderfully tacky and cliched sleaze-pit of Patpong, are just some of the patchwork of fond memories that I have of Thailand.
So I was saddened by the recent troubles in the Thai capital. Not surprised, mind you, but saddened nonetheless. It seems that the country is destined to be plagued by political strife that will, regular as clockwork, pop up every half-year or so, to create chaos and mayhem for the regular folk, the economy and even the occasional tourist.
Which is a damn shame, if you ask me. It’s a country that has much to offer, and deserves much better. I’m not too sure what the solution is. Red, yellow, white, blue…there’s always going to be a significant group that will be disenchanted and unhappy no matter who’s on top. Fair and democratic elections? I guess they would help, but I am keeping my fingers crossed that they are peaceful and safe elections as well.
Scenes like this don’t fill me with confidence that it will happen anytime soon. But on a more positive note, it appears that the markets have already factored in the turmoil as just a reality of the country’s backdrop, and most experts say that investment will still flow into Thailand, maybe just a bit more slowly when things get hot and heavy. Growth will still be slower than it could be though, a pity for the country and its neighbours.
And the Thai folk are nothing if not resilient. A hundred bullets, one in the chest and one in the head and Sondhi’s doctors say he’s “out of danger” that same day? Now THAT’S tough.
Here’s wishing all my Thai friends a safe future and a sustainable peace in the long term.
My first trip to Thailand (in specific to Bangkok and Pattaya) was also with my parents when was just in my early teens. After many years later, I visited Bangkok again and many times more in the past 4 years when my close friends took up job postings there. With the attractive fares by budget airlines and the free stay with friends, it was usually a no frill getaway over long weekends and public holidays. Using the GPS on their cars as our trusted guide, we explored places of interest outside Bangkok. These were our great memories of Thailand and also places where visits were only possible through self drive. My friends returned one after another early last year when their job postings ended. We planned a return trip to Bangkok late last year but to our disappointment, we had to defer the trip when the airport was forced to shut down. With the on-off incidents in Bangkok, we are keeping our fingers crossed that our upcoming trip can be realized and we can look forward to a happy visit again to Land of Smiles.
Hi Nick
I miss your picture in the Singapore Polo Boys Drama
I am so happy to hear that the Universal Studios at Sentosa and the Intergrated Resort.
Busy working, enjoy leisure life and keep healthy.
Hi Nick
I like the smell and taste of Thai food cooked by the Thai Chef Restaurants and watch Thai Movies selected Kung Fu Movie, Comedy Movie, shop at Golden Mile sometimes.
Hi!
You’re right this an amazing country, but their are red shirts and yellow shirts. Just last week their is a yellow shirt rally in bangkok and a grenade explode.
A grenade fired from an M-79 launcher caused the explosion that injured 12 people on Sunday at a Bangkok rally by opponents of fugitive former premier Thaksin Shinawatra, Metropolitan Police said. This is in the news paper yesterday.
this pace has a great culture with friendly people. i wish that people here will get the peace of mind. WISHING THAT THIS COUNTRY WILL BE PEACEFUL.