Daily Archives: August 13, 2010

This Week in Thailand: 6th-12th August 2010

This is a review of what happened in Thailand during the last week based on topics that I tweeted. You can follow me live for latest news about Thailand @RichardBarrow.

Friday 6th August 2010:

  • The Bangkok Post today, including the front cover picture, is in 3D. http://twitpic.com/2by5kt #
  • King Power is going ahead with it’s deal to buy Leicester City FC, an English football team, for 2 billion baht /BkkPost #
  • Singha paid Chelsea 400 million baht & Manchester United 350 million baht to be it’s official beer supplier /BkkPost #
  • I’m at Samut Prakan Provincial Court for student activities for Rapee Day. http://twitpic.com/2byv4g #
  • Picture of Chief Justice of Samut Prakan. A judge told me they have 8000 cases in one year. http://twitpic.com/2bywuj #
  • Students inside a courtroom in Samut Prakan. http://twitpic.com/2bz81r http://twitpic.com/2bz80d #
  • The witness stand inside a Thai court. http://twitpic.com/2bz8ct http://twitpic.com/2bz8d0 #
  • Samut Prakan Provincial Courthouse has 36 judges, 20 courtrooms & about 8000 cases per year. http://twitpic.com/2bzgbb #
  • VDO of witness in court being questioned. Verbal notes are taken by judge after each question. http://twitvid.com/4REMG #
  • In a Thai court they don’t have a jury. http://twitpic.com/2bzvt9 http://twitpic.com/2bzvsh #
  • Here is a story I wrote about “A Day in a Thai Court” http://bit.ly/anf8zg & a foreigner in court http://bit.ly/bOFiq1 #
  • Photo album of students activities at Samut Prakan Provincial Courthouse this morning http://bit.ly/d7m81X #
  • PM to meet with PAD leaders today to discuss Preah Vihear. They plan to rally at Govt House tomorrow /BkkPost #
  • Video I shot this morning inside a Thai court room showing procedure during a courtcase http://bit.ly/bohDPS #
  • CRES confirms PAD rally doesn’t violate emergency decree; gov’t prepared to listen to all parties on Phrea Vihear /TANN #
  • After deadly clashes, Thai opposition regroups (Reuters) http://bit.ly/9xiZtg #
  • Thai elephant believed to be one of the oldest in the US has died at Missouri Zoo http://bit.ly/dAxMrZ /via @babyfishie #
  • Thai Kings “Rain Making” Technology Set for Australia http://bit.ly/91v8I2 #
  • CRES bans PAD’s Saturday rally at Government House, citing law violation, group can send rep to talk with govt /MCOT #
  • Bangkok Dangerous Map updated with places to avoid this weekend due to yellow shirt rally http://bit.ly/b1nolL #
  • 6 companies of police and 3 companies of soldiers will be deployed to maintain law & order at Government House /BkkPost #
  • Thai police arrest Japanese man accused of faking own death for millions in insurance money http://bit.ly/94K8dQ #
  • Thailand aims to have the largest solar farm in Southeast Asia (CNET) http://bit.ly/aAMHw9 #
  • NATION: Yellow Shirt Rally will now be at the Thai-Japanese Stadium in Din Daeng on Saturday. Map – http://bit.ly/agh1GG #
  • Map showing restricted area around Government House. Face 2 years in prison if you enter now http://bit.ly/aRAJMK #
  • Civil society groups move to gather at Dindaeng’s Thai-Japanese Stadium (MCOT) http://bit.ly/bJ2tpI #

Weekend 7th-8th August 2010:

  • Defiant PAD group to go ahead with rally at Government House (The Nation) http://bit.ly/crlG8s #
  • PM Abhisit said he would go to the yellow shirt rally in Din Daeng & listen to PTN’s demands this afternoon /BkkPost #
  • Will PM Abhisit be arrested for attending a political rally today? Did he go to listen to the demands at Ratchaprasong? #
  • 7th August: Today is Rapee Day (??????) commemorating Prince Rapee Pattanasak, father of Thailand’s modern legal system #
  • US Embassy warns of possible bomb threats against foreign embassies on Wireless Rd. Map: http://bit.ly/cklRAm #
  • I’m at the Provincial Courthouse in Samut Prakan. Everyone is wearing black for the wreath laying ceremony for Rapee Day. #
  • I seem to be the only media here so far. The Chief Justice came over to thank me for coming which was nice of him. #
  • RT @swongjitt: He didn’t go to Rachaprasong but he did invite those leaders to discuss live on tv. #
  • Small crowd at Government House in Bangkok despite SOE http://yfrog.com/necu5vj /via @vaitor #
  • Two rallies going on in Bangkok at the moment by yellow shirt supporters. Map marks places to avoid http://bit.ly/a1TqCq #
  • 10.15 a.m. Chaiwat on mobile stage at Government House http://tweetphoto.com/37303689 /via @nikhon_ #
  • Veera Somkwarmkid at the barricade at Government House http://twitpic.com/2cb3vf /via @_Willowtree_ #
  • Civil groups start gathering at Thai-Japanese Sports Complex and Government House (MCOT) http://bit.ly/98aOYf #
  • So far a low-key turnout of 100-150 protesters in front of Anti-Corruption building near Government House /via @thaicam #
  • Some great pictures from Government House rally by @_Willowtree_ Also there @thaicam & @fishmyman. #
  • Chamlong: PM Abhisit will come to meet members of TPN rallying against Cambodia at Thai-Japanese Stadium /BkkPost #
  • Police will allow protesters to rally at Government House until noon & will take action after the deadline /BkkPost #
  • Crowd with large flag moving to Police HQ http://twitpic.com/2cbq2x /via @_Willowtree_ Also map: http://bit.ly/c1sRIg #
  • RT @champkris: What does TPN stand for? ==> Thailand Patriot Network #
  • Live pic and map for Region 1 Army base in Bangkok http://tweetphoto.com/37327963 http://bit.ly/duQp5m /via @nikhon_ #
  • Activist Veera says his group ready to prolong its rally, gives PM 7 days to answer on Preah Vihear dispute /MCOT #
  • 12.35: PM Abhsit arrives at Thai-Japan Stadium in Din Daeng, ready to talk with Chamlong-led group via @veen_NT #
  • RT @forestmat: At Rama V monument approx 300 people. None at Gov House. Just saw a man with PAD guard shirt #
  • Photo album by @thaicam of the yellow shirt rally this morning in the Government House area http://goo.gl/photos/afh7 #
  • RT @Juarawee: PM is going to answer the Preah Vihear issues with protesters of Love the Nation network in a few moments #
  • PM Abhisit confirms that both protesters and government have same stance to protect the land /via @Juarawee #
  • Abhisit: “If I don’t protect our territory, I don’t deserve to be a Thai PM nor to be in this country /via @Juarawee #
  • I am on my way now to Ancient Siam for their Thai Culture Fair. But it looks like a storm is coming. Wind is picking up. #
  • Thailand Patriot Network rally confirms overnight stay on Ratchadamnoen Road near Government House (MCOT) #
  • Not easy to take pictures in the rain holding an umbrella! http://twitpic.com/2cey65 http://twitpic.com/2cey68 #
  • Parade about to start at Ancient Siam. Still raining. http://twitpic.com/2cfaai #
  • Rainbow at Ancient Siam. Waiting for the Governor to come so we can start the parade. http://twitpic.com/2cfgxg #
  • Sun setting behind the palace building at Ancient Siam, Samut Prakan. http://twitpic.com/2cfjz1 #
  • Governor of Samut Prakan has to go to the airport every time a member of the Royal Family comes or goes. Even at 3am! #
  • It’s raining and I am wet and cold. No fun taking pictures in the dark. I wonder if I can sneak away? #
  • Photo album for the wreath laying ceremony this morning for Rapee Day (??????????????????) http://bit.ly/aEbTnY #
  • Someone asked if I could post comings and goings of the Royal Family which I will do for a couple of weeks starting today. #
  • Today, HRH Princess Srirasmi, returned from a trip to Chiang Mai http://bit.ly/b01gRe #
  • Bangkok Post: Thai tobacco officials ‘took B62m bribes’ from US companies – http://is.gd/e804p #
  • Bangkok Post: Kicking drugs the army way – http://is.gd/e80JO #
  • There are more than 500 volunteer firefighting teams in Bangkok http://is.gd/e814S #
  • The Nation: PM reminds PAD Thailand lost Preah Vihear in 1962 – http://is.gd/e81Gt #
  • Shawn W Crispin, a “social danger” to Thailand & rep for Committee to Protect Journalists http://bit.ly/a5nC6r #
  • I’m at the Old Bang Phli Riverside Market in Samut Prakan for the opening of a new museum. http://twitpic.com/2cpp28 #
  • ‘Thailand Patriot Network’ continues rally outside 1st Army Region HQ, will announce next move this afternoon /MCOT #
  • Month long Thai-Myanmar border closure leads to shortages in Yangon – http://is.gd/e8lyv #
  • Phuket Lifeguards Search for Tourist off Karon – http://is.gd/e8tNv #
  • Network of Thai Patriots ends its rally in front of Army Region 1 HQ due to low number of demonstrators /BkkPost #
  • RT @netphoto: Red Shirt at a parkl near victory monument. http://twitpic.com/2crkeb #
  • PM: Can’t deliver response to activist temple demands within week http://bit.ly/9LHltQ #

Monday 9th August 2010:

  • Phuket Day of Beach Tragedies: One Tourist Drowns, Another is Missing, Feared Dead http://is.gd/e8tNv #
  • Global tourism industry wooing Indian weddings including Thailand’s TAT http://is.gd/e8RcS #
  • David Thompson, a world expert on Thai cuisine, opens a new restaurant in Bangkok http://bit.ly/cpQ4Ve #
  • Cambodia has written to the United Nations saying it’s ready to defend its territory http://bit.ly/9iQOaB #
  • Opening of Airport Link on August 23 a Potential Tourism Bonanza http://bit.ly/cmBVLA #
  • Teaching Thai orphans not to fear strangers by Richard S. Ehrlich (@CNNgo) http://bit.ly/bDzX2J #
  • Suthep: Foreign Ministry will inform UN that Thai troops are prepared to protect the country’s sovereignty /BkkPost #
  • ABAC Poll: Gross domestic happiness of Thai people increased slightly from 6.52% in June to 6.77% in July #
  • 18.8 billion coins are in circulation in Thailand, half of which are 1 baht coins /BkkPost #
  • Suthep denies govt used double standard in favor of PAD demonstrators (The Nation) http://bit.ly/b8Zz53 #
  • Thai Treasury expects to issue 1.2 billion new coins into the economy in 2011, a 15% drop from this year /BkkPost #
  • Finance Minister Korn has ordered a probe into the alleged tobacco scam at the Thailand Tobacco Monopoly /BkkPost #
  • Thai court opens trial against ruling party http://bit.ly/avsTxF #
  • Yet another drowning in Phuket http://bit.ly/a0Dikv (and yesterday’s story updated http://bit.ly/cqndRn) #
  • Police arrest Iranian man after 10kg of crystal methamphetamine, worth Bt30 million, found in his room in Asok area /MCOT #
  • Thai Superstar Bashed & Robbed on Pattaya Beach Road http://bit.ly/cXt3NU #
  • Wichean voted as next Chief of Police in Thailand (Bangkok Post) http://j.mp/bvZ122 #
  • Thai police arrest German graduates in Pattaya for internet banking theft http://bit.ly/9q64Il #
  • Thai health authorities are urging women not to wear fashionable black leggings to avoid mosquitoes http://bit.ly/agSAWD #
  • 25 Juvenile detainees escaped from a detention Center in Nakhon Pathom last night. 15 still on the run /via @Tulip_Oum #
  • 17 Red-shirt Leaders Face More Charges http://bit.ly/9lvQEK (TANN) /via @Juarawee #
  • Aussie chef (David Thompson) takes on the Thais by opening a restaurant in Bangkok http://bit.ly/cR1C9E #
  • Why is the David Thompson book “Thai Street Food” 2,295 Baht but in USA it’s only $37 (1,200 Baht)? http://amzn.to/9sDm7V #
  • Thailand all set to fight Somali pirates (Bangkok Post) http://bit.ly/b2lpBY #
  • According to Metropolitan BKK, Nahm will open beginning of September due to construction delay /via @ChrisWidmer #
  • Cambodian PM warns of possible violence over border dispute: “It may cause bloodshed” http://bit.ly/aQMuc4 #
  • A darling at Cannes for his starring role in “Uncle Boonmee”, Thanapat is a field hand in Thailand http://bit.ly/aX2jtJ #

Tuesday 10th August 2010:

  • Popeye encourages Thai children to eat fruit and veg, study – http://is.gd/eaeUE #
  • A German flew a yellow-and-red kite in front of Government House yesterday (The Nation) http://is.gd/eaCw1 #
  • Democrat dissolution trial begins (Bangkok Post) http://is.gd/eaCJF #
  • Canada briefed about a Thai ship of asylum seekers from Sri Lanka that could be carrying terrorists http://is.gd/eaD3W #
  • KBank adds Burmese language to some of it’s regional ATM’s to help migrant workers /BkkPost #
  • Bangkok 2010: Phetkasem, Ramkhamhaeng & Kanchanaphisek are most dangerous roads with 9, 8 & 6 fatal accidents /BkkPost #
  • The most dangerous intersections in Bangkok are Asok-Phetchaburi, Soon Wijai and Bang Na http://bit.ly/99c17H #
  • Thai students practicing for Mother’s Day ceremony where they will prostrate to their mothers http://twitpic.com/2d9hdc #
  • Workers preparing the stage for the Queen’s Birthday ceremony this Thursday in Samut Prakan. http://twitpic.com/2d9y8u #
  • Massive traffic jam of coaches coming off expressway at Bang Na. 1000’s of students heading to BITEC for Science Fair. #
  • The National Science and Technology Fair 2010 is on now until 22 August 2010 at BITEC – http://bit.ly/d6NRKG #
  • They’re expecting 1 million people to come here to the Science Fair at BITEC. I believe it! http://twitpic.com/2danb8 #
  • Central World to re-open at the end of September after 2,800 million baht renovation http://is.gd/eaTfW /via @bangkok #
  • I posted 47 photos on Facebook in the album “National Science & Technology Fair 2010” http://bit.ly/cyGWsY #
  • RT @bm_: Is there an off peak for science fair? Looks interesting but also very full. => I guess weekdays more school kids so try weekend #
  • NIDA poll: 69.55% want the government to push Cambodians out of the overlapping area near Preah Vihear temple /BkkPost #
  • ICT minister gets suspended jail term for defaming wife of former deputy prime minister Surapong http://bit.ly/9JWB83 #
  • School girl from Phra Pradaeng, Samut Prakan wins 10 million baht in the World Cup postcard draw #
  • The name & full address of the Thai schoolgirl who won 10 million baht has already been published on the net #crazy #
  • Teachers face death in Thailand’s troubled south (AFP) http://bit.ly/bJYuFw #
  • RT @GlobalMouthful: Someone should do a story on what she will spend it on! => I am sure she will have plenty of long lost relatives helping #
  • Body of drowned foreign tourist found on Phuket’s Karon Beach this morning http://bit.ly/9nxKfa #
  • PM affirms Thailand’s adherence to peaceful means in resolving the border dispute with Cambodia. http://bit.ly/blhlof #

Wednesday 11th August 2010:

  • 34 cultural Thai heritage items named (The Nation) http://is.gd/ec7SF #
  • Thai schools all over the country are holding ceremonies this morning for the Queen’s Birthday & Mother’s Day. #
  • No Thai visa for more short-stay visitors: Romania, Bulgaria, Malta, Andorra and San Marino http://bit.ly/c4AguZ #
  • Thailand ranked 21 in global malicious activities in 2009 (Bangkok Post) http://bit.ly/9jde9I #
  • Everyone wearing blue at school today for the Queen’s Birthday ceremony. http://twitpic.com/2djloi #
  • Blue is the colour for H.M The Queen of Thailand. Her Majesty turns 78 tomorrow. http://twitpic.com/2djnuf #
  • Short video clip of Thai dancing at Queen’s Birthday celebration at Sriwittayapaknam School. http://twitvid.com/0ZVWN #
  • Some students have already started to cry while listening to the mother’s day speech & songs http://twitpic.com/2djwe7 #
  • Thai students prostrating at the feet of their mothers. http://twitpic.com/2djz84 #
  • Burmese language on ATM’s in Thailand is supply & demand but Thai media slant says “Burmese takeover” /via @Thai_Talk #
  • Early this morning, Her Royal Highness Princess Soamsavali returned from her trip to Denmark http://bit.ly/8X4f01 #
  • I’m on my way to Samut Prakan Immigration to do my 90 day reporting. I didn’t forget this time so don’t need to pay the 2,000 baht fine! #
  • RT @alexqrbkk: 2,000 Baht fine if you forget to report to Immigration every 90 days. 4,000 baht if you are arrested. #
  • You can report to Immigration for your 90 days, 7 days early or 7 days late. Someone can go for you or can send by EMS. #
  • If you leave Thailand for a brief holiday & come back, you start counting the 90 days again from zero. #
  • How we bully our migrant workers (Bangkok Post) http://bit.ly/9uTmpb /via @Giles_iPresume #
  • Supreme Court rejects an appeal filed by Thaksin against the seizure of his assets worth 46.37 billion baht /BkkPost #
  • Officials at Samut Prakan Immigration office hard at work this morning http://yfrog.com/5j7kjlj http://yfrog.com/caecsj #
  • RT @thomasgires: 90 days reset is for residence reporting only? => Nothing to do with visa, it is for anyone staying longer than 90 days #
  • I’m working on official website for Samut Prakan Immigration, but difficult getting accurate info! http://bit.ly/az8Ezq #
  • Villagers work their farms in fear due to tense situation at Thai-Cambodian border (MCOT) http://bit.ly/b0f5hs #
  • Minimum wage from 151 Baht/day ($4.87) in Phayao, Phichit, Phrae & MaeHongSon to 206 B ($6.65) in Bangkok & Samut Prakan #
  • 19 Red Shirt leaders & supporters indicted on terrorism charges but not Thaksin yet (BkkPost) http://bit.ly/cyL5NI #
  • Greepeace were out protesting yesterday about contaminated water in Samrong Canal, Samut Prakan http://bit.ly/bjsNcN #
  • Contract killer from Thailand ‘may die in prison’ for murder of disabled divorcee http://bit.ly/bAtRsi #
  • This weekend is “Smile@Siam” where there will be stages set up at Siam Square, Paragon, Siam Center and MBK #
  • What happens when your motorcycle is stolen in Thailand by @freakingcat http://bit.ly/bK58kC #

Thursday 12th August 2010:

  • Happy Mother’s Day to all mothers in Thailand & around the world! Happy Birthday to The Queen, mother to all Thai people #
  • At 7am a lot of people in Thailand will make merit for the Queen by giving alms to monks. http://twitpic.com/2dtn40 #
  • Live pic from Samut Prakan Provincial Hall of local people getting ready to make merit. http://twitpic.com/2dto1w #
  • Live pic of giving food to the monks in Samut Prakan to make merit for the Queen’s Birthday. http://twitpic.com/2dtwsw #
  • Video clip of merit making this morning in Samut Prakan http://twitvid.com/4UVYX #
  • Releasing 1 million tiny marine animals into the Chao Phraya River for the Queen’s Birthday. http://twitpic.com/2dtz6r #
  • The merit making ceremony for the Queen is over. Next is a formal event at 9am to pay homage to portrait of the Queen. #
  • Photo album of merit making activities this morning in Samut Prakan for HM The Queen’s 78th Birthday http://bit.ly/bNjwGH #
  • [Blog] Merit Making Ceremony in Samut Prakan for H.M. The Queen’s 78th Birthday http://bit.ly/cL3DXP #
  • I am now rushing back to the City Hall for the next ceremony where local government officials will pay homage to a portrait of HM The Queen #
  • The Governor of Samut Prakan & other government officials for ceremony for Queen’s Birthday. http://twitpic.com/2duq2m #
  • Video clip of ceremony going on here now in Samut Prakan for Queen’s Birthday. http://twitvid.com/X7JU0 #
  • In full dress including ceremonial swords for Queen’s Birthday ceremony. http://twitpic.com/2duwqr #
  • The ceremony is now over. Time for a quick breakfast then to Ancient Siam for their Mother’s Day event. #
  • Picture of the waterfront & Chao Phraya River from Samut Prakan Provincial Hall http://twitpic.com/2dv6c6 #
  • Despite it being a public holiday in Thailand today, all shopping malls & tourist attractions are open as normal. #
  • BMA: Sukhumwit is the dustiest road in Bangkok with the worst air quality at Udomsuk Intersection (297mpcm) /BkkPost #
  • RT @ruxoz: http://twitpic.com/2dv6c6 – Color in this picture’s really interesting! => I used Pro HDR on my iPhone #
  • Air Quality in Bangkok is looking good at the moment. The PM10 column shouldn’t exceed 120 http://bit.ly/bjrLh2 #
  • Air quality charts for the rest of Thailand looking good. The PM10 column shouldn’t exceed 120 http://bit.ly/9LpgSf #
  • I’m at Ancient Siam in Samut Prakan to take pictures of their Mother’s Day activities. http://twitpic.com/2dwrpe #
  • This is a replica of the famous Preah Vihear at Ancient Siam which is in a border dispute now. http://twitpic.com/2dx752 #
  • RT @taprumy: Is the flag on the temple Cambodian or Thai? => Old Thai flag; White elephant on red background #
  • Wonderful views from top of Preah Vihear at Ancient Siam http://twitpic.com/2dxc6y http://twitpic.com/2dxc6w #
  • Prasat Phra Wihan at Ancient Siam is built on an artificial hill. http://twitpic.com/2dxctm http://twitpic.com/2dxcto #
  • RT @LisaMajesty: So we can stop the tantrums by starting rumour that TAT has moved the temple from the border to Bangkok? #
  • On my way to Erawan Museum (giant 3-headed elephant) to take pics of Mother’s Day activities. Today is free for mum’s! #
  • Internet is Latest Battleground in Thailand’s Heated Political Landscape (Voice of America) http://bit.ly/bhNiDi #
  • I’m on my way now back to City Hall Plaza in Samut Prakan for the final ceremony for the Queen’s birthday. #
  • Teachers from Sriwittayapaknam School getting ready for the Queen’s Birthday ceremony. http://twitpic.com/2dymql #
  • It looks very much like we are going to get VERY wet very soon! http://twitpic.com/2dyor2 #
  • Everyone running for cover. Are they having better luck elsewhere? http://twitpic.com/2dyrwd http://twitpic.com/2dyrwe #
  • Fireworks show is over and we are now having a performance of Thai dancing. http://twitpic.com/2dzee6 #
  • Leicester City Football Club have been bought out by a Thai-based consortium (BBC) http://bit.ly/9Z5EH9 #
  • Mass candle-lighting ceremony marks Queen Sirikit’s 78th birthday (MCOT) http://bit.ly/dCRqcz #
  • I was lucky with this pic as I was on the right side. But I think I might find myself in a few local newspapers! http://yfrog.com/nb5jjj #

You can follow me on Twitter @RichardBarrow for all the latest news about Thailand. I post about Thailand travel, food, festivals, major events and of course breaking news. Visit my Twitter Archives for everything that I have posted on Twitter over the past five months.

Khorat to Phimai

Darkest Isan (where decent thais fear to tread), Part Two

An 800 year old Khmer ruin, the most ferocious mosquitoes in Thailand, the friendliest of provincial towns, crazy coffee and drinking Lao Khao with Rickshaw Drivers till way past 10 o’clock bedtime. If this has you wetting your pants, Phimai is the place for you.

After passing through hilly Khao Yai and some of the prettiest scenery in Thailand, venturing onto the plains of southern Isan, drought, subsistence farmers, water buffalo, Morlam, Rot Tumada, Khao Niaw and all, then surviving the sprawling Lao speaking Metropolis of Korat partied out and verging on dipso, some R&R in the sleepy town of Phimai offers some more than welcome respite. A sort of Betty Ford for travellers.

The town is a surprisingly mis-touristy touristy town. Boasting the Phimai ruins (a small outlaying Cambodian Ankor temple), actually inside the town, travelling out of town to see stuff is for plebs, someone obviously thought this place would be a tourist Mecca, but who this someone is still not identified and he has most likely gone into hiding from the locals. The prima estate row of shop facing the ruin aren’t tourist shops at all and sell no souvenirs and look exactly like any Thai road, drug stores, food for monks, soft drinks at regular prices, except the shops selling coffee which have tripled their prices to 40 baht……… not only in the touristy bit of town but the whole town, and the outskirts of a town where a buffalo is more likely to wander by than a tourist and even in the country road way out of town. Why do you build and overpriced coffee shop on a road with no other buildings, in the middle of nowhere surrounded by rice fields. Do the farmhands pop in to spend their entire daily wage on a Mochachino and a blueberry muffin?

Phimai temple is nice and sedate, nice in a way sipping tea on a patio on a summer’s day is nice, if it was a boy it would be the kind of boy you would want your teenage daughter to date, it’s an unchallenging hedgerowed trimmed park, a smilingly polite visitors centre, Mormonly demure admission staff and Scandinavianly healthy tourists, it’s sooooo nice……. you just want to get an automatic rifle and run up and down between the bushes blowing away every muvva with a simperingly nice grin you see.

Maybe having been to Ankor Wat has jaded me. This small temple does pale beside it in my mind or maybe it’s just if your going to have a evocative ruin, it has to be clinging to the side of a mountain or buried deep in a jungle, somehow putting it in the local park doesn’t work. As I wondered between the walls I found myself wondering where the swings, roundabouts and the duck pond were. It’s like holding a barekuckle boxing match in a mother’s and toddler’s picnic area, location, location, location, it just doesn’t work. It was the reason why I hated Sukhothai.

The entry fee has recently gone up from 30 baht to 100 baht. With the Thai economy in a worse state than an England World Cup campaign and Newsweek Magazine saying there is more chance of Barack Obama fulfilling an election promise than it getting better in the foreseeable future, what solution does the Thai government have to solve this self inflicted economic suicide of a nation, more than triple tourist prices………………….

……….Then again, what’s the average IQ of tourists who visit Thailand? Perhaps they have a point, I tend to think if they raised the price to 300 baht there would still be a row of Gunthers and Gertrudes running around with their plastic Minoltas like they own the place and, their two anorexic impersonating unisex blond beast brats in dayglo orange t-shirts and asinine grins getting in the way of my every shot and making me think can’t we just neuter the entire population of Denmark and end the race.

If Saturday night is anything to go by, I wouldn’t give up your trip to the Full Moon Party to come here. There aren’t many nightlife options in town, depending upon really how you define the word ‘night’ that is. If you are of the school that considers night to be the time from 8pm to around 10pm then there is a plethora of exciting activities for you, including the opportunity to sit alone or among the odd tourist in the town’s tourist bar, eating fruit from the late night fruit stand or you could buy a bottle of Lao Khao (Rice Whiskey) from the 7/11 and venture round the corner and sit in the road with the night rickshaw drivers, the conversation can be surprisingly stimulating….. Incidentally from the fruitful evening I gleaned the wisdom that rickshaws in Thailand are called ‘Samlors’, (sam = 3, lor = wheels) because if you can count three wheels on your rickshaw you still haven’t drunk enough Lao Khao and shouldn’t be driving the thing. Just like their motorised counterparts pedal samlors require distilled fluid as fuel, only with pedal samlors you put the distilled fuel in the man not the machine. On the other hand if you are someone who regards nightlife something that occurs after 10pm sadly is this is somewhat of an alien concept in Phimai where the townsfolk as a rule race the cockerel to see who can wake up who first, the all night water stalls strangely dotted around town are your best option for that wild Ibiza time.