In the early stages of the Second World War (1939-1945) Thailand continued receiving its opium from countries like Iran and Turkey, but after the Thais sided with the Japanese Empire late in 1941, these markets were quickly cut off. In May 1942 the Thai Northern Army, commanded by General Phin Choonhaven, moved into the Shan States of northeastern Burma in support of the overall Japanese invasion of that country, establishing its headquarters in the town of Kengtung and thereby gaining access to the locally grown product as well as Chinese opium.

Tags: Golden Triangle,History,Opium,Thailand,War
Categories: History
6 Comments »

Some time ago I came up with the theory that it would be possible to live comfortably in Pattaya for 1000 Baht per day. In order to test it, since 1 January 2003 I have kept records of every baht I have spent, where I spent it and what I spent it on. Now, after two full years, it is possible to analyze the records to either confirm my theory or put it to rest. If you are a retired millionaire or someone for whom money is no object, don’t read on. What follows will only be of interest to the 99% of us with limited resources.

Tags: Accommodation,Cost,Food,laundry,Living,Pattaya,Telephone,Thailand
Categories: Pattaya
4 Comments »

Of all the feasts and festivals in Thailand, which are many, the Songkran Festival is the most striking, for it is widely observed not only in this country but also in Burma, Cambodia and the Lao State.

Tags: Festival,Monk,Pagoda,Songkran,Thailand
Categories: Thailand
No Comments »

Well, Thailand’s beaches have certainly got a lot of attention this year, although much of the media spin hasn’t been exactly fair. I’m talking, of course, about the big wave. Don’t fret though, gentle reader, that was months ago and things are back to normal now. You’re pretty unlikely to notice much change in Phuket and it was the west coast and the rest of the country is fine. Indeed, down south they just want the tourists back so everyone can get on with their lives and forget about the whole thing.

Tags: Beach,Hua Hin,Koh Samui,Koh Tao,Pattaya,Phuket
Categories: Thailand
No Comments »

If you pick up a tourist brochure, or look at a website, or even talk with one of the expatriates who live there, you’ll keep stumbling on the phrase “paradise” used to describe Pattaya. On arrival the casual observer may be a little mystified by this. The beach is rubbish, the whole town is concrete and there’s sleaze on a truly dumbfounding scale. Koh Phi Phi this ain’t. Yet the town has the highest concentration of expatriates outside Bangkok and sees two million visitors every year (second only to Phuket). So what draws people to this seaside resort town, just to the southeast of Bangkok?

Tags: Jomtien,Paradise,Pattaya,Walking Street
Categories: Pattaya
No Comments »

A golden brownish leaf floats in the early morning breeze from a teak tree towering high above the road that climbs through Khao Yai National Park. I watched it drift; its graceful descent to the tarmac caught by sunlight filtering through the trees. Its descent became my marker. Could I speed up just a mite to catch the leaf before it touched the tarmac? I didn’t, but in those few seconds I knew why cycling, of all sports, fascinates me the most. You concentrate on small matters, like finding the strength to round the next bend or climb a mountain road. As you travel in slow mode a destination shares its secrets.

Tags: Bangkok,Bicycle,Khao Yai,Thailand
Categories: Bangkok
No Comments »

Det går rykter her nede om at det har vært mer enn bikkjekaldt i Norge den siste tiden. Bildet ovenfor er så langt jeg vet ikke fra Norge, men får håpe at det ikke har vært så kaldt. I Pattaya er det sol som gjelder. Men vi hadde en og en halv dag med regn for ett par dager siden. Sist vi så regn før det må være noen måneder siden, så vi skal kanskje ikke klage over ustabilt vær. Håper at våren kommer hos dere i høye nord etterhvert.

Tags: Alisa,Hotell,Pattaya,Spurs,Thailand
Categories: My Diary
No Comments »

One of the great attractions for nature tourists visiting Thailand is the diversity of environments extending across mountain peaks, lowland rainforests, mangroves, coral reefs, farmland and urban jungles. Within a day, or even a few hours travel, one can easily make the transition between these places and witness natural marvels large and small.

For wildlife enthusiasts no group maintains interest and pleasure more than birds. While special efforts are required to see in the wild charismatic species such as elephants and primates, birds are found across the entire spectrum of environments from pristine to severely degraded areas.

Tags: Birds,Outdoor,Thailand,Wildlife
Categories: Thailand
No Comments »