Thailand Land of Smiles» Bangkok, the hottest city in the world

Bangkok Motorbike Festival 2010

Talen — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 21:52:34 +0000

The second annual Bangkok Motorbike Festival will be taking place January 28th through the 31st at Central World Center in Bangkok. The first 7 floors of Central World will feature all sorts of displays and merchants selling gear as well as some very cool bikes. Vendors on display will include a who’s who of the bike world such as Harley-Davidson, Triumph, Ducati, BMW, Sachs, Can-Am, Honda, Yamaha and Kawasaki. The front entrance to Central World will also be transformed into a large motorcycle pit stop where even more bikes will be on display.

As well as showcasing the latest models available enthusiasts will also be able to see and purchase the latest in bike accessories, apparel and safety gear. The show isn’t all about the merchants though there will also be stunt shows, interviews with leaders in the industry, live concerts and even a fashion show.

The exhibition is hoping to explain, and draw attention to, why people ride motorcycles for fun in Thailand and let people in on the great touring possibilities Thailand has to offer. To further this goal a caravan of riders will start a scenic journey in northern Thailand and bring it all the way to Bangkok where they will be escorted to the grand opening of the show.

Thailand has a long history with it’s motorcycles from as early as 1967 when Honda built it’s first plant just outside Bangkok to today with Thailand exporting over 1.4 million motorcycles a year including the famous British brand Triumph.

Last years exhibition was a big hit and this year it’s expected to be even bigger with an estimated 150, ooo people attending. Below is a schedule of events for the 4 day exhibition and if you click on the banner above or below it will take you to the festivals web site where you can get even more info.

Bangkok Motorbike festival 2010 Schedule of Events:

Thursday January 28th, 2010

10.00 : BMF 2nd is open
15.00 : Arrival of Northern Trip Caravan
16.00 : The opening ceremony of the 2nd Bangkok Motorbike Festival 2010
17.00 : Stunt Show/BMF Beer Garden is ready to serve
18.00 : Talk Show : Mr. Pariya Manomaiphibul (Khun Pong), Market Development Manager of Tiger Motor Co., Ltd and Manging Director of Bikecare International Co., Ltd.
19.00 : Stunt Show/Talk Show : Mr. Rath Wijitraphongsa (EPAP) from KSR
21.00 : Live Band from
22.00 : Indoor activities close
23.00 : BMF Beer Garden close

Friday January 29th, 2010

10.00 : BMF 2nd is open
16.00 : Talk Show :
17.00 : Stunt Show/Talk Show :
18.00 : Talk Show :
19.00 : Stunt Show/Talk Show: Mr. Dom Hetrakul, Managing Director of Britbike Co., Ltd. and actor
20.00 : Talk Show: Mr. Mana Chaiwan (Khun Gai) and Mr. Patima Gongpetch (Khun Tom) from Strom Rider Club
21.00 : Live Band
22.00 : Indoor activities close
23.00 : BMF Beer Garden close

Saturday January 30th, 2010

10.00 : BMF 2nd is open
15.00 : Talk Show : Mr. Somchai Khemklad
16.00 : Talk Show : Mr. Pisit Kunananantakul (Khun Ae), Managing Direstor of Kunka Corporation Co., Ltd.
17.00 : Stunt Show/Talk Show :
18.00 : Talk Show :
19.00 : Stunt Show/Talk Show : Mr. Teera Pudpong (Khun Morris) from Scooter Rider Group
21.00 : Live Band
22.00 : Indoor activities close
23.00 : BMF Beer Garden close

Sunday January 31st, 2010

10.00 : The last day of BMF 2nd is open
15.00 : Talk Show : Mr. Wikrom Montrichok (Khun Gai)
16.00 : Talk Show : Mr. Pornsak Kanchanapa (Khun Toi)
17.00 : Stunt Show/Talk Show :
18.00 : Talk Show : Mr. Chantap Pongpatinan (Khun Aek) From Eka’s Extreme
19.00 : Stunt Show/Talk Show :
21.00 : Live Band
22.00 : Indoor activities close
23.00 : BMF Beer Garden close

Wat Phra Kaew Temple of the Emerald Buddha

Talen — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 22:55:51 +0000

Wat Phra Kaew, also known as the temple of the Emerald Buddha, resides within the grounds of the Grand Palace in Bangkok and is considered the most revered Buddhist shine in all of Thailand. The Emerald Buddha itself is actually carved of jadeite, stands 26 inches tall and sits atop a large gold alter in the center of the temple.

Only the King of Thailand is allowed close to the Emerald Buddha when the seasonal gold costume it wears is changed three times a year. The summer costume consists of a crown and jewelry, the winter costume is a golden shawl and the costume worn during Buddhist Lent is a gilt robe and headdress. The costume change is an important Thai ritual performed by the King who will also sprinkles water over the gathered monks and the faithful to bring good luck during the upcoming season. The other two costumes are on display in the nearby Pavillion of Regalia, Royal Decorations and Thai Coins while not in use.

According to popular belief the Emerald Buddha started it’s journey in Sri Lanka but modern historians have discounted most of the Buddha statues early history and are confident that the Buddha image was carved sometime during the late 14th century to the mid 15th century in Northern Thailand. Although, the statue is carved in the style and attitude of Buddha images found in Southern India or Sri Lanka with the Buddha in a meditation pose. The meditation pose has never been prominent in Thailand which may have lead early historians to assign an alternate history to the Emerald Buddha.

The history from this era says that the Buddha was once hidden in a Chedi in the Chiang Rai province, but a lightening storm in 1434 damaged that Chedi exposing a stucco likeness of the Buddha. Upon closer inspection the stucco was falling off exposing the Jadeite Buddha below. Being such a beautiful dark green it was confused as being made of emerald at first, giving the statue it’s name The Emerald Buddha.

The King of Chiang Mai at the time heard of this wonderful discovery and decided that the statue must reside within his province. Three times he sent an elephant to Chiang Rai to retrieve the Buddha and three times the elephant stopped at a crossroads while returning with the Buddha. This was seen as a sign from Buddha himself and a temple was constructed in Lampang where the Emerald Buddha stayed for 32 years.

The next king of Chiang Mai decided the Emerald Buddha should be housed in his province as well and this time the Emerald Buddha was successfully moved from Lampang to Chiang Mai where it resided in a temple until 1552 when invaders from Laos stole the emerald Buddha. The statue remained in Laos for the next 214 years until General Chakri, who would later become King Rama I, brought the statue back to the capital at Thonburi after a successful war with Laos.

In 1784 When King Rama I moved the capital across the river to Bangkok he had the ordinance hall built where the stature still resides to this day. The ordinance hall was a plain stucco structure when it was first constructed but King Rama III would change all of that.

Large stucco moldings were installed and the whole hall was gilded and adorned with glass mosaics. A pair of Khmer lions, believed to be from the Khmer Bayon period of the 13th century, guard each of the six entrances. At the base of the ordination hall is a row of golden Garuda’s each holding a Naga in each hand. The Garuda is the King of all birds and the mount of Vishnu the great Hindu god, the Naga is the king of all serpents and the enemy of Garuda. The Garuda holding the Naga is believed to be a very powerful image to chase away evil spirits.

The ordination hall also contains two other interesting Buddha statues. Both ten foot tall statues are cast in bronze and stand crowned at either side of the Emerald Buddha. These statues were commissioned by King Rama III in dedication to King Rama I and King Rama II.

The Temple of the Emerald Buddha is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Thailand, and rightly so. The attention to detail inside as well as outside the ordination hall is stunning. The compound surrounding the ordination hall is equally as stunning with the various monuments and buildings glinting in the midday sun.

Getting a picture of the famous Emerald Buddha is sometimes easier said than done though. No pictures are allowed inside the ordinance hall which leaves you only two vantage points to get your photo. The first is through the open doorway at the front of the hall and the second is through a small open window cut into the front wall of the hall.

Wat Phra Kaew is absolutely a must see while in Bangkok and it is sure to give you memories that will last a lifetime.

Tien Market in Bangkok

Talen — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 23:34:21 +0000

The other day I wrote about Bangkok’s famous flower market, Pat Klong Talat and I referenced Tien market which is close by. So, I thought I would share this little cultural icon today.

Tien market isn’t much more than a small neighborhood market, situated in a very fortuitous place. If you take the river taxi up the Chao Phraya river to stop #8, which is the Tien pier, then you can’t help strolling through this little market on your way to Wat Pho ( Temple of the Reclining Buddha ). This is also the pier you will use to take the ferry across the Chao Phraya river to Wat Arun.

Although small, this neighborhood market has a lot of old world character and charm. As you come off the river taxi you’ll first be greeted by a restaurant that looks a little run down but I can guarantee you that they have very good food and more than a few cats around. I can confidently rate this as a 3 cat restaurant, which is very good as the Land of Smiles restaurant guide only goes up to 5 cats.

As you pass through the the restaurant there are a few trinket shops on either side before you come off the pier into the main market area. Although you can find some trinket and food shops the majority of merchants here are fish mongers, and mongers of the dried variety at that. To say that the air is pungent with fish might be an understatement.

While the majority of tourists passing through this small market may never realize it’s name they will remember the sights, sounds and smells Tien market brings back to them as they look through pictures they are sure to take.

I wouldn’t say Tien market is a Bangkok must see but seeing that those taking the Chao Phraya river to see attractions such as Wat Pho or Wat Arun will be passing through it, the market has assured it is a must see whether you like it or not.

Bangkok’s Hidden Treasure, Pak Klong Talat

Talen — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 01:35:45 +0000

Pat Klong Talat is best known as Bangkok’s 24 hour wholesale flower market that resides just off the Chayo Phraya river, it’s name literally means market by the mouth of the canal. It’s not so much that it’s hidden but a lot of tourists tend to forgo it’s beauty for other attractions around Bangkok.

If you take the Chao Phraya river taxi up river to the Memorial Bridge pier (stop #6) you can pretty much smell your way to Chak Phet road and Bangkok’s largest wholesale produce and flower market. At one time, over a hundred years ago, this area was the site of a floating market. During the reign of King Rama V it was changed into a fish market which stood for 60 years and eventually gave way to the produce and flower market it is today. The fish market is said to have been closed due to pollution problems and bad smells. One only needs to hang out for a bit at the Tien Market, only a short walk away, to get an inkling of how the fish market may have smelled, all sorts of dried fish can be found here.

You won’t have to worry about fishy smells here anymore though as that has all been replaced by the sweet smell of roses, jasmine, carnations, orchids and many other species of flowers delivered from all over Thailand to the market daily. While this is definitely a wholesale market and is very busy late at night and in the early morning, the market is also open to the public.

Westerners are likely to be shocked by the prices of the wholesale flowers. A dozen roses in America retail for $30 on a normal day while valentines day sees that price jump to $100. One newspaper wrapped bundle of 50 roses here will set you back 40-50 baht, just a little more than than $1.00. Or if you like you can have an orchid for 20 baht. The sellers may not make much money off the tourist trade but you can bet they have a smile on their face working under such beautifully fragrant conditions.

I meant to spend an evening here last trip watching the hustle and bustle of the market but plans always have a way of changing in Thailand. I did get a chance to spend a little time at the market the day before I left for Pattaya and I’m very happy I did, although I didn’t get nearly as many pictures as I wanted.

Pak Klong Talat market is truly a feast for the eyes as well as your nose and with all the succulent produce and the beautiful tapestry of vivid colors provided by the flowers of Thailand you can get lost here for some time and be very happy about it. This belongs on your list of sights to see while in Bangkok so make sure you add it because it will definitely make for a memorable day and many beautiful pictures.

Bangkok’s Ancient Skyline

Talen — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 20:21:53 +0000

There is something absolutely amazing about ancient Thai architecture set against a spectacular Bangkok skyline. If you stand just the right way or get the right angle on your camera you can erase a few hundred years of technology and progress from your photos and make it feel like you are seeing Thailand as it was 300 years ago. It must have truly been a sight to behold.

Wat Suthat in Bangkok

Talen — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 08:42:56 +0000

As I said in an earlier post on Bangkok’s Giant Swing I had very little time in Bangkok last trip and many things to see. My first trip to Wat Suthat was cut short due to torrential downpours but I eventually found some time a few days later to revisit the Wat. Little did I know at the time the rich history of this particular Buddhist temple I just knew it was beautiful and I really wanted to see it. Unfortunately the weather and my camera’s memory card didn’t hold up well this day so a return trip is in order.

Wat Suthat is over 200 years old and considered to be one the most important Buddhist temples in Thailand. The building of Wat Suthat began in the early 19th century under King Rama I and took over 30 years to complete. It is home to many beautiful Thai/Chinese bronze sculptures including one Buddha statue from the SukhoThai period that dates to over 600 years old and is 25 meters tall. This statue was floated down river over 200 years ago to become part of the temple. Wat Suthat is also home to the ashes of King Anand Mahidol who was the brother of Thailand’s current King.

There has been ongoing restoration of the temple in past years including a joint Thai/German project to restore the wall murals and in 1999 the temple commissioned a western Mahayana Buddhist painter, Brian Barry, to design and paint the platform door paintings in the preaching hall. A first as no other time has a non Thai person been allowed to do work on a royal Thai temple.

One of the largest draws to Wat Suthst is it’s connection to Mahayana Buddhism and the Phra Kring, a Buddhist amulet that looks like a Mahayana Buddha and makes a ringing sound when shaken. The Thai people believe that this particular amulet has the power to affect ones health. These amulets can be bought at the temple and are very prized possessions by those who purchase them.

Wat Suthat is a working temple and you will see many monks as you stroll through the compound. If you have the chance to see Wat Suthat later in the day, around 6 pm, then you will be witness to a large gathering of monks coming to the preaching hall for their daily chants.

Wat Suthat is steeped in rich history and Buddhist lore and is easily one of the most beautiful temples in Thailand. If you are heading for Bangkok then this is indeed one place that should be on your list to visit. I know I’ll be making a return visit.

More pictures can be seen of Wat Suthat and the Giant swing in the Gallery Wat Suthat.

The below video is a short look at Wat Suthat.

Bangkok’s Giant Swing

Talen — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 03:06:47 +0000

In my quest to see the finer things on offer in Bangkok I was armed with a list of places to see my last trip. Knowing I would only be in Bangkok five or six days made it a mad scramble to get everything in and some days, such as the day I visited Wat Suthat, the weather wasn’t cooperating.

You’ll know you are getting close to Wat Suthat when you see a large red arch high in the sky. This is the giant swing that is just outside the temple. Originally built in 1784 by King Rama I, it was placed in front of the Devasathan Shrine in Bangkok. It was later rebuilt in 1920 after a lightning strike and moved to it’s current location just outside Wat Suthat. Major repair work was done again to the giant swing in 2005-2006

The giant swing is rooted in Hindu and Indian beliefs and was part of an annual Brahmin Ceremony called ” Tri-yampawai ” or swing ceremony held in the first lunar month of the Thai lunar calendar. During the ceremony men would try to swing their way to the very top using long ropes in hopes of grabbing a bag of coins placed there.

The ceremony is a representation of the epic myth in which Uma Devi makes a bet with Shiva whereby a serpent is suspended between two Putsa tress over a river and swinging back and forwards to aiming to strike Shiva to make him fall and thus signify the end of the world. Shiva stands in its path on one leg with the other crossed and when struck does not fall thus signifying that the creation of the earth was sound, secure and would remain strong.

It is believed there was a mandate at one time to have a giant swing in every major city, and while it’s certain that there were other swings erected this swing is the only known swing to still exist. In 1932 the ceremony itself was banned due to many serious and fatal accidents.

The original timbers of this rebuilt Swing are now housed at Bangkok National Museum. The main poles of the structure are made of teak and are over 30 meters in height and 3.5 meters in circumference. The base supporting the teak timbers are 20 meters high and 2.3 meters in circumference.

I didn’t make it into Wat Suthat this day because soon after the above picture was taken the skys opened up and it rained buckets until the sun went down. But I did make it to see the Giant swing and that was well worth getting wet for. I have to thank Martyn over at Beyond the Mango Juice for letting me know about this treasure.

Wat Pho, Temple of the Reclining Buddha

Talen — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 02:10:49 +0000

While I was in Bangkok in April I wanted to visit as many important landmarks as I could in the short time I had. At the top of the list was WatPho, better know to the Thai’s as Wat Phra Chetuphon. Everyone else will know it as the Temple of the Reclining Buddha.

Wat Pho is the largest and the oldest temple in Bangkok, sitting on 20 acres and predating Bangkok being named as the capital city of Thailand by 200 years. The temple not only holds the largest reclining Buddha statue in Thailand it also boasts the most Buddha images of any Wat in Thailand, having over 1000.

As a tourist attraction it is among the most impressive in the world. The gold plated statue of the reclining Buddha represents the passing of Buddha into Nirvana and measures in at an amazing 15 meters tall and 46 meters long. Aside from the gold plating the Eyes of the Buddha and the bottom of the feet are made of mother of pearl. The soles of the feet are inlaid with intricate designs showcasing the 108 characteristics of the true Buddha.

While the main Wat complex is made up of two walled compounds, the North compound is where you will find the temple of the reclining Buddha while the Southern compound is still a working monastery. You’ll know exactly where the North compound is when you see throngs of people gathering at the entrance. The entrance fee for western visitors is 350 baht while Thai’s are alowed in for free. Before entering the temple you will remove your shoes and store them in special shoe boxes outside the temple.

Once inside the temple you basically follow the flow leading down the front side of the Buddha and then back towards the exit from the rear of the Buddha. There is no time limit so you can wait out the crowds to get the best photos. While waiting for the best shot you can take in the beauty of the wall murals finished in gold leaf.

Once you round the feet of the reclining Buddha and move towards the rear of the statue you will see a line of brass pots against the wall leading to the exit. A small desk behind the feet is where you will get a handful of prayer coins for a 20 baht note and as you exit you place one coin in each brass pot for blessings to be bestowed upon you. This really adds to the ambiance of the temple.

This is really the one attraction not to miss when visiting Bangkok. The temple grounds are very beautiful and the statue of the reclining Buddha is amazing in all it’s splendor. More photos can bee seen in the gallery Wat Pho-Temple of the Reclining Buddha.

BNE the Bane of Bangkok

Talen — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 23:39:34 +0000

From San Francisco to Bangkok and more than 5 other cities you can see the mark of BNE almost everywhere you walk in the city. In the past two years this criminal or criminals have defaced the streets of various cities with their three letter moniker that makes sense to no one. Walk along sukhumvit in Bangkok and you are assailed with stickers and spray painted scrawlings every few feet that proclaim BNE was here.

It’s not like this graffiti is a work of art like the world renown Banksy of English fame. There is no art here at all just three letters BNE. Sometimes it’s King BNE or BNE was here but as of late it’s more stickers than anything. This phenomenon of crap apparently started in Japan and was accompanied by a symbol that means visit. Accordingly many believe that along with the symbol the BNE stands for ” Be Nowhere Else”. Nice way to leave your mark.

My many walks through the city streets of Bangkok were always accompanied by this mysterious BNE. Very few of the pictures I took of the city last trip were devoid of the vandalism. And vandalism is exactly what it is. No one knows who is responsible for the world wide attack and I suspect it’s many people thinking they are part of something special or cool.

Bangkok may not be the cleanest city in the world but it definitely has a charm all it’s own and this garbage is really starting to take a toll on it’s streets. I hope someone is caught while tagging their BNE by locals no matter where it happens in the world and they put a foot up their ass…There is nothing cool about being an asshole.

When I was an active SCUBA diver there was a motto that divers the world around went by and it’s fitting if you travel abroad even as a land lover. I modified it a little.

Take only pictures…leave only bubbles smiles

Below is an ABC news story on the havoc these idiots are wreaking around the world:

Chang Yim-Smiling Elephant Project

Talen — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 03:15:33 +0000

Photo Courtesy of AP

The Chang Yim ( Smiling Elephant ) project was set up by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration to remove roaming elephants from Bangkok’s city streets and get them back to their natural enviroment or a close proximity thereof. The BMA is taking aim at Bangkok’s mahout’s who drive these gentle beasts throughout the city to beg for coins and perform tricks for tourist dollars.

As you can see by the picture above city streets are no place for an elephant of any size. The baby elephant above was being walked through the city of Rayong when it stepped into an open manhole. fortunately the baby elephant was rescued, without harm, after a few hours and with the help of a bulldozer to dig a pit big enough for him to walk out of. Unfortunately the Baby elephant gets to go back to it’s life of slavery begging for money.

The Chang Yim project in Bangkok aims to remove all elephants from Bangkok within one year. They made their first big step yesterday with the purchase of Pang Bua Kham, a 30 year old elephant that is blind in one eye. Pang Bua Kham’s owner, a Bangkok mahout, was paid 300,000 baht ( roughly $8000.00 ) for the elephant who will be transported to the National Elephant Institute in Lampang where it will live out the rest of it’s days in peaceful surroundings. The hope is that some elephants, at least the younger ones, can be re-introduced to their natural habitats while the older elephants will be found suitable homes at places like the National Elephant Institute.

The BMA believes that most of Bangkok’s roaming elephants can be purchased from their owners for 300,000 baht each and to this end they have set up a bank account with Krungthai bank to accept donations for this cause. In a little over a week the bank account has already received 800,000 baht ( roughly $24000.00 ). Donations can be made to Krungthai Bank account No.088-0-03418-1.

This of course is a small solution to a very large problem. Elephants are used in every major city by their owners to make a living through tourist dollars. Hopefully the BMA efforts in Bangkok will be successful and catch on in other cities so this problem can finally be one of the past. Until that day there will be more stories like the Baby elephant story above and sadder ones like the elephant that died last week in Chonburi province when it walked into a low hanging live electric line and was electrocuted.

If you plan on visiting Thailand and run into these gentle giants on the streets of Bangkok or any other city please resist the urge to pay for the experience of feeding them or taking a picture with them. They are beautiful creatures but there are much more humane and suitable places where you can get to know the elephants of Thailand better.

Military Intelligence in Bangkok, Not

Talen — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 03:46:53 +0000

Bangkok is no different than any other big city in the world, other than the fact that it’s red light district is right out in the open and easy to find. That being said there is always the possibility of getting into trouble if you don’t keep your wits about you. Don’t flash wads of cash, don’t wear lots of flashy jewelry and apparently don’t show your date for the night your laptop that contains intelligence documents pertaining to the Australian military.

Now, I consider myself a normal kinda guy and if left to my own devices in a city such as Bangkok I would definitely find myself curious about the nightlife. But being the normal kinda guy I am ( read: of at least average to above average intelligence) I would take precautions to keep myself and my property safe. Apparently the Australian military, much like the American military, doesn’t place much stock in the intelligence part.

In early July of this year one Lieutenant Commander Peter de Maskens, a signal specialist for the Australian military, was attending a week long conference in Bangkok on regional security issues of all things. Well one night Lieutenant Maskens decided at 2am to take a stroll to Bangkok’s most famous night life destination, Nana Plaza.

Two things immediately come to mind here. #1 The Lieutenant being in town for a few days and being a man obviously knew that Nana Plaza was closed by that time and #2 he knew that Nana Hotel’s parking lot was the place to go after hours to avoid a bar fine. Even if it was his first day in Bangkok He knew this…all men know this.

Now we get to the next part of the story. By 3am he was back at his 5 star hotel, The Banyan Tree Hotel, with what the police describe only as a Thai person, which is man speak for “he brought a ladyboy back to the hotel but we don’t want to embarrass him any further”. Already batting 300 our Lieutenant directly passed out only to awake hours later and find that his Ipod, credit cards, passport and his security clearance laptop containing military intelligence on it were missing.

I don’t know about you but I would have been hella pissed that my Ipod was missing. The Australian Defence Department is looking into this matter now but they aren’t too concerned because they say the Lieutentant only had low level security clearance ( I can only wonder why) and the laptop had security software installed. The Defence Departments statement can clearly be read in man speak as “OH FUCK”.

Obviously military intelligence is the same the world around so I thought I would post some tips for anyone who is equivalent to the rank of Lieutenant or higher and is headed to Bangkok. All military personnel lower in rank than a Lieutenant already know Pattaya is the place to be if you are really looking for fun.

1. If you are in any sort of Military Intelligence position don’t leave your hotel room because it is bound to go bad and some asswipe with a blog on Thailand will surely write about it

2. When looking for ladyboys do so before 2 am at the bars they work in so when it does go bad you have a point of origin to start with. Better yet go short time with them that way the Police won’t refer to him as a Thai person which means everyone will know you were banging a ladyboy…better yet get a girl. Better yet refer to #1

3. If you are dead set on trawling Nana Hotel’s parking lot at 3am for a ladyboy and you just have to come back to the hotel drunk use the following checklist before you leave:

A. Lock everything of value the fuck up!

B. READ A SEVERAL TIMES!

4. Find Someone lower in rank than yourself and ask if you can tag along with them to Pattaya.

5. Hold hands and look both ways when crossing the street…No, seriously.

David Carradine Murdered?

Talen — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 01:57:50 +0000

There have been many rumours flying around the internet about the recent death of David Carradine but in the past few days close family friends and publicists nave alluded to the fact that Carradine’s hand’s were tied when he was found.

In the past day a Thai Tabloid publication called Thai Rath has published a supposed crime scene photo with the head area blacked out. If this is David Carradine then suicide is clearly not an option as the hands of the victim shown are clearly tied above his head.

Carradine’s friends and family are now calling for the FBI to get involved with the Bangkok investigation because if the picture is that of Carradine then someone else was definitely present in the hotel room when he died and may have caused his death.

This doesn’t rule out dangerous sex play but it definitely leaves a lot of unanswered questions.

I won’t be publishing the picture here at Thailand, Land of Smiles out of respect for the friends and family but I will place a link below where you can see a picture of the cover story Thai Rath ran with the picture.

Although I want to be sensitive about this I think it’s important that if this is a crime scene photograph of Carradine’s death that the Thai police bring the person forward who leaked it and and bring them up on charges.

Keep in mind this could very well not be a picture of the crime scene at Carradine’s hotel room. But the photo in question does relay all the same evidence that has been alluded to by people close to Carradine.

Link to photo removed: I find I’m still uncomfortable with this picture and with more inspection of the picture I seriously doubt it was that of David Carradines death. The hotel room is way too small to be that of the hotel he was reported to be staying in and I have yet to see a Thai Tabloid black out any victims face so it’s odd they would do it in this instance.

Funny Thai Signs and Sad Realities

Talen — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 02:36:16 +0000

As seen posted on the front wall of the Dynasty Inn Hotel in Bangkok. Signs like this always make me chuckle. Any other travel destination in the world you might see signs like ” no shoes, no shirt, no service” or ” no smoking”. It’s always nice to know the hotel’s stand on pachyderms! More hotels around the world should weigh in on the subject because you never know when you might have the urge to feed an elephant.

Although the sign looks funny there is a very real problem of Thai’s walking around Bangkok with their elephants hawking them to the tourists by selling them food to feed to the elephants. It’s very sad to see the elphants in the big city like that when they belong in their natural habitat.

If you find yourself in Bangkok try to resist the urge and maybe these elephants will find their way back to where they belong when the owners realize they aren’t making money anymore. I know, wishful thinking…but if more people understand the problem maybe things will change one day.

Bangkok in the Morning

Talen — Sat, 30 May 2009 21:13:53 +0000

For most people Bangkok is one of those cities that you either love or hate. There is usually very little in between. The smog, traffic congestion and the noise are usually the first culprits if you dislike Bangkok.

I’m one of those inbetweeners. I love Bangkok for a week or so but then I have to get away from it. Coming from a long line of people watchers Bangkok offers the most varied display of people and sights you can imagine. One of my favorite things to do in Bangkok is wake up early and just walk through the city taking pictures. It’s a very peaceful thing for me and I guess it’s as close to zen as I’ll likely ever get.

I usually start about 6am before rush hour gets going, you would be amazed at how quiet this city can be at that time with very few people about. And then rush hour and all the people heading to work, hailing taxis, stopping for breakfast and setting up shop for the day.

Bangkok is really a different city in the morning than it is at night. Some people might find this kind of everyday life photography boring but it really interests me. Wandering the city finding the right places to shoot, which for me is every street corner and walk bridge. At this time of the morning I usually can snap pictures unnoticed because people are in their own world thinking about the day ahead. You get to capture people in their element not posing with wide grins on their face. Sometimes I feel like a sniper waiting for the right shot of a person or building I’ve seen.

I feel like I get to know a little more about the people and the city this way. Quietly observing the morning rituals and documenting them in my own way. Don’t get me wrong, I’m an amateur photographer at best and a lot of the pictures that I think will be groundbreaking turn out to be much less so than I hoped, but I do occasionally see a great shot and it turns out better than I expected. Anyway I spent a few mornings doing this on my last trip and I thought I’d share the outcome with you. Many more pictures can be found in the Gallery: Bangkok in the Morning.

Chatuchak, Bangkok’s Weekend Market

Talen — Wed, 27 May 2009 22:34:59 +0000

Thailand is known for it’s various markets and Chatuchak market in Bangkok is the mother of all markets. Sitting on 70 rai of land (35 acres), Chatuchak market boasts somewhere between 9000 and 15000 merchants selling to over 200 thousand visitors daily.

Whatever you are looking for you will be sure to find it at Chatuchak. From household goods and antiques to religious artifacts and animals. And lest I forget, all kinds of delicious food and Thai treats. The market gets quite crowded after 9am and it can get very hot while searching out those great finds but there are many places you can sit and watch the world go by and enjoy a cold drink, Thai ice cream or just a nice Popsicle.

Chatuchak market owes it’s origins to Plaek Pibulsonggram who was Prime Minister of Thailand from 1938-1944 and again from 1948-1957. He decided that every town should have a large market and Chatuchak market in Bangkok was born. It was originally called Sanam Luang Flea Market after the area it was located in. Unfortunately the area was soon needed for several special functions so the market was moved first to Saranrom Palace where it stayed for 8 years and then to Sanam Chai where, after a while, they realized there wasn’t enough room. The market finally made the move back to it’s original location and took the name of the adjoining Chatuchak Park.

Getting to the market is very easily done by taxi or taking the BTS Skytrain to the Mo Chit station which drops you off right at the park. The park is very beautiful and a great place to relax from all your shopping. The park leads right into the one of the outlying food sections of the market and from there you can cut through into the actual market.

You can find some great quality items at good prices at the market but make sure you haggle because whatever the price stated you can generally get a nice discount. The market is segregated into areas where certain goods can be found and you will find free maps at the market detailing these areas but to be honest it all kind of overlaps and wandering through the market is much more fun than planning your attack.

Chatuchak’s opening hours are between 9am and 6pm Saturday and Sunday but the market is also open to wholesalers on Friday during the same ours and you are more than welcome to shop then as well. The garden plants section is also open on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 7am to 6pm.

Chatuchak market is definitely a site to behold and one that I think should be on anyone’s list who’s visiting Bangkok. Going to the market makes for a great day trip and you can really find some good deals here.

Many more pictures of the market can be found in the Gallery, Chatuchak Market.

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