Monthly Bailout

On average, each month contains 30 days. According to any estimate, Bangkok harbors millions of men and women attaching their lives to their monthly pay. I can’t help but wonder how many days in a month an average Joe is allowed to feel “affluent.” Also, I’m curious about how many of those can spend relatively freely for more than a few days in that month.

As far as I have seen, there are not too many days or too many people, which doesn’t come as a big surprise. Just ask any big city about the subjects who roam her streets on a daily basis.

But one thing that I know for sure is that when the ordinary people of the City of Angels rejoice over their payday, they do it in unison.

The starting monthly wage for college graduates holding a bachelor’s degree is an average of THB 12,000 (approx USD 350 or Euro 266.) (side note: minimum salary to have a regular credit card approved is THB 15,000 (approx USD 440 or Euro 330.)) Almost all monthly salaries in Bangkok come wired to a person’s bank account at month’s end. Pay day, hurray!!!!!

That is when it all happens.

There are a few reasons why a celebration en mass happens across the city. First of all, many young workers, esp. those leaving their parents behind in the provinces, get to take pride in sending a portion of their income home in support of the elders. This is on top of the Social Security Fund introduced some 15 years ago, a program that has been in place longer than most people can remember.

What is left after the above mentioned ‘gratitude’ tax is for city necessities. Rent (approx 4,000 - 5,000 Baht/month for a basic studio &, if you as a Bangkok native don't live w/ your parents anymore, which is increasingly common,) food, clothes, CELL PHONE BILL, and OTHER SOCIAL TAXES. Month end seems to be the only time of any month when most people can flirt w/ luxury, whatever that means individually. The best pay day is the one that falls on the Friday preceding the last weekend of a month. Call it Mad Friday if you will.

Vendor stalls that form part of canteen tents welcome administrative and secretarial staff who otherwise would only gobble up a 25-Baht meal in the food section and then head back to work. This day of the month sings a much more pleasurable tune. This day also sees office maids brandishing their 100-Baht bill at the vending section of the tent as well. But, higher earners from the same company go far beyond the tents.

After work these folks congregate with friends and lovers and flock to malls, restaurants, movie houses, bars, and concerts. It is so typical of department stores and retail shops to be flaunting discounts of 50-80% at midnight sales or clearance discounts over the last weekend of the month. This is when Bangkok is at her commercial peak. The traffic is beyond ludicrous, the sidewalks congested, taxi drivers happiest, night scenes the most flamboyant and of course spenders the most reckless. The entire city becomes a kite, flying high on ecstasy.


Euphoria is rampant.

After the happy pill makes you go up, it will eventually take you down. This very same law of gravity applies w/ Bangkok's spree as well. Taxi drivers told me they make good money from the 25th of any month until around the 10th of the next. Between then is not their favorite period. Also, I've never seen any out-of-this-world campaign to boost earnings by any establishment in the middle of a month. The hyper metropolis becomes sober for a while. Then, another pill is popped and the gorgeous numbness kicks in again.

Speaking of public spending, I can't help but be reminded of the financial gloom merrily spun by the world’s media at the moment. In Thailand's case, our central bank keeps assuring us we are just fine. For one thing, they say, non-performing loan accounts for only 4% of the total assets by all commercials banks in the country.

So, fine it is.

Travelers usually ask what time of the year is best to visit a place blah blah blah. Now, it’s not exclusively about which time of year anymore, is it? Come see right through most Bangkokians at a month's end or otherwise. Just pick a schedule you fantasize.

Oooh tomorrow is Friday, the 31st of October. What Chilean wine should I get for dinner? Should it be Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, or, Syrah? Oooh, can't wait! (side note: I'd rather use cash on "luxurious" items ‘cause I absolutely detest receiving a credit card statement from some heartless bank that demands at least a thousand Baht as the minimum payment.)

Struggling Joe

She Bangs!

A question to those who have been to Bangkok: did you ever wonder why a lot of places here start w/ a "Bang"? For those who have only heard of Bangkok, know now there are tons of Bang's in the city.


The other night, our guest Mohsin couldn't remember the entire name of a district where he was going to attend a wedding of his Thai friend. He showed me an address and it read Bang Khun Prom. Oooh, that's far!

Before Mohsin, we had four fab girls from the States. One night, they dragged my husband w/ them to see pussy shows at Patpong.

On top of some of the wackiest sex shows in the city's main red-light district, Patpong is also good for counterfeit enthusiasts. What are you thinking of? Rolex, Tag Heuer, Casio, Louis Vitton, Chanel, Prada, Ray Ban. Anything you wish for! But too bad, we human beings haven't figured out how to copy a Rolls Royce or Lamborghini yet.

Before I digress any further, let me just state that Patpong and all its unsavory offerings (or savory, depending on your point of view) are under the jurisdiction of Bang Rak District. "Rak" means love. So, back in the day, this area must have been crammed w/ love trees. Pls don't ask me what it looks like 'cause I was apparently born way too late. Now, move on to another district also w/ a Bang.

The last stop of our underground MRT is 'Bang Sue." Oooh, why would you bang someone and then sue them? Is that level of dissatisfaction even fathomable? Ok, "Sue" means honesty or naivety in the Thai language. Whatever that means in this case! The district could have been the neighborhood of honest or naïve people to acquire such a title. Or, perhaps there's a tree or creature called "Sue" too?

Anyway, let's emerge from the subway and fly in the sky w/ the city's BTS skytrain. The up and coming extension to be in service next August will pass two areas w/ a Bang – Bang Chak and Bang Na. I'm not sure what's worth seeing in Bang Chak but you might wanna check out BITEC Bang Na, a huge exhibition hall notorious for its motor shows held quite often throughout the year. You know, apart from the cars, you also get skimpily-clad girls who might make you appreciate the vehicles more (which might not be the case in the first place.)

Get off the skytrain at Saphan Taksin Station and venture out on a boat to an older part of the city, Bangkok Noi (small Bangkok) and Bangkok Yai (big Bangkok.) What you will get here is mostly cultural stuff – the Chao Phraya River, canals, palaces, a train station w/ long history, villages specializing in various craftsmanship, the Thai Royal Navy base, and of course temples after temples. Want a famous one? Sure – Temple of Dawn or Wat Arun.

Contrary to a popular belief, Bangkok is indeed on the sea – the Gulf of Thailand. But only one district (out of 50) can claim this title and it is called Bang Khun Thian.

In summary, the city is subdivided by 50 districts, 12 of which starts w/ a Bang for the name. We all know what Bang as a verb in English means and what type of pleasure it can lead to. In the Thai language, the noun form is used to refer to a village or settlement situated on a river or canal. Once upon a time, Bangkok used to be a small trading center and port community on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River. Now, you wanna know what "Kok' means?

On its own, it isn't a word yet, but possibly comes from "Ma-kok' which means olive. So, the once small town of Bangkok may have been abundant in olive orchards or traded olive as her main product.

Whatever she used to be or do, Bangkok now is a city that bangs. Here, you should easily get what you want, depending on how you look at it. She bangs you. You bang her. Or, you bang each other.

Joe

Bangkok Art & Cultural Center

We had waited for so long. The street corner used to be a little public park nobody frequented. Due to its prime location, one of the former governors of Bangkok (who now is an ousted prime minister of Thailand who could be jailed for two years) wanted to turn it into a parking lot. A guy like that deserves a sentence, doesn’t he? Anyone who encourages driving!

Note: he is not going to serve some 24 months in jail for that reason though.

Mr. Apirak, during his last term as the Governor of Bangkok, (he just got re-elected earlier this month) made this hip gallery happen.

If you think you might be going blind because of the myriad of goods on offer at a bunch of shopping malls nearby, stop at Bangkok Art & Cultural Center for the good and the better. It is just across the street from the MBK Center. But there’s no need to wait for a green light to cross a busy street. There is a skywalk from the MBK Center which means that the new round gallery is just half a minute away. Let’s see what Thai artists have to say.

The current feature is “Traces of Siamese Smiles,” (Thailand's old name is Siam) which will be on until late November this year. In addition to this exhibit , less established artists, esp. painters, are allowed to exhibit and sell their master pieces over some weekends. The front of the building is where the “trade” would take place. See? We love street enterprises and just maybe you will find another Bangkok souvenir to bring home and brag about.

Just a few hundred meters away from the new gallery, there is this little compound tucked inside a little lane housing a beautiful teak house. Heard of Jim Thompson? That’s right. It is the Jim Thompson House. While he was alive, he was an ardent art collector. Go visit his superb residence here in the heart of Bangkok, and you’ll see what the fuss is all about.

Decades later, a local man built a sizable building to showcase local arts. If Mr. Thomson was still here, he would be so pleased. Maybe this is the beginning of an art scene of some sort for Bangkok. So, don’t write this third-world city off just yet.

Art happens when people have enough to eat. Art is created when we can afford more time to think of things other than survival. Bangkok is still far from being a loaded city, financially speaking. But, she somehow conjured up this artsy place so snobs from around the world won’t have too many insults to hurl.

Nearest skytrain station: National Stadium.

Joe

Happy Ending

My good friend Ed from New York City is treating me to a session at a spa here in Bangkok tomorrow. Facial, manicure and massage. But not just a massage, rather a massage with a ‘happy ending’ if I so desire. And I must confess that in all my years of traveling to and living in Thailand I have never availed myself of a massage with a happy ending. I think I’ll pass tomorrow also, not that I am prudish or anything.

But there is a happy ending that I would like to get. If you have read some of my previous guest posts you’ll know that I have been coming to Thailand for 15 years. For the most part it was magical and captivating. It was just over 4 years ago that I decided to move and live here full time. I was drawn to the more peaceful, open, tolerant society. Sure, I knew there would be problems, that it wouldn’t be perfect. But in my mind I felt that I had brokered a deal for a new life with a ‘happy ending’. I’ve had to question all this over the past couple of weeks as Thai society has literally come undone with violent street demonstrations.

It’s my opinion that Thailand is still one of the safest countries in the world to live and you’d have to look far and wide to find a city on the scale of Bangkok that offers more personal safety. If you avoid the protest area around the Government House you’ll be in no danger whatsoever, almost anywhere in Bangkok. But the realization that Thailand is changing, and not for the better, has deeply saddened me. Opposing sides in the conflict have drawn a line in the sand. Compromise seems not to be in the picture. Lives have been lost, hundreds have been injured. Is it too late for Thais to return to their Buddhist teachings and look for the ‘middle path’? Certainly, if both sides were willing to do this the violence would stop and meaningful dialogue would follow that would hopefully lead to a solution. Thai or farang, we all must be very disappointed that we are not getting the happy ending that we so desired. I for one hope that both sides will come to their senses soon and that no more lives will be lost.

At BangkokSong we won’t promise you a happy ending. But we will promise you a visit that is an accurate reflection of Thailand today. Isn’t that what travel is all about?

Randall

Dream World

The alarm clock shook me out of a dream early one morning. It was 5.30 am, and I needed to get up right away or I would be late for Dream World.

To continue w/ the tradition, my company was set to celebrate an anniversary in a grand style. This year was her 40th.

There are two reasons why I agreed to part w/ my Saturday morning, precious idyllic time that makes up my day off. 1) I wanted to please my boss by joining the event and 2) I needed something to lift up my spirit after being so disturbed w/ another deadly clash in Bangkok a few days ago.

Dream World could be the place.

A few thousand employees and their family were given a free ticket and food allowance to descend upon and enjoy Bangkok’s Disneyland. Too bad, I couldn’t bring my husband along. It is clearly said in the conditions that the spouse has to be recognized under Thai law. Well, this is what happens when the laws are yet to acknowledge your bedroom behavior and mating preference.

But, it’s good that there is someone my age in our small department. And, it’s even better that most of my colleagues have past their “theme-park prime,” and yet their children are still too young for many sections of the park. So the assistant accountant and I teamed up and explored the place before it is too late for us as well. Our only hope before the game started was that we wouldn’t come to the realization that our time also had already been. If only Dream World could promise more hope for two 30 year olds.

Hurricane, Haunted Castle (which was lame, lame, lame), Vikings, Snow Town, Raptor, Mountain Space (for which we queued for an hour but which last 2 minutes), Grand Canyon (where we got thoroughly soaked), Super Splash (which wasn’t planned at all before we got wet,) Sky Coaster, Bump Car (very reminiscent of those junior high years), and the Giant House, inspired by Jack & the Beanstalk (much to my surprise, I really enjoyed seeing such overscale things).

But, my personal favorite was Snow Town. It was not the thick ice and artificial freezing temperature sending a chill down my spine. It was the slide board that did it! I kept thinking about the consequences if the board capsized and my face slid against the ice. I know…..very morbid indeed.

If my eyes didn’t lie or my sense of perception still functioned, I would say I saw at least 20,000 revelers yesterday. The vast majority were Thais, and tourists couldn’t possibly have exceeded 500. So, if you want a break from those international tourism sites and happen to travel w/ kids, this is the place!

The only downside for me was the food. But to be fair, good food is never the domain of most fairs, is it?

Dream World may be nothing compared to Disneyland, but you’ll definitely witness and be part of something Thais are especially good at – having fun.

On a side note, maybe my company should buy a ticket and food coupon for PAD protesters as well. It is high time they realized that something else matters as much as “democracy,” and it’s spelled w/ an F, U, and N.

How to get there:

From the centre of Bangkok, take a direct van from the Victory Monument. The fare is 35 Baht or about 1 dollar. You can easily get to Victory Monument using the BTS Skytrain, getting off at the station of the same name.

From Don Muang Airport, take the outbound Bus No 538. The fare is surely less than 1 dollar.

From Suvarnnabhumi Airport, take the Bus No 559. The fare is also a non issue.

See also their site (if you read Thai) at http://www.dreamworld-th.com/

Joe

democracy and STATIONERY

At lunchtime, my mom called and updated me on the nastiness at the parliament.

Around two, I surfed Bangkok Post, BBC, International Herald Tribune, and CNN so I would know what they said about the current situation in my city.

At 6.30 I read news on BBC about a car bomb that left one woman dead somewhere near where the police had clashed w/ the protesters.

At 7, I left work and headed for B2S at Central World Plaza. I spent more than a thousand Baht there for cute stationeries. Well, I just got promoted and the desk I’m assigned to needs Joe’s touch.

It was almost 10 pm when I got home. My husband cooked me dinner and we ate. Randy again was pissed at Thaksin for allegedly being behind this violence. He’d read somewhere that the ousted prime minister and his wife, Pojaman, are applying for political asylum in the UK and using this turmoil as ground for remaining there. I was pissed that I had to do the dishes after a long day at work.

Also, Randy updated me that Paul, our good friend, will be coming back from the UK to his life in the City of Angels. We’re so happy to hear his dad is doing well so our friend can be where he prefers to be.

Tomorrow, I’m gonna be busy “decorating” my desk and again dealing w/ colleagues who don’t seem happy w/ my new position. Whatever! Life goes on no matter what.

Riot police, tear gas, injured protesters, government house and parliament under siege, power struggle between old and new money, growing or crumbling “democracy,” dirty dishes after dinner, fan freaking tastic colleagues. Oh my gosh, I looove the fluorescent blue staples!!!

Joe

Emotional Rescue

So you’ve lost much of that nest egg you were counting on to see you through your retirement years. Sleepless nights, constant fretting over the ongoing losses in the market, a few more grey hairs. You look in the mirror and see a person, not days or weeks older since this meltdown began, but years older. And to top it off you’ve lost enough money that that ‘lift’ you were going to reward yourself with this year is simply out of the question. Life can be cruel. Not only did you lose a whack of money, the last three white knuckle weeks have had their own ‘meltdown’ affect on your appearance. You could fix it, but we both know what that calls for – cash.

So you’ve lost some money. Tomorrow you’ll make some more. You always get through these tough times, don’t you? I know that I have. I also know that we need to feel good about ourselves, and especially so when things start to fall apart around us. So perhaps that procedure needs to be considered after all. But in a more creativefashion. You had planned to spend about $10,000 US to turn back the clock. What if you could still do it but for half that price? Tempting? Hmm.

It’s called medical tourism and it’s flourishing in Thailand, specifically Bangkok. Top notch surgeons working out of stylish clinics and hospitals performing procedures at prices 50 -70% less than in the West. Hop on a flight, check in, check out, recuperate in style and then Smile. This is the Land of Smiles after all. And you look fabulous!

Don’t get me wrong though. Personally I’m a firm believer in taking care of yourself throughout life. The knife to me is the last resort. But we all have a different threshold that marks that point in time. It was almost a year ago that a lovely lady and her husband checked in with us. She confided that she was here to have some work done. Her passport gave her age as 45, her face said 10 years older. Fast forward 2 months later and a more vibrant, youthful, 35 year old beauty I have yet to see. I’m a believer, when the time is right.

Yes, life can be cruel. It can also be what we make of it, through the good times and the difficult times.

At Bangkoksong we’ll cater to your all personal needs while you’re recuperating. And trust me, it’ll be our little secret.

How Foreigners Are Contributing to the Way Thais Interact: (continued from the post dated Aug 28, 08)

Before you read this post, pls devour the one on Aug 28, 08 for background

.................Despite the good intentions on the foreigners' part, we Thai people used to be a little embarrassed w/ how non Thais would join palms whenever, wherever, and to whomever.

I mentioned in my first post that we consider age and social standing before lifting the hands. We are not used to older people humbly thanking us or somebody w/ better credentials graciously sending an apology our way.

Generally, young people will be a little offended if an older one initiates the graciousness. They will not be pleased because it could mean they look older than they are. Or, it could mean they will die first because they are now “older.” Weird, hay?

Also, when you regard yourself as inferior or less experienced to somebody, you would never expect their humility to come your way.

However, foreigners have not been conforming at all.

I've seen daddy-type white men demurely greet someone who's young enough to be his grandson. Then, women of my mother's age submissively thank me for the direction. Again, there will always be my expat tenants who apologize to their maid, having forgotten to leave the salary on time. Can you imagine how awkward the maids would feel?

Who knows? This could mean you guys are (albeit unknowingly) bringing agelessness and equality to a society where everyone is supposed to be someone or no one when compared to someone else.

Yes, we were embarrassed or uncomfortable at first. Now, we are getting used to it as this is what expats and tourists do.

Now that we've sort of been conditioned to it, we start to like it and it would feel awkward if foreigners stopped doing it.

It’s not that we enjoy being regarded as older or superior or anything at all. Just appreciate when people from another culture respect what we hold dearly. No matter how mistaken a person can be, it is entirely a good gesture after all.

So keep up the good work.

Appreciative Joe

Pride & Prejudice

Alright, I'm gonna just share this piece of news w/ you guys, without prejudice.

Bangkok is voted the "Best Leisure Destination in Asia-Pacific Region" for this year. The readers of Business Traveller Asia Pacific magazine have done so.

See for yourself at

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/breakingnews.php?id=130964

http://enews.mcot.net/view.php?id=6508

http://www.phuketgazette.net/dailynews/index.asp?id=6819

http://citynewsr.com/2008/09/28/bangkok-the-best-in-hk-magazine-survey/


Joe

Don’t come to Thailand!

No no, not because this country isn’t safe anymore. Anyone still remember the clash between the anti- and pro-government groups here in Bangkok? When did that happen again?


Months ago “subprime” used to be on everybody’s lip. At this hour, it is all about “bailout.” Whether it will work out or not is a matter for the future. My best wishes for ordinary people whose life savings are in danger!

The media said there are 3 banks in Thailand that are feeling the effects from the collapse of these American giants. I’m sure they will remember this for a long time.

Well, what else would have happened when our world’s economies are growth-driven? What else could we have become when we rely on the public to keep spending? So, let me chip in my part by saying

“Don’t come to Thailand if it will you land you w/ a liability for many months to come.”

“Don’t fly across the sky even though your credit limit can totally accommodate it.”

“Don’t let your Bangkok dream come true until your pocket is proportionately deep.”

“This exotic, exciting city will be here when the sun is shining again.”

“The trip wouldn’t be such a blast, would it, when that voice in your mind keeps reminding you of the looming frugality you’ll have to endure later, which could have been diverted.”

“So, don’t even think about coming to Bangkok unless you have the means to.”

“Look at what’s happening to the world’s economies. Isn’t it coming from us spending beyond our means?”

“Still, in the meantime, there’s no harm in taking a daily virtual tour of Bangkok through the internet, perhaps via this blog.”


Joe

Song Taew

Song Taew is another form of transportation that can give you the sense of feeling that you’ve been to Bangkok, or Thailand for that matter. But the problem is you must happen to be on a street where it operates.

Literally, “Song Taew” means “Two Rows.” As you can see, there are two rows of seats facing each other.

Looking more closely, you will see the vehicle is just a pickup truck w/ a tall roof added on, the tailgate taken away to pave way for a hanging step, and of course a bell for passengers to ring when their stop comes which is arbitrary.

People who get to benefit from Song Taews are those living further from a main road, or those having a business to do there, the latter of which could be you. Most of the times, the two-row pickup trucks operate within secondary streets, ancillary lanes or sub roads, however you’d like to call them.

In Bangkok, when you see the word Soi, you know that it is a street, lane or road dependant on a main one. One major road, like Sukhumvit or Silom, can have a lot of Sois. You could probably use the word “block” loosely to define an area between one Soi and another. But, remember Sois can be a lot smaller than roads that cut a block boundary.

So it is the Song Taew that serves as a vein for commoners in a Soi. For most of the Sois, no public bus would bother to go in as it is not worth it. Then, forget about mass transit systems like the skytrain or subway.

Now, you as a tourist might be wondering if you’ll ever get to experience this Thai mode of transit. Don’t worry. There can be a few possibilities where hopping on one is the way to go:

- going to apply for visa extension at the Immigration Office
- on your way to a magazine-recommended restaurant
- visiting an expat friend at her quiet condo
- getting back to your hotel/guesthouse/vacation rental

etc.

It is more often than not that the above places are far far away from a main road. Take Sathorn Road, and the one in the photo will get you right in front of the Immigration Office in Soi Suanplu, Sathorn Road.

Joe

P.S. It is not advisable to stand at the back like the guy on the right....but who am I to say? You're here for a fun-filled time, aren't you? Thank you very much for checking this out. This blog is, however, no longer where I am in life now. So, if you’re interested, please visit my new abode: http://happyjoeintheworld.blogspot.com/ This one expands beyond Bangkok, Thailand, in a pursuit of contentment. Hopefully, it will be something everyone can relate to. Thanks a lot! Joe

Music Makes the People....

Music makes the people come together. It certainly did last night. I happened to be playing tour guide with 4 of our delightful guests in our 2 bedroom apartment next door. I had suggested to the four gals from the USA that, if they were going to Patpong that evening, then they should definitely pop into DJ Station a bit before 11:30 to catch the cabaret show. Fast forward 30 minutes later and the 5 of us were crammed into a taxi hell bent for Silom. That’s right, my feeble protest of having to work the next day was to no avail.

As usual the show was fabulous, in my humble opinion, and I could tell from the reaction of my guests that they also were impressed w/ the sheer energy, talent and enthusiasm of the performers. It wasn’t long before the air was filled with the deep, sexy dance beat of today’s best tunes, turning the club into a place ‘not just where you bump and grind.’ To be sure, almost everyone was dancing but as I surveyed the crowd (as I did my own little ‘bump and grind’) I was struck by something else. A bit of an epiphany I suppose. You couldn’t have concocted a more diverse group of revelers if your life had depended upon it. To be sure, most of the crowd were gay, ranging in age from barely legal to bordering feeble, but also included a lively mix of straight guys and girls, and befitting the show we had just watched, was punctuated here and there with the most exotic looking creatures. I’m referring here of course to the ladyboys, drag queens, transgender and all the other terms that are used when referring to those who fall outside of straight or gay. And the revelation wasn’t that this patchwork quilt of people had all come out to dance on a Monday night, but that, despite all their differences, there was an invisible ‘glue’ holding them together in this happy, heady mix called DJ Station. That ‘glue’, I realized was Music. I realized then that Music is a powerful weapon that could cut through long held stereotypes, misconceptions, prejudice and even hatred. If we let it.

Imagine regime change through Music. CD’s falling quietly through the sky, finding their way into MP3 players, lifting and enlightening entire repressed societies, who then see neighbors in a totally new light. If I were running for the highest office of the world’s superpower, you can bet that Music would be part of my platform. OK, right up there with the economy. And my running mate? Think M. Think ‘bump and grind’.

Bangkoksong. Even our name has music in it. Each of our apartments comes with its own music system, MP3 player compatible or borrow from our library of way cool tunes. Let’s dance.

Guest post by Randall

City of Fairy Tales

If you think about it, Bangkok is truly a city of fairy tales.

She is the heart of a far, faraway kingdom. She is almost overpopulated w/ different types of angels (as elaborated in my post dated Sept. 7, 08.) And, as if that was not enough, a central part of hers also houses a vigorous fleet of dragons.

No no, it’s not some filthy sexual innuendo here (even though the filthier the better.) We’re on our way to “play” w/ real dragons. Ready?

Rain has just stopped and the sun just re-emerged. This would be an excellent time to stroll in the park, wouldn’t it? Also, this would provide a perfect condition for somebody to sunbath on a sun dappled bank.


That’s right! It’s one of our friends right there.

Colleen Jolly from Washington DC, a BangkokSong guest, is the very first person in the whole world to introduce me to the famed reptiles at Lumpini Park. The irony is that the park (think NYC’s Central Park) is only a 10- minute walk from my building. It really took somebody from the other side of the globe to tell me about something a stone’s throw from my door step, huh?

Their official name is Monitor Lizard. Maybe they have not been properly monitored, as they continue to breed and multiply. Be prepared to be greeted by any of them anytime. Be at any pond in the park and you’ll find them a tourist attraction in their own right.


Eating habit: they are meat eaters. Anything defenseless makes the best dish. Birds, turtles, fish, and possibly babies. That’s right, human babies! If you have one, never leave him or her unattended. There’s no reason to take even the slightest chance.

Personally, I think they’re long and cute, but we wouldn’t be able to hang out together. Forget about inviting them for dinner anytime. I mean, what do we have in common? They eat meat!

Anyway, the closest stations to the Lumpini Park are MRT Silom, MRT Lumpini, and BTS Saladaeng. Respectively.

Or, you can walk there in 10 minutes from BangkokSong.

Joe

All photos were taken by William Duffy from Seattle, USA. He and his wife, Piper, used to live in the residential building that I work for (also a 10-minuite walk to the park.) He sent me these photos after his wife had reintroduced me to “the famed neighbors.” Again, it took three Americans to educate me on this matter.

Former Massage Parlor King for New Bangkok Governor

In 2003, Chuwit Kamolvisit rose to national fame for reportedly standing up against injustice, or “injustice”?

Prior to that, he owned an empire called Davis Group. The group consisted of six extravagant massage parlors in Bangkok. “Key charities” included a mission to build huge air-conditioned police boxes at countless junctions and intersections across the city. Prostitution is illegal in Thailand, but I don’t (want to) know why Davis Group kept prospering.

The sweet turned sour when Chuwit was said to turn his back on his sweetest accomplices. Front pages claimed that by refusing to give any more money to the police, he was abducted and disappeared without any trace.

But a few days later, the goner re-appeared, w/ stories. Of course, the public loooved them.

We didn’t know what his intention was, but in 2004, he sold all of his shares in the erection-inducing business and ran for the Governor of Bangkok. Although he didn’t win the election, he got as many as 300,000 votes. People who voted for him were said to want something new, something to make dubious officials disappear.



The election for a new Bangkok Governor will be next month, on October 5, 2008. Chuwit is running again. “I know what the problems are” is his campaign slogan. One of my colleagues, who doesn’t seem to like him, joked that he was probably looking into a mirror when he came up w/ that line.

Note that he’s the only candidate who looks angry in his posters.

It will be interesting to see how many votes he will get this time. I’ll keep you posted.

Joe Thank you very much for checking this out. This blog is, however, no longer where I am in life now. So, if you’re interested, please visit my new abode: http://happyjoeintheworld.blogspot.com/ This one expands beyond Bangkok, Thailand, in a pursuit of contentment. Hopefully, it will be something everyone can relate to. Thanks a lot! Joe

The Big Mango

The Big Apple?

Has to be New York City. Unless of course you’re in the Southern Hemisphere and then it’s Buenos Aires.

Well how about the Big Mango?

No competition, Bangkok, hands down. Now forgive me for being so cocky about this, but please, allow me to explain.

Flaunting a title, or wearing a crown, comes with some responsibility. I believe Bangkok is up to the challenge, no less than NYC.

First and foremost, consider the shopping. World class all the way with the likes of Siam Paragon, Central World, and Gaysorn Plaza. And hey! Check out Siam Square for all the latest in cool funky affordable fashions from local Thai designers. On a budget? Head straight to the world’s largest weekend market – Chatuchak. (Hey say it fast, it sounds sexy!)

See, the thing is, Bangkok can quench the shopping thirst of just about anyone, whether you’re a billionare from Saudi Arabia or a working mom from Suburbia

Next! Food, eating out, dining, mangez, however you say it., Bangkok has it covered. Feast on some of the best local street fare any city has to offer or dine in the heavens at the likes of Vertigo or Sky Bar for a, well, almost religious experience. And then there’s everything in between, some of the best Thai and International cuisine you’re ever gonna find, at prices that will have you ordering seconds.

Let’s cap it off with entertainment, nightlife, clubs, discos. OK at the risk of coming off way too gay, you just have to check out the cabaret show at DJ Station any night of the week. Give Friday and Saturday a miss unless you’re really into crowds. So here it is -you pay your 100 bht ($3 USD) and you get a ticket for a drink. The show starts at 11:30. Tell me if Whitney isn’t sensational? Actually they all are. Show over, dance the night away (well, till 2:30 ish) with friendly, attractive, no attitude people. Straight? Please come! You’re every gay boys fantasy. Kidding!

Apples are usually tart and crispy. If you bruise one, throw it out. Overripe, well, you could make applesauce. Mangos on the other hand, eaten green - a bit like a Granny Smith Apple. Ripe - nothing much better. Overripe -juicy and succulent, seductive. Just like Bangkok. Now I HAVE gone too far.

Bangkoksong. Seductive with luxury towels, Egyptian cotton sheets and hosts who care.

Randall

Jolly Time for Shadow Observers

Bangkok is an ambitious girl. She always craves something that she isn’t already famous for. What other people have, she’s gotta have too. It’s so in her nature.

So, what Cannes, Berlin, or Toronto has, she absolutely has to have too. It’s been this way for six straight years already.

Bangkok International Film Festival 2008 will be from September 23rd to 30th, 2008, so take note movie enthusiasts. That is if you’re here during the said time.


While further information is obtainable at http://www.bangkokfilm.org/, let me just say it’s also good to know a group of local people who are passionate about movies. It’s also good to know that in case you decide to migrate here, there will be at least one week per year when you are presented w/ not so commercial offerings from across the globe.

It’s always nice to feel somewhat intelligent after leaving a cinema, isn’t it? I hope one day we will figure out a way to feel extremely intellectual after watching Legally Blonde and the likes. But I digress here.

Who knows? One day, Bangkok’s film festival might become as renowned as her other things are. And, that would be when this hungry girl has it all? No?

Keep up the good work girl. One has to start somewhere.

Joe, “an observationist” of Bangkok

Ain’t No Big Deal

When you see a beautiful girl in Thailand, don’t believe your eyes just yet.

Why?

I’ll tell you why.

Thailand has been and will always be a Buddhist country. Imported from Sri Lanka centuries ago, Buddhism has proven to be long lasting.

We learn Buddhism from Day 1. Little school kids are “encouraged” to learn The 5 Precepts by heart. Bigger kids have to be familiar w/ biography of every important historical figure - the Prince Siddhartha and his contemporaries. But, everyone gets to mediate for a few minutes before the class starts.

I was one of those kids and I don’t recall meditating. All we wanted was for the teacher to say “Now, you can open your eyes.” Next followed the preaching and we knew that the class’s end was looming. Then what?

Volleyball time.

I must admit that I’ve 'returned' all the lectures and details to my teachers and I’m certain most people my age have done the very same thing. Who cares? No more excruciating examinations.

But a few things do remain.

Looking back, I realize there’s one thing missing from those religious sessions. One thing that’s never discussed. One thing that’s all up to you to form your own take on.

Same-gender attraction!

There’s no condemnation on a guy who happens to be attracted to a mustache, or muscled pair of arms, or a hairy chest, or the masculine loin of another guy. Likewise, no text book has any take on dykes.

So now, what is the Thai public left w/?

Our own subconscious interpretation.

Luckily, as I see it, we see that everyone is the way they are because of what they did in the past lives. Everyone has their own karma to enjoy AND deal w/, male or female or otherwise. And of course, Nirvana is accessible to anyone who perseveres. So, what’s the implication of all this?

Yes, he is straight. He’s what people call a real man. But, at the end of the day, does it really matter when he’s late at work all the time while his gay colleague is more efficient?

I myself heard a taxi driver say that he wished his son was gay bacause he didn't like how a bad boy would think it's cool not to pay attentin to classes.

Pls don't get me wrong. I'm not suggesting that gay men achieve more. We see gay people who just waste the air and space in our society as well.

I’d also say it’s not ideal for most parents to have a homosexual child because of that 'continuing the family name' thing. But what people here would say or do when that happens is “Well, so what else can we do? He probably won't get married. He doesn’t seem to like girls. Let’s just raise him to be a decent person then.”

And it turns out that….that unspoken permission has encouraged a lot of gay boys in extreme numbers!.

About the girl in the photo, no no, she’s not a dyke. She’s a man, or used to be a boy, or, whatever!

Cheerful Joe

Why 28 Barbary Lane?

A few years ago I was introduced to Armistead Maupin’s ‘Tales of the City’ series. I happened to be visiting a friend in Seattle when the PBS series was broadcast. Shortly after that I was in Chiang Mai, Thailand and discovered the entire collection in a second hand bookstore. I became hooked on 28 Barbary Lane, that fictitious address in San Francisco that boasted such a sense of community. There was Anna Madrigal, Mary Ann Singleton, and Michael Tolliver, along with a host of other characters popping in and out of 28 Barbary Lane. I reflected on my own sense of community in Vancouver and had to admit that I found it lacking. Was it me? Was it Vancouver? Probably a bit of both. But I do remember that upon moving to Bangkok I made the conscious decision to do my part to have community. We are fortunate to live in one of the safest cities in the world (yes, even with the current protests). It’s also very quiet and green where we are so I have adopted an open door policy. First thing in the morning, I open the front door onto the planted terrace. It stays that way until bedtime unless I pop out to the market or to run an errand. Unannounced, everyday, neighbors and friends drop in to say hi, have a coffee, inquire about cooking dinner together, ask for a hammer, drop off some cookies, share their successes and their disappointments with me. I can honestly boast of having more sense of community now than I have ever had in the countless cities I have lived in.

And how appropriate this is. One of the things that will impress you about Bangkok is how connected the people are. They know their neighbors, they chat with them, eat noodles with them, work side by side with them on the street. You only have to walk down our soi, Suanplu Soi 8 to know that this is so.

So very often you’ll see Joe promoting BangkokSong as Bangkok’s own 28 Barbary Lane. A real destination peopled with characters that rival anything Maupin invented. My character? Need you ask? It has to be Anna Madrigal. But the secret I hide is nowhere as sensational as Anna’s was.

Looking for a vacation with community. Come to BangkokSong, Bangkok’s own 28 Barbary Lane.

Randall

Thai Mentality: You’re in my way. Move!

I sort of defend Thai-style easy-goingness on my post dated Aug 23, 08, but for this one, forget it.

In my humblest opinion, easy-goingness is actually the way to go for many matters. A dear friend broke your vintage vase by mistake. Your hot blind date stood you up. An old man next door thunderously clears his throat a few times every day. Thousands of matters don’t really matter actually.

But not each and every! For example, some people seem to be far too laid back/care-free to the point of becoming inconsiderate.

When in Bangkok, you will surely be out and about on her rail-based transportation. Going to Suanlum Night Bazaar? Take the underground MRT and get off at the Lumpini Station. Viewing cozy condos on Langsuan Street? Use the elevated BTS and leave at Chidlom. Seems a like a piece of cake, doesn’t it?

Totally.

Still, some people – some Thai people, if they need naming – can give you a hard time.

“Please let passengers exit first.” This is what you will hear. It’s in crystal clear English, American-accented, along w/ the articulate Thai version that comes before. So, there’s no excuse for some local people to ignore this civilized request.

Besides, every station provides all the signs that you need so that you know where to stand when a train door opens to allow other passengers to exit first.

One of these days, I will write the nicest letter to the operating companies suggesting that the BTS guards could do more than whistling, and the MRT platform personnel more than just standing by in case a passenger faints??

It would be nice if the staff was also responsible for politely asking stray people to give way. Until that happens, you and I might need to remind them not to be in other people’s way. Not that we’re in a big rush or trying to locate our lost buffalo or anything. It’s just a matter of principle, right?

I don’t endorse confrontation here or anywhere else and I’m sure it’s not your intention either. Just smile and suggest w/ a friendly motion that they should move aside. Be careful not to touch or push anyone, an action that comes across as very unfriendly. While violence begets violence, I maintain that friendliness encourages cooperation. Let’s do that.

Let’s also celebrate the laid-back, care-free character in Thai people in general but not on this one.

Joe

Not sticky…but very sweet

What defines good living?

Financially secure? Socially recognized? Physically fit? Mentally sound? Sexually charged and then get fulfilled?

The answer is all of those, except for the last one if you happen to be a nun.

But none of that would mean anything if they’re not accompanied w/ good food. Wait, we’re not about to justify why Thai food is good.

Instead, let’s take a good look at what would be a good way to wrap up your good meal. Ice Cream! Or “Ai Tim” as Thai people call it.

The rugged-looking man in the photo turned out to be a very sweet guy ‘cause he served me a nice dessert for only 10 Baht each. Each? Well, there were three security guards in the building that I work that needed sweetening up as well.

A tall, thin container on two wheels that the vendor would push down the footpath until the daily demand for his livelihood is met has something icy for everybody. For only 10 Baht (and it’s been this price since the beginning of time), you can enjoy this delicious little dessert so common and well-liked by all Thais.

What’s your flavor?

We don’t have that many here. The most common is coconut. But you wouldn’t get much of the taste of coconut, and it doesn’t possess the hard, creamy texture typical of western ice creams. In fact, the texture is more like that of a gelato and it’s far from sticky.

But you could be lucky, and there might also be coffee, chocolate, strawberry and vanilla. All tastes that are very local.

Then, what would you like for toppings? Soy bean? Corn? Peanuts? And you know what? No extra charge. Isn’t this guy generous?

In fact, he’s not the only ice cream vendor in the city. Walk, say, a hundred meters further, and you will see another one. Feel free to order a second.

It may not be the healthiest way to finish your meal but after a hot and spicy lunch it’s the perfect way to cool your taste buds. Don’t you think?

Try and remember we call it “Ai Tim.”



Fulfilled Joe