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The Story of a Welsh Godfather. Most readers like to read short pieces with some photos. Although not directly linked to Thailand, there are some very strong parallels between this true story and how this tropical country functions. The reality is that mafias are everywhere we look. Not just in Thailand and Wales but throughout…
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“Are Thais shy?” is a question often asked by visitors and expats alike. Todays post, a true story in the Beyond the Bamboo Curtain series, gives a few examples and explanations. Readers comments are encouraged and welcomed. Post your comments in the reply box below and share your thoughts. I asked my neighbour Geng if…
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The title above probably gave you a little chuckle. In Thailand, there’s a clever little hack for couples who need a quick hideaway: the maan root, literally “curtain room” — ม่านรูด. In our series, Beyond the Bamboo Curtain, the word “curtain” suggests we’re peering into a Thailand that we don’t always see. A bamboo curtain…
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It’s not true that I had nothing on. I had the radio on. A famous and true quip from Marilyn Monroe, the American sex idol (1926-1962). According to this reliable source, classicsixny.com, “modern stars have continued to study and emulate Monroe’s style and energy. From the curves and elegance to the bold red lips and classic…
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A Thai woman slashed her own throat at a bar in Pattaya on 19th October, following an argument with her “foreign boyfriend”, more likely he was chatting-up a girl from the bar. CCTV captured what was going on. The police are taking no action. What do you think? Put your comment below in the Comment Box. The incident was reported to rescuers who…
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Are Thai Kids Spoilt? A change of pace in today’s Behind the Bamboo Curtain—we’re stepping away from Khun Yai’s house for a few days to explore another slice of Thai life. (I’ll put a link below).— Not every day begins with cement and ceremony. No concrete mixing, no gossiping grannies—just a different look at Thai…
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When presence matters more than purpose They arrived in convoy—pressed shirts, polished shoes, and practiced smiles—ready for the flashbulbs and flattery. No agenda, no announcements, just the optics of arrival. It’s a familiar dance: dignitaries doing the rounds, their presence calibrated for the cameras of the local newspaper rather than the community. The photo op…
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Today’s post in the Beyond the Bamboo Curtain series continues the true events of the fire at Khun Yai’s house. Following yesterday’s story about the monks who brought blankets, today’s piece continues the account of how the community rallied around Khun Yai after the fire. Soldiers, tradesmen, and neighbours all played their part in a…
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Today we continue the true story, in the Beyond the Bamboo Curtain series, of Khun Yai and how the community responded when her house was burned down. We’ll see how Thai culture and the lifestyle of Thai people plays its part in events such as this.Been round to Khun Yai’s a few times this week. Every day,…
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Beyond the Bamboo Curtain Over the next eleven days I’ll walk you through the daily drama and deep‑drawn camaraderie at Khun Yai’s charred cottage. Some scenes echoed what I already knew about Thai culture; others caught me completely off‑guard. A Fire‑Frenzy at Dawn Khun Yai’s house went up in flames this morning. I learned of the blaze…
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