Chiangmai
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Behind the Bamboo Curtain: The Quiet Art of Thai Neighbourliness Being neighbourly—particularly towards foreigners—is different from what we have in the West, where we usually keep our neighbours at a distance, at arm’s length. We may help them if they are close friends. We’ll acknowledge them when we meet. We may like them, we may…
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Derek’s true story of his time in Thailand is also recorded in more detail in my book Escape to Thailand, available at all on-line bookstores. If you want a discounted, or even a free copy, visit my website http://www.mattowensrees.com or drop me a line at mattowensrees@proton.me The book and this post, the last part of…
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Beyond The Bamboo CurtainThe curtain is lifted on Thai Immigration Busy day at Chiangmai Immigration. Not easy to find a parking spot and even more difficult to get a seat. Rules and regulations are not standardised in Thailand. Each government official interprets them differently. Requirements for documentation at Immigration vary from office to office. Applies…
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Part 3: A Thai Thief I had crammed a lot into my first five days in Thailand. I had been puzzled and perhaps confused by some of the differences I noticed between Thai and Western ways. Although the people seemed happy and relaxed, maybe there was something being concealed behind the smile that was on…
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Part 1 We’re Airborne This is the first in a 14-part series tracing Derek’s journey through the subtle, often unseen layers of Thai society. Each instalment offers a glimpse behind the bamboo curtain—where social cues, quiet tensions, and unspoken hierarchies shape daily life. We begin mid-air, with altitude and anticipation, as Derek’s story takes flight.…
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Part 2: Derek lands at Bangkok International Airport. “Wake up, sir. We’re serving breakfast”. The smiling flight attendant helped me lower the tray and placed a plate of bacon and eggs in front of me. She wore a long silk dress in traditional Thai style. All the cabin crew looked immaculate, and the female staff…
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Having had unfortunate experiences with the pouring of Guinness and presentation of the Fish and Chips at a bar/restaurant in Chiangmai, I gave it the Thumbs Down on TripAdvisor. I had learned before, as at all restaurants that serve Guinness in Thailand, to watch the bartender carefully when he pours this beautiful drink. On Sunday,…