Readers
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Difficulties facing anthropologists. Writing about Thai culture and lifestyle presents a host of challenges for anthropologists working in Thailand. There are legal and cultural barriers to overcome during the research stage. Thais can be shy and unresponsive when you’re asking about their culture. I’ve found many think you’re criticising it, not realising you’re only trying…
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Why is Surachai fishing? Surachai had had enough. He was fed up with the lack of action from the local authority in repairing the many potholes in the sois around his home. A puddle-protest was called for. The roads are always busy, so the nuisance is far from just personal. Drivers crawl along, bracing for motorcyclists who…
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My Elephant Experience I was awake at 5.30 this morning. After an invigorating shower I put on my blue overalls, tied a sash around my waist, and donned my white bell-shaped hat. The uniform I would be wearing as I experience being a Thai mahout for the day. The first challenge was getting on my…
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3 Dangerous Footpaths in Pattaya. Visitors, both Thai and farang are not only criticising Pattaya’s bureaucrats over poor planning, but also pointing out that regulations to ensure the safety of pedestrians are simply not being enforced. Despite previous promises, city officials in Pattaya have failed to prioritise the safety of those who walk its sidewalks.…
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Why veterinary surgeons face problems. Yee is a very experienced vet and is popular with all her clients, most of whom of course are Thai. She has built up a successful small animal practice and she shows a genuine love for her clients’ pets. Her charges are reasonable, she makes a healthy profit but it…
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30 million lost to ex-boyfriend. Today’s true story from the Beyond the Bamboo Curtain series is of a Thai woman asking the police to investigate her ex-boyfriend’s luxury lifestyle, suspicious businesses, and multiple mistresses. 30 million lost to ex-boyfriend. A Thai woman claimed she lost more than 30 million baht to her ex-boyfriend during their three years of relationship. She’s demanding…
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Soldiers at Khun Yai’s House. It was only a few days ago that a fire destroyed eighty-three-year-old Khun Yai’s home. Today’s story in the Beyond the Bamboo Curtain series reveals the remarkable progress made in rebuilding her home –far more than I expected. Neighbours and other villagers have raised two hundred thousand baht so far…
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Why is crime so high in Thailand. Readers can get accurate statistics on crime rates for Thailand from a number of sources on the internet. You’ll probably need a VPN if searching within the “Land of Smiles”. The responsibility for reporting crime figures lies with the Royal Thai Police. Double check independent international sources as…
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Youths burgle house to buy cannabis. A Bangkok woman returned home to find her house ransacked, prompting police to arrest two men accused of stealing valuables worth over 1 million baht. Samran, a 69 year old Thung Khru resident, came home to discover nearly all her belongings had been stolen, including six air conditioners, household appliances, furniture and religious statues.…
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Monks visit car showroom. The staff gain merit from the Buddhist monks. To celebrate the tenth anniversary of their opening, the car showroom held a tamboon today. Nine monks arrived at 10 o’clock, chauffeured in the company’s most luxurious cars. The monks sat on the ornate chairs that the showroom staff had brought from the temple. Normally,…