South Thailand, Be warned: some gory pictures

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Hello,

We have moved to the south of Thailand, and very much enjoying the blissful beaches.

After spending an action packed weekend in Bangkok (this city is starting to grow on us). We moved to a sparsely inhabited area of coastline a day from Bangkok. Ban Saphan Yai is not on the tourist trail, and there is nothing to do but laze in hammocks, and walk along the beach.
Next stop Ko Samui, not an island we would recommend, but there is no reason to explore it when you have a little piece of beach paradise. Our bungalow was right on the beach, so close to the water we sometimes wondered if we would float away whilst sleeping.

Then on to Krabi, where we were blessed with Lauren, Erin and Scotty's company for 2 days! Such a treat to see great friends again.
As they departed the vegetarian festival commenced, so many delicious treats to sample, didn't know Thai food could get any better!
The Vegetarian Festival takes place because Buddhists of Chinese descent undertake nine days of vegetarianism as a purification process and to worship nine Chinese Gods.
It started normally enough, food markets, fire crackers, street parades, everyone dresses in white. Then on the third day the parade got weird, all types of strange piercings paraded by, beach umbrella's, palm fronds, guns, knifes, curtain rods, all pierced through one or both cheeks, they each had a few attendants walking with them pouring water over their implements (we presume this was because the weather was so hot and they needed to keep the metal cool).
Then came crazed looking young men (Ma Song) with axes, swords, razors cutting there backs and tongues, blood all over them.
The Ma Song are said to manifest supernatural powers and perform self-torture in order to shift evil from themselves and others, channelling it through themselves to the gods, this brings the community good luck.
Drums are beaten throughout the parade to drive evil spirits away, firecrackers are continuous, and this evening we have been watching the final fireworks display which is mobile around the town.

The Krabi council attempted to stop the self mutilation a few years ago, however this was rejected, as it is seen as an important part of the festival.

We are now eagerly awaiting the arrival of Leanne's sister Kellie and we will set out on a new adventure tomorrow...

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Photos

Wat Khunaram
Mummified monk, he sits upright in a glass casket. The mummy is a very revered former abbot of the temple (he died over 20years ago and his hair and nails continue to grow).
He was a meditation master and was able to predict his own death.

Ban Saphan Yai
Difficult to get to but a world away from everything, and nothing to do or see but relax and listen to the waves lap.

Our beach
The stretch to ourselves, Ko Samui

Bungalow verandah
not quite high tide

The Vegetarian Festival, Krabi
It started off normal enough, with a parade and fire crackers (note the man holding the firecrackers)

and then.....
This is one way to stabilize a beach umbrella (not the best angle for shade)

Again not the best for shade
However it is a better choice of umbrella

We were happy to be viewing this from our verandah and not street level
Is that an axe in his back?

Sa Morakot
a day trip from Krabi

Comments

[Nicole]

I love reading your blogs!!! What an amazing time you guys are having, so intriguing. How will you ever come back to life in Australia....... I'll have to see about organising some self mutilation parades or something to keep you intrigued.....would coffee on a Saturday morning and shopping at 'The Pines' cut it, I think not. Can't wait to see you guys eventually. Take care, luv nic xx

[Gail]

Traditions never cease to amaze!! Could you believe your eyes??